Ergo Tips and Info

When workers hunch forward over their desks curving their back, ergonomists refer to this as “turtle neck” or “turtle posture”. It causes the user to tilt their chin up with their neck extended similar to a turtle popping its head up out of its shell.

This kind of bent-forward positioning puts a lot of strain on the neck, shoulders and back muscles. The pressure on the body increases exponentially the more forward the head is positioned past the neutral position. A neutral posture is one in which your head and shoulders are balanced over your hips. Your neutral posture is the strongest posture and will minimize fatigue and discomfort.

Long hours working at an improperly positioned laptop or texting on a cell phone can also result in similar postural stresses. As the shoulders round forward, increased pressure is exerted on the nerves and blood vessels in the arms which could lead to thoracic outlet syndrome. 

We recommend that you lean back keeping your head balanced over your shoulders. Position your monitors at a level that minimize your neck bending and twisting. For most people, this is slightly below eye level but may be lower if you wear glasses or have other eye issues. If you’re using a laptop, consider raising it to eye level and use a detached keyboard and mouse.

If you’re already using a desktop monitor and find yourself still hunching forward, try pulling the monitor a few inches closer so that you can sit back in your chair. Our vision changes over time and the monitors may just be too far away. If you’re doing a lot of visually intensive work, you may benefit from a larger monitor or dual monitors.

Reviewing the ergonomic setup of your workstation will reduce turtle posture and increase your comfort. Simple exercises such as chin tucks can help stretch out the neck muscles.  Correcting your posture at work will help keep you more comfortable and heathier.

May is National Posture Month. Check your posture and don’t be a turtle.

Contact us today for your FREE MINI REMOTE ERGONOMIC WORKSTATION REVIEW.

http://posturemonth.org/why-posture-matters/

Finally, a new year, a fresh start, a great time to get organized. Face it, working from home may be here for a while so what better time to de-clutter and improve your workspace organization.

We’d like to look at this from an ergonomic perspective (what else would you expect). Cleaning off your desk the “ergonomic way” can result in increased productivity and reduced discomfort.

1) Reclaim your desktop space.

Lift your monitors off your desktop by adding monitor arms. Not only will this open desktop space, but also better position your monitors at eye level, eliminating neck strain from improper monitor positioning. If your laptop is your main monitor, use a laptop riser or laptop jack to raise it up and add a separate keyboard and mouse, keeping your hands, forearms and neck in neutral position and improving your comfort.

What about that printer? Move your printer off your desktop to a mobile printer caddy on the floor next to your desk or underneath your desk if you have enough room. Get a CPU holder mounted under your desk or a tech dock laptop drawer to hold your laptop under your worksurface.

2) Declutter your desktop and underneath your desk.

Keep only the things you use daily on top of your desk. These should be within your primary reach zone on your desktop. This is the area in which you can easily reach without pulling forward in your chair or overextending your arms and shoulders.

This might be a pen, notepad, stapler and your phone. Clear off papers and other desktop accessories like paper clips, extra post-it pads, and scissors. If you’re right-handed, try to position items that you frequently access on the right side of your desk. Your phone could be positioned on the left freeing up your right hand for note taking.

Need more storage?  Add desk drawers under your desk or mobile pedestal file to clear files off your desktop but easily within reach. Scan documents that you need to keep and recycle the rest to get rid of the paper clutter.

Declutter underneath your desk so that you have room for your legs and feet. Your feet should be flat on the floor or supported with a footrest for additional support. And you need room to stretch out your legs.

3) Clean your keyboard and mouse!

Sanitizing your keyboard helps to reduce the spread of germs in the office and at home for a healthier work environment. Tap crumbs loose or use compressed air to blow dust and debris out from the crevices of your keyboard. Isopropyl alcohol and some cotton swabs can be used if more cleaning is needed for sticky keys. UV-C wand lights may further help sanitize your desktop electronics.

