What is the most practical type of waiting area chair for use in an emergency room or high traffic clinical type of setting?
One of the most practical and commonly used types of waiting area chair model is the side chair. These metal framed, upholstered chairs come in either a style with arms or without arms. They both feature a contoured seat and back and provide a very stable, attractive and stylish option for a busy waiting area. Chair models without arms can be easily stacked and stored and added to offices, examination rooms and consulting rooms as needed.

These chairs are also a good option for clinical settings or any medical rooms with high traffic and volume. They can be moved easily by patients to group in areas were needed, plus they are very easy to clean and disinfect on a regular basis.

How easy to clean are the most common waiting area chair models and do they have any special features that make them a good option for continuous use?

Waiting room chair styles and models are specially designed and constructed to withstand regular use and the wear and tear of hospital and clinical settings. They do have different features that make them easy to clean and disinfect on a regular cleaning schedule. The upholstery is sturdy, durable and resistant to scuffing, marring and tearing, as well as being safe for use with hospital cleaning products. Some of the waiting area chair options are upholstered in material that is specially designed to be antibacterial, mildew resistant and also flame retardant. The upholstery style can include seamless cushions on the seat and back, preventing the chance of any leakage of fluids into the chair padding. This provides the same protection for easy cleaning and lack of leakage of water or cleaning solutions into the padding.

The wood, metal or polyurethane types of framing materials are similar in that they are non-porous and designed to be easily wiped down and cleaned routinely. Scratches or marks can be touched up with paint, stain or a clear coat to restore the chair to a new appearance it is scratched or scuffed.

What is the difference between a low and high back waiting area chair and which is most comfortable for patients?

High back waiting area chair models range in size but the typical height to the top of the back seat cushion is approximately 43 inches in most models. The seat back tends to be one solid, substantial slightly formed back, more like a traditional living room chair. The low back waiting room chairs have a back height of just 32.5 inches for most models, plus the back support tends to be narrower, often just across the top of the back.

The choice between low or high back chairs is largely personal taste. Most of the high back chair models all have arms. The low back chairs may either have arms or may be without. For patients with mobility problems chairs with arms and a higher back may be more comfortable and easily to get into and out of.