Accessibility
Does the product support the full range of bodies, ages, and mobility
levels that will use this space?

Seat height — Lounge 17"–19"; offer multiple heights 18"–20" so people who can't sit at or below 90° (post-hip or abdominal surgery) have an easy-access option. Ask: What seat heights are available in this line, and do you offer an easy-access/hip-chair height?

Arm options — Arms aid getting in and out; armless adds seat width for people of size. Ask: Can I get this with and without arms in the same line?

Bariatric weight rating — Tested to BIFMA 5.41 at 400 or 600 lbs. Ask: Which pieces are tested to BIFMA 5.41, and at what weight rating?

Foot/egress support — Seat height plus depth (~37" combined) lets feet plant firmly to stand safely. Ask: Does the seat geometry support safe ingress and egress for aging individuals or people with limited-mobility?

Usability
Is the product safe and easy to use for patients, families, and staff in this specific environment?

Stability (tip test) — Won't tip when someone leans on the back to stand. Ask: Has this passed a tip test, and can the back bear weight as a stabilizer?

Seat angle — Under 10° so people can rise without assistance. Ask: What's the seat angle on this model?

Smooth/rounded corners — Less harm on contact than 90° corners. Ask: Are exposed corners rounded?

Specialty seating — Easy-access, pediatric, people of size options where the space needs them. Ask: What specialty configurations does this line offer?

Healthcare-grade casters — If seating needs to move easily within the space. Ask: Are healthcare-grade
casters available?

Cleanability
Can this product withstand the facility's real cleaning and disinfection protocols?

Cleanable frame finishes — Metal or wood with a healthcare-specific finish tested against healthcare cleaners. Ask: Is the wood finish tested against healthcare-grade disinfectants?

Clean-out / wipe-out — Debris drops through or wipes away instead of collecting at the seat, back, and arms. Ask: Does this have a clean-out or wipe-out design?

Smooth surfaces — Fewer grooves and reveals for bacteria to collect. Ask: Are seams and surfaces smooth, without crevices that trap contaminants?

Integrated/fixed cushions — Reduce movement and hidden areas to clean. Ask: Are cushions fixed and integrated rather than loose?

Textile & finish compatibility — Non-woven textiles tested against the disinfectants this facility actually uses. Ask: Which of your textiles are validated for the specific disinfectant this facility uses? (Confirm with the textile representative)

Durability
Will this hold up to the wear a 24/7/365 facility puts on it?

BIFMA weight rating — Minimum BIFMA 5.4, 275 lbs. Ask: Is this tested to BIFMA 5.4?

Frame construction — Metal or wood, built to last continuous use. Ask: What's the frame made of, and what's its expected service life under continuous use?

Replaceable components — Fix a part instead of scrapping the whole piece. Ask: Which components can be replaced in the field?

Removable covers — Swap covers to extend life and minimize downtime. Ask: Are covers removable and replaceable?

Reinforced, sealed seams — Prevent seam failure and support aggressive cleaning. Ask: Are seams reinforced and sealed?

Investment
Does this product justify its cost and protect the spend over time?

Warranty — Covers parts and labor long enough to protect the purchase. Ask: What does the warranty cover: parts only, or parts and labor, and for how long?

Sustainability through durability — Built to last and stay in service, so it isn't replaced (and landfilled) early. Ask: How does the product's lifespan and repairability reduce replacement and waste?

Replaceable parts and pieces — A performance issue means a swap, not a landfill. Ask: Can worn parts be replaced rather than replacing the whole unit?

Antimicrobial coatings — Tested coatings that protect against mold, mildew, algae, and bacteria and support infection prevention. Ask: Do you offer a healthcare-tested antimicrobial coating, and what does it protect against?