Ergonomic Chairs

About Ergonomic Chairs

What makes the ergonomic chairs different from other office chairs is, above all, the number of adjustments. While basic models offer customisable seat height, depth and lumbar support, more advanced versions also come with adjustable armrests and many more. 

The main purpose of ergonomic office chairs is to secure and maintain the body in a dynamic neutral seating position. Proper lumbar support keeps the back straight, while adjustments allow comfortable seating regardless of body type and size. The knees stay slightly lower than hips, with thighs almost parallel to the floor and feet resting flat on the floor.

Today, ergonomic chairs come in several varieties, such as computer chairs, executive chairs, and many more.

Features of an Ergonomic Desk Chair

• Adjustable height in the broad range from short to tall - seat, base, and headrest adjustments
• Stability, preferably with a five-point base
• Functional comfort, supported efficiency 
• Adjustable armrests
• Adjustable seat pan
• Adjustable tilt tension
• Tilt lock

Types of Ergonomic Desk Chairs

"Ergonomic chair" is a broad term that encompasses various types of posture chairs, including regular office chairs, office stools, and more. 

Ergonomic Executive Chairs

Executive chairs are the most comfortable, high-level type of ergonomic chairs. As the name says, they are designed to reflect managing positions in style, dominating, elegant, and moderately to very luxurious. 

Ergonomic Computer Chair

Ergonomic computer chairs come with a whole subcategory of gaming chairs. 

• A mesh office chair is a typical model of the modern, basic computer chair, ideal for use in hot environments. Ergonomic shape provides proper support, while the breathable holes promote free-flowing air, keeping the user cool. The construction is lightweight and easy to maneuver. However, this type is not the best choice for those who prefer cushioned back support. 
• Gaming chairs are characterised by vibrant design with strong colour accents. Their common assets include a bucket seat with raised front lip, winged backrest, detachable head and back pillows, adjustable armrests and multifunctional mechanisms. While all gaming chairs feature a decent level of ergonomy, they come in a broad range of quality, durability, and price tags to match. 
• Modern design takes the best from both worlds to create gaming-office hybrids, such as an ultimate posture chair with a set of convenient features. These models typically feature back and neck support cushions, head support, winged back for shoulder support, tilt, leaning and reclining mechanisms, and a variety of adjustments. In contrast to gaming chairs, they are available in muted colour palettes, with design more appropriate to an office environment. 

Ergonomic Office Stools 

Ergonomic office stools are a specific category of posture chairs designed to promote healthy body functions. This type of chair comes with or without back support and features no armrests. Typical models are ergonomic kneeling chairs, saddle stools, leaning chairs. Some stools are designed for use with specific types of office desks and tables, such as standing desks. 

Heavy-Duty Ergonomic Desk Chair

Heavy-duty, ergonomic chairs are designed for more demanding users and specifically tested to hold heavier weights. They are robust, durable, and larger than other types, built to sustain larger body types and extended sitting hours. The construction is tougher than standard, with stronger gas struts to eliminate the risk of the mechanism buckling under pressure. 

Types of Ergonomic Chair Mechanisms

The mechanism controls the seat, typically with levers under the seat. Most levers can be pushed, pulled or twisted, to achieve a perfect position.  

Multifunction Mechanism

This mechanism offers a broad range of adjustability, including independent back and seat angles. That allows for locking the chair into an infinite number of positions. This type of mechanism goes to the centre of the seat. 

Synchro-Tilt Mechanism

In this variety, the seat and back are linked and designed to tilt simultaneously when the user leans back. However, the synchro-tilt mechanism is less ergonomic compared to the multifunction mechanism. A chair with this feature should also come with a flexible or waterfall seat edge to support reclining. 

Dynamic Mechanism

This type of mechanism is simple and affordable. While the synchro-tilt makes the seat go up when reclining, dynamic mechanisms move it forward and down. Some models do not offer tension adjustment; instead, they are counterbalanced to the user's weight. Depending on the chair quality, a back angle may lock or not lock.

Knee-Tilt 

This type of mechanism got its name from the tilt feature under the knee. It can be combined with an independently adjustable back angle, in order to provide the maximum recline. This type of mechanism is popular for conference room chairs, and less desirable in ergonomic computer chairs. 

Task Mechanism

This is the most basic mechanism that offers limited adjustments, typically seat height and sometimes depth and back angle, but no tilt. In this kind of office chair, back support and movements are relatively restricted, making them suitable for light use in a home office or conference room.

Things to Consider When Buying Ergonomic Chairs

Easily adjustable seat height is an essential feature, and a pneumatic adjustment lever is a good thing to look for. The best seat should have enough depth, width, and some adjustment options to support any user comfortably. 

Lower back support is another very important detail. A good ergonomic chair should have a flexible lumbar adjustment, ideally both height and depth. 

The backrest should be adjustable in both angle and height, with a locking mechanism to secure the position. 

Armrests should also be adjustable. Gaming chairs have a great range of flexible features, including 2D, 3D and 4D armrest adjustments. 

If you need assistance to find the right ergonomic chairs for your home or office, ArchiPro provides a connection to the various professionals, ready to assist with all requirements and questions. Simply click "Contact supplier" on the product's page, or visit the supplier's website directly from the product's page.