A zero gravity recliner tilts back and raises your legs, so your trunk and knees sit at wide angles. The name comes from the neutral body posture that NASA studied in astronauts. The chairs below are an approximation of that idea, and they are as much about comfort as anything else.
This guide explains what the zero gravity position is and is not, what the research does and does not show, and six chairs that are in stock on the web US: four recliners and two full body massage chairs.
Disclaimer: This article is general information, not medical advice. If you have back pain, swelling in your legs, circulation problems or a medical condition, ask your doctor before you rely on a recliner. Heat and massage can cause burns and injury.
Zero gravity recliners at a glance
- NASA says there is no universal posture the body takes in zero gravity. Its neutral body posture is a range of postures, and a recliner’s zero gravity position is an approximation of it.[1]
- In a classic study of sitting, disc pressure and back muscle activity both dropped when the back was supported, and a larger backrest inclination lowered them more. The study did not test zero gravity recliners.[2]
- The NHS says to raise swollen legs on a chair or pillows when you can, and to get some gentle exercise like walking.[3] It also says not to sit still for long periods to lower your risk of DVT.[4]
- NCCIH says the evidence that massage helps low-back pain is weak, and that massage by a therapist may help neck and shoulder pain for a short time.[5]
- Heat can cause burns if it is too hot or stays on one area too long. Use the timer.[6]
Key Specs
| No. | Product | Type | Material | Weight capacity | Dimensions | Extras |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Svago Lite | Power zero gravity | Synthetic leather | – | 30.7 x 43.3 x 47.5 in | Massage, Heat |
| 2 | Human Touch PC-420 Classic | Manual zero gravity | Premium leather | – | 31 x 43 x 47 in | Adjustable lumbar, Head pillow |
| 3 | Comfort Stretch Oversized Power | Power recliner | Fabric | – | 43.3 x 39 x 43.3 in | USB |
| 4 | Real Relax SL-Track Massage | Massage chair, power zero gravity | – | 240 lb | 27 x 52 x 43 in | Massage, Heat, Bluetooth |
| 5 | HealthRelife 4D Massage | Massage chair, power zero gravity | – | – | – | Massage, Remote, Bluetooth |
| 6 | Human Touch PC-365 Power | Power zero gravity | SofHyde | – | 32 x 46 x 46 in | Head pillow, Lumbar support |
– = not stated by the maker. Specs as stated by the maker, not tested by us.
What Exactly Is a Zero Gravity Recliner
A zero gravity recliner has a recline position that raises your legs, often to about heart height, while the backrest tilts back. Makers name it after the posture astronauts take in weightlessness.
NASA says its neutral body posture is a specified range of joint angles, and that studies found no universal posture the body takes in zero gravity.[1] So a recliner’s zero gravity position is a design choice, and it varies between chairs.
Zero gravity recliners also add features such as massage, heat, USB ports, speakers, cup holders and storage.
What the Research Shows
- Supported Sitting – A classic study measured the pressure in a lumbar disc and the activity of back muscles in many sitting positions. Both dropped when the back was supported, and the backrest inclination was the most important factor, with more inclination lowering both. Lumbar support and armrests also lowered the disc pressure.[2] The study looked at sitting, not zero gravity recliners.
- Leg Elevation – The NHS says to raise swollen legs on a chair or pillows when you can. That is general advice, not a claim about zero gravity chairs. See a doctor for swelling in one leg, sudden swelling or swelling with pain.[3]
- Sitting Still – Even in a comfortable chair, the NHS says not to sit still for long periods, and to get up and move around every hour or so.[4]
- Massage and Heat – NCCIH says massage by a therapist may help neck and shoulder pain for a short time, and the evidence for low-back pain is weak.[5] Cedars-Sinai says heat can cause burns when it is too hot or stays on one area too long.[6]
Benefits of a Zero Gravity Recliner
- Supported Recline – A wide recline angle with a backrest and a footrest lets you rest with your back supported, which is the factor the sitting study linked to lower disc pressure.[2]
- Raised Legs – The footrest lifts your legs, in line with NHS advice to raise your legs on a chair or pillows when you can.[3]
- Comfort Extras – Massage, heat and USB ports are common, especially on power models.
