We’re going to explain all the functions of an office chair to make it that much easier to choose the right one for you, because there are lots of different types and they don’t all offer the same features. Let’s find out more!
When looking for an office chair, you will find that there is a wide range of different models and prices. This means it is much more difficult to choose if you’re not sure what you’re looking for. What should you bear in mind when looking for an office chair? Are all office chairs the same? Or should your choice depend on what you’re going to use it for? Today we’re going to try and resolve these queries to make your decision easier.
If you’re thinking of setting up or renovating an office, this article will help you choose the best option for each role. Because not all office chairs are the same, and they won’t all suit your needs. The right one will depend on the use, the user, the type of work and the amount of time it will be used for. Office chairs are also particularly important because we spend many hours in them, so they have an effect on our health. That is why choosing the right chair is essential.
FUNCTIONS OF AN OFFICE CHAIR
If you work in an office you will spend many hours sat down every day, and this can lead to serious spinal problems, carpal tunnel syndrome, back and neck pain, constant headaches and various other health-related issues. Using ergonomic office chairs will help you avoid this. Their main purpose is to protect your back, support your lumbar region and avoid overstraining your muscles. An office chair will help to protect your health.
WHAT IS AN OFFICE CHAIR?
When we talk about office chairs we’re referring to chairs that are used in a workspace or office. But an office chair can refer to many things, from ergonomic chairs to executive chairs or visitor chairs in waiting rooms or welcome areas. We often use the term incorrectly, when we’re actually talking about desk chairs or ergonomic chairs. These kinds of chairs are designed for office work and to maintain the S shape of your spine while you work.
WHAT FEATURES SHOULD AN OFFICE CHAIR OFFER?
Desk chairs or ergonomic chairs should offer the following main features:
Stability. The first aspect you should bear in mind is stability. As such, the best option is a star-shaped base with five supports.
Adjustable backrest. The chair should have a mechanism for adjusting the backrest, usually located on the side. This will ensure that the S shape of your spine is always supported, to avoid excessive strain. It should also fully adapt to your body, since nobody is the same.
Dynamic seating. This means that you’re not staying in the same position for hours and hours. You should be able to change your posture frequently. This will prevent negative lateral pressure being applied to your intervertebral discs.
Adjustable seat. You should also be able to adjust the height of the seat according to the user. And if the depth and width can also be adjusted this is even better, as the chair won’t be too tight for you.
Adjustable arms for height and angle. This will allow your arms to rest properly with less tension. These arms should be made from a sturdy material that can support our weight as we sit down or sit up.
Headrest (optional). A headrest will help to support your cervical spine during moments of rest.
Breathable material. Since we spend many hours sat in a chair, in both summer and winter, it’s important that the part in contact with our body is made from breathable material.
Foam. The foam used in the seat and the backrest are also an important part of an office chair. Quality foams will withstand the passage of time much better and won’t sink.
Finishes and mechanisms. High-quality chairs will have a metallic finish, while cheaper alternatives will be made of plastic. There are many different types of plastic available, so you should make sure it is a good quality, to make sure it lasts a long time without problems. The same applies to the mechanisms. It may sometimes be worthwhile to invest a bit more money, so you can ensure that the chair will last a lot longer.
WHAT IS THE TILT MECHANISM IN AN OFFICE CHAIR?
Back pain has become one of the most common health problems for people who work in offices. Up to around 85% of office workers suffer constant pain from the age of 50, due to the slow and continuous damage caused over time due to bad posture when sitting or using unsuitable chairs. But the health problems aren’t just limited to the back, we can also develop issues with joints and blood circulation, among others.
A reclining or tilting backrest is an essential element. One of the advantages of an ergonomic chair is that its backrest can be adjusted to suit your needs at all times. You can fix it according to the posture you want to adopt, to ensure that the S shape of your spinal column is always supported. This will help to avoid overstraining your spine. The backrest should be adjustable to various different inclination points, and you should also be able to put it in free position, so it can be rocked during moments of rest. Some chairs will also remember the backrest position, so you won’t need to adjust it every time you use the chair. Otherwise it will return to its original position automatically.
HOW MUCH WEIGHT CAN AN OFFICE CHAIR SUPPORT?
This is a very important aspect to take into account. Some office chairs only support around 50 kg, so they are only suitable for children or very light people. The majority of quality desk and ergonomic chairs can support weights of 100-120 kg. Some high-end chairs can even support up to 150 kg, such as the Keystone chair. This is an important aspect to bear in mind when choosing a chair.
