subject: Choosing The Perfect Office Chair [print this page] Studies show the average worker spends about five to six hours in their office chair each day. If one is to spend that much time sitting, it is essential to pick the right office chair for you. Ergonomics is the science of designing products or environments so that they fit the needs of people, improving safety and performance. In the case of an office chair, an ergonomic chair is one that provides support and comfort to the user. When choosing a conventional office chair, you should keep the following things in mind: Seat construction. Given the amount of time spent in your office chair a softer padded surface is better than hard wood or plastic. Additionally, you should choose a breathable fabric rather than one with a high synthetic content, or leather. Seat height. Most office chairs have an air pressure height adjustment mechanism so the chair can be raised or lowered. The ideal height is about 18 to 20 inches, but you should be able to adjust it so that you can sit in it with your thighs should be parallel to the floor, with your feet flat on the floor. When in this position your arms should also be even with the desk. It is helpful to measure the height of your desk before you go shopping to ensure your chair will be a good fit. (In the event your desk is rather tall, consider a chair with a foot bar along the swivel so that your feet can be at rest.) Seat size. The depth and width of the seat should be large enough to accommodate you. It should be wide enough that you are not squeezing between the armrests, or any part of you is overhanging the sides. For depth, sitting comfortably (at the proper height), you should be able to rest your back against the backrest and have about three inches to spare between the back of your knees and the edge of the chair. Seat angle. You should also be able to adjust the forward or backward tilt of the chair for maximum comfort. Armrests. The armrests of your chair should allow your shoulders to be relaxed when your arms are at rest. Many chairs have adjustable armrests so you can set them to the perfect height. Back support. This is one of the most important aspects of your chair. Your lower spine has an inward curve, and if its not supported can cause poor posture and/or back pain over time. Ergonomic chairs have lumber adjustments available to support your lower back. If your chair does not have this feature, you can slip on a lower back support, in the form of a foam or cushion designed for this purpose. Backrest. A good backrest will be separate from the seat and you should be able to adjust both the height and angle of the back of your chair. The height of the backrest depends on your personal preference, but if you are exceptionally tall, you may wish to pay special attention to ensure your chair can be adjusted to your preferred height. The ideal width of your backrest is 12 to 19 inches wide. Again, the backrest should properly support the lower back. A chair is an integral part of your office furniture. Austin couple Bill and Paula Coon own Office Furniture Now!, the premiere provider of Austin business furniture . Bill says, Given the amount of time spent in an office chair each day, we always recommend that you spend a significant portion of their focus and budget on this essential piece of office furniture. So take their advice and make sure you select an ergonomic chair just right for you.
by: Brigette Botkin.
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