| The Base Many people like a mobile chair. If | | | | |
| your chair needs to slide, it should have at | | | | Lumbar Support A good lumbar support (i.e., |
| least a 5-pedestal base with casters (wheels) | | | | the part of the chair that supports your |
| that glide freely over the floor surface. If | | | | lower back) is an essential requirement for a |
| you choose a chair with less than 5 | | | | good ergonomic chair. Many chairs have |
| pedestals, you're sacrificing some stability | | | | cushioned lumbar supports that can be |
| and safety; chairs with 4 casters can tip | | | | adjusted up and down and forward/backward to |
| over more easily. The base should allow for | | | | best fit your shape. Adjustability is |
| the chair to swivel easily. | | | | especially helpful if multiple people use the |
| | | | same chair. |
| Armrests When looking at chairs, keep in mind | | | | |
| that armrests should only used while reading | | | | A fixed-height lumbar support may be |
| or resting between typing sessions, not while | | | | acceptable if you're the only user of the |
| actually typing or using your mouse. | | | | chair and it feels comfortable when you sit |
| Therefore, depending on how you spend your | | | | back against it. When sitting against the |
| time in the chair, you may not even need | | | | lumbar support, make sure there's sufficient |
| armrests. | | | | room for your hips and that you aren't being |
| | | | forced so far forward in the chair that you |
| If you do decide to purchase a chair with | | | | lose thigh support. |
| armrests, make sure that they're adjustable, | | | | |
| broad, cushioned, and comfortable. While | | | | Back Support The back support should recline |
| sitting, you should be able to independently | | | | to allow you to sit back at more than 90 |
| adjust the height of the armrests and move | | | | degrees. |
| them closer together or further apart. Some | | | | |
| chairs offer the added convenience of being | | | | The best chairs allow the back to move and |
| able to easily move the arms out of the way | | | | also track your back as you move back and |
| when they're not being used. | | | | forth; try to avoid locking a back support in |
| | | | one position. Look for a support that's broad |
| The Seat Pan The seat pan (i.e., the part of | | | | enough for your back and doesn't put pressure |
| the chair on which you sit) should allow even | | | | on the side of your back. The support should |
| weight distribution and comfortable support. | | | | also be tall enough to provide good support |
| Note both the width and depth of the seat | | | | to the middle of the back (at least up to |
| pan; it should be wide enough to give you at | | | | your shoulder blades). |
| least one inch of unused space on both sides | | | | |
| of your thighs and hips. The seat pan should | | | | Headrest If you like to recline to read a |
| also be deep enough to comfortably support | | | | book, talk on the phone, or relax, look for a |
| your thighs and not put pressure behind your | | | | chair with a high back and good neck and head |
| knees (which is bad for circulation). Many | | | | rest. |
| seat pans have a "waterfall" front feature | | | | |
| that prevents undo pressure behind the knees. | | | | The Chair Covering Chairs come with a variety |
| | | | of coverings; cloth and leather are the most |
| The seat pan should feel comfortable even | | | | common. |
| after sitting for 30-60 minutes. | | | | |
| | | | There are practical considerations to take |
| Insufficient cushioning and poor contouring | | | | into account when determining which material |
| can cause discomfort and hip and back | | | | is best for you. Cloth upholstery, a very |
| fatigue, so the padding should be of a high | | | | common choice, is comfortable, but isn't very |
| enough quality to resist becoming permanently | | | | resistant to spills and stains and can be |
| deformed. | | | | difficult to clean. The materials may absorb |
| | | | moisture, and cloth-covered foam seat pans |
| Chair Height Consider a chair that allows for | | | | can be a significant source of dust mite |
| easy height adjustment. The best option is a | | | | allergen. Vinyl and similar coverings are |
| pneumatic device that permits seat pan height | | | | more spill-resistant and easier to clean. |
| adjustment while you're sitting. | | | | However, because the material doesn't breathe |
| | | | as well, it can begin to heat up if used for |
| Also acceptable is a spinning mechanical | | | | prolonged periods. This type of covering can |
| height adjustment. Either way, make sure the | | | | also lack traction and therefore be |
| adjusters are within easy reach while you're | | | | uncomfortable if you are wearing incompatible |
| seated - you shouldn't have to get up just to | | | | clothes. |
| change the height of your chair. | | | | |
| | | | Price The price for a good chair can run |
| If more than one person will be using the | | | | anywhere from several hundred dollars to more |
| chair, make sure the range of heights will | | | | than a thousand. Many manufacturers dedicate |
| accommodate all users. You should be able to | | | | significant resources to scientifically |
| adjust the height of the seat pan so that the | | | | designing and testing their chairs. Add |
| fronts of your knees are level (or just | | | | marketing costs, and you can see why these |
| slightly below level) and your feet are | | | | chairs command such high prices. That said, |
| firmly on the ground. | | | | if you're among the millions who spend the |
| | | | majority of their days sitting in a chair, a |
| Remember that a footrest can be used to | | | | high quality, comfortable, and healthy chair |
| compensate for dangling feet. | | | | can be a very wise investment. |