Maybe it’s time for a new keyboard. Why not make it an ergonomic keyboard to help keep your wrists and forearms aligned in a neutral position.

4) Manage your cables.

Cables hanging down from your desk not only clutters your desk, but also can get caught on your feet and legs. Cables are also an easy target for young ones and pets to play with potentially damaging or pulling your monitor or electronics off your desk. Simple Velcro strips, cable clips and plastic zip ties can easily tame and organize wires gone wild. Wire managers “snakes” attach underneath your desk and help conceal wires.

Avoid trip hazards from cords stretched across the floor with Secure Cord Cable Covers.

Add a desktop power outlet or mount a surge protector to the underside of your desk to minimize wires hanging down from your desk.

5) Use Proper Placement to Promote Good Posture.  

Don’t forget good ergonomic posture tips. Keep the weight of your head in line with your shoulders and your shoulders balanced over your hips. Place your monitor and keyboard directly in front of you to minimize turning your head to one side.

Minimize stretching forward to reach things on your desk, remembering the basic ergonomic principles of keeping frequently used items within your primary reach zone.

Document holders or slant boards provide a designated spot for your papers but more importantly minimize neck twisting and bending to view documents. The VuRyte MemoScape Plus provides a fun, colorful support for your documents, mobile phone and note pads.

Monday was National Clean Your Desk Day so it’s a great time to reclaim, declutter and clean your desk and computer accessories for an organized and healthy start to a new year. With so many of us working from home, we need to do everything possible to feel good about our workspace and control what we can for a healthy year. 

To promote a healthier, organized and safe work area, we are offering FREE Mini-Remote Ergonomic Assessments of your workspace. Contact us today to schedule your remote session and start the new year off with desk health and organization. Call 844-994-0500 or 314-994-0500.

What does Warren Buffet know about ergonomics?  Maybe this isn’t his area of expertise but his insights are equally applicable to ergonomic purchases.  The money spent to set up your ergonomic office whether at home or work is an investment which can be tied to one of his most famous quotes, “Price is what you pay. Value is what you get”. 

His statement implies that price and value are not always one and the same.  The intrinsic value of ergonomics is a very personal determination and can mean different things to each person based on your needs.

The New Pandemic Work From Home Office

Your home office may have been acceptable for occasional use in the evenings or on weekends, but working from home every day may have prompted you to make some low-cost modifications to improve your comfort. Your employer probably has office furniture standards and controls the furniture and equipment at your on-site office, but now you find yourself working solo with a limited budget.

Have you made ergonomic adjustments to your workstation helped or do you still find that you are experiencing discomfort?  We see employees working in a variety of well-meant yet high-risk improvised ways.  The University of Cincinnati College of Medicine conducted a study of new normal of a home office. The study discovered that most employees either don't have access to quality ergonomic tools or they don't know how to properly use them.

Ergonomic Warning Signs

Are you squriming in your chair or have back pain and shoulder pain?  These may be warning signs of potential ergonomic issues.  Some other signs include stopping work periodically to rub muscles, joint or bones; flexing fingers, wrist or ankles; wearing wrist splits or braces to provide support; complaining or showing signs of ongoing fatigue.

The most common spots of ergonomic injuries are the shoulders, wrists, neck, knees and elbows. Common injuries include pinched nerves, herniated disks, sprains, strains, hernias and carpel tunnel syndrome.  Many of these can be resolved or prevented by reviewing your workstation setup and making some changes to improve posture.  

Improved Productivity/Enhanced Quality of Life

The best ergonomic solutions will often improve productivity. Designed to promote good posture, less exertion, fewer motions and better heights and reaches, the workstation becomes more efficient. At its core, ergonomics enhances the quality of your work life by reducing awkward postures and highly competitive tasks. Believe it or not, ergonomics can make your job easier and more efficient while keeping you safer. 

Value Investing in Ergonomics

If you’re considering adding additional equipment to improve your work comfort, whether this might be a new ergonomic chair, height adjustable desk or an ergonomic keyboard or mouse, remember the least expensive product may not be the best solution for you. Take time to evaluate your needs carefully.

