Work From Home - Seated Comfort

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.