Sitting for long hours to complete your daily tasks can cause a great deal of stress on the spine and back. Maybe everything is good now, but soon you will start experiencing discomfort and back problems that can affect your productivity. It is important to use a modern ergonomic office chair that supports the body and promotes good posture to mitigate these potential health issues.
Choosing one seems to be a simple task, but with numerous products in the market, you need a practical guide that will teach how to choose an office chair. You need to pay extra attention to its features and materials, as well as other factors that address your needs.
How to choose an ergonomic office chair?
While there are conventional office chairs that provide excellent comfort, getting an ergonomic chair is always a better option. Why? Because an ergonomic chair has versatile features that allow you customization to suit your specific needs and preferences.
1. Check the height adjustments.
The height should be between 15” to 22” to comfortably accommodate a 5-foot to 6’4” person. It should be fully-adjustable to help you move the seat upward or downward, keep your knees bent at 90 degrees angle with feet flat on the floor, thigh parallel to the ground, and arms even to the office table height.
2. Evaluate the chair’s back support.
The best ergonomic chair completely supports the upper and middle back, preventing strain and injury that comes from prolonged sitting. The ideal width is between 12 to 19 inches to suit different users and support the natural shape and contour of your back.
If the backrest is removable, it should be adjustable to help you select the right angle and height. If the backrest and seat are constructed as a single piece, it should allow you to adjust the angle forward and backward. Make sure that the locking mechanism is made of premium material that guarantees durability and stability.
3. Examine the chair’s lumbar support mechanism.
Modern office chairs are now equipped with proper lumbar support to minimize the flattering and damaging effects on the lower back. The natural inward curve of your lower back requires adequate lumbar support to keep it healthy and strong. Adjustable lumbar support allows you to find the perfect depth and height that protect the structures of your lower spine.
4. Check the headrest and armrests.
Armrests are important parts of an ergonomic chair. Adjustable armrests support the elbow and lower arms while keeping the forearms away as you do your work on your computer. As for the headrest, it should be firm and comfortable to support your head and prevent neck pains.
5. Test the chair recline and swivel ability.
The ability of your chair to move freely is vital to your well-being. It lessens the pressure on the spinal column, increases the brain blood flow, and sends oxygen to your muscle groups. The reclining motion relieves lower back stress while preventing the strain on the arms, neck, and eyes. The swivel motion lets you swing around and reaches things in your workstation. As you rotate, it promotes healthy blood circulation that lessens fatigue.
6. Choose the best office chair material.
The quality of materials used in the construction of office chairs is one of the factors that you need to consider as you learn the ropes on how to choose the best office chair. A smart choice will give you optimum comfort for long hours of work, helping you complete a lot of important tasks.
There are different types of office chair material that you need to be aware of. The most popular are:
- Leather. Leather office chairs offer a luxurious feel and timeless elegance but come with a high price. To preserve their natural texture and quality, you need to clean them regularly.
- Faux leather. If you cannot afford the exorbitant price tag of leather chairs, you can settle for faux-leather seats that come in different textures and levels of softness. They are easier to clean and maintain, too.
- Wood. Traditional office chairs are usually made from solid wood materials. They offer ultimate durability and value of your money. If you want a wooden chair, it is best to buy a retro office chair because it adds a distinct character and charm in the room.
- Plastic. Plastic office chairs are primarily designed to give an option to those who want versatile and more affordable seats. Many offices prefer to have plastic replica office chairs because of their unique designs and variety of available colors that match contemporary interior designs.
- Vinyl. If you are partial to easy-to-clean and durable chairs, a vinyl office chair is one of them. It naturally looks nice and will last long, but keep in mind that it is not as breathable as other office chair materials.
- Fabric. Office chairs that are made of fabric materials are preferred by those who want an attractive and comfortable seat. They are available in a variety of styles, colors, and textures. A wool office chair is one of the favorite choices because it has a classy look that blends well with modern work environments.
- Mesh. Another material that fascinates the designers and makers of modern office chairs is mesh. It is a smart choice because of its natural capability to allow air circulation that brings comfort to the occupant.
Whether you choose a modern ergonomic office chair or a retro office chair, these practical tips on how to choose the best office chair will help you find the most reliable seat.