- Easy Adjustment – A dial, lever or remote sets the angle without getting up.
Features of a Good Zero Gravity Recliner
- Recline Range – Look for a chair that reclines far enough to raise your legs and tilt your back. A zero gravity position does not lay you flat, and chairs differ.
- Construction – A sturdy base, a strong metal or wood frame and a recline that runs smoothly and quietly.
- Upholstery – Leather, synthetic leather and fabric are common. Leather wipes clean, and fabric is softer.
- Support – A lumbar support, a head pillow and extended armrests. Lumbar support and armrests lowered disc pressure in the sitting study.[2]
- Size – Some chairs are oversized, and massage chairs are large. Measure the space and the doorway.
How We Chose These Recliners
These picks come from research. We compared the makers’ specifications, the The web product pages and buyer feedback, and we checked that every pick is in stock on the web US. We did not test the recliners ourselves.
We looked at these factors:
- Recline – Whether the chair reclines to a zero gravity position and how you control it.
- Support – Whether it has lumbar support, a headrest and good armrests.
- Type – Whether it is a manual recliner, a power recliner or a full body massage chair.
- Size – Whether it fits your room and your height.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Zero Gravity Recliners
- What is the zero gravity position?
It is a recline position that raises your legs and tilts your back, named after the neutral body posture NASA studied. NASA says that posture is a range of postures and not one universal position.[1] - Do zero gravity recliners help back pain?
A classic study found that disc pressure and back muscle activity dropped as backrest inclination and lumbar support increased in sitting.[2] It did not test zero gravity recliners, so see a doctor for back pain that continues. - Are zero gravity recliners good for swollen legs?
The NHS says to raise swollen legs on a chair or pillows when you can and to get some gentle exercise.[3] See a doctor for swelling in one leg, sudden swelling or swelling with pain. - Is the massage in these chairs effective?
NCCIH says the evidence that massage helps low-back pain is weak. Massage by a therapist may help neck and shoulder pain for a short time.[5] - Is it safe to use the heat?
Cedars-Sinai says heat can cause burns when it is too hot or stays on one area too long. Use the timer and stop if the area feels too warm.[6]
Reviews: The Best Zero Gravity Recliners
Here are six zero gravity chairs that are in stock on the web US.
We hope you love the recliners we recommend!
We may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. This does not change your price.
1
Svago® - Lite Dial-Control Zero Gravity Recliner
Currently unavailable
The Svago Lite is a power recliner with a dial that moves the backrest and footrest independently into a zero gravity position.
- Turn the dial to recline, or press it to switch to the footrest and set that separately. Let go and the chair stops where you are.
- Vibration massage and heat are built in, and the heat focuses on the lower back.
- The cover is synthetic leather over a hand-carved wood base.
- It measures 30.7 x 43.3 x 47.5 inches.
2
Human Touch® - PC-420 Classic Manual Perfect Chair Recliner
Currently unavailable
The Human Touch Perfect Chair PC-420 Classic is a manual recliner in premium leather with a solid wood base.
- There is no motor. You lean back and your own body weight eases the chair into any recline angle.
- It has extended armrests, a full-support head pillow and an adjustable lumbar support system.
- The steel body frame is high-tensile and resists rust. You choose the pad material and one of three wood base finishes, and this one has the dark walnut base.
- It measures 31 x 43 x 47 inches.
3
Comfort Stretch® - Oversized Power Fabric Recliner for Big Users
Currently unavailable
The Comfort Stretch Oversized Power is a fabric power recliner whose backrest runs from 90° to 160°. It has no named zero gravity preset.
- The backrest moves from upright to a 160 degree recline and the leg rest rises to 90 degrees, both from a remote.