Paying a little more for a well-designed ergonomic chair, sit-stand desk or accessory can pay off in the end by helping avoid significant injuries and related costs.  In the case of home office ergonomics, the value is your comfort.  When you’re sitting 8 hours a day, a chair costing $500 equates to under $9.50 a week or less than a quarter a day. Is your comfort worth this?  Bottom line, you get what you pay for. The question is can you avoid NOT to invest in good ergonomics?

Keep in mind that value also extends to service after you’ve purchased.  A good warranty and reputable company are part of the added value to your purchase in years to come.

Both price and value are the two sides of the same coin. Understanding the difference between price and value is the core principle of value investing.  Maybe Buffet knows more about ergonomics than we thought!

Contact us today at 314-994-0500 or [email protected] to discuss how ergonomics can be applied to your home office to provide comfort, safety, and efficiency.

COVID-19 has made it necessary for businesses to rethink their workplace design. It has become especially important for workplace settings where employees are typically seated near one another. Many companies that once adopted for an open floor plan to encourage collaboration are now facing increased risks of virus transmission, which is a serious concern during this pandemic. The good news is that there is a solution. Privacy Panels, also called sneeze guards, barrier screens and partitions, offer an easy way to update workstations with a protective barrier. Here are some benefits that these barrier screens can offer your office.

The Advantages of Using Office Privacy Panels

Social Distancing

It is common for germs and sickness to spread among workers within a matter of days in traditional office spaces. To reduce the risk of COVID-19 from spreading, it is important to prioritize social distancing as much as possible.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends altering the workspaces to maintain social distancing. This would include keeping a minimum of six feet between employees by configuring partitions as a barrier shield. Temporary partitions, such as privacy panels and clear plastic sneeze guards, help people stay physically isolated to their individual workstations in an otherwise crowded office.

More Privacy

Partitions can also boost employee privacy by creating walls around desks that segregate work areas. Even if the panels are transparent, they offer enough separation to minimize distractions from other areas and give employees a sense of personal space. This can also make them feel much more comfortable and confident in their well-being, allowing them to focus better on their job.

Space-Saving

In comparison to conventional cubicles that are bulky and consume quite a bit of valuable workspace, privacy panels are lightweight and can be easily folded and configured to take up less square footage. This makes it simple to relocate them from one area to another or arrange them around to accommodate different sized furniture. By maximizing the use of space, the barrier screens can promote greater productivity and efficiency.

If you are looking to provide protection for your employees and customers in an easy and affordable manner, contact us at 314-994-0500 or [email protected] today and we can help spec out the best panel for your needs.

It's hard to believe the new school year is right around the corner. For parents choosing homeschooling over traditional classroom settings, we’ve created a list of products that can enhance your child’s learning experience. We can’t help you teach common core math, but we can give you the right tools to make homeschooling more comfortable for your family.  

• Height Adjustable Tables are perfect if you have multiple kids and need to utilize space. With multiple sizes and colors to choose from, you can find a table to match your room décor. Help keep your kids focused on school work by switching from sitting to standing throughout the day. This not only promotes circulation but can aid in productivity and reduce stress. 

• Mobile Height Adjustable Workstations are great choices for small spaces and use with laptops. They can be conveniently stored out of the way when not in use. Many have locking casters to allow for stationary use. Worried about your children fighting over space? Multiple stations can keep kids from arguing over “who is touching whos’ space”. You’re already becoming a teacher, no need to add “referee” to your resume too. 

• Ergonomic Chairs can be tailored to fit your child’s individual needs such as seat size, arms, memory foam, or casters. We offer many fabric styles and colors so your child can express their personality while feeling comfortable. Kitchen table chairs can enhance “the wiggles” from your child trying to get into a comfortable position. Quality ergonomic chairs can keep your child focused on their schoolwork. We even offer a student chair and little person task chair to fit your young or short-statured child. Our products won’t be typical chairs you can find at local retail office shops. Our experts can advise you of the best options to fit your child. 

