Many of us spend most of our waking hours seated behind a desk at the office. The position in which you sit is often unnatural and adds pressure to the pelvis and spine, slows down blood circulation, and causes muscular pains. If you have a typical nine-to-five job, you should invest in an ergonomic office chair to avoid developing severe back problems.
Ergonomic chairs are specially designed seats that slant at the right angles to support the back and hips, which allows for a more comfortable sitting position. There are different types of ergonomic chairs available in furniture stores, which is why it’s crucial to find one that would make sitting for long hours more relaxing and suit your lifestyle.
When looking for the ideal office chair, consider the following six features:
Adjustable seat height
Good-quality ergonomic chairs have a pneumatic adjustment lever under the seat that allows users to find the ideal height for them. Typically, a seat height around 16 to 21 inches from the floor is optimal for most people. To know the perfect seat height for you, here’s a general rule: check if your feet can reach the ground and if your arms can comfortably reach your desk.
Width and depth of the seat
When looking for an ideal office chair, check its width and depth if it has enough space to accommodate your body. Standard ergonomic chairs are around 17 to 20 inches wide. When you sit down, you should be able to lean against the backrest while still leaving an allowance of about two to four inches on the seat. The backrest’s forward and backward tilt should be flexible, as well.
Proper lumbar support
The lumbar spine refers to your lower back, where the spine curves inward towards the abdomen. When you sit for long periods without adequate support, you tend to slouch and add pressure on your backs. As a result, this improper position flattens and strains the natural curve of your spine. An ergonomic chair should be curved in a way that best hugs and follows the lumbar spine.
The backrests of standard ergonomic office chairs are between 12 and 19 inches wide. It should be adjustable in the forward and back angles, with a locking mechanism to keep it from leaning too far out. Some are even removable and detachable from the seat. These types should have adjustable heights and angles, as well.
Adjustable armrests
Check if the ergonomic chair has adjustable armrests. Your arms should be able to rest comfortably on your table while leaving your shoulders relaxed while typing or writing.
Good swivel
Ergonomic chairs have built-in swivels so that they can rotate and allow the user to move and change views while seated. When looking for an ideal office chair, check for its swivel function. Sit down and give the seat a 360-degree turn. It should feel smooth without being too loose or tight.
Comfortable material
Standard ergonomic office chairs are either covered in fabric or leather. Decide which material would best suit your preference and overall office design. However, take note that leather tends to retain heat, so it’s probably not a good option if your desk is by a large window. Also, choose a chair that has adequate padding to give you a more pleasant seating experience.
Nowadays, many people have accustomed their bodies to sit in a chair for long hours. Giving your back and hips proper support will not only correct your posture but also increase your work productivity. If you’re looking for the best ergonomic office chair, get in touch with us today and see how we can help!
If you are looking to purchase an ergonomic chair for your office, get in touch with us today! We’re happy to help.
