Relaxing chair with rocking function from FlexiSpot: My conclusion after 30 days

It's usually quite an odyssey to find a recliner with a rocking function that's comfortable and also appears sturdy and durable. A month ago, I came across the "Waffle" from FlexiSpot , and I was immediately intrigued—not only because of the rocking and swivel function, but also because of the unusual design.

Upon request, the FlexiSpot team provided me with a sample in the emerald green color free of charge for extensive testing. Many thanks!

After an intensive month of use, I now feel able to draw an honest conclusion. The delivery of my rocking chair to Germany was free and problem-free. All three packages were delivered reliably and undamaged. If I were to purchase from FlexiSpot's online shop, I would be particularly reassured by the 60-day return policy . This period is extremely generous compared to the competition and is easily enough for a thorough evaluation of the product.

I'd like to share my experience with the FlexiSpot electric swivel and rocking recliner chair. These range from my first impressions to the small details I only noticed after a few days of use. Here you can find out whether the "Waffle" chair is worth the money and whether it really delivers on its promises.

Why I chose the recliner chair with rocking function

After a long and demanding day working from home, I usually feel the need for a real place to relax, not just a regular armchair. I was looking for a wellness effect. Because prolonged screen time under high deadlines and pressure to perform puts tension on the upper back and neck muscles, which can cause discomfort like neck pain and headaches.

After weighing the health benefits, it was easy for me to choose a recliner chair with a rocking function. A gentle rocking motion has been proven to have a calming effect on the body and improve circulation.

What quickly won me over was the fact that this rocking function relieves tension and promotes a healthy sitting posture. Because of my back problems, the ergonomic design was a key factor in my choice (in fact, FlexiSpot gave me free rein to choose). This optimally relieves pressure on the spine – something that conventional armchairs can hardly achieve.

FlexiSpot "Waffle" has a great combination of swivel and rocking functions , which is ideal for me to switch between working and relaxing. I'm completely captivated by the added feature of the USB charging port directly on the chair—it allows me to charge my devices without having to get up. This way, I can gently relax after work, but still have my tablet handy to get the occasional task done if needed. To avoid getting back into work stress—that would be counterproductive—I only work on pleasant things in "relaxation mode," like creative brainstorming and engaging with art and artists.

The chair (89 cm wide and 180 cm long when reclined) fit perfectly in the corner of my living room. The high-quality materials and the 272 lb (approx. 136 kg) weight capacity make me confident that I've made a long-term investment.

Health benefits of a reclining chair

As a forty-something, the health benefits are more important to me than they were a few years ago. Therefore, I've delved into this area with particular depth of research to make sensible choices, even in the long term. In the following list, I'd like to briefly summarize the key effects on our health.

01 Mobilization and relief

Recliner chairs make it easy for people to transition from sitting to standing thanks to their motorized lifting functions . This reduces strain on the body. This is especially helpful for older people or those with difficulty moving, as it allows them to stand up independently.

The ability to stand up without assistance is practical and safe, promoting independence, self-confidence, and dignity. While this wasn't a deciding factor for me personally, it's worth mentioning, as many people benefit from it. And for me, the feature certainly provides a sense of comfort and relief.

02 Pain relief for back and joints

A recliner chair is a great way to relieve back or joint pain . Many chairs in this category feature ergonomic support that adapts to the natural curves of your spine.

A lumbar support, for example, prevents excessive strain on the spine and relieves pressure on joints, providing a more comfortable seating experience, especially if you suffer from arthritis or sciatica. Continuous adjustment allows you to find the optimal position for your body by adjusting the backrest and footrest. This ensures even pressure distribution.

03 Better blood circulation and blood flow

Elevating your legs in a lounge chair can encourage blood flow back to your heart, significantly improving circulation.

Sitting for long periods can impede blood flow, which can lead to swelling and pain. Recliner chairs help improve venous return by allowing you to elevate your legs. This prevents your legs from swelling and reduces the risk of varicose veins or deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Better blood circulation also means the body receives more oxygen and nutrients, which can help you feel less tired and improve your overall health.

04 Better spinal alignment and posture

Recliner chairs help align the spine naturally . People who suffer from chronic back pain or who sit for long periods of time benefit most from this. As you recline, the chair gently moves your spine, relieving pressure on your intervertebral discs and pain in your neck and back.

Correct spinal alignment reduces the risk of musculoskeletal disorders and ensures you stay comfortable for longer.

05 Stress reduction

Leaning back in a chair can help you relax and feel less stressed. This was a fundamental aspect for me, and the Waffle Chair didn't disappoint.

Leaning back relieves pressure on the neck, shoulders, and back. By relaxing in this posture, we find it easier to completely rest. When we lie down, the parasympathetic nervous system activated, lowering our heart rate and tension by allowing us to breathe deeply.

06 Restful sleep and relaxation

Recliner chairs with a reclining function also help us find restful sleep. Personally, I'm a big fan of short "power naps" (about 30 minutes). If I notice that my synapses are overheating and I'm mentally stuck on something, a short nap usually works wonders. If the pressure to sleep makes it difficult for me to keep my eyes open, a short nap also helps.

