4 Tips For Choosing The Best Ergonomic Chair For Your Office

3 June 2015
 Categories: Business, Blog

Share

Having a good office chair that keeps your back straight and supported can prove to be one of the most health-conscious purchases you ever make, in or out of the workplace. Luckily, an entire industry has sprung up around the need for chairs that force good posture--ergonomic chairs and their alternatives provide maximum support of the lower back, and many have headrests and armrests that can be adjusted for a custom fit, regardless of size. Take a look at the four considerations below for finding an ergonomic chair that's perfect for your office space.

Adjustable Backrest

One of the first things to look for in ergonomic office chairs is whether or not the backrest can be adjusted to properly fit and support the curvature of an individual's spine. In some chairs, the backrest and seat are separate pieces, while in others they're connected; regardless, be sure that both the height and angle of the backrest can be adjusted to your specifications. Lumbar support systems should also be adjustable by depth.

Seat Material

Contrary to what some might expect, a hard seat doesn't promote good posture. Shop around for a seat with extra padding that is covered by a breathable cloth material. Leather is also a good choice of material because, while still very comfortable, it can be cleaned more frequently and easily than cloth. 

Natural Posture

Despite all of the ergonomic advances made in backrests over the course of the past few years, there are several people who still use a backrest as a kind of support for their natural slouching posture. It was for these people that the ergonomic saddle chair was developed. The saddle chair maintains the flexibility and mobility of a traditional office chair, but without a backrest. This forces many people who would otherwise slouch--even in a chair with a comfortable backrest--to sit upright and improve their posture naturally.

Spinal Conditions

Many people who experience back pain assume that it's just an uncomfortable fact of everyday life, not knowing that this assumption may cost them their long-term health. Spinal conditions such as lumbar stenosis make sitting in a regular office chair almost unbearable. Fortunately, special reclining chairs with attached tables make working in a reclined position for several hours at a time a feasible option. If you suffer from a spinal condition, shop around to find a reclining chair that suits your personal office space best.