Nowadays, the term ‘ergonomics’ has become a label that manufacturers put in the description of basically every other product they create, hoping to increase the demand for it and its sales. You can commonly see ‘ergonomic’ all over the internet and the conventional ads. But what it really takes for a chair to be ergonomic and help you in your quest for a better health and increased productivity?
For the sake of helping you avoid scams when buying and getting the best value for your money, we compiled a list of all the features that ergonomic office chairs need to have in order for them to be exactly what their name suggests they are. Having a good backrest, preferably a headrest, proper lumbar support, handrests and being adjustable in height are all must-have features! Let’s get into the details.
Backrest
The backrest of ergonomic office chairs should be 30-50 cm wide. It should be able to support the natural curve of your spine and offer great lumbar support. If the seat and the backrest are together, they should be adjustable in forward and back angles and have a locking mechanism that will stop it from going too backward once the person sitting on it has decided on the right angle for them.
Headrest
This feature can be particularly helpful for individuals who need extra neck or head support, such as people with back problems. Headrests are designed to help the muscles relax and increase blood flow. They are usually used when the chair is slightly reclined.
Armrests
Having fixed armrests is fine if you intend on using the chair occasionally, but for extended use it’s recommendable that the armrests are adjustable. Not only they help reduce the strain on your wrists and shoulders, but they also help you not to slouch as much in your chair. Choose padded armrests to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on your elbows.
Lumbar Support
Your spine has an inward curve, so sitting for a prolonged period of time without the proper back support may lead to slouching, which ends up flattening the natural curve and straining the structures in the lower spine. With that said, an ergonomic chair should have lumbar adjustment in both height and depth so that the individual sitting on it can get the right support for the inward curve of their lower back.
Adjustable Position and Height
Your body position will be changing a lot throughout the day and your office chair should be able to adjust to it. Changing the angle of the seat and adjusting the recline plays a great role in reducing the tension in your body and supporting your back. Ideally, your keyboard should be at elbow height, your feet should stay flat on the floor, and your upper calves should be about 10 cm from the seat cushion.