• Document Holders allow your child to keep their paperwork or book within reach to reduce neck and upper body pain. Involve your kids with the decision making. VuRyte has fun colors to choose from including blue and pink!

• Task Lights play an important part in reducing headaches and eye fatigue while increasing work efficiency. Make sure your child is working in a well-lit room and their screen is not facing a window. The direct glare from the sunlight can cause the brain to have trouble adapting between the bright window and dark screen. 

• Laptop Accessories provide comfort without the need to buy a whole new computer system. Working on laptops incorrectly can lead to body aches from hunching over, shoulder cramps, and repetitive strain injuries.  When combined together laptop stands, keyboards, and mice improve your posture, reduce neck and shoulder pain, and decrease your risk of developing repetitive strain injuries.  Purchase a laptop stand, mouse, and keyboard together and save 10% (price will be adjusted when we ship products).

Along with these products and tips, give your children (and yourself) plenty of breaks throughout the day. Yoga, light stretching, or even an impromptu dance party can keep your child focused, happy, and stress-free. Remember—it’s okay to have no idea what you’re doing. This isn’t a normal time for anyone so be kind to yourself.

If you’d like some help discussing your needs, give us a call at 314-994-0500 or email at [email protected] . We also offer remote ergonomic assessments of your workspace to make the most out of this pandemic! 

Do you sit at your desk all day or for most hours of the day? Studies have shown that several health conditions, including diabetes, obesity, and depression have been linked to sitting for long periods during the day. To avoid health risks associated with sitting, some people are using a standing desk instead. If you're not familiar with or need more information about this office solution, these frequently asked questions and answers may help you gain a better understanding of the concept.

Questions & Answers About Standing Desks/Sit-Stands

#1 What are the benefits of using a standing desk or sit-stand?

Studies from Harvard Medical School indicate that standing after eating returned blood sugar levels back to normal quicker than sitting. In addition to that, it substantially reduced shoulder and neck pain. Standing also prevents muscle tightening on the lower back, helping to reduce the risk of injury.

#2 What impact does a standing desk have on productivity?

Standing when working can boost productivity and engagement from employees. One study showed that four out of 10 workers who swapped their standard desk for a standing deck said their performance improved within a one year period. Five out of 10 respondents also said they felt more engaged at work after implementing the change in their working position.

#3 Can I use any table as a standing desk? 

Technically, you can use any table as a standing desk, but only if it is the ergonomically correct height for you. For example, the table should be at the same level or slightly below your elbow height when you're standing straight so that your arms are at a 90 degree angle.

Using a table that doesn't meet the required measurements can cause shoulder and neck pain due to either a too tall or too low elbow height. So, it's best to turn to reputable providers that offer ergonomic tables designed to improve posture and comfort.  

#4 Does using a standing desk mean I will have to stand all day? 

Absolutely not. In fact, standing all day can have just as many negative impacts as sitting all day. The key is to alternate between sitting, standing and moving to help beat inactivity, which can cause musculoskeletal issues. Moving in general is the best practice to reduce risks of health conditions and discomfort.

There are many types of standing desks. There are desktop workstations, that sit on top of your current desk that will adjust up or down. These can be adjusted manually or some offer power solutions. Another option is a height adjustable table. This allows the entire workstation to raise up or down to your comfort.

If you’re looking for ergonomic accessories to make your office more productive, check out our website. Serving clients around St. Louis, MO, for more than 20 years, we offer solutions such as sit-stand workstations, ergonomic chairs, and other related products. Our solutions are designed to make a positive impact on your physical comfort. Call (314) 994-0500, email [email protected] or visit our website today.

Time For An Ergonomic Tune-Up

Working from home is something that won’t be going away any time soon. It is yet to be determined whether this is a long-term solution or a short-term, but we do know it’s your daily reality for now.

