The design goal for the Mirra chair was to create an ergonomic chair that focused on reducing pressure on the back, using minimal materials and adjustments. “For example, research over the years has shown that the biggest concern that work chair users have is back support, and in fact, back issues account for the second highest number of work illnesses. The designers took this concern to heart and focused on the back as an area of differentiation.”
The German design team, Studio 7.5 accomplished their goal of reducing back pain by creating a one piece back rest that distributed back pressure via three flexible zones, called TriFlex. Each zone is made up of different sized geometric shapes, with a total of 567 in the entire backrest, that facilitate reduced pressure, better circulation and reduced heat. The goal was to create a chair that would be flexible enough to move with the user. “The TriFlex backrest is pliable and elastic, effortlessly accommodating individual sizes, postures, and micromovements.”
Mirra Chair Design
The Mirra leverages a passive “PostureFit” lumbar support to allow consistent lumbar support in normal seted positions. The Harmonic Tilt mechanism allows for a broader degree of tilt in the backrest. Because it is adjustable by the user it allows each user to determine the back rest tilt that is most comfortable for them. It simply allows for an easier reclining function.
The seat pan of the Mirra chair is made using Herman Miller’s AirWeave technology. AirWeave seating is described as suspended seating. AirWeave distributes body pressure evenly through the seat pan. This reduces pressure on the pelvis. Reducing the pressure on the pelvis and distributing body pressure increases the likeliness that a user will maintain good posture.
One of the most difficult items to fit for an ergonomic chair use is the seat pan. A seat pan that is too large can lead to slouching. A seat pan that is too small can lead to reducing circulation in the legs. Since the Mirra chair is mass produced it offers 3 different sizes meant to accommodate different grouping of body sizes and types. But, the designers of the Mirra chair recognized that generalized seat sizing does not always fit every user. They developed a very unique solution to the problem. FlexFront seat edge enables the user to extend or retract the seat edge based on their personal comfort.
The Mirra Chair On The Internet
In researching this article I read a lot of reviews of the Mirra chair. Except for the video, listed below, there have been no negative reviews about the chair itself. Most reviewers have really enjoyed the chair and found it very comfortable. The Mirra chair has been out since 2000 and I had expected at least a few negative reviews.
I think the lack of negative reviews has to do more with expectations than anything else. Unlike the Aeron chair, which has been marketed and hyped by the manufacturer and others as the best chair in the world bar none, the marketing for the Mirra has been rather muted. It is not the most popular Herman Miller chair, it has been overshadowed by the success of the Aeron chair.
Another point is that the price for the fully loaded Mirra, estimated at $700.00, is far less than that of the fully loaded Aeron chair and is mid range, price wise, for an ergonomic office chair. Although $700.00 is still expensive, the expectations due to price are much lower than that of other more expensive chairs. Ergonomic chairs are expensive but depending on your budget this may be the chair for you.
Buying The Mirra Chair On The Internet
The Mirra Chair In Video
This is one of the best videos I have found demonstrating the technologies incorporated into the Mirra chair. Although it is not in English, the video is organized well enough so that you should be able to follow without needing to understand the presenter.
Videos are great for these articles because they usually give good insight into a product or a product manufacturer. Unfortunately this video on the Mirra chair is an exception to the rule. At first I thought about not including it. When you watch this video, keep in mind that this guy is three hundred plus pounds. Also look at how he is sitting on the chair. He is so large that he does not actually sitting square in the seat pan but actually sits on the back rest, and that is why he is having so many problems with the chair. In my opinion this is actually a testament to the quality of the Mirra chair. This guy is way too big for this chair and it is a wonder that he did not break it.
A few things are questionable about this video. First it cuts off as soon as someone starts explaining how to properly adjust the seat. Second, he talks about the front of the seat pan being hard and causing discomfort. On the second issue, the inflexible front is because the Mirra chair he is using is the basic model. The fully loaded Mirra chair includes the FlexFront technology that would have allowed him to adjust the front edge of the seat pan to his comfort. I would think that expectation here is that when you are this guys size buying the basic model of anything is not going to be the best decision.
