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News and Information
Ergonomic Buying Tips: 8 Chair “Must Haves”
Office chairs can range from under $50 at discount office supply centers to several $1000 for premium, leather chairs from well known furniture companies. But regardless of the price, for a true ergonomic chair, one that will serve you well for years to come, there are some features that are absolutely necessary:
1. Adjustable back support:
Look for strong support in the lumbar area. This helps maintain a healthy lumbar curve in your spine allowing for good posture and a strong back. Find a chair with adjustable lumbar support that is part of the chair's structure, one in which the cushions cannot be moved or slip out of place.
2. A firm and comfortable seat:
Don’t make the mistake of settling for a seat that’s too soft. A seat that won’t sag and doesn’t feel spongy, one with a molded contoured design will help even out the sitting pressures and eliminate sore spots. This will help improve circulation and keep you from tiring quickly.
3. Importance of seat depth:
Most people overlook this: Seat depth is of upmost importance. Too deep and you are impeding circulation and causing undue pressure on your siatitic nerves and maor blood vessels. Too shallow and you wont get the needed support. A chair with an adjustable depth seat pan and (or) water-fall leading edge is a very sought after feature. (Most of our chairs provide this feature.)
4. Upper back support:
Give your upper back adequate support, important especially when you sit in the chair over several hours.
5. Adjustable headrest
Critical for supporting your neck and head. People with cervical neck problems, who do a lot of telephone work, or like to take that occasional cat nap really like this feature.
A head rest that adjusts four ways (up/down and in/out) provides maximum benefit.
6. Optional, adjustable arms
Especially important if you use a keyboard. Lack of adjustable arms is one of the largest contributors to such problems as carpal tunnel and other repetitive stress inures. Chairs without arms are not nearly as comfortable as those that come properly equipped. Also, be sure the arms let you get close to your desktop working space. Arms that are not adjusted properly can cause severe problems. Your arms should fall naturally and not put upward pressure on the shoulders. They should allow for you to maintain a parallel (straight) wrist position while at the key board.
7. Chair height
If you’re short in stature, consider getting a foot rest (either separate or built into the design of the chair itself). Don’t let your legs hang. Either make sure that your chair adjusts to an appropriate level so your legs can rest on the floor, or rest them on a foot rest. A general height adjustment follows-- Face the chair and adjust the height so the top of the seat pan (sitting surface) is just under your knee cap.
At Chair Technologies we can help you find a chair with all of these features…and even more. This have been our business since 1985. We have helped many people through the years, and we would like to help you.
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