After sitting for four hours in an uncomfortable office chair, you might wonder if there is a better chair out there. You may have heard of ergonomic office furniture but feel confused about what exactly they are and who they are for.
Ergonomic chairs are for everyone.
What is an ergonomic chair?
With an ergonomic chair, you don’t have to settle for thin seat padding, inadequate low back support and limited adjustment options. Ergonomic chairs offer full adjustability so that your chair can support your individual body.
Ergonomic chairs offer effective support for your whole back, from the lower portion up to your shoulders and neck. They are designed to provide full comfort and promote good posture by guiding you to sit upright.
Are ergonomic chairs better for you?
Ergonomic chairs are better for your health and productivity than regular desk chairs. Not only do ergonomic chairs tend to be more comfortable, they can also have huge benefits for your seated posture.
As ergonomic chairs offer far more adjustment options than regular desk chairs, they can be set up to suit your individual needs, from your height to your shoulder width.
The achy back, compressed shoulders and sore neck associated with long workdays at your desk can be hugely reduced by an ergonomic chair.
Who needs an ergonomic chair?
Ergonomic chairs are for everyone, but will be especially beneficial if any of the following statements apply to you:
- You sit for more than four hours a day.
- You have a fixed height desk.
- You rarely move from your desk during the workday.
- You share a desk and chair with someone else and so need flexible adjustability options to suit more than one user.
- You suffer from discomfort, muscular aches and pains or poor posture.
- You find that regular static chairs don’t meet your needs or suit your body.
Where can I get a quality ergonomic chair?
There are many ergonomic chair options, but investing in a quality design is key to maximise the health-related benefits of ergonomic office furniture.
FlexiSpot offers a variety of ergonomic chairs to suit all needs and price points.
The Flexi-Chair BackSupport BS1B offers the full back support which all good ergonomic chairs should provide, including an adjustable headrest. This model is great for office-based and remote workers alike due to its classic design and reasonable price point.
FlexiSpot’s Flexi-Chair BackSupport office chair BS1B
The BS10 Back Support Office Chair also offers ultimate comfort and multiple adjustability options. The armrests on this model are particularly comfortable and the thick seat padding will help you avoid the aches and pains that come with a long day of sitting.
FlexiSpot’s BackSupport Office Chair BS10
Buyer’s Guide: Ergonomic Chairs
There are several key features that every good ergonomic chair should have:
Effective, adjustable lumbar support:
All good ergonomic chairs have effective and adjustable lumbar support. This can help to improve your posture and reduce aches in the back and shoulders.
- There should be several adjustable parts to the chair’s back support. (The best ergonomic chairs also offer head and neck support.)
- Your upper, middle and lower back should all reach the back of the chair.
- The general shape of the chair back should be a soft S-shape like the spine.
- There should be enough space for your shoulders and arms to move so that your chest doesn’t feel compressed.
- The backrest should tilt between an upright and semi-reclined position. (Although you should sit upright for most of the day, a semi-reclined position can help to relieve tension for short periods.)
Adjustable seat height:
The height of your ergonomic chair should be fully adjustable to the needs of your body.
- Your feet should be able to rest flat on the floor.
- The backs of your thighs should rest comfortably on the seat and not feel compressed as you struggle to reach the floor.
- Your chair and desk heights should combine to allow your elbows to rest at a 90° angle on the desk when typing.
Appropriate seat depth:
The correct seat depth will help protect your back and legs and promote good posture.
- You should be able to sit right at the back of your chair to access the lumbar support and protect your lower back.
- The seat should not dig into the backs of your knees.
Adjustable armrests:
Ergonomic chairs allow you to change the height and width of the armrests to suit your body.
- Armrests should support the weight of your arms and should curve naturally.
- Armrests should adjust to a low enough height to fit under your desk - this will avoid you leaning forwards and losing the lumbar support.
Padding:
Ergonomic chairs offer an effective level of padding to keep you comfortable throughout the working day.
- The chair’s back, armrests and seat should be padded enough to provide lasting comfort and avoid pressure points building up.
A good ergonomic chair is a valuable investment for your posture, health and mood. Select a chair which offers full lumbar support, multiple adjustability options and quality padding to maximise your comfort and productivity.