Perhaps you’ve dismissed a not so perfect desk setup, but now it’s time to take a more serious look at your comfort. Honestly, this isn’t just for your comfort but for your overall well-being (and perhaps your family’s as well). A proper workstation setup workstation can help reduce work stress and have positive effects on your health.

Right Tool for the Job:

Part of a healthy ergonomic mindset starts with the selection of ergonomically correct tools and workstation. You’ve heard the phrase “the right tool for the job”. This doesn’t just refer to hammers and wrenches but also applies to ergonomic “tools” that you use while working at a computer on a daily basis. Injuries are often caused by using inappropriate tools or makeshift devices. 

Using the right tools is vital to your ergonomic safety.  In previous articles we’ve discussed a variety of topics related to selecting a good ergonomic chair and various ergonomic checklists on how to set up an ergonomic workstation, but if you still haven’t gotten around to it then read on. And even if you have already put in place some of the suggestions, it doesn’t hurt to keep reading for additional tips.

Review your Current Workstation:

Please take a moment now and reevaluate your current home office setup. What is your body telling you – any discomfort or increase in pain? These are indications that your body needs something to change. Does your chair encourage good posture? Bad posture can trigger back and neck pain which can easily be minimized with a more supportive chair or some simple modifications using cushions. Are you still working on your laptop? It might be time to get a separate monitor, keyboard and mouse to help position your neck and wrists in a neutral position or to just be able to see your monitor better.

Remote Ergonomic Assessment Assistance:

Need more assistance? We are now offering Remote Ergonomic Assessments to help you identify areas of fatigue or discomfort while you are working and to implement changes that will improve your comfort. It starts with a simple checklist to provide us with some information regarding your areas of concerns, along with some pictures showing us various postures while you work (side profile, front view, back view and even a shot from above) and some measurements including your height and your desk height. Then we’ll set up a conference call or zoom meeting (don’t you love those!) to discuss this information and help you make some adjustments and if necessary, explore other recommendations.  We’ll focus on identifying the key ergonomic risk factors:  force, frequency, posture and duration and make recommendations to minimize these factors. Our clients tell us our recommendations have made a significant difference in their work comfort.

It’s clear that this pandemic has changed our lives in so many ways, from how we work, shop and even walk outside. Once a vaccine becomes available and we rediscover social interaction without masks, it’s unlikely that everything will just go back to the way it was. 

What are you doing to take care of yourself? What else can you do to maximize your wellness?  Do you have the right tools for your job?  In the current environment, ultimately you are responsible for your home office comfort and the ergonomic design of your workstation. So let's partner to make it as comfortable as we can.

Contact us today for your remote ergonomic assessement! Call 844-994-0504 or 314-994-0504, email [email protected]

Working from home can be more stressful than working in an office. Whether it is kids, pets, outdoor noises, or other distractions, your new environment can take a toll on your mental and physical health. There are some changes that you can make to provide a healthier work from home workspace.

Neutral Posture

• Your muscles and ligaments are most relaxed when you are in a neutral position. 
• Keep your wrists and forearms straight to reduce the risk of tendonitis and carpal tunnel syndrome. Use a wrist rest and mouse rest or a separate ergonomic keyboard and mouse. 
• Neck should be straight with head aligned above shoulders and hips and your chin level. When you bend your neck at a 30-degree tilt to look at your laptop screen, it is equivalent to 40 lbs. of pressure. Neutral neck positions can reduce risks of headaches, neck strain, neck pain and back pain. Use a laptop riser to raise your laptop to eye level.
• When sitting your back should be resting against the back of the chair with your shoulders back. Avoid hunching your shoulders up or forward. Arms and legs should be resting parallel with the floor. Legs should not be bent under or dangle not touching the floor. Feet should be flat on the floor or supported with a footrest.     
• A standing neutral position has some of the same recommendations. Keep your head over your shoulder and hips and at chin level facing forward. Your arms and shoulders should still be relaxed and parallel with the floor. Use a standing mat to alleviate foot and back fatigue.

