Finding the right office chair is not only an important task, but it is also becoming crucial as the time spent sitting in a sedentary position has increased with hectic work schedules and the demands that come with careers in the commercial fields. The problem is, unless you’re an ergonomist or have one available at your disposal, it’s hard to figure out how to find a chair that will fit your body properly. The right office chair should support the body evenly, allow for easy movement, be easy to adjust, provide long-term comfort, and help maintain proper posture. Just like people, office chairs come in all different shapes and sizes. The problem is that not everyone will fit into a uniform chair design, unless their proportions perfectly match the design of the chair. If your chair does not fit your proportions correctly, over time you will begin to experience discomfort that can lead to more serious problems over time. Consider the following tips before you buy your next office chair.
seat depth
The depth of a seat is an essential component in the overall comfort of your office chair. If you have a seat that’s too small, you won’t get the support you need to keep your thighs comfortable all day long. If your seat is too big, it will put pressure against the back of your knees, which can also cause discomfort. While sitting, measure the distance from the back of the knee to the back of the seat. You should have about an inch and a half or 2-3 fingers of distance between the edge of the seat and the back of your knee. If you’re not sure if a seat will be too short for you, consider finding a chair that has the option of a sliding seat that allows you to adjust the depth of your chair.
seat height
Your chair should allow you to sit with your feet flat on the floor or on a footrest with your knees bent at a 90-degree angle. This can be achieved with the proper seat height. Measure the height from the floor to the crease at the back of the knee. Keep in mind the type of shoe you normally wear to work, heels for example, can add a few inches to the necessary seat height. Most office chairs only come with one cylinder size that allows for a range of adjustment of about 4″, however some specialty ergonomic chairs have the option of different height cylinders which may be useful for people who are taller. or lower.
armrest
Many of today’s computer users experience neck/shoulder pain due to their arms being elevated and unsupported. The armrests are designed to support the neck and shoulder muscles; however, if you’re not careful when choosing them, they can limit access to the keyboard or desktop. Armrests must not restrict movement or access to a work station. The height of the armrests should be the same as the height of the resting elbow, they should not be higher or lower, or this will cause discomfort. Look for armrests that can be adjusted in width and height to properly align them to your body’s needs. Shoulders and upper arms should be in line with your torso, generally perpendicular to the floor, and relaxed (not raised or stretched forward).
back
The shape of the backrest should follow the natural curve of your back. That’s why many office chairs are designed with an “S” curve to fit the natural shape of the back. Often the backrests are fixed in place, making it difficult to properly support the natural shape of the backs of taller or shorter users. An adjustable backrest or lumbar support eliminates this problem and allows the user to position the backrest to fit the shape of their spine. Back height is another concern. For those who experience upper back pain, finding a higher back that fully supports the shoulders and neck is essential.
seat width
The seat cushion should fully support your frame in both depth and width. A seat cushion that is too small will not provide full support and one that is too large will not allow comfortable use of the armrests. Look at the distance between the armrests to make sure they are not too wide where you need to reach to use the armrest or too narrow where you cannot sit.
