What makes an ergonomic Office Chair?

One such Office Chair is the Buro Mantra Mesh Back Chair. This Chair has a range of features that can be customised to suit most individual's needs (please refer to this Video on how to set up the your Buro Mantra Mesh Back Chair to suit). The features include;

• Height adjustable armrests are options
• Lever for gas-lift seat height adjustment
• Adjustable backrest height
• Adjustable lumbar support
• Synchronised seat and back tilt adjustment
• Seat slide for extending the depth of the seat (for taller users)

So apart chairs like the Buro Mantra Mesh Back Chair - how does one choose an affordable ergonomic Office Chair?

A basic rule of ergonomics is that there is no such thing as an "average" person. However, providing a chair specifically designed for each individual is not practical. The only solution is to provide workers with fully adjustable chairs that can accommodate a maximum range of people (typically around 90 percent of the population; workers falling in the ranges of 5% of the shortest and the tallest may need custom-made chairs).

Choose a chair that has:

• Controls that are easy to operate from sitting position. The seat height, back and seat angle, the seat depth and the back height can all be accessed while you are sitting on the seat - and without strain    
• A seat that adjusts for both height and tilt. You should have the seat set at a height that supports your thighs and your feet can rest flat on the ground. Adjusting the seat angle so that the front of the seat is slightly higher also takes pressure off your thighs and hips and also promotes good circulation  
• A seat that does not put pressure the back of thighs or knees. This is acheived through the seat height and seat angle settings
• Breathable, non-slippery fabric on the seat and back (or mesh). This will promote maximum comfort  
• A backrest shaped to support the lower back - ideally with adjustable lumbar support. The majority of issues arising from an unsuitable Office Chair will relate to the back. A backrest that moulds to the shape of your back - or a lumbar support that can be adjusted to exactly where your back needs to be supported, will eliminate back strain and other associated issues     
• A stable five-point base with castors that are easy to move. This reduces the strain on legs, thighs and back, when needing to move your chair    
• Wheels or casters suitable for the type of flooring - i.e. different casters are required for carpeted 'v' wooden or tiled floor. This will aide mobility of the chair and reduce damage to the floor or floor covering  
• Seat slide that can position the depth of the seat so that your thighs are well supported. Very important for promoting good circulation 
• Armrests that can be adjusted to the elbow height when your upper arms are hanging down and your forearms are at about a 90 degree angle to the upper arms. This supports good posture and eases the strain on upper arms and neck
• Armrests that do not interfere with free movements within the workstation

Other things to consider;

Do you need a footrest? 

In some situation a Footrest may be required for you to sit comfortably in your chair with your feet at the right angle. If you do need a foot support, choose a free-standing, floor-mounted support that allows you to rest your feet out in front of you in a comfortable manner. Resting the feet on the pedestal base of the chair should not be undertaken for prolonged periods because the knee angle typically will be less than 90 degrees, and some restriction of circulation could occur. Most Footrests have angle adjustements, so this can be set to suit specific requirements

What chair covering is best?

Chairs can be covered in a variety of upholstery materials, each of which has pluses and negatives. Vinyl and vinyl-like coverings are easy to clean and spill resistant, but they don't breath, and if the chair begins to heat up under the thighs, uncomfortable amounts of moisture can accumulate. Fabric cloth upholstery is the most common covering, but this is less resistant to spills and more difficult to clean. A fabric covered seat can also become warm and moisture-laden, and fabric covered foam seats can be a significant source of dust-mite allergen. Mesh backs have become very popular in the past few years as mesh breathes and also moulds to the shape of your back. Regardless when selecting your chair consider the covering, and the issue of cleaning and maintenance   

Warranty

Is an important aspect of any Office Chair purchase. Many chair warranties are now for a period of at least 10 years, with some extending as far as 15 years. In addition most chair warranties include a lifetime warranty on the gas-lift. This is important as the most common issue with Office Chairs is the failure of the gas-lift. If you have a lifetime warranty on this, it will be replaced at no cost. Warrantires often exclude the fabric, so this places increased importance slelcting a chair with maintainable covering

Office Products Online has on display a range of affordable Office Chairs and many of these feature in our monthly Red Hot Super Specials. Visit our online store today to view the options available or call us on 0-800-535-029 to discuss the best Office Chair options for you and your Team.