5Z-Comfort Power Reclining Sofa Review: Features, Pros, Cons & Buying Guide

The 5Z-Comfort is a dual power reclining sofa from Ashley Furniture that offers an integrated zero gravity recline, heated seat, air massage, and adjustable headrests. It also has USB ports, a drop-down table, and cup holders. On Ashley’s website, as of the date of this study, the product is priced at $3,299.99. It should also be noted that prices and special offers for this type of product may fluctuate on a daily basis; therefore, it is best to check the most recent price directly on the website.

The 5Z-Comfort is a great option for those who want a well-equipped sofa for movie nights, naps, and back massaging, as well as those with enough space to accommodate such a large piece of furniture and a spare power outlet. However, the product is not suitable for small spaces, buyers that want utmost luxury in their home furnishings, and those that can foresee returning the product after purchase. The latter category is even more relevant than it may seem, and the rationale behind it is explained in the returns section.

One sofa, two names

Ashley’s website has the couch listed as the 5Z-Relaxation Dual Power Leather Reclining Sofa, item U1090015 in Coin and U1090215 in Onyx. Several independent retailers list the same sofa but referred to as 5Z- Comfort. The listings for the 5Z Comfort have the same measurements as what is listed on the Ashley website, 89 inches in width, 41 depth, 43 height and 334 pounds for the weight. This is an indication that it is the same sofa just sold under a different name.

The listings for the other 5Z are not consistent with the description of the recliner. Other 5 Z listings describe a power lumbar, and four massage zones. However, Ashley’s current description for the same couch has five massage zones and does not indicate power lumbar. Ashleys also sells a similar couch that is all faux leather, the same series, but different model and features. It is advisable to check out the specific item details for the item you want to buy.

What the features do

Recline. Ashley describes a zero gravity mechanism which offers an infinite number of reclining positions at the touch of a button. In reality that means that you stop where you want instead of having to choose between fixed positions. The compromise (which owners say is worth it) is speed. One reviewer of a similar 5Z model said that the motor is slow when you get up off the sofa or lie back on it. If you have limited mobility it’s worth seeing how the slow speed would impact you.

Headrest. The Easy view adjustable headrest tilts forward so you can watch TV or read without straining your neck. This is one of the most useful features on the sofa, and it’s often missing from cheaper power recliners.

Heat. The heated seat has an automatic shut-off. Buyers should know the heat is only in the seat, not the back of the chair.

Massage. The air massage has five zones: head, neck, upper and lower shoulders, and lumbar. A retailer’s ad said the massage has three settings: steady, pulse and wave, plus a 30-minute auto-shutoff. It’s air-bag massage, not rollers. Reviewers of a related 5Z model said it’s real (not a gimmick), but several said it was gentle. One buyer said it wasn’t as intense as a stand-alone massage chair. Think of it as a nice adjunct, not a replacement, for a massage chair.

Table, lights and charging. The drop-down table has LED reading lights, two cup holders and wireless charging, and the sofa also has USB-C and USB-A ports. Ashley noted that the USB-A port uses zero-draw technology, meaning it only draws power when something is plugged in. Reviews by owners of the company indicate that the charging speed of these devices is relatively low: one reviewer said the chargers worked but charged iPhones slowly.

Frame and cushions. Ashley’s listing includes a reinforced frame and seat box with attached cushions made of high-quality foam wrapped in poly fiber. The attached cushions cannot be flipped or rotated to distribute wear evenly. Ashley’s warranty also indicates that the seat cushions will soften with normal use and this is not considered a defect.

The leather is only partly leather

This is where product pages can mislead. The genuine leather covers inside features including the back, seat and arm cushions, and matched faux leather covers the remaining areas. Ashley’s fabric details list the non-leather material as roughly 69% PVC and 31% polyester.

That’s a common construction in this price range, and it’s not a flaw. It does affect care, feel and repairs. The outside arms and back will not feel or age like the seat. If you want a fully genuine-leather sofa, this isn’t it, and you should compare it against models that say so explicitly — our Ashley Bolsena sofa review covers one alternative with different upholstery specs worth weighing against this one.

Size, weight and room planning

Ashley’s specification for the wall clearance is 6.75 inches. The owners of the related 5Z model reported that their clearance was approximately five inches. Therefore, you should leave at least the manufacturer’s indicated clearance for your sofa. You have to plan the footrest placement because when fully reclined the sofa’s length is about 69.5 inches. Therefore, you cannot place a coffee table near the sofa.

The cord is a significant concern for many buyers. One reviewer mentioned that they only had a wall outlet and no floor outlet. Therefore, they had to find a way to route the cords. One should remember that even a 14-foot cord cannot reach from one side of the room to another if the sofa is placed in the middle of the room. Place the sofa near an electrical outlet or be ready to buy a cord cover and a surge protector.

334 pounds is a lot, and one has to plan the delivery. It is necessary to measure the height of the door and stairways. Ashley recommends having two or more people the sofa because it only takes 15 minutes. The delivery service has to use a White Glove delivery for power bases.

