What features should a proper ergonomic office chair have?
Introduction
Choosing the right ergonomic office chair plays a crucial role in preventing musculoskeletal problems, such as pain in the back, neck, and hips. Below, we list everything you need to look out for to ensure comfort and proper ergonomics in your office.
Key Features to Check
Does the seat feel comfortable and fit your body shape?
The seat pan should not be too long for your legs; otherwise, it will exert pressure behind your knees or prevent you from fully resting your lower back against the lumbar support. For freedom of movement, there should be at least a 1.3 cm (about half an inch) gap between the front edge of the seat and the back of your knees. The seat pan should be long enough to provide comfortable support for at least three-quarters of your thigh length. Many ergonomic chairs feature an adjustable seat pan to fit different body types. Most ergonomic chairs have a seat pan with a downward-curving front edge (a “waterfall” edge) to avoid pressure behind the knees. The seat pan should also be contoured to allow for even weight distribution and be comfortable to sit on. The seat surface should be cushioned and shaped so that it does not exert pressure on the thighs and buttocks. The back of the seat pan should provide comfortable support.
Is the seat height adjustable?
For greater comfort, the chair should be adjustable so you can set the height of the seat pan while seated. Some chairs have a mechanical height adjustment mechanism (swivel), which is less convenient but acceptable in some cases. Ideally, the chair’s height should be adjustable to suit all individuals.
Is the seat height adjustment range sufficient to meet the needs of all users?
You should be able to adjust the height of the seat pan so that the front of your knees are at the same level or slightly lower, and your feet rest firmly on the floor. In most cases, you will not need to use a footrest. The mechanism for adjusting the seat height should be easy to access and operate while you are seated.
Does the chair have comfortable lumbar support?
Many chairs have supports for the lumbar region (lower back) that can be adjusted up and down, are curved, and are sometimes also adjustable forward and backward to better match the shape of your lower back. If the chair is used by multiple users, this adjustability may be necessary. If the chair has a fixed support height and is comfortable when you sit back, and if you will be the primary user of the chair, then fixed support may be acceptable.
Is the backrest large enough to provide good back support?
Many chairs have a backrest large enough to provide support to the mid-back and thoracic region (trunk), up to the level of the shoulder blades. The backrest should not interfere with the movement of your elbows behind your torso.
Is there enough space for your hips when you are seated?
Insufficient room for your hips can cause you to sit too far forward on the seat pan, so you don’t have enough thigh support. When seated, the seat pan should be at least 3 cm (about an inch) wider than your hips and thighs on both sides.
Is the seat pan still comfortable after at least 60–120 minutes of sitting?
If the seat pan is made of low-density foam, continuous use can permanently deform it, failing to provide adequate support. Insufficient cushioning and an improper seat contour can cause discomfort and fatigue in the hips and back. Ideally, you should sit in a chair for a few days at work to understand how comfortable it is for you.
Does the backrest recline to support your back in different positions?
Movement of the backrest while sitting helps maintain a healthy spine. Look for chairs that allow you to recline easily, provide good back support in various reclined positions, and adapt to your back’s position. Locking the backrest in one position is generally not recommended or beneficial for users, as it limits the support provided to the back. Research studies confirm the benefits of using chairs that support a dynamic sitting posture rather than encouraging a static one.
Does the chair have a five-point base?
If chair mobility is important for your job, the chair should have at least a five-point base with casters that glide easily over the floor surface. Chairs with four casters tip over more easily than those with five or more.
Do you need armrests on your chair?
Most ergonomic chairs have armrests, which should be adjustable. The chair’s armrests should be designed to be wide, contoured, padded, and comfortable. While seated, you should be able to easily adjust the height of the armrests. You should be able to move your arms easily if needed, for example, when typing or using the mouse. For this reason, you might look for a chair with armrests that are adjustable in both width and height.
Conclusion
Choosing the right ergonomic chair is an investment in your long-term health and productivity. A good chair will support you for years, preventing pain and improving your work experience. Remember that the most expensive chair is not necessarily the best for you—the right choice depends on your individual needs.
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