- The seat is oversized, with high-density foam over a metal frame.
- It has a built-in USB port, and you wipe the cover with a damp cloth.
- Two people can assemble it.
4
Real Relax® - SL-Track Massage Massage Chair with Zero Gravity Mode
Currently unavailable
The Real Relax SL-Track Massage is a full body massage chair with a zero gravity mode, not a plain recliner.
- The SL-track mechanism moves along the back from the neck to the hips, with 3 intensity levels and 8 auto modes.
- Airbags work the shoulders, arms, calves and feet, and the foot rollers have 3 intensity levels, with a 6.5 inch calf stretch.
- A heating function warms the lower back, and Bluetooth speakers play music.
- It suits people up to 240 pounds and from 5.1 to 6.1 feet tall, and ships in 2 boxes.
5
HealthRelife® - 4D Massage Full Body Airbag Massage Chair
Currently unavailable
The HealthRelife 4D Massage is a full body massage chair with a 55 inch SL-track and two zero gravity recline positions.
- 40 airbags cover the shoulders to the feet, with 15 auto modes and a body scanning system that sets the massage to your shoulder width and height.
- It has a control panel on the right armrest, a remote with a screen on the left and Bluetooth speakers.
- It suits people from 145 to 190 centimeters tall.
- A 3-year guarantee covers the chair.
6
Human Touch® - PC-365 Power Power Perfect Chair Recliner
Currently unavailable
The Human Touch Perfect Chair PC-365 is a power recliner with a hand-carved solid wood base and an electric recline control.
- An electric control lever sets the recline angle with push-button ease.
- It has extended armrests, a lumbar support and an adjustable headrest pillow.
- The SofHyde cover cleans easily.
- It measures 32 x 46 x 46 inches.
Index Table: Top Rated Zero Gravity Recliners
| No. | Product | Image | Features | Brand |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Svago Lite - Dial-Control Zero Gravity Recliner |  |
| Svago |
| 2 | Human Touch PC-420 Classic - Manual Perfect Chair Recliner |  |
| Human Touch |
| 3 | Comfort Stretch Oversized Power - Fabric Recliner for Big Users |  |
| Comfort Stretch |
| 4 | Real Relax SL-Track Massage - Massage Chair with Zero Gravity Mode |  |
| Real Relax |
| 5 | HealthRelife 4D Massage - Full Body Airbag Massage Chair |  |
| HealthRelife |
| 6 | Human Touch PC-365 Power - Power Perfect Chair Recliner |  |
| Human Touch |
Sources
- NASA Spinoff. Zero-Gravity Body Posture Influences Acupressure Massage Chair. Accessed October 26, 2026.
- PubMed (Andersson and colleagues). The sitting posture: an electromyographic and discometric study. Accessed October 26, 2026.
- National Health Service (NHS). Swollen ankles, feet and legs (oedema). Accessed October 26, 2026.
- National Health Service (NHS). DVT (deep vein thrombosis). Accessed October 26, 2026.
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). Massage Therapy: What You Need To Know. Accessed October 26, 2026.
- Cedars-Sinai. How to Use a Heating Pad to Heal and Ease Pain From Muscle Injuries. Accessed October 26, 2026.
Update History
- Oct 2026: Rewrote the article around NASA, a classic disc pressure study, NHS, NCCIH and Cedars-Sinai guidance, removed the claims that the zero gravity position helps heart function, spinal alignment and blood flow, rewrote all six product notes and added Sources
- Oct 2026: Replaced unavailable products: Plus Recliner with Comfort Stretch Oversized Power Recliner; YHS SL Track Recliner with HealthRelife 4D Massage Recliner; Human Touch Perfect Chair Omni-Motion Recliner with Human Touch PC-365 Power Recliner
- Oct 2026: Added a Key Specs comparison table
- Jun 2025: Added Human Touch PC-420 Classic Recliner
- Oct 2021: Published