What buyers seem to like and dislike

The customer reviews I found, most of the related 5Z were on retailer sites, and the sample size is small, so take them with a grain of salt. On Ashley’s own page, though, the sofa has a 4.8 rating based on 121 reviews.

The common positives are comfort for back issues, the adjustable headrests, the heat function, and the contemporary style. One reviewer described the sofa as firm but luxurious.

The recurring complaints are these:

• Slow motor movement
• Gentle massage
• Slow phone charging
• No storage space
• Awkward cord routing
• One reviewer wished the back and footrest could move separately

None of these is a dealbreaker, but they’re worth knowing before you buy.

Cost and financing

Ashley’s webpage featured $3,299.99, with suggested payments of about $138 a month for 24 months online or about $55 a month over 60 months in-store. Read the financing terms before choosing. The fine print says Ashley charges interest from the purchase date if you don’t pay a 24-month promotional balance in full, and it lists a purchase APR of 34.99% for new accounts. Ashley also advertises a “$1 to start” lease-to-own option, but it’s a lease, not a loan, and the total cost varies by item and term.

Whether or not $3,300 is a good price will depend on what you would otherwise purchase. A power recliner sofa that does not have heat, a massage or a drop-down table would cost less, and the one advertised was priced for the additional features. Compare to a similarly equipped sofa, and determine if you would use the massage and heat functions frequently enough to justify the cost.

Warranty and returns: read this first

Ashley’s limited warranty is what matters most in the long run. Here is how it applies to the parts of this sofa, per the Ashley warranty page:

Notice the gap: The motor, heat, and massage are electrical components, which come with a one-year warranty. The mechanism is warranted for five years, and it is these parts that tend to give out on complex sofas. The warranty is only prorated for defects, and it does not cover refunds. You always pay for the labor and shipping after the first year.

The warranty explicitly excludes the damage from improper cleaning, fading from sunlight, humidity, and any treatment or protective spray applied to the leather. So skip those aerosols.

Returns hold a surprise. With standard shipping, Ashley gives you 30 days to return the sofa if it’s unused, and return fees may apply. With White Glove or Doorstep delivery, you must report damage within three business days, and Ashley does not accept returns of undamaged items.
Since power furniture always ships White Glove, you may not be able to return the product just because you have changed your mind. Buy from a store that has a return policy that you have read, and if you can, sit on one in a showroom before ordering.

Who should buy it, and who shouldn’t

Good fit: people who spend real time on the sofa, especially those with back stiffness who like heat and adjustable support; households with a spot near an outlet; and anyone who values a headrest that tilts.

Poor fit: small living rooms, since the reclined length and wall clearance need space; anyone who wants all-genuine leather; buyers on a tight budget, who can find power recliner sofas without the extras for less; and homes with young children, because Ashley’s warranty cautions that motion furniture has many moving parts and children shouldn’t operate it.

Buying checklist

1. Confirm the exact item number and feature list, especially massage zones and power lumbar.
2. Measure the room with the sofa fully reclined, and the path it will travel to get in.
3. Locate the outlet and plan the cord route.
4. Sit on it if you can, and test the motor speed and headrest.
5. Read the return policy for your delivery method.
6. Decide whether a protection plan is worth it, given the one-year electrical coverage.

If you’re planning the rest of the room around this piece, our square coffee table guide can help you choose a table that won’t get in the way once the sofa is fully reclined.

Care tips

Wipe leather clean using only methods approved by Ashley. Improper cleaning may void the warranty. Do not place the sofa near a heat source such as a radiator or a space heater. Keep direct sunlight off the sofa, because the warranty excludes fading and other damage from sun exposure. Keep the cord clear of the mechanism, and plug the sofa into a surge protector. Remind everyone in the house to keep their hands and feet away from the sofa when it is in motion.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 5Z-Comfort the same as the 5Z-Relaxation?
It seems so. The website has the item number 5Z-Relaxation, while most shops use the name 5Z-Comfort; the size and the description are the same. It is necessary to check the item number at the seller’s website.

Is it real leather?
Genuine leather covers some parts of the sofa, while matched faux leather covers the rest.

How much wall space does it need?
Ashley lists about 6.75 inches from the wall. Leave that much, plus room for the footrest.

Does it need to be plugged in?
Yes. It has a power cord, and Ashley lists it as UL Listed. Reviewers note you should plan for an outlet.

How long is the warranty?
Frame: limited lifetime. Recliner mechanism and springs: five years. Leather, cushions and electrical parts: one year.

Can I return it if I don’t like it?
It depends on the shipping type. With standard delivery, you can return the sofa within 30 days if it’s unused, though return fees may apply. With White Glove delivery, you can’t return an undamaged sofa, so read the refund policy before you order.

Sources & References

• Ashley Furniture, 5Z-Relaxation Dual Power Leather Reclining Sofa product page (specifications, price, delivery and returns)
• Ashley Furniture, Limited Warranty Information
• Retailer listings from Bel Furniture, HomeWorld, and Bargains and Buyouts (naming, dimensions, massage details)