Silverfox chairs are a common sight in dermatology offices, medspas, and aesthetic clinics. They’re versatile, comfortable for patients, and priced well compared to other brands. But like any high-use equipment, they have weak spots that show up again and again in the field.
We sat down with our technician, Daniel Silva, to talk through the issues he sees most often. Below are the most common Silverfox chair problems, how to spot them, and what you can do about it.
1. Actuators That Stop Working
If you press the remote and nothing happens — no sound, no movement — chances are an actuator has failed.
What it looks like:
- Backrest won’t recline or return upright
- Footrest won’t move
- Chair height doesn’t adjust
Daniel explained: “Most of the time, it’s the actuator itself, not the main board. You hit the button and nothing happens. No clicking, no grinding — just dead.”
👉 Fix: This is not user-serviceable. A technician will test whether the actuator or control board is at fault, but usually it’s the actuator that needs replacing.
2. Armrests That Break or Dangle
One of the weakest points on Silverfox chairs is the armrest connection. Patients often lean heavily on them when getting up, but they’re not designed to carry full body weight.
What it looks like:
- Armrest suddenly feels loose or drops
- Nut and bolt that act as a “stop” strip out
- Armrest dangles and won’t stay in position
Daniel noted: “There’s a bolt that takes all the pressure. If someone pushes too hard, it strips, digs into the metal, and the armrest just hangs.”
👉 Fix: If the damage is light, a technician may be able to re-thread or replace the bolt. If badly stripped, the armrest assembly usually needs replacing.
3. Plastic Covers Coming Loose
Silverfox uses lightweight plastic panels around the base and under upholstery, held in place with push pins. Over time, these pins wear out.
What it looks like:
- Plastic panel hanging down under the chair
- Cosmetic gaps in the upholstery trim
- Staff taping covers in place until service arrives
Daniel added: “It doesn’t stop the chair from working, but it looks unprofessional. Most offices just remove the panels until I can replace the pins.”
👉 Fix: If you have replacement push pins, you can reattach panels yourself. Otherwise, a technician can secure or replace the covers quickly.
4. Footrest Extension Sensor
Many Silverfox chairs have a footrest extension that slides out for taller patients. The problem? If it’s not fully pushed back in, the chair’s safety sensor disables footrest movement.
What it looks like:
- Footrest doesn’t respond to remote
- Other chair functions still work fine
- Extender visibly sticking out
Daniel explained: “If the extender’s out, the sensor blocks the footrest. Push it all the way back in and it works again.”
👉 Fix: Always check the footrest extension before calling for service — this is an easy fix.
5. Worn-Out Upholstery
Over time, the upholstery on Silverfox chairs begins to show wear — especially in high-traffic practices where the same chair is used dozens of times a day.
What it looks like:
- Cracking or peeling on the seat and backrest
- Fading or discoloration on lighter colors
- Small tears around high-stress seams, often near armrests or edges
In one dermatology office, patients started noticing small cracks in the seat cushion, which eventually split open. The chair still functioned fine mechanically, but cosmetically it gave the wrong impression.
👉 Fix: Upholstery wear is mostly cosmetic, but it affects the professional look of your practice. Silverfox chairs can often be reupholstered or fitted with replacement covers. If wear is extensive, some offices choose to replace the chair entirely.
The Bigger Picture
Silverfox chairs are affordable and practical, but their design does include some weak points:
- Actuators fail without warning
- Armrests strip easily under weight
- Plastic panels come loose from worn pins
- Footrest sensors lock out movement if extensions aren’t seated properly
- Upholstery cracks and fades with heavy use
These issues don’t mean the chairs are bad — just that practices should be prepared for regular service and occasional part replacements.
Preventive Tips for Longer Chair Life
- Remind patients not to push down heavily on the armrests.
- Inspect gaskets, bolts, and armrests monthly for early signs of wear.
- Keep replacement push pins on hand for loose covers.
- Train staff to check the footrest extension sensor when functions stop working.
- Clean and condition upholstery regularly to slow cracking and fading.
- Schedule preventive maintenance to catch actuator wear before failure.
Final Thoughts
Silverfox chairs do their job well, but they’re not indestructible. By knowing the common issues — and spotting the symptoms early — you can minimize downtime and keep your practice running smoothly.
And when problems go beyond quick fixes, that’s when Amtech Medical’s service team is here to help with repairs, upholstery, parts replacement, and ongoing maintenance.
