If you’ve been shopping for a new recliner, lift chair, or even an adjustable base for your mattress, you've likely come across terms like "Zero Gravity" and "Trendelenburg Position”. Even though these terms sound more like something out of a sci-fi movie than a furniture store, they both simply refer to ergonomic positions frequently featured in reclining furniture or adjustable bed bases. But there’s a lot of confusion about these positions – including the common misconception that they’re essentially the same thing.
Many types of power reclining furniture feature one or both of these positions as presets. But why? Exactly what are these settings, and what do they do? Turns out, both Zero Gravity and Trendelenburg can be game-changers for health and wellness – provided they are utilized correctly. Let’s dive into what Zero Gravity and Trendelenburg are, how they compare, and some of the benefits they have to offer consumers.
What is Zero Gravity Position?
Here’s how we defined Zero Gravity position in our previous article on Zero Gravity setting and its benefits:
In the context of the furniture and mattress industry, Zero Gravity refers to an ergonomic position or setting that simulates the sensation of weightlessness. This is done by evenly distributing the user’s body weight and putting them into a neutral position designed to provide optimal comfort and support. While Zero Gravity position only mimics weightlessness, it can help minimize strain, pressure and discomfort often experienced in typical standing, lying, and seated positions.
Zero Gravity settings are increasingly popular when it comes to adjustable bed bases, as well as with manufacturers of power recliners, lift chairs, and massage chairs. Regardless of the type of product featuring this setting or position, the formula is more or less the same – to elevate the legs above heart-level while also slightly raising the user’s upper body.
Zero Gravity Position Benefits
A quick disclaimer – we aren’t medical doctors. However, there’s significant evidence showing that Zero Gravity position can help promote each of the wellness benefits below:
- Improved Spinal Alignment / Decompression
- Pressure Relief for Joints & Muscles
- Improved Circulation
- Acid Reflux / GERD / Heartburn Prevention
- Reduction in Snoring / Sleep Apnea Symptoms
- Better Overall Relaxation
[Editor’s Note: For a much more thorough discussion on Zero Gravity position and its benefits, don’t forget to check out our guide to Zero Gravity!]
What is the Trendelenburg Position?
For shoppers looking for information on Trendelenburg recliners or lift chairs, a quick Google search on Trendelenburg Position is not very helpful. That’s because most search results send you down a rabbit hole discussing various surgical procedures that practically require a doctorate to decipher. Which makes sense, considering the Trendelenburg Position was originally developed by a pioneering German surgeon named Friedrich Trendelenburg in the 1800s.
While this position is still used to this day for various surgeries and medical procedures, what do furniture manufacturers mean when they say a lift chair or recliner has a Trendelenburg setting? Well, essentially the Trendelenburg Position involves tilting the entire body so that the feet are higher than both the head and heart.
Trendelenburg Position Benefits
While there are conflicting opinions within the medical community about the effectiveness of Trendelenburg Position outside of the operating room, there are several specific use cases for it that may offer users health and wellness benefits.
Enhanced Circulation for Certain Conditions: This position can increase blood flow to the heart and brain, which can be helpful for individuals with certain cardiovascular conditions.
Support for Low Blood Pressure: Also, the Trendelenburg Position can help elevate blood pressure levels, providing temporary relief for those who experience hypotension (low blood pressure).
Potential Relief for Swelling and Edema: Similar to Zero Gravity, elevating the legs can help reduce swelling, especially in the lower legs and feet.
[Editor’s Note: If you’ve got more specific questions about whether Trendelenburg Position is a good therapy for your own unique health challenges, we always recommend asking your healthcare provider.]
Zero Gravity vs. Trendelenburg: Key Similarities & Differences
Now that we know these positions and their benefits, let’s recap their differences and similarities. Both Zero Gravity and Trendelenburg settings elevate the legs relative to the head and the heart. The key difference lies in the degree of elevation and the positioning of the head and shoulders.
With a Zero Gravity position, legs are slightly elevated above the heart, with the head and shoulders also slightly raised to a comfortable angle. This position mimics the natural curvature of the spine, and is more about achieving a perfectly relaxed posture and all the benefits that come with it. It’s great for both sleep and casual relaxation, which is why this setting is frequently found in adjustable bases as well as reclining furniture.
By contrast, with a Trendelenburg Position, the legs are elevated higher than the head and torso to a more significant degree, while the upper body may be raised slightly or not at all. The more drastic angle of Trendelenburg is why you’re more likely to find Trendelenburg presets in reclining lift chairs and recliners, but not so much in adjustable bases for mattresses. While there is some overlap in the benefits that both positions share, Trendelenburg Position is more dramatic and is mostly used for specific, doctor-recommended therapeutic purposes, most often to address health issues involving circulation or the cardiovascular system.
Which Position is Better for You?
Whether you’ll benefit more from a Zero Gravity or Trendelenburg position depends solely on your own individual health and wellness needs. Zero Gravity settings are ideal for everyday comfort, rest, relaxation and recovery. Whether your goal is to get a better night’s sleep, to get pressure relief for aching back or hips, or to recover after a strenuous workout, Zero Gravity position can help.
The Trendelenburg Position is essentially for more specific medical needs. Do you have to manage low blood pressure? Have you been diagnosed with a medical condition involving your circulatory system? Do you have swelling in the legs and feet? If so, you should ask your doctor if a lift chair or recliner with an optional Trendelenburg setting is right for you. Keep in mind that it is generally recommended to use this position for shorter periods or under medical guidance.
Experience Both of These Positions Today at Woodstock Furniture & Mattress Outlet!
Now that you know the difference between Zero Gravity and Trendelenburg position, you should have a much better sense of which reclining position is better for your health and wellness. Here at Woodstock Furniture & Mattress Outlet, we have a variety of reclining furniture featuring both. Why not experience them firsthand? Whether you’re shopping for an adjustable bed, lift chair, or other power recliner, we hope you’ll come and see us!
We have a huge selection of reclining furniture and adjustable bases perfectly designed to suit your comfort and health needs. Visit our North Georgia furniture stores in Woodstock/Acworth, Dallas/Hiram, Rome, and Covington, or check out our mattress-only showrooms in Canton and Douglasville today. Our team can’t wait to help you find the perfect fit for your home and lifestyle!
