Working in an office setting often requires a great deal of sitting. Without the right chair, a lot of strain can be placed on the spine leading to unwanted back problems. Whether setting up or redesigning a business or home office, it is important to have an ergonomic chair that supports the back and encourages good posture.
There are many types of ergonomic chairs on the market to choose from. Here are some features to pay attention to when picking the right one for you:
Level of Adjustability
A good ergonomic chair is one that has multiple adjustable parts to cater to a variety of users. When choosing a chair, consider how many people will use the chair and in what context it will be used. As every person is built uniquely, it is important to ensure the chair can accommodate a variety of body shapes, sizes, and heights.
The Seat Height
Ergonomic chairs should allow an adjustable seat height of about 15 to 21 inches off the floor. This range is suitable for people who are about 5’ to 6’5” tall. Pick a chair with a pneumatic adjustment lever to easily lift and lower the seat as desired.
A proper chair height enables you to position your feet flat on the floor with your thighs horizontal, reducing pressure felt around the knees and lumbar region. It also enables your arms to be level with the desk.
The Seat’s Width
The standard seat width ranges between 17 to 20 inches. This space allows for comfortable seating and ample thigh support. The seat pan should not be too wide, so that users have to stretch their arms to reach the armrests.
The Seat’s Depth
Seats on an ergonomic chair should be deep enough to enable users to lean on the backrest while leaving space for 2 to 4 fingers to fit between the chair’s end and the back of the user’s knees. Pick a chair with an adjustable forward and backward tilt for added comfort.
Backrest
A good backrest should be able to support the spine’s natural curve without putting pressure on the lumbar region. Typical backrests are about 12 to 19 inches wide. If the seat and backrest are attached, ensure the backrest is adjustable in both forward and backward angles and has a locking mechanism to secure the desired position.
Lumbar Support
A great ergonomic chair supports the inward curve of the lumbar spine, preventing strain and reducing instances of slouching. This lowers the chances of the natural curve flattening out and lower back pain. Choose a chair with lumbar adjustments that fit into and support lumbar curves of various dimensions.
Material
The seat and backrest of the chair should have enough padding to provide comfort over long hours of sitting. The padding should be made of high-quality foam that does not degrade quickly. Low-quality foam can cause weight imbalances, hip misalignment, fatigue, and back pain.
Select a seat with a mesh backrest to promote the free flow of air. Mesh backrests provide added comfort by contouring the body’s outline and distributing the weight evenly across the chair.