Ergonomic chair: what it means and how to know if yours is

What is an ergonomic chair?

An ergonomic chair is one that adapts to the body of the user, instead of forcing the body to adapt to it. In concrete terms: it regulates the height of the seat so that the feet rest completely, it supports the lower curve of the back with lumbar support, and its backrest accompanies the movement when reclining instead of remaining fixed.

That's the real difference with a regular chair. It is not defined by the material, nor the brand, nor the price: it is defined by how much it can be adjusted. Everything that is not regulated ends up fixing the person's posture, and a full day in a foreign posture is what is later felt in the back and neck.

How do you know if an ergonomic chair is good?

Thechairrepresents the object where the worker is most of the time during his or her workday; That is why not knowing how to choose theergonomic office chairProper use can cause health problems and even affect employee productivity. At DUNATI we want to help you know what you should really look for in order to choose theergonomic chaircorrect, thus ensuring what you and your office really need. 1. The first thing to consider in yourergonomic chairis helumbar supportthat it has, understanding that it is not just a mechanism that supports the back; It must also be designed to resemble the natural curve of the spine as closely as possible. There areergonomic chairswith cushions or pads behind the backrest mesh that provide back support and, in some models, these can be adjusted in height or the tension they generate, giving the user complete ability to personalize their chair until it fits them. 2. Therecline your ergonomic chairIt is essential to ensure continuous movement of the spine, avoiding rigid positions. It is always better to choose a synchronous chair over a reclining one, since the latter moves both the seat and the backrest together. While a synchronous one moves the seat only when the backrest has reached a certain degree of inclination, allowing the worker to narrow or tilt his back without feeling that his legs are raised at the same time.

What regulations should it have?

3.- Theheight must be adjustable, to achieve an angle between 90º and 120° for knee flexion. It is not advisable for the height to be very low, as it would cause the person to place their feet under the chair. Your feet should touch the floor and, if necessary, you should have a footrest to compensate. 4.- Theupholstery thickness and materialThey must also be evaluated. It should not be extremely padded as that will only cause it to deform over time, adapting to any poor posture that the user may have. The fabric must be breathable, so that it does not generate moisture and supports continuous use, guaranteeing its durability. 5.- Theseat cushionIt should be curved towards the edge, where the knees are located, generating a smooth fall of the legs. In this way, pressure on the nerves of the thighs and subsequent numbness, varicose veins and cooling of the extremities will be avoided.

What should the armrests and backrest be like?

6.- Theergonomic chair armrestThey are a fundamental complement, since the weight of the worker is poured into them, relieving the spine and avoiding the feeling of rigid shoulders. They must be adjustable at least in height and, if possible, also in width and the buttocks with a rotation mechanism, so that they adjust to the body of the person who uses it. 7.- Theergonomic chair mobilityIt is a factor that facilitates a person's movement, providing them with comfort. Therefore, having wheels for hard, laminate or wooden floors is a contribution to both ergonomics and the care of the property. 8.- AheadboardIt is the ideal plus when resting in a chair, helping to release unnecessary pressure on the rest of the body and providing comfort to the neck. However, it is not advisable to use it at all times.