FlexiSpot recliner with rocking function: My conclusion after 30 days

Finding recliner with a rocking function is usually quite an odyssey "Waffle" from FlexiSpot , and I was immediately intrigued – not only because of the rocking and swivel function, but also because of its unusual design.

Upon my inquiry with the FlexiSpot team, they kindly 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 I can draw an honest conclusion. Delivery of my recliner to Germany was free and trouble-free. All three packages arrived reliably and undamaged. If I were to purchase from FlexiSpot's online shop, their 60-day return policy particularly reassuring. This period is extremely generous compared to the competition and easily allows for a thorough test of the product.

I'd like to share my experience with the FlexiSpot electric swivel-rocking recliner. This includes everything from my initial impressions to the small details I only noticed after several days of use. Here you can find out if the "Waffle" chair is worth the money and if it truly lives up to its promises.

Why I chose the recliner with rocking function

After a long and demanding day working from home, I usually crave a real place to relax, not just a regular armchair. I was looking for something that offered a wellness effect. Because when working at a computer for extended periods under high deadlines and performance pressure, the upper back and neck muscles in particular are under strain and can cause discomfort such as neck and headaches.

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

What quickly convinced me was the fact that this rocking function relieves tension and promotes a healthy sitting posture. Due to my back problems, the ergonomic design was a decisive factor in my choice (FlexiSpot actually gave me complete freedom of choice). This provides optimal support for the spine – something that normal chairs can hardly achieve.

FlexiSpot "Waffle" has a fantastic combination of swivel and rocking functions , which is ideal for me to switch between working and relaxing. The added detail of the USB charging port directly on the chair completely won me over – I can charge my devices without having to get up. This way, I can gently unwind after work, but still have my tablet handy if needed to take care of a few things. To avoid slipping back into work stress – which would be counterproductive – I only work on enjoyable activities in "relaxation mode," such as creative brainstorming and engaging with art and artists.

The armchair (89 cm wide and 180 cm long when reclined) fit perfectly into the corner of my living room. The high-quality materials and the weight capacity of 272 pounds (approx. 136 kg) give me confidence that I have made a long-term investment.

Health benefits of a reclining chair with a reclining function

As someone in my mid-forties, health benefits are a greater concern for me than they were a few years ago. Therefore, I've delved particularly deeply into research in this area to make a sensible choice for the long term. In the following list, I'd like to briefly summarize the key effects on our health.

01 Mobilization and Relief

Reclining chairs make it easy for people to transition from sitting to standing, as they motorized lifting functions . This reduces strain on the body. This is especially helpful for elderly people or those with mobility issues, 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 since many people benefit from it. And for me, at least, the feature provides a sense of comfort and relief.

02 Pain relief for back and joints

A reclining chair is a great way to relieve back or joint pain . Many chairs in this category are equipped with 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 better feeling, especially for those with arthritis or sciatica. With stepless adjustment, the optimal position for your body can be individually found by adjusting the backrest and footrest. This ensures that pressure is distributed evenly.

03 Improved blood circulation and blood flow

Elevating your legs in a recliner can promote blood flow back to your heart, thus significantly improving circulation.

Prolonged sitting can restrict blood flow, leading to swelling and pain. Reclining chairs help improve venous return by allowing you to elevate your legs. This prevents your legs from swelling and reduces the risk of developing varicose veins or deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

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

04 Improved spinal alignment and posture

Reclining chairs help to naturally align the spine . People with chronic back pain or who sit for long periods benefit particularly from this. When you lean back, the chair gently moves your spine, relieving pressure on your intervertebral discs and alleviating neck and back pain.

Correct spinal alignment reduces the risk of musculoskeletal disorders and allows you to remain comfortable for longer.

05 Stress reduction

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

Leaning back relieves tension in the neck, shoulders, and back. By relaxing in this posture, it becomes easier to completely unwind. When we lie down, the parasympathetic nervous system activated, lowering our heart rate and reducing tension by encouraging deep breathing.

