In “Essential Features Of An Ergonomic Chair” the bare minimum features of an ergonomic chair were outlined. But, what makes a good ergonomic chair. Is there really a difference? As long as the bare minimum features are covered does anything else matter? The answer to both questions is absolutely yes. Unfortunately, chairs are mass produced. They are designed and manufactured to fit as many people as possible.
We all are unique in our body types and comfort levels. Good ergonomic chairs are chairs that are adjustable, to a certain degree, to match an individual’s needs and comfort levels. It would be easy to say that any chair that is 16 inches off the ground with a twenty inch wide seating pan is an ergonomic chair. But, it is doubtful that those parameters will fit all potential users.
Because body type is the most difficult aspect to match most ergonomic chairs are made in different sizes matching ranges of height and weight. But, adjustability should not stop there. A good ergonomic office chair should be adjustable to make a customized fit for each user. These adjustments should be easy for anyone to perform on the fly.
Essential Adjustments Of Any Good Ergonomic Office Chair
- Easily adjustable seat height. Although manufacturers make different size chairs available, these chairs are designed to fit a broad number of body types. Being able to easily adjust the seat height is very important.
- Seat depth is essential to properly fitting a user to a chair. With most chairs this is accomplished by making different general sizes of chairs available. On a few chairs adjusting seat pan depth is accomplished by allowing the backrest itself to adjust in an in out fashion or a sliding seat pan is also used.
- Seat tilt should also be adjustable. We don’t all sit the same way. It is essential that a user can adjust the seat tilt for comfort; otherwise they will not sit all the way back with their back against the back rest and the lumbar support.
- Adjusting the backrest angle. Being able to lean back transfers the pressure of upper body weight to the backrest of the chair. This also helps support the lumbar region of the back.
- Being able to adjust lumbar support enables adjustments to different body types.
- Height adjustable armrests. If armrests are present you should be able to adjust their height to match the work surface.
Adjustability is key to a good ergonomic chair. If you have the right size chair but you can not adjust the chair to suit you then you are likely to not use it properly, nullifying any positive ergonomic aspects of the chair. Unless you purchase a custom made ergonomic office chair it is unlikely you will find one that is perfect for you and your body type. Once you make a purchase, read the directions that come with the chair. They will outline the adjustments and how to get the best fit for you.
Videos For Good Ergonomic Chairs
These videos are actually repeats of the videos I used in the article “Essential Features Of An Ergonomic Chair” These were used again because I still think they are still relevant to get a good understanding of what makes a good ergonomic chair. I included here a third video, whgich is actually the second segment of the original Get Connected interview.
The first video is a great easy to understand overview about seated ergonomics and the importance of ergonomic chairs Its a fast and easy to understand overview.
This first video from Get Connected is interesting because they are interviewing an ergonomist from Herman Miller on how to properly adjust an ergonomic office chair. I think video is worth a million words and when you are able to use one from a trusted source its that much the better.
This last video is the second segment of the first. The same ergonomist from Herman Miller gives an overview of setting up an ergonomic work area and what to look for. It is interesting to watch and understand the process. It goes beyond the ergonomic chair and gives an overview of everything that can affect you ergonomically in your work area.
