My ergonomic chair

Here are some details and photos of the ergonomic chair that I use. This chair has a suitability usage of up to 24 hour a day (not the standard 8 hours per day) and it is used by more than one person for numerous tasks. As such, it requires quick and easy adjustment.

I would also hazard a guess that my usage and wear levels for this chair would be higher than most ergonomic office task chairs. Consequently, if a chair like this works for me, it should be suitable for most chair and desk based workers.

You will find chairs similar to this one for sale at most online retailers at prices ranging from 300 to 600 US dollars (200 to 450 UK pounds Stirling). Many chairs like this have a similar appearance, so be sure to look at the functionality, i.e. the specification of the ergonomic chair.

Always remember that (with the occasional exception), you do get what you pay for with ergonomic chairs - and no good task chair comes cheap.

My spec for the chair

I wanted a chair that would offer the maximum number of adjustments at a fair price and I was unconcerned with style and appearance. i.e. I was not after a chair with a black or chrome external frame. I prioritised function over appearance.

I was also intent on having a chair with seat slide, seat tilt and good back support. Other than that, the main selection criteria for the chair was the ability to quickly and easily adjust to different seating positions.

The actual chair spec

Here are the features that my ergonomic task chair offers. They are features that I would recommend for any good high usage office chair and they are important for anyone with back ache or anyone who finds working in a seated posture for prolonged periods of time uncomfortable.

• Seat height adjustment – lever controlled
• Seat tilt adjustment (i.e. the angle from the horizontal can be adjusted) – lever controlled
• Seat slide adjustment (i.e. the seat has variable depth, it slides back and forth) – lever controlled
• Backrest angle adjustment – lever controlled
• Backrest height adjustment – ratchet mechanism with fixed height options
• Lumbar support (inflatable) – balloon pump controlled
• Armrest height adjustment – button release
• Armrest height angle (turn in or out) – button release
• Tension control (under the seat) – twist action tightener

In addition to the above, the seat tilt and backrest angle can be left in an open-lock which allows freedom to move or alter posture at any time. The backrest and seat are heavily padded and the armrests also have padding.

The backrest has a high back and the seat and backrest are amply wide and would accommodate a large and broad individual.

The seat also has a "waterfall" front - which means that its slopes down and away from the legs to avoid pressure near to the knees.

Buying an ergonomic task chair

If you are looking for a similar chair to this one, do not be fooled by a chair's design or appearance. Look for functionality, i.e. position setting adjustments and, for once, the more “real” features there are, the better the chair will be.

Some of the more expensive ergonomic chairs will have mesh backrests and or seat bases. They may also have mechanical adjustment for the lumbar support (rather than an inflatable balloon). This kind of choice is down to personal preference and, of course, price.