Do You Know Your Waterfall from Your Lateral? Rise Recliner Back Cushions Explained!

by | Feb 18, 2025

We’ve talked previously about how many things there are to consider when buying a rise recliner chair … and the magic happens when you get the perfect combination of all the elements (which is what we’re here to help with!).

dorchester 4 silver reclining

But, did you know, you need to consider more than just the hi-tech elements! It’s not just about the fancy parts like the motors or the tilt mechanism. Every part of a rise recliner has an integral part to play in its comfort, support and performance for an individual … and, for that reason, it’s important to carefully consider every aspect, including the back cushions!

Button Back Cushion

The most basic of the back cushions is the classically designed button-back style, featuring upholstered buttons which add an attractive feature.

It’s a classic for a reason as this design unquestionably offers comfort; however, it does not provide any adjustability as it’s made from one complete, fixed piece so stuffing cannot be added or removed to alter the level of support.

front of warminster chair
rise and recline chair

Flat Back Cushion

A flat back cushion can either be designed as two separate cushions in the ‘split lumbar’ style – a larger top cushion behind the neck, shoulders and upper back, and a smaller one that meets the seat, or a single flat ‘pillar box’ style cushion. Usually fibre-filled, these cushions can be adjusted for comfort and support by adding or removing fibre via a zipped access panel. However, it is worth noting that the flat back style does not offer head support.

Waterfall Back Cushion

A waterfall back design is, as the name suggests, arranged in a ‘waterfall’ formation with each of the two or three back cushions slightly overlapping the next. This enables maximum postural support and can be altered for individual comfort and adapted over time – by adding or removing filling via zipped access – as health conditions require. This style is ideal for users with back conditions such as mild kyphosis or reduced muscle mass in the back.
Brecona Montana Domestic Rise Recliner Plain cocoa 1
rise and recline chair

T-back Cushion

Again, as the name suggests, these back cushions are arranged in a ‘T’ shape with one horizontally across the top and two vertically down the sides. These three fully adjustable cushions are adaptable for postural support and, as the spine can sit comfortably between the cushions rather than up against them, it’s an ideal style for those with conditions such as scoliosis.

Lateral Back Cushion

A good choice for those with limited trunk control or balance problems, such as stroke survivors or those in the early stages of progressive neurological conditions like MS, is a back cushion with added lateral support. These can either be fibre filled throughout, which can be added to for full adjustability, or for more rigid support, they can feature foam filled lateral cushions with a fibre filled headrest for comfort.
dorchester
Recliner Chair Back Cushions - image shows pink recliner chair with small head roll cushion

Extra Head Cushions

Many of these back styles can also be combined with additional head cushions or head rolls of varying sizes and profiles, providing additional support for the head, neck and shoulders for those with limited movement or reduced muscle control in these areas. We offer various head pillows and head rolls to enhance comfort and help to maintain a good, safe, neutral head position. These can be viewed on our recliner chair accessories page.

As always, our chair experts are here to offer advice, measuring and fitting to help ensure you choose the best chair to meet your needs both now and in the future. You can try chairs in the comfort of your own home before making a decision and, with many years of experience fitting chairs for people of all ages, covering a vast range of needs, we can advise on which style of back cushion will be most appropriate to provide the optimum support and comfort. Contact us on 01283 688002 or email us, and we’ll be only too happy to help!