19 Jun Office Chairs, Choose Your Options Wisely
So many different features, styles and colors are available that it can be confusing to make sure to order the correct options for your office chair. Sitting in your office chair for considerable lengths of time is standard with computers playing such an important role in the 21st century. Practicing proper ergonomics while making sure to purchase the right size of chair are key factors for a healthy body and spine when spending lengthy hours of time seated.
The standard options available on most task office chairs and stools are things like seat height adjustment levers, a tilt mechanism, tilt locking pins and lumbar support with adjustments on each. Having proper lumbar support and the adjsutability of the tilt mechanism are probably the most important features in order to stay comfortable in the long term. The lower back is the area facing the most stress when sitting for long periods of time and the extra lumbar support can really be felt. Lumbar support can also be optioned with an adjustment scale to help place the support where needed for the users body type even with different users.
The desired position when seated in your office chair is in a slightly reclined position, so a tilt mechanism is needed for proper positioning. This also works to prevent back problems in the long term. Some tilt mechanisms also come with locking positions to help the user to properly recline into the desired position for the task at hand.
One feature that is helpful for users but is found mostly in more expensive models, is an option referred to as synchro-knee tilt. This allows the user’s feet to stay on the floor while straight backed and even when in a reclining position. Ergonomics also call for your feet to stay on the floor at all times to keep the spine in the correct position. The synchro-knee tilt mechanism simply reclines the feet at a slower ratio than it does the back of the seat. The ratio is approximately 2 degrees for recline in each position for the back support and 1 degree for recline in each position for the seat.
A headrest can be helpful to the taller user or the user who spends more time reclining than the average worker. When choosing a high backed model versus a mid or low backed model, it seems to be more of a taste issue than ergonomic needs. Most executive chairs feature a high back while the task chairs are standard in a mid back form. When choosing the features for a chair where you intend to spend a great deal of your day, keep in mind your body type and individual tasks that need to be performed daily to find the perfect office chair for you.
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