How to Get Ergonomic Chairs Comfortably Fit Us

Hardly is there any chair that can well fit all the different body types. Usually, the perfect ergonomic chairs for 5'5" dentists may be harmful for those 6'2" computer programmers for prolonged sitting. The ergonomic chair has to fit our unique body figure. Here we would love to share some tips that guide us to find the ergonomic chairs best suit us.

Body Weight:

We have different weight and usually the weight may affect the adjustment feature or safety of an ergonomic chair. Most of the chairs can support 250 pounds. If our weight surpass that, choose some chairs warranted for overweight people.

Width of Seat:

We sit in the chairs, and we still have frequent movement. We have to get a chair that is wider than our hips, wide enough to allow space for movement.

Depth of Chair:

We need to sit in an ergonomic chair with no stress against the back of our knees. The chairs have to well support our back, buttock or thigh. Check out the chair to allow 1" to 3" space behind our knees to avoid pressure. For reclining, choose a deeper seat for reclining while a shallower seat for forward sitting.

Seat Height:

We have to get an ergonomic chair which allows us to rest our feet comfortably on the floor or footrest and still evenly supports our thighs. Usually, the front edge height of the chair needs to better match our lower leg length.

Angle of Seat:

We usually choose a forward tilting seat if we tend to sit forward, a horizontal one for upright sitting and a backwards one for reclining. The tilt adjustment needs to go with our body weight. Now a lot of ergonomic chairs can balance our weight with adjustable tension free float seat. Anyway, the angle adjustment has to ensure that our torso-to-thigh angle needs to be controlled within 90°.

Cushion of Seat:

Usually, ergonomic chair with contour, extra padding or variable density upholstery materials can ensure better distribution of our body weight. For a chair easier to move, choose the less contoured one. Chair with greater contour can offer us extra comfort and keep us from sliding in a forward tilting seat, yet the disadvantage is poor movement.

Height & Width of Backrest:

The backrests need to offer better support to our lumbar spine. When our activities change, the backrest has to change as well. If we have tasks that involve frequent upper body movement, choose chairs with low backrests or narrow backrests. As for tall backrests, they can better support our shoulders.

Armrest Height:

The ideal armrest needs to be kept in almost the same height as the point of our bent elbows so that we can comfortably support our elbows on the armrest without hunching up the shoulders. Better arm support can help reduce fatigue of our back and neck. But we do not need armrest if we find us sit quite erect or lean forward a bit

Armrest Length:

Ideal armrest length may allow us to sit close enough to our table for comfortably doing our work and still keeping better contact with the backrest.
 
Swivel:

If the ergonomic chair we use has swivel, we can change the reach of our vision with little body movement. Usually, swiveling in the office chair can be relaxing.

Caster & Glides

Carpet castors are useful if we have to frequently move from one place to another in the office. For use on wooden floor or tile, the chairs with glides or braking, locking, soft friction castors are ideal.