What Makes a Chair Ergonomic?

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Several different factors go into making a chair ergonomic. Among the most important of these factors are adjustable height and armrests. Some ergonomic chairs also feature adjustable lumbar support and contoured backrests.

The ergonomic chair features these features so that it is better for your health and posture. Read on to find out what features you should look for in an ergonomic chair. You may be surprised to learn that the most expensive chair does not necessarily have the best ergonomic features.

Modern office with ergonomics chair

Adjustable Height

An ergonomic chair allows the seat to be adjusted to level with your knees or slightly above. This will keep your knees in a proper alignment and prevent pressure on your thigh. In addition, the seat should be deep enough to support your knees without preventing you from leaning fully back. A chair that allows you to adjust the seat’s depth also has a waterfall front so it does not catch behind your knees.

Adjustable height is another essential feature of ergonomic chairs. A chair with lumbar support is an excellent choice if you suffer from lower back pain. Lumbar support is the area of the back between the pelvis and ribs, and sitting on it without proper support can cause pain and strain on the lower spine structure. Ideally, an ergonomic chair will allow you to adjust the height of the backrest and the support for your lumbar region.

Contoured Backrest

An ergonomic chair has a contoured backrest that supports the different body positions of its users. This is especially important if you spend many hours in a chair since low-density foam can break down over time and no longer provide good cushioning. A good ergonomic chair also has adjustable headrests and armrests. A good backrest hugs the body when you sit in it, and the right contouring can help prevent back and hip fatigue. If a chair’s backrest doesn’t conform to your body, you might have to twist sideways to fit in.

A comfortable seat pan is also essential. It should be contoured and provide good support for your thighs. The backrest should be able to adjust so your knees are aligned with your hips. The seat pan should be easily adjustable so that you don’t have to get up or move to adjust the height of your seat. The seat pan should be soft and comfortable, and it should be able to swivel easily.

Adjustable Armrests

An adjustable armrest is an integral part of an ergonomic chair. The backrest should support various positions and be comfortable to sit in. A seat that is too short or too long can catch behind the knees and prevent you from fully leaning against the lumbar support. The seat pan should be adjustable to provide adequate support to three-quarters of your thigh. Many chairs now come with adjustable seat pans. They may also feature a waterfall front that prevents your knees from catching behind your legs.

The width of the armrest is a vital feature to look for in an ergonomic chair. The right width will ensure that the arms do not put undue pressure on your shoulders. Armrests that are too wide or too close to the torso can cause pain. Adjustable armrests will allow you to find the right height for your arms. Most armrests will allow you to set them at four inches, which is ideal for most users.

Adjustable Lumbar Support

Whether you need lumbar support for your office or gaming chair, an adjustable lumbar support system will help you stay comfortable. A lumbar support system provides external pressure on the lower spine while you sit or lay. Finding a chair with lumbar support that can adjust height and depth is vital. It should also be adjustable to add or remove the pressure to your back. Its backrest should also change with your lumbar.

A lumbar support system is also important to prevent back pain. If your back is not properly supported, it will cause your spine to curve outwards, straining the structures of your lower back. When you have a lumbar support system, your spine can stay in a more natural position. You should avoid chairs that accentuate your inward curve and make you feel unsupported. This will help the lumbar support work properly for you.

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