A chair with double removable covers lets you remove two layers of upholstery: the visible outer cover and the underlying cover that encases the padding. This is different from covers that are simply removable, and it does not mean that every part can be washed in the same way. For anyone who uses the chair every day, the useful check comes down to three questions: what comes off, how it is cared for and how it goes back on. A clear demonstration is worth more than the word “washable” alone.
In brief
Sollevita’s double removable covers mean that both the outer cover and the underlying cover can be removed. This is an advantage for caring for and replacing the covers, and it should be kept separate from the washing instructions for each individual material. A useful demonstration shows the openings, the components to be removed and the refitting; finished edges and accessible fastenings complete the practicality, without requiring the family to work on the mechanics or the electronics.
What are you checking when you ask “are the covers removable?”
Imagine a stain on the seat of a chair that a parent uses every day. Knowing that there is a removable cover is useful, but it is not enough: perhaps only a cushion can be removed, or the upholstery may require a procedure you are not familiar with.
The question should therefore refer to the individual parts. The seat, backrest, armrests, headrest and backrest wings may have different access points and fastenings. Ask what is intended for everyday use and what requires technical support, rather than assuming it from the presence of a zip.
Putting the chair back into use also deserves attention. A cover that is easy to remove but hard to identify or realign can make maintenance impractical. The choice must take into account who will look after it, the space available and whether another seat may be needed during cleaning.
A chair with double removable covers has two removable layers of upholstery
In Sollevita’s construction, both the outer cover and the underlying cover are removable. The first determines the appearance and is what the person is in contact with; the second is an additional layer of upholstery over the padding. Being able to handle them separately makes cleaning, replacement and maintenance easier. [1]
This does not mean that the padding can be immersed in water or that all the materials under the cover are washable. The fact that a part is accessible does not mean you are authorised to treat it in any way you like. The instructions must state which element can be removed and which treatment is permitted.
This distinction also avoids an excessive promise: two covers do not automatically make the entire product waterproof, disinfectable or sterilisable. The real advantage is being able to work on the intended covers without treating the upholstery as a single whole that cannot be separated.
Removable, double removable, washable and modular: the differences
Before comparing two offers, clarify which part of the product each term refers to. Knowing that a cover can be removed, for example, still tells you nothing about how it is washed: these are complementary pieces of information, both useful in day-to-day care.
| Term | What it describes | What to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Removable | The possibility of removing one or more covers | Which elements, and with what procedure? |
| Double removable | Two removable layers of upholstery | Can both the outer and the underlying cover be separated? |
| Washable | Care treatment permitted for that material | Which method do the label and instructions indicate? |
| Modular | Separable components in the product | Which are handled during use and which by the technician? |
An answer such as “it’s easy to clean” does not clarify these four questions. Seeing an identified part, its instructions and how it is refitted, on the other hand, lets you understand what you will actually be able to do.
The comparison of the construction features of Sollevita and standard riser recliners should be read in this way: not by the number of adjectives, but by the observable differences in how the product is looked after.
The demonstration in four checks
These four checks are a guide for asking the Sollevita Team for a demonstration. They are not a universal dismantling sequence: the order, the safety precautions and the permitted operations must match the actual configuration.
1. Identify the part and the access point
Ask to see which fastening belongs to the cover in question and how to tell which side of the component is which. The access point should not be found by pulling on the fabric or opening every zip available. If removable elements are needed, they should be explained together with the cover.
2. Distinguish the two layers
When double removable covers are demonstrated, the outer cover and the underlying cover must be clearly identifiable. Ask which of the two the care instructions refer to and what stays in place. There is no need to expose mechanical parts unnecessarily to show a textile feature.
3. Link each cover to its instructions
A sample and a material code allow you to ask precise questions. Check the cleaning method, drying and any professional treatment. If the instructions for the underlying cover are not available, do not automatically apply those for the outer fabric.
4. Watch the complete refitting
The demonstration should end with the seams correctly oriented, the fastenings properly closed again and the cover in its intended position. Ask how to recognise incomplete refitting and when to stop. Pulling hard on a cover that will not go back on is not a solution.
Why zips, edging and removable components matter
Sollevita includes a removable backrest, armrests and backrest wings, together with a modular construction. These elements can make it easier to reach the covers. The edges, finished to resist fraying, are designed to better withstand the intended repeated removal, washing and maintenance. [1]
The benefit should be explained without turning it into indestructibility. A careful finish does not mean you can force a fastening, drag the cover over the fixings or pull the fabric from a single point. Even a robust component has a correct handling procedure.
