When seated in the average office chair, it is easy to assume that one size fits all. However, to practice good ergonomics, the office chair can have many features designed to help the user who falls out of the range of normal size, has special health considerations, has an unusual job or works with unique machinery. The most popular extra features and options for an ergonomic chair are discussed here. Proper armrest support is critical to alleviating back and neck pain when seated for long hours at the computer typing or using the mouse. Most armrest are designed for the user to take small breaks throughout the typing experience, answering phone calls, conversations, etc., when the user has the armrests for additional support and an armrest is needed. Adjustable arms with height and width adjustments are recommended to get the proper elbow and wrist placement. This allows the user to put the armrests at the precise location for optimum elbow support. Some individuals have chronic forearm pain and manufacturers of ergonomic custom chairs have started to feature an option of a tilting armrests which would match the user's natural motions forward and back. Your spine is equally as important and good lower back relief comes from maintaining your natural curve in the lower lumbar (back) region. Most chairs don't accomodate for this and it is absolutely necessary for proper lumbar support and comfort ability in the long term when seated for long periods of time at employment. Some users may have a large lordosis which is a fancy name for lower back curve. These users may require an additional lumbar support bolster or pillow to help keep the natural curve. For people with sensitive lower backs, an adjustable lumbar support may be necessary to truly find the comfort level desired when seated. Many new task chair models are already starting to feature this as standard because of the benefits of fitting that support to your body type. Some users have longer or shorter torsos and body types and extra adjustments and cylinder height options should be considered to keep the proper posture. Some indivuals may not like the idea of a footrest option and might order a smaller cylinder when in turn a larger person would order a taller cylinder height. The cylinder height controls the seat height allowing the user to place his feet flat on the floor, an important step in ergonomic positioning. Some taller workspaces, such as drafting tables or wetbars may require a footring option to keep the users feet firmly supported while still reaching the table comfortably and with proper elbow placement. Footrings can also help the smaller user acommodate for the proper feet placement. Large individuals can be the most difficult challenge to a chairs options and features adequately meeting their needs. Many options are now available to keep any user practicing good ergonomics. The seat pan can be manufactured to a wider specification, with usually only 1-2" difference this can make all the difference. Many Big and Tall chair models also come with a sliding adjustable seat to change the seat depth to better acommodate a longer leg or upper thigh. A synchro knee tilt which keeps the users feet firmly on the floor even when reclining is recommended for a larger user to prevent circulation reduction in the back of the legs. This feature relcines the back of the seat at a faster ratio than the seat pan, helping keep the legs positioned correctly. When choosing your office chair, the casters are also an important option to consider and one which many people forget. When using an office chair on carpet, the caters are of a completely different sort than on hardwood or linoleum. Make sure to consider where the chair will be used to get the easiest glide available. Some casters are made with locking mechanisms which are needed in some workspaces or optional glides to keep the chair stationary. When choosing the options for your office chair, it is good to remember proper ergonomics, always keeping in mind your body type and any special needs necessary for your comfort ability. |
