Finding the right office chair is not only an important task, it is also becoming crucial as the time spent sitting in a sedentary position has increased with hectic work schedules and the demands that careers bring in the workplace. commercial fields. The problem is that unless you are an ergonomist or have one available at your disposal, it is difficult to determine how to find a chair that fits your body properly. The right office chair should support the body evenly, allow 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 doesn’t fit your proportions correctly, you’ll start to experience discomfort over time, which can lead to more serious problems over time. Consider the following tips before purchasing 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 your thighs need to sit comfortably all day. 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 your knee to the backrest. There should be about an inch and a half or 2-3 finger widths between the edge of the seat and the back of the 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. Consider the type of footwear you typically wear to work—heels, for example—can add a few inches to your needed seat height. Most office chairs only come with one barrel size that allows for about a 4″ range of adjustment, however some specialty ergonomic chairs have the option of different height barrels which can be helpful 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 muscles of the neck and shoulders; however, if you are not careful when choosing them, they can limit access to the keyboard or desktop. Armrests must not restrict movement or access to a workstation. The height of the armrests should be the same as the height of the elbow at rest, 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 the 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 your back. Backrests are often 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 experiencing upper back pain, finding a higher back that fully supports the shoulders and neck is essential.

seat width

The seat cushion must 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’re not too wide where you need to reach to use the armrest or too narrow where you can’t sit.