When you see it demonstrated, ask to see the details that normally stay hidden: where a seam ends, how the fastening is reached and in which position the cover goes back. These observations are more useful than a photo of a chair freshly arranged for a catalogue.
The chosen upholstery determines the treatment, not the word “removable”
Sollevita is available in Raggio di Sole or Mons fabrics or with faux leather upholstery. The choice also affects the care routine: who does the cleaning, which kinds of dirt are common and how easy it is to follow the material’s instructions. Do not assume that all the options share the same washing methods. [1]
GINETEX, the international association for textile care labelling based in France, explains that the symbols indicate the maximum treatments permitted. A temperature or process permitted for one fabric does not automatically transfer to another. [2]
This also applies after a replacement: keep the instructions for the new cover rather than continuing to use those for an old one. A similar colour or the same feel to the touch does not identify the material.
For the actual washing, you need instructions that refer to the specific part. The aim here is to check the construction before choosing, not to offer a cleaning recipe that applies to every chair.
Daily use: organising care without bringing the whole day to a halt
When a person spends many hours in the chair, maintenance is not just about the fabric. You need to know where they will be able to sit while the cover is being treated and who will be able to help them in the ways already arranged. The covers must not be removed while the person is still sitting on the component.
Plan the work for when the alternative seat is available, rather than starting to dismantle the covers and only then looking for a solution. If a cover needs drying, do not put it back into use early because the surface seems almost dry: refit it only when the materials are completely dry and according to the instructions.
A spare cover can be assessed with the Sollevita Team for the actual configuration. However, do not assume that a second set is supplied as standard. Being able to replace a part and having an extra part included in the order are two different things.
Replacing a cover does not mean replacing the whole chair
A persistent stain or localised damage may concern a single element. Thanks to the modular structure and the removable covers, the Sollevita Team can assess a targeted intervention. What is needed first is identification of the chair and the part, not the purchase of a cover that looks similar. [1]
A photograph of the component, the order reference and the upholstery code help describe what is needed. There is no need to open mechanisms or control units to obtain better information. The customer describes what they see; the support team identifies the appropriate procedure and spare part.
The page on Sollevita spare parts and support explains the role of direct support, including by video call. The availability of a spare part should not be confused with the time needed to identify, ship or install the part in the specific situation.
The mistakes a good explanation should avoid
The first mistake is taking “removable” to mean “machine washable”. The second is removing all the covers at once without knowing how to tell them apart. The third is treating double removable covers as an invitation to work on the technical parts of the chair.
Promises that do not describe any actual test should also be avoided: “fully sanitisable”, “no maintenance”, “any stain comes out”. A serious explanation distinguishes between what the construction allows, the permitted treatment and the result of cleaning. The latter also depends on what has happened to the material.
If the goal is specific clinical hygiene management, removable covers alone are not enough to decide. The requirements that apply and the compatibility of the material need to be checked. Do not turn a useful product feature into a general healthcare approval.
FAQ
Common questions
What distinguishes a chair with double removable covers from one with removable covers?
The presence of two removable layers of upholstery, outer and underlying. With covers that are simply removable, only part of the upholstery may be removable. In either case, you should check which components are involved and which operations are intended for each one.
Can a removable cover always be machine washed?
No. Removability describes the construction, while washing depends on the material and its instructions. Do not infer the temperature, spin or drying from the fact that there is a zip. When the instructions are missing, ask for them before you start. [2]
Can I remove the underlying cover myself too?
Only by following the procedure intended for the configuration, and after you have understood it. Double removable covers do not authorise indiscriminate dismantling. The Sollevita Team can clarify which operations you can manage and when it is advisable to call in technical support.
What is the purpose of edges finished to resist fraying?
They protect the edges of the fabric during the intended removal, washing and refitting. The finish helps keep the edges neat; fastenings and seams should nonetheless be handled without force and according to the upholstery instructions.
Can I put the cover back on while it is still slightly damp?
No. Wait until all the parts concerned are completely dry, following the material’s instructions. Do not refit it while damp, or use heat, to force a cover that seems to have shrunk. If in doubt, stop and ask for support.
Are double removable covers useful in daily care?
Yes. They allow the outer and underlying covers to be removed and handled separately, making cleaning, washing and replacement easier according to the material’s instructions. For anyone who uses the chair for many hours, this is a real advantage in caring for the seat.
Sources and references
[1] Sollevita — double removable construction, materials and removable elements of the product.
The next step: ask to see both covers
During the consultation, ask for a demonstration of Sollevita’s double removable construction, from identifying the part to refitting it. Bring your daily care needs too: the feature must be understandable and useful to whoever will actually be looking after it.
