Question:
We need a reclining couch for our living room.
My husband is 6’-6” and around 320 lbs. I am hoping to find something that won’t wear out in a couple of years like our previous one, but won’t cost a fortune either.
Prior, to reading your blog we had visited 5 furniture stores in our area and narrowed it down to a Hooker Lyra Zero Gravity Couch, which costs a little over $4000.
I am unsure if the 2.0 density foam in the Hooker couch is substantial enough for my husband.
We both work physical jobs and like the idea of a zero gravity couch that allows us to elevate our backs and legs to different positions.
We have also been considering getting two less expensive couches, so that he can switch between them, giving each couch time to recuperate between uses. Do you think that might work?
I am hoping to get 7-8 years out of this reclining couch, although past experience tells me it may be closer to 3 – 4 years.
I am leaning towards an extended warranty since my husband wears out furniture so quickly.
Answer:
Hydeline’s leather reclining sofas should work for you.
Hydeline is a Direct-to-Consumer brand. It cannot be seen in brick and mortar stores.
Note: I do not receive payment of any kind from Hydeline or any other brands I write about.
The Hydeline website features a half dozen reclining couch models with zero gravity mechanisms priced below $3000.
Several additional models in the Outlet section of the website are priced closer to $2000. The construction is identical.
Zero gravity mechanisms are considered to be especially good for physical problems such as painful backs or necks.
A zero gravity mechanism can add a few hundred dollars to a reclining sofa’s price compared with more basic mechanisms.
Hydeline has solved the biggest problem limiting the lifespan of reclining furniture:
Seat cushions that wear out long before the leather, frame, and foundation.
Polyurethane foam cushions begin wearing out the very first time somebody sits on them.
Over time, the cushion foam breaks down, gradually losing its resilience (ability to bounce back), firmness, and comfort.
The speed at which the foam breaks down is determined by several factors, including foam density, thickness, surface area, weight supported, and the amount of time the cushions are used each day.
1.8 or 2.0 density foam cushions will not last 10 years in most reclining furniture.
Usually, they will lose their resilience and comfort within 5 years for average size people.
Larger than average individuals may find their recliner cushions will flatten out and become uncomfortable within 3 years.
For a 300 lb. person, 1.8 or 2.0 density foam cushions may become completely worn out within 1 year.
2.5 density foam will last much longer, but it increases the cost of an average sofa by at least $100.
High quality Spring down cushions should support larger individuals longer than 2.5 density foam, but cost even more.
Thick high quality pocketed coil spring cushions last longer than foam.
Cheaper pocketed coil cushions, without sufficient padding above the coil springs, may feel uncomfortably firm for many people.
Thick pocketed coil cushions, with plenty of high quality foam padding can provide long term, comfortable seating for 15 – 20+ years.
Hydeline’s cushions are 9 inch thick, with pocketed coil springs & multiple foam layers.
The top layer of the cushions is a jacket filled with soft feathers and down.
A soft memory foam layer is below the feathers and down.
Next is a firmer 2.25 density foam layer.
The pocketed coil springs are next.
Additional 1.8 density foam surrounds the pocket coils. This foam is not load-bearing.
A sinuous wire foundation, reinforced with a meshed fabric, supports all the cushion layers listed above.
In your question at the top of this article, you stated that you liked the Hooker Lyra zero gravity reclining sofa.
Here is how the Hydeline and Hooker Lyra reclining sofas compare with each other:
Frame: Hydeline is solid hardwood and hardwood plywood.
Hooker is plywood only. Both frames should last at least 10 years.
Leather: Hydeline is semi-aniline top-grain leather with leather-match.
The couches have top grain leather on the seats, backs, and inside arms. Matching split leather (the bottom grain of the hide) is used on the outside parts.
An all-top-grain-leather option is available for a $200 additional charge.
Hooker’s reclining furniture is also leather/split leather.
The top grain leather quality is the same as the semi-aniline Hydeline uses.
Split leather (the bottom grain of the hide that is left over after the top grain has been removed) is used on the outside parts instead of polyurethane.
Hydeline also offers leather/split leather.
For an additional $200, Hydeline offers an all-top-grain leather option.
Cushions: Hydeline’s cushions have a top layer of 2.25 density high resiliency foam, followed by a layer of memory foam.
Next come the fabric wrapped pocketed coil springs followed by a sinuous wire foundation. (See photo below.)
