We’ve spent too much time sitting in front of computers, but if you still have a bad chair, you’re really in trouble.There are so many “ergonomic” chairs that it can be hard to know what’s important when shopping for one.
Ergonomics is a field of research and design that looks at how the things we interact with complement how our bodies have evolved.After all, a chair designed for an octopus looks very different from a chair designed for a human!
Of course, all office chairs are designed for humans, so what does an “ergonomic” chair mean.The way the term is used these days generally refers to chairs with features and design considerations that make them comfortable for long periods of time without causing long-term damage to the user.What types of damage are there?This may include chronic back pain, poor posture, or general discomfort.There are a few typical ergonomic chair aspects worth highlighting:
Within this broad set of features, the levels of design and quality are seemingly endless, so you need to be more granular in your approach.
As with any piece of furniture, you have a variety of options when it comes to what the outer skin of the chair will be made of.At first glance, this might not seem like an ergonomic issue, but upholstery is an important part of comfort.
For example, leather is a high-quality and durable material.However, it may not be as breathable as synthetic materials, and it may not allow moisture from the skin to escape.Perforated leather provides a good balance between breathability and the benefits of leather, but adds cost.
Consider whether you’ll be using your chair in a climate-controlled room, or if your bare skin will come in contact with it.This should guide you in choosing the upholstery that best suits your needs.
One of the biggest differences between a cheap chair with poor ergonomics and a more expensive chair with good ergonomics is hidden under its skin.Buffering is a very important factor.An ergonomic chair should provide additional cushioning in areas of the body that need support.Not only that, but the cushioning material should provide the right balance between firmness and fit.
Inexpensive chairs use a uniform cushioning material that compresses and thins over time.So while the chair may feel reasonably comfortable for the first few weeks or months, it can become less and less pleasant to sit on over time.
The gold standard today is a laminate pad design using different types of materials, such as different grades of memory foam.This allows the cushion to provide breathability through the more perforated top layer, while providing support through the high-density bottom layer.
An ergonomic chair should be stable and retain its shape over time.If not, this may affect its performance in maintaining posture and supporting the body.
Like all office chairs, ergonomic chair frames are primarily a mix of metal and plastic.However, if structural elements such as chair bases or casters are plastic, this can lead to deformation or instability over time.One of the things to look for in an ergonomic chair (actually a general office chair) is a full metal frame or at least one that uses metal components where load and stiffness are most affected.
Adjustability is a key feature of any ergonomic chair, at a minimum, your chair should offer height adjustment that allows you to sit with your knees bent at a 90-degree angle and your feet flat on the floor.
The backrest should provide adjustable lumbar support and a neck brace to support your neck and head when you sit upright.
Height-adjustable armrests are also important and should keep your elbows bent at 90 degrees while working at your desk.Adequate padding on the armrests is also worth considering, as hard armrests can increase the chance of developing carpal tunnel syndrome.

In the workplace or office scene, the use of ergonomic office chair is a rising trend, the use of ergonomic office chair will become a trend.