Ergonomic Office Chairs – Things To Consider When Buying One

Whether you work from home or an office it is important that you have the right office chair if you wish to avoid suffering from any kind of problems to your back later on. All of us who spend large amounts of time sat a desk in front of a computer are placing strain on the spine and without the right kind of support for it can actually lead to health complications later on. However, if you want you can now get ergonomic office chairs which provide the right type of support for the spine and lower back as well as helping to main a good posture position.

Below we are going to be taking a look at some of the features that a person should be looking for if they are considering buying such a chair. Unfortunately, these do not come cheap and so it is important that you choose the right one. The main features that you should be looking for in a good ergonomic office chair are as follows.

Seat Height

This should not only be easily adjustable, but it is best if the chair comes with a pneumatic lever that will allow you to adjust the height of the seat that you are comfortable with. At all times once you are sat in your chair your feet should be placed flat on the floor and your thighs should be horizontal with the floor also. Plus it should allow for your arms to be level with the height of the desk.

Seat Width and Depth

A good quality office chair whether ergonomic or not should have a seat that is 17 to 20 inches wide. Any more or less than this and often the person will find such a chair very uncomfortable to sit on. As for the depth of the chair, this again should help to place you in a position which results with a gap of between 2 and 4 inches being present behind a person’s knees and the front of the seat.

Lower Back Support

A good ergonomic office chair should provide adequate support to this part of the body and should also allow you to adjust the height and depth of the lumbar rest on it. You need a lumbar rest that will ensure that sufficient amounts of support are provided to the lower part of the back where it begins to curve in.

Backrest

A good backrest on an ergonomic office chair should be between 12 and 19 inches in width. Also if the one that you are looking at comes with a backrest that is separate from the seat of the chair then controls (levers) should have been provided so that you are able to adjust both the angle and height of it. But for those that are all in one then they should have a mechanism that allows you to move it backwards and forwards to varying angles. This mechanism then should lock in place once you have found the ideal seating position for you.

Armrest

A good quality office chair should provide you with armrests that help to support not just your arms but your shoulders as well. Look for a chair that allows you to easily rest the lower part of your arm and elbows on it, but whilst you are typing the forearms should not be in contact with it. If you can choose one that allows you to alter the height of the armrests so that you can place them in the correct position and one which you feel comfortable with.

When it comes to buying an ergonomic office chair if you keep the points we have mentioned above in mind you should soon be able to find one that suits you perfectly. Although you can get them much cheaper online it may be advisable to go to your local office supplier first and try out a few they have before you actually spend your hard earned money. A good ergonomic office chair is a very sound investment as it will ensure that you back is well supported and you maintain the right kind of posture whilst sat at your desk.