Avoid Static Postures

• Follow the 20/8/2 Rule; Sit in a neutral posture for 20 minutes, stand in a neutral posture for 8 minutes and move for 2 minutes. 
• The movement can be gentle stretches or a short stroll. Use alarms on your smartwatch or smartphone to help remind you to move.

Review Workspace Lighting

• Frequently overlooked, but an important consideration. Having the proper lighting can boost productivity and reduce headaches. 
• Do not place your desk where the laptop or monitor is facing a window. The direct glare from the sunlight can cause the brain to have trouble adapting between the bright window and dark screen. Instead face the screen sideways to the bright window. When in a room with direct sunlight, always have window coverings to shade the light.
• Add a task light if you are in a room without sunlight or if the sunlight is not bright enough. The best task lights are those that can change brightness and color.

Air & Surface Quality (an often forgotten or ignored issue)

• There are millions of microbes in residential indoor air, including chemicals, fibers, viruses, bacteria, mold, allergens, etc. To make your work from home space healthier, invest in a room air cleaner. There are some small desk top units that will clean the air around you.
• Eliminate surface contamination by frequently cleaning your monitor screen, keyboards, mice, phones and other devices. You can purchase a UV-C light wand or disinfect with Clorox. Another option is to purchase products containing Microban like keyboards and mice.

Mindfulness

• One of the most important changes that you can make is to be mindful of your body and what it needs.
• The stress of the new environment, virtual learning for our kids and other distractions can take a toll on mental health. May is Mental Health Awareness Month. We all need to take care of ourselves not only physically but mentally as well.
• Start by taking 15 minutes, go to a quiet place, no phones, or devices, and just focus on breathing and yourself. Do this once or twice a day to reduce stress and become a healthier you.

This may be our new normal for a while so let's make it as healthy and as comfortable as we can.

To promote a healthier work from home atmosphere and space, we are offering FREE remote ergonomic assessments of your workspace (offer expires 6/30/20). Contact us today to schedule your remote session and be one step closer to comfort. Call 844-994-0500 or 314-994-0500.

References:

http://ergo.human.cornell.edu/CUESitStandPrograms.html

Working 12-hour shifts can be demanding not only on employees but also on their chairs.  Concept Seating meets these demands by designing chairs that are durable yet comfortable for heavy duty use in dispatch and call centers, or any occupations requiring long deskbound periods.

With their “It Ain’t Meant To Be Pretty” and “A Chair That Works as Hard as You” marketing approach, is it really worth the money?

We wanted to take a deeper dive into this truly unique chair to see what makes it so special.

First off, the seat pan.  The Concept Seating seat is a uniquely designed seat promoting optimal circulation in every sitting position. Using a seated suspension system in which Dymetrol, a bonded, elastomeric mesh-like material is stretched over a steel frame with a layer of foam, weight is dissipated over the entire seat.  This dissipation of weight allows for blood and oxygen to flow better to the lower extremities and keeps the user more alert and more comfortable. “It’s like floating on air”. 

The seat is designed to fit users ranging from 5’0” to 6’3” heights.  Some models have seat sliders for added adjustability.

A full Six-Year Warranty covers “usual Wear and Tear” of the chairs and a ten-year steel frame warranty provides one of the best 24/7 chair warranties around. The modular design of the chair allows for easy repairs or replacement of parts on site – minimizing any downtime. We challenge you to find anything better.

Provide a 550-pound+ weight capacity, adjustable air lumbar, and a seven-star, steel base for added stability and strength.  And if something heavier duty is needed, the Bariatric version is bigger and wider with a Bariatric mechanism to support up to 800 lbs.

Getting the picture on how great this chair is?  Let’s look a little further.

In addition to the standard features, upgraded options are available to give the chairs additional functionality.