06 Restful sleep and relaxation

Reclining chairs with a reclining function also allow us to find restful sleep. I'm personally a big fan of short "power naps" (about 30 minutes). When I notice that my synapses are overheating again and I'm stuck on something, a short nap works wonders in almost all cases. A short nap also helps when sleep pressure makes it difficult to keep my eyes open.

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

Incidentally, according to medical research, reclining in a reclining chair elevates the head and upper body, which can help with sleep apnea and acid reflux. Reclining chairs thus help us sleep better and more restfully by relieving muscle tension and improving blood circulation during sleep.

We can also relax in a recliner and recharge our batteries while reading, simply resting and letting our thoughts wander, or "winding down" before going to sleep.

Regarding the everyday usability of the armchair

The first month with my FlexiSpot recliner has opened up a whole new world to me. Until now, I had to go to a spa hotel for this kind of relaxation. The soft polyurethane foam padding provides incredibly comfortable body contouring without any sagging (a bit like feeling like you're floating on clouds). The velvety soft chenille fabric completes the truly wonderful feeling. I quickly found myself using the chair for all sorts of things – reading, watching TV, and even taking short naps.

Unfortunately, it wasn't suitable for playing guitar , as the armrests restrict arm movement too much. That would have been the icing on the cake for me. But listening to music in a relaxed way works exceptionally well. Personally, I've discovered that the combination of romantic classical piano music (à la Ludovico Einaudi Vivaldi or epic melodies by Hans Zimmer also work wonderfully.

the rocking function all the time, but it's definitely a highlight when I do. The gentle rocking motion has a surprisingly calming effect and helps me to let go of the stress of a hectic workday, both physically and mentally. That might sound like a cliché, but that's exactly how it felt during my testing phase. The backrest can be reclined up to 136 degrees – ideal for a quick nap.

the built-in USB port particularly practical; 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 I can easily turn in any direction.

The generous seat even allows you to sit cross-legged. Additionally, the armrests are pleasantly soft and wide. Thanks to a maximum weight capacity of up to 159 kilograms, it was no problem for two children to pile on top of each other (I wonder how much that would be in terms of house cats???).

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

What I found 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 conveniently from a seated or reclining position. A particularly practical feature is the integrated USB port between the controls, which allows me 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 small stains with a damp cloth. At first glance, the surface material seemed quite delicate to me, as it was somewhat high-pile and soft. However, contrary to my expectations, I didn't notice any significant signs of wear and tear in the 30 days I've had it.

Another plus is the whisper-quiet mechanism – the motors are so quiet that they don't disturb even an evening movie. Furthermore, despite its 55 kg weight, the chair is still relatively easy to move thanks to the glides, without scratching the floor. For added security, I attached felt pads to the contact points on the floor. These were not included. However, older people might need four hands to move it.

Incidentally, I'm not the most gifted handyman and quickly reach my limits when assembling furniture. In my younger years, assembling some pieces from a certain well-known Swedish furniture retailer sometimes led to sweating, shouting fits, and tantrums 😉

When I saw the thick instruction booklet for the Waffle Chair, I had a slightly uneasy feeling. However, this was due to the detailed descriptions in several languages. In total, unpacking and assembling it took barely more than ten to fifteen minutes.

However, there are also some weaknesses. Sometimes the footrest extends a little too quickly for my liking. Furthermore, the balance between the backrest and footrest isn't always optimal. In 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 open while the upper seat shell gives way.

Nevertheless, the price-performance ratio is convincing, especially if you manage to snag 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 that I am very satisfied. The combination of rocking and rotating motions truly leads to noticeable relaxation after a long period of work. The gentle rocking motion, in particular, has helped me to release my tension and relax more effectively.

There are also minor flaws, such as the footrest occasionally extending too quickly. However, these are not significant given the abundance of positive features. Although the list price is positioned in the premium segment, I would still consider it to offer fair value for money, especially if you can secure one of the many discounts available.

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 its effortless handling, the high-quality materials, and the incredibly soft and luxurious feel of the chenille fabric.

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