You must have heard about ergonomic chair, but do you know what makes a chair ergonomic? How do you know if a chair is ergonomic? FittingChairs will help you learn more about it this article.
What is an ergonomic chair?
An ergonomic chair is one that is designed to best support the body when sitting at a desk.
It aims to find a solution to body pains and strains created by using a standard chair for prolonged periods.
The ergonomic chair considers posture, back support, distribution of weight, comfort, and movement.
It should have multiple adjustable parts, so it uniquely fits every user and every user can sit comfortably at work.
See more: What is an ergonomic chair
So what makes a chair ergonomic? Keep reading to find out!
What makes a chair ergonomic?
An ergonomic chair provides adjustable parts to help us have a suitable and proper sitting posture.
Then what makes a chair ergonomic?
Seat height
What makes a chair ergonomic is its seat height adjustment.
Everyone is different, so it is important that the seat height can be altered. The optimal seat height should allow you to place your feet flat on the floor.
A seat height that ranges from 16 to 21 inches off the floor should work for most people.
Seat width and depth
Proper seat depth should leave between 2 and 4 inches between the edge of the seat and the back of your knees.
If the seat is too far forward, it may put undue pressure at the back of the knees.
Seat tilt
What makes a chair ergonomic is also the seat tilt.
Good ergonomic chairs allow the seat to tilt for correct positioning of the pelvis. Anterior pelvic tilt is a posture problem that affects almost everyone who sits a lot.
So it’s important to keep the pelvis in a neutral position when sitting, with 80-degree angles at the hips, knees and ankles.
Backrest lumbar support
The support given to your lower back is an essential feature of an ergonomic chair. This is what makes a chair ergonomic.
An adjustable backrest allows users to align the curve in the chair with the curve in their spine.
Ergonomic chairs support the natural S shape of the spine, which prevents slumping and reduces stress on the spine and the pelvis.
Backrest recline
An adjustable backrest is what makes a chair ergonomic. It allows people to move the backrest to more specifically support their natural spine position.
Swivel
The swivel in an ergonomic chair helps users with their manoeuvrability, making it easier to reach different points of their desks without having to strain too much.
Armrests
Armrests adjustment helps reduce tension in the upper body and allows the shoulders to relax.
Headrest
This part supports the back of the head and the upper neck, reducing tension in the shoulders and upper torso.
Materials
A good ergonomic chair is made out of comfortable materials. The material should not cause the user’s back to sweat.
High-end ergonomic chairs will use leather or velvet.
Wheels
If your chair will be used on a hard surface, find a chair with soft rubber wheels. If your workplace or home office is carpeted, opt for hard wheels to navigate better.
Why ergonomic chairs are important?
Ergonomic chairs help us a lot in reducing fatigue and strain. Here are the best reasons why ergonomic chairs are important:
- Posture support
- Enhance productivity
- Reduce pain
- Reduce hips pressure
- Adjustability
- Increase blood circulation
- Fewer workers’ compensation claims
- Designed for all users
- Optimum safety
- Long-term use
What makes a good ergonomic chair? A good ergonomic chair will be adjustable, to allow for better control and customised settings.
Adjustability is especially important if you are buying chairs that will be used by different users.
If you want to buy a chair for your home office, consider using their body dimensions for a greater fit.
How to choose an ergonomic chair?
Here are steps on how to choose an ergonomic chair that you should know:
- Step 1: Look for the ability to adjust the chair’s height.
- Step 2: Consider who is going to use the chair.
- Step 3: Make sure elements of the chair can be individually adjusted.
- Step 4: Check the chair for adequate and middle back support.
- Step 5: Examine the chair’s lumbar support.
- Step 6: Make sure the backrest can be adjusted or reclined.
- Step 7: Make sure the seat is the right size for you.
- Step 8: Check the padding of the seat to make sure it is made of high quality.
- Step 9: Consider if you can tilt the seat of the chair.
- Step 10: Try out chairs in person.
- Step 11: Consider the details of the chair.
- Step 12: Search for different chair styles before deciding to buy it.
See more: What is ergonomics
So now you’ve known what makes a chair ergonomic. You can base on these to find yourself a good ergonomic chair. Follow FittingChairs to get more information.