With the Waffle , both the backrest and footrest can be easily adjusted individually using electronic controls on the side of the chair to ensure the best possible sleep. I really use this feature quite often 🙂

By the way, according to medical research, reclining elevates the head and upper body, which helps with sleep apnea and acid reflux. Recliner chairs therefore help us sleep better and more restfully by relieving muscle tension and improving circulation during sleep.

We can also relax in a recliner chair and recharge our batteries while reading, simply resting and letting our minds wander, or “winding down” before going to bed.

On the everyday suitability of the chair

In the first month with my FlexiSpot recliner, a whole new world opened up for me. Until now, I had to go to a wellness hotel for this kind of relaxation. The soft polyurethane foam padding offers extremely comfortable body contouring without sagging (a bit like the feeling of being cradled in clouds). The velvety soft chenille outer fabric adds to the wonderful feeling. I quickly found myself using the recliner for all sorts of things—reading, watching TV, and even taking short naps.

Unfortunately, it wasn't large enough for playing the guitar , as the armrests restrict my arm movement too much. That would have been the icing on the cake for me. But listening to music in a relaxed manner is extremely easy. Personally, I've found the combination of romantic-classical piano music (à la Ludovico Einaudi ) and gentle rocking to be the best way to relax. But Vivaldi or epic melodies by Hans Zimmer work excellently.

the rocking function all the time, but it's definitely a highlight when it does. The gentle rocking has a surprisingly calming effect and helps me let the stress of a hectic workday melt away, both physically and mentally. That sounds a bit like a platitude, but it really felt that way during my test phase. I can recline the backrest up to 136 degrees —ideal for a quick nap.

the built-in USB port particularly useful; it allows me to charge my phone or tablet without having to get up. The swivel function has also proven useful in everyday life, as it allows me to turn in any direction without any effort.

The generous seat even allows for cross-legged sitting. The armrests are also nice and soft and wide. Thanks to a maximum weight capacity of up to 159 kilograms, it was no problem for two children to pile up on it (I wonder how much that would be in terms of domestic cats???).

One small drawback: As a lighter, petite person, you sometimes get pushed back into a sitting position (fortunately/unfortunately not the case for me). Nevertheless, the chair quickly became my partner's new favorite spot.

What I noticed was particularly positive (and negative)

After four weeks of intensive use, I've noticed a few special features of the FlexiSpot recliner. First and foremost, I'm impressed by the electric controls – with just two buttons on the right armrest, everything can be controlled easily and comfortably from a sitting or lying position. Particularly practical: the integrated USB port between the controls, which I can use to charge my phone while relaxing.

The material also deserves praise. The water-repellent, scratch-resistant cover makes the chair suitable for everyday use and durable. In fact, I was able to easily remove even small stains with a damp cloth. At first glance, the outer material seemed very delicate, as it has a somewhat deep pile and is soft. However, contrary to my expectations, I didn't notice any noticeable signs of wear after 30 days.

Another plus point is the whisper-quiet mechanism – the motors operate so quietly that they're not a disturbance even during an evening movie. Moreover, despite its 55 kg, the chair can still be moved relatively easily thanks to the glides, without scratching the floor. For safety, I added felt pads to the contact points on the floor. These were not included. However, older people might need four hands to move it.

By the way, I'm not the most talented craftsman, and I quickly reach my limits when assembling furniture. When I was younger, I sometimes broke out in sweats, screamed, and threw tantrums while assembling several pieces from a well-known Swedish furniture retailer.

When I saw the thick booklet that came with the Waffle Chair, I had a bad feeling. But that's due to the detailed descriptions in several languages. In total, unpacking and setting it up took barely more than ten to fifteen minutes.

However, there are also weak points. Sometimes the footrest folds out a little too quickly for my liking. Furthermore, the coordination between the backrest and footrest isn't always optimal. During the first few days, I also had to get used to a certain tilting motion – the chair occasionally wobbles forward, with the lower flap springing forward while the upper seat shell gives way.

Nevertheless, the price-performance ratio is impressive, especially if you catch the chair on sale. FlexiSpot is known for regularly running discount and voucher promotions (e.g., on Black Friday ). It's definitely worth keeping an eye out for them.

Conclusion after 30 days of use

Overall, after a month of testing, I can say I'm very satisfied. The fusion of rocking and rotating motions truly leads to a noticeable sense of recovery after an extended period of work. The gentle rocking motion, in particular, helped me relieve my tension and relax better.

There are also minor flaws, such as the footrest that occasionally extends too hastily. However, these aren't significant given the wealth of positive features. Although the list price is rather premium, I'd still call it fair value for money. Especially if you can secure one of the many discounts.

So, if you're looking for a multifunctional relaxation throne that's equally comfortable, robust, and whisper-quiet, you can confidently consider the "Waffle" from FlexiSpot. Ultimately, I was impressed by the effortless handling, the premium materials, and the very soft and cozy feel of the chenille outer fabric.

I didn't need the 60-day return option—the chair has become a permanent fixture in my living room.