Ergonomic Office Chair FAQs
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Key features to look for in a good ergonomic office chair
Considering the wide array of office chairs in the market, it is not always easy to know exactly what sets them apart. And if you regularly sit for more than a few hours each day at work, experience will tell you that not all chairs are made equally. Even if branded as “ergonomic”, the same chair can’t possibly suit every different body shape and size, so a level of adjustability is essential. But what are the other important features?
We work closely with chair designers and seat manufacturers, so we have an abundance of experience to share. Here are some frequently asked questions when it comes to choosing the right ergonomic chair… for you.
What level of adjustability should I look for in a chair?
The more adjustability the better but most importantly, look for the following:
Seat height adjustment:
This allows users to adjust the chair's height so that feet are flat on the floor and knees are at a 90-degree angle.
Lumbar support adjustment:
To support the spine's natural curve, lumbar support should be adjustable to suit individual preferences.
Backrest tilt and lock:
Enables users to recline the chair and lock it in a comfortable position.
What is the ideal seat depth for my office chair?
You should be able to sit with your back against the chair while maintaining a small gap between the back of your knees and the edge of the seat. Without this gap there is a risk to blood circulation function in the legs.
Should my chair have armrests?
Armrests support the arms and shoulders, so they are a good feature. Armrests should also be adjustable ideally, so that they can be raised, lowered, and angled to maintain both comfort and support. They should allow the user to keep their arms parallel to the ground.
What’s the best material and padding?
Choose a material that is easy to clean and maintain - breathable materials like mesh can also be beneficial for air circulation.
As for the padding, it should provide both comfort and support. Inexpensive chairs use materials that compress and become thin over time, meaning that a chair may feel comfortable initially, and then becomes increasingly less so as time goes on. A truly ergonomic chair will have reinforced cushioning in areas where the body requires support, providing the right balance of firmness while conforming to your body. This is one of the biggest differences between a cheap chair with poor ergonomics and a more expensive chair with good ergonomics. At Aircare we have created a range of solutions encompassing pump-up, self-inflating, and permanently inflated cells with a variety of internal fillings to do this exact job.
Should my chair have a Headrest?
Although you may not want to rest your head all the time, a chair with an adjustable headrest can provide additional support for the neck and head, so it is a benefit to have one.
What is dynamic seating?
Some chairs are designed to allow for dynamic sitting, which means encouraging small movements to reduce the risk of stiffness or discomfort. We manufacture chair seating components that encourage movement for dynamic seating. You can find more information by clicking here.
What other things should I check?
You will also want to check the stability of your chair, and maximum weight capacity and test how user-friendly the controls are.
Stability
Look for a sturdy base to prevent the chair from tipping over.
Weight Capacity:
Ensure the chair has a weight capacity that accommodates the needs of the user.
User-Friendly Controls:
Prioritise intuitive and easy-to-use controls for adjustments, ensuring that you can personalise your seating experience without difficulty.
Ready to buy a new ergonomic office chair?
After reading this blog, you should indeed feel confident to select a new ergonomic chair. We recommend physically trying out chairs and finding one that suits your specific needs and preferences. Additionally, regular breaks and proper posture are crucial for maintaining comfort and preventing fatigue, even with an ergonomic chair.
To see some of the ergonomic chair manufacturers we work with click here, it’s true to say they have some of the best ergonomic seating available!
To find out more about pneumatic seating parts for proper ergonomic seating visit our website or simply call +44 117 937 3433.