Air Lumbar & Adjustable Height Backs:

All Concept Seating chairs include an air bladder in the lumbar to provide a more custom lumbar fit.  The 3150 and 3152 models provide a back with a synchronize back angle tilt and lumbar height adjustment to adjust to best fit each user.

Armrests:

The standard height and width adjustable C-Loop arms feature an open design to accommodate space for utility and duty belts. Extremely durable to withstand the stress from users pushing on the armrests when getting out of the chair. Optional Swing Away arms offer a large, comfortable pad with height, width, forward, backward, and lateral adjustments. Need the arms gone? With a push of a button they fold out of the way.

Headrests:

Several of the chairs offer an articulating headrest option that can be used as a six-height position headrest, neckroll, or pushed out of the way when not needed. The 3142 model includes an integrated fixed headrest.

Partial Footring & 2-Step Base:

Another unique option is the Partial Footring Base.  Perfect for shorter employees needing a place to rest their feet without compromising the height adjustment needs of taller users. Provides the flexibility to fit a variety of heights as the footring can be rotated out of the way when not needed.

Need a counter-height chair for your 24/7 environment?  The 2-Step base provides a stool height option with two steps at different heights to firmly support users who may need to stand on the lower step for a better view, or rest their feet on the upper stop while sitting.

Fabric:

A soil and stain repellant, high abrasion rated nylon fabric is available in several colors. For even greater durability, opt for leather or alternative leather, which are also easy to clean. The alternative leather offers Silverguard—an environmentally friendly bacteria-fighting protector to diminish odors and promote freshness and longevity. In a close quarter, multi-shift atmosphere, this is a welcoming feature.

After years and years of 24/7 use, it may be time to give your chair a fresh look by replacing the fabric. All seat fabrics are attached with Velcro making them easily replaceable should they become soiled, torn or just aged. Or consider adding a slipcover over the existing fabric. These were designed for centers with multiple people using the same chair at different times throughout the day. Employees can take their slip cover off after they are finished working to control bacteria, sweat, and dirt. Everyone will be happy to have their own cover.

Embroidery:

Promote your agency by adding your logo or company name right on the chair. 

Casters or Glides:

Safety casters minimize rolling while getting in/out of the chair.  In need of a more stationary chair? Glides can be used in place of casters to limit movement. 

Expedited Shipping:

For a small fee, get guaranteed expedited shipping in 10 days (bariatric chair not included). Normal lead time is 4-6 weeks without the optional expedited shipping.

While the chairs on the intensive use market are not always stylish, Concept Seating has found a way to make multi-shift seating comfortable.  With one of the best 24/7 warranties around, this product line is durable while providing features that target pain from the static sitting.  Although these chairs may at first appear more expensive than others, the return on your investment realized by a comfortable and well-built chair will be a good investment that will last.

As Concept Seating says, “It Ain’t Meant To Be Pretty.”

Contact us today at [email protected] or 844-994-0500 for more information or to request a demo.

When choosing a chair for your home office you might first look at on-line office supply stores, one of the many on-line furniture companies or even Amazon. You may find some low-priced choices that look nice but are they comfortable? Ergonomic chairs range from Good, Better, and Best and prices may range from $100 to $1,000 or more. Chairs touted as “ergonomic” may look good but the old saying “you get what you pay for” still rings true.

How do you select a chair that fits your needs and budget, and most importantly is comfortable to sit in all day?

Good Ergonomic Features:

A basic chair may be a good option for you if you just need a simple chair and don’t have any existing back issues. Ideally, the chair should have the ability to adjust the back and seat angle independently with a height adjustable lumbar support that provides back support where you need it while protecting your lower back and spine. Chair arms with some height adjustability will support your arms and forearms and help reduce the stress on your upper back and shoulders. The chair should have a 5-star base for stability and allow the seat height to be adjusted up or down. The control mechanism should allow the chair to rock or lock into place. 