For someone weighing 320 lbs., pocketed coil cushions will last many years longer than foam.
Hydeline’s cushions are rated at 350 lbs. per seat.
For special orders, it should be possible to get additional structural reinforcement.
Ask Hydeline’s customer service if this is possible.
Hooker’s seat cushions are 2.0 density foam wrapped in polyester fiber.
For someone weighing 320 lbs., 2.0 density foam cushions will probably flatten out within 1 year.
Seat depth: Hydeline: 22″ vs. Hooker: 21″. That 1″ difference in depth could make a difference to someone 6 ft. 6″ tall.
Special order custom options: Hydeline accepts special custom orders. Examples include:
Special leather colors
Top-grain leather on the entire couch instead of leather match.
The firmness of the seat cushions can be adjusted.
I have not discussed this with anyone at Hydeline, but it should be possible on a special order, to reinforce the frame to make it even stronger.
Hooker does not accept special orders other than what is available from the retailer.
Hydeline is made in China.
It is the only Chinese made brand I have ever recommended in my blog.
Before writing this article, I visited the Hydeline factory showroom in High Point, NC. to examine their furniture in detail.
Hydeline is the Direct-to-Consumer brand of Amax, a major supplier of leather furniture to large retail chains.
Costco’s Prospera Home brand is made at the same factory as Hydeline, with the same specifications.
Hydeline’s warranty is 10 years on frames, 5 years on mechanisms, and 1 year on foam.
This is pretty standard for better quality reclining furniture.
Most furniture warranties include an exclusionary clause stating that the entire warranty is void if the furniture is “abused” or used for non-residential purposes.
This exclusionary clause will disqualify coverage for furniture used by someone weighing 320 lbs.
Extended warranties are not available and are never a good value where they are available.
Please check out my article, What Do Furniture Warranties Really Protect?
In your specific case, you should be aware that any furniture warranty may be difficult to enforce.
Most manufacturers and retailers will argue that use of their furniture by someone weighing 300 lbs. violates the “normal use” exclusionary clause that is found in all furniture warranties.
In my opinion, Hydeline makes the sturdiest and most durable reclining sofas far beyond the $3000 price level.
If you read my article, Natuzzi Editions vs. Palliser – Which is Better?, Hydeline’s leather reclining furniture is better quality and will last longer than both of those brands at similar prices.
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Hi Jay & Jeff,
We actually did purchase two Venice Power Headrest Zero Gravity Reclining Sofa Collection from Hydeline in April 2023. We took advantage of the 30 day guarantee knowing we could return them, if we did not like them. They happened to have the color we wanted (Cinnamon Brown) in stock, so we didn’t have to wait for a custom color. We loved the sofas and decided not to return for a different style or color. However, in one of our cup holders (hidden in the arm of the couch when not in use) the stitching was off-centered. Within 2 days of delivery we noticed this and emailed Hydeline a picture and they offered a discount immediately off the one sofa.
As for my husband who is 6’-6”, he enjoys the sofas and finds them to be quite comfortable and long enough for his stature. This sofa is 65” reclined and his feet do hang off, but not in a way that bothers him. We went to many furniture stores and I did a lot of research, but was not certain what to get. He is over 300 lbs. and likes one place on the couch. I wanted two couches to keep the wear and tear evenly. We did save up for over 2 years to purchase these two couches.
Jeff’s knowledge was much more extensive than the research I did on my own. I would never have considered Hydeline without his recommendation and experience. Not many are looking for these boxes to be checked when purchasing, but if you are a larger person you know how fast furniture can wear out.
Thank you for your comments. I am forwarding this to Hydeline with my thanks for their service to one of my readers.
Thank you so much!! This information is invaluable. I have copied the link and sent this to my husband. Now, to research your advice on mattresses;)
I am also interested in their sofas and recliners but I noticed you mentioned that your husband is 6ft 6 inches. I was looking over the specifications for several of the Hydeline recliners and the extra ended length was 64 inches or 5 feet 4 inches. I’m 6 feet 1 inch and I think I should be looking for a recliner that is around 6 feet exended so my head and feet get support, and I am shorter than your husband.
Jay,
The Hydeline recliner back heights are 41 inches. That is considered a high back, suitable for people taller than 6 ft.
The 65″ overall length when the chair is fully reclined should fit very comfortably.
If you are uncertain, call the Hydeline customer service people and tell them of your concern. They should be able to give you additional information on this topic.