10 rules for choosing an ergonomic chair
1. Make sure the casters are suitable for the surface where the chair will be used. Example: nylon casters for carpet flooring, urethane casters for hard floors, etc.
2. The base of the chair should be of the size and type appropriate to the style and format of the chair. Generally, more massive armchairs will have a wider base for more stability. If the base is plastic, it should contain at least 30% fiberglass reinforced nylon and have a metal ring hub.
3. Task chairs must have a pneumatic cylinder for seat height adjustment. In addition to adjusting the height, the cylinder absorbs shock when sitting and allows the chair to pivot to follow your movements. A recognized brand pneumatic cylinder is preferable because many inexpensive products do not offer durability and quality.
4. The seat angle should tilt backwards and forwards for proper and varied positioning. It must lock at the desired angle and in floating mode, control of the tension of the mechanism is necessary.
5. For an ideal seat:
a) The size of the seat must allow you to sit well back against the backrest while leaving approximately 2 to 3 fingers of clearance from the back of the knees to the front of the seat.
b) The front of the seat should be “waterfall” type (curved towards the ground) to reduce pressure on the veins at the back of the thighs. The seat should also have a lateral curve for better distribution of body weight across the pelvic bones.
c) The seat should not have pronounced curves that could create pressure on the veins of the thighs. In addition, the back of the seat should not rise up as this will create additional pressure at the base of the spine.
d) The depth of the seat should be adjustable.
6. To ensure excellent back support:
a) The backrest must have firm lumbar support built into the structure, and not just in the foam, because the foam alone cannot guarantee the support necessary to maintain the natural curve of the lumbar region in position.
b) The backrest must also provide lateral support to keep the upper body straighter while reducing muscular stress associated with an upright position.
c) The backrest should be padded with foam to prevent rigid structures from coming into contact with the user's back which could create discomfort.
d) The backrest should be of adequate size to properly support the user's back.
7. The opening angle between the seat and the backrest should be more than 90 degrees to help reduce stress on the spine, in this case, the angle of the backrest should be adjustable to allow the user to vary their posture.
8. The lumbar support must be adjustable in height to suit all body dimensions. Extensive adjustment of the support height is very important in order to accommodate people of different heights and weights.
9. Adjustable armrests (if appropriate) should:
a) Allow the user to bring the chair close to the work surface (armrests swivel inwards).
b) Adequately support the weight of the arms to reduce muscular stress on the shoulders and neck. The armrests should be as close to the body as possible.
c) Provide support and guidance when getting in and out of the chair.
10. Adjustable chairs must be safe and solidly constructed to prevent any risk of accident. A lower quality chair can cause more problems than good.
We offer a wide selection of ergonomic chairs. Our ergonomics specialists are always there to help you choose the chair you need, based on your size, your tasks and your specific needs. Come try them!
2. The base of the chair should be of the size and type appropriate to the style and format of the chair. Generally, more massive armchairs will have a wider base for more stability. If the base is plastic, it should contain at least 30% fiberglass reinforced nylon and have a metal ring hub.
3. Task chairs must have a pneumatic cylinder for seat height adjustment. In addition to adjusting the height, the cylinder absorbs shock when sitting and allows the chair to pivot to follow your movements. A recognized brand pneumatic cylinder is preferable because many inexpensive products do not offer durability and quality.
4. The seat angle should tilt backwards and forwards for proper and varied positioning. It must lock at the desired angle and in floating mode, control of the tension of the mechanism is necessary.
5. For an ideal seat:
a) The size of the seat must allow you to sit well back against the backrest while leaving approximately 2 to 3 fingers of clearance from the back of the knees to the front of the seat.
b) The front of the seat should be “waterfall” type (curved towards the ground) to reduce pressure on the veins at the back of the thighs. The seat should also have a lateral curve for better distribution of body weight across the pelvic bones.
c) The seat should not have pronounced curves that could create pressure on the veins of the thighs. In addition, the back of the seat should not rise up as this will create additional pressure at the base of the spine.
d) The depth of the seat should be adjustable.
6. To ensure excellent back support:
a) The backrest must have firm lumbar support built into the structure, and not just in the foam, because the foam alone cannot guarantee the support necessary to maintain the natural curve of the lumbar region in position.
b) The backrest must also provide lateral support to keep the upper body straighter while reducing muscular stress associated with an upright position.
c) The backrest should be padded with foam to prevent rigid structures from coming into contact with the user's back which could create discomfort.
d) The backrest should be of adequate size to properly support the user's back.
7. The opening angle between the seat and the backrest should be more than 90 degrees to help reduce stress on the spine, in this case, the angle of the backrest should be adjustable to allow the user to vary their posture.
8. The lumbar support must be adjustable in height to suit all body dimensions. Extensive adjustment of the support height is very important in order to accommodate people of different heights and weights.
9. Adjustable armrests (if appropriate) should:
a) Allow the user to bring the chair close to the work surface (armrests swivel inwards).
b) Adequately support the weight of the arms to reduce muscular stress on the shoulders and neck. The armrests should be as close to the body as possible.
c) Provide support and guidance when getting in and out of the chair.
10. Adjustable chairs must be safe and solidly constructed to prevent any risk of accident. A lower quality chair can cause more problems than good.
We offer a wide selection of ergonomic chairs. Our ergonomics specialists are always there to help you choose the chair you need, based on your size, your tasks and your specific needs. Come try them!