How to set up a chair correctly & ergonomically

Ergonomic Office Chair

Written by Will Gatus

17th July 2023

What is the purpose of an ergonomic office chair?

The purpose of an ergonomic office chair is for the user to be able to have a comfortable sitting experience, especially during long periods of sitting. These chairs have special features enabling you to fit them to your individual body type, causing improved posture. Additionally, they also reduce strain on your neck and spine, helping to prevent health issues. Keep in mind that you’ll need to know, how to adjust it correctly to get the maximum benefit from an ergonomic chair.

BACKREST

The backrest is a key element of the chair, that helps to reduce the risk of back pain and neck pressure. To get the most out of your backrest, get into position in which the lumbar area provides support to your lower back and allows you to move freely. For ideal posture, it is important to have a gap between the seat and the back, allowing you to sit as far back in the seat as possible, and get the best support. Additional features, such as ratchet back, or height adjustability offer the best support.

HEADREST

Helps to promote better posture and can help with pain relief. Reducing fatigue and helping you to stay productive throughout the day! Headrests are made to support your neck during the day! Remember to adjust the headrest to the base of the back of your head for maximum comfort!

ARMREST

The armrest supports upper limbs and reduces the amount of load down to the lower back, neck shoulders, and arms. Always keep your armrests at the same height; they should sit at elbow height when your arms are by your side!

LUMBAR SUPPORT

The lumbar support helps to maintain the natural curvature of your back, allowing you to work with your spine naturally aligned. The lumbar support will help to reduce the pressure on your lumbar discs, as well as prevent muscle strains, contractions, and spasms. Some chairs allow you to adjust your lumbar support. The lumbar support should sit at your lower back for maximum comfort!

SEAT SLIDE

The seat slide allows you to adjust the seat depth. With your back flat against the backrest, adjust the seat so that there is at least one inch between the edge of the seat and the back of your knees. This offers greater back support, as it ensures your back is correctly pressed against the back of your chair.

MECHANISMS

Giving you maximum control over your workspace, these mechanisms let you adjust back height and tilt, seat movement forward or backward, and allow for gas lift height adjustment. Keep your feet flat on the floor with your legs bent at a 90-degree angle. If your chair can’t adjust to the height you need, use a footrest for extra help. This will help you get the utmost comfort when you are able to set your chair in your desired position.

SEAT HEIGHT

Adjusting the seat height allows your elbows to stay at the correct height for the desk. This will help you maintain posture and therefore reduces the chances of back pain.

Ensuring that you have a comfortable and ergonomic office chair is essential. At Staples our selection of Ergonomic Chairs ensure that you remain comfortable during long periods of sitting.

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