Aeron PostureFit vs Lumbar. What Should You Pick?

J. Turner on Amazon: “Finally replaced the old ripped pad.”

“I’ve had one of these in my Amazon cart for years. I just refused to pay for the wildly overpriced options that I saw go by. Recently, I think it was one of the Amazon bots that pointed out I could get one “used” for significantly cheaper than the current new prices. I found these folks advertising a pad in excellent condition and I rolled the dice. It’s awesome — working great. And I even appreciate the instructions that came with it. Never realized that turning it around could give you a different lumbar support experience! It arrived quickly and was indeed in excellent condition.”

Chateae on Amazon: “Far worse than the original”

“My original Lumbar pad came with the chair, which is like 14 years old, but it finally tore and so I decided to replace it. These replacement pads, however, are vastly different from the original one. I’ve had my replacement pad replaced twice already, and I’m still not happy with it.

The original one is far firmer than these replacements, and the plastic bracket is much stronger. The replacement pad would bend within a few weeks of use, and the plastic brackets are not stiff/tight enough that the pad will ride up the rail and you will have to constantly adjust it.

Either Herman Miller’s product are inferior now than it once was 10+ years ago, or they actually use a different product for the original and the replacements, hence the difference in quality. I’ve totally given up on replacing the Lumbar pad, and I’m going to try out the PostureFit .

If that does not work, then I’ll just stick a small pillow as a back support and be done with it.”

Brian Berger on Amazon: “Worth it.”

“I’ve had one of these in my Amazon cart for years. I just refused to pay for the wildly overpriced options that I saw go by. Recently, I think it was one of the Amazon bots that pointed out I could

“This supports the back from the base of the spine, and doesn’t feel as extreme as the Lumbar support. That said, it does provide all the support needed and it is a nice adjustable upgrade for the Aeron. The previous “old” Lumbar support only has two support settings, and to select between a little support and a lot, it requires removing the support bar from the chair, flipping it over, and reinstalling it. For the PostureFit, the adjustment can be made using a knob for a little support, a lot of support, and everything in between.

The pieces fit on the frame in a way where the original designers apparently planned for this type of addition. There’s a hidden bump/tab that helps align the bracket for the knob. Initially the bracket was a little tricky to get aligned, but it’s because the pieces fit so tightly together. Fits on the Aeron in a way that makes it feel like it came this way from the factory.

Despite what the manual says, the PostureFit kit can be installed with a Philips head screwdriver and nothing else. There are YouTube videos for help installing if you get stuck, but I feel that the written instructions are reasonably written and the illustrations are sufficient.

The bottom of the support is pulled toward the front of the chair by a cable. This cable is held in place by a bracket, but most importantly, the cable passes straight through the mesh back rest. I do not think it is possible to install it without widening a small hole in the mesh back rest. I was very careful during the install, but there is still a small widened area of mesh where the cable passes through.

This means that once you install the kit, even if you remove the kit, there will always be a small hole in the base of the mesh back rest. I double checked the location for mine, and it is so low on the back rest that it is below the seat bottom.

This means it is only visible from behind the chair. If this sort of irreversible change bothers you, this kit may not be for you as replacement back rests can be very expensive.

If you already have a Lumbar support on the chair, I am not sure that this kit is worth the money. In the absence of Lumbar support on the chair, this kit is absolutely worth the money.”

Deidre Lin on Amazon: “Not a lumbar support….Supports the lower sacral region only. Too expensive for what you get...”

“So I got this for my Aerion chair which I had gifted to myself a couple of years ago. Needed more Lumbar support in the L4-5 region…so this year I got the additional support package. The directions are horrible and thankfully found a youtube video on how to install in the most efficient manner.
Got the support installed but it IS NOT a Lumbar support by any means. This support is very low and more towards the lower sacral region rather than the Lumbar vertebrae.
The support Does fill the gap between the chair and sacral region which helps give support to the sacral area. (which never bothered me until I got this chair..now I know why the sacral area has been bothering me ever since!) However, not very much support is offered at the tightest setting either. Very pricey for what you get.”