A seat slider is recommended to allow the seat depth to be shortened or lengthened to better fit your height but isn’t critical IF the depth of the chair fits you properly. When sitting with your back against the chair back, a proper fitting chair will allow about two fingers’ spacing between your calf to the edge of the seat. If the seat is too long, the seat edge may touch the back of your calves and leave a gap between your back with the chair back providing little or no back support. A seat that is too short leaves too much of your legs extending over the front of the seat and does not provide sufficient support for your legs.

The seat pan on a basic level chair often has cut-foam construction which may be adequate when used for a few hours but results in increased seated pressure over longer time periods. Pressure mapping shows significant areas of heightened pressure areas in these types of seats. A simple test to determine seat foam quality is if you can push your thumb on the seat and feel the seat pan, you’re going to bottom out when you sit on it. Inferior foam thickness and quality can cause pressure points when sitting for long periods causing pain and discomfort. If you have a hard floor, you’ll want to find a chair that offers hard floor or urethane casters so the chair doesn’t slip out from under you or damage your floors. 

Chairs at this level may range in the $100 - $400 level. Many lower-end chairs are imports with a maximum of 250 lbs. weight capacity, and limited warranties.  Look for chairs that are made in the USA for easier warranty and generally better quality.

Better Ergonomic Features:

Too many times, we hear that customers have purchased a basic chair, and after working longer hours at home, they begin to complain “my butt hurts” or “my back is killing me”. They need a chair with better support and comfort.

The next step up adds better quality, molded contoured foam seats with waterfall front edges which distributes weight more effectively and reduces seated pressure points. An upgraded control mechanism with more adjustments provides a better fit for improved back comfort. These adjustments include independent back angle and seat angle with forward tilt capabilities allowing the user to easily vary their position and reduces pressure on the back of the thigh.  Chair arms with a softer arm pad and pivot options provide full forearm support and minimize pressure on the elbow and ulnar nerve.

The chair may come in different seat sizes ranging from petite to extra-long with back heights from mid-back to high-back for improved upper back support. Many will provide standard weight capacities of up to 300 lbs. or more for plus-size needs. Warranties may extend up to ten years or limited lifetime from US based manufacturers. And you may be able to select from a wider range of fabrics for increased comfort.

This category includes: ergoCentric Seating and Office Master chairs

Best Ergonomic Features:

The truly ergonomic chairs will provide superior comfort and the best seated pressure reduction. It’s like finding the right pair of shoes for the best comfort. It’s the ahhhh feeling when you sit for long periods and can still get out of your chair without aching all over. 

The best ergonomic features include air lumbar or lumbar depth adjustment features to control the depth and firmness of the lumbar support; control mechanisms with a greater range of adjustments and independent back and seat angle control; custom options such as thoracic back foam build-ups or coccyx cut-outs for even more pressure reduction and support. 

Along with height and width adjustable arms, padded arm pads with 360-degree swivel movement and lateral motion allows the user to find the perfect fit and position the chair arms by their sides avoiding elbows winging out when arms are too wide. To alleviate discomfort, shoulders should be relaxed with forearms neutral, and elbows close to the body. Having fully adjustable arms helps support your arms and shoulders in a neutral posture and reduces muscle fatigue from holding your arms up. 

Several manufacturers provide contoured seat designs ranging from a minimal contoured seat, moderate contour, and high contoured seats. A contoured seat design made with quality molded foam can bring a better chair into the best category. Memory foam can be added to reduce seated pressure and certain fabrics, like knit fabric, give more and allows for a softer sit.

At this level, expect limited lifetime warranties and some may even include labor for any service repairs that may be needed. The best ergonomic features provide the most comfort and increased productivity during a full workday, every day and the best return on your investment. 

This category includes:  BodyBilt, Neutral Posture, Sit-Matic chairs

It may be worth finding an ergonomic chair vendor who has the experience and expertise to help you. Your chair should last for many years so take time to carefully select and get the right chair to fit your needs. Call us today at 844-994-0500 or email us at [email protected] to discuss your comfort needs and we can fin the right solution for you.