The best office chairs encourage good posture.
Office workers typically spend much of the day in a seated position. Sitting in a chair for extended periods of time places stress on the lower back. For this reason, ergonomic chairs that promote correct posture and support the lower back are beneficial in the office environment. Office workers can choose from a number of ergonomic chairs and no one make and model is necessarily better than another. The best ergonomic chairs will possess certain important characteristics, allowing the user to adjust the chair to his specific needs.
Seat Height
The height of an office chair must be easily adjustable, and all good ergonomic chairs should have a pneumatic adjustment lever. In most cases, a seat height that ranges between 16 and 21 inches from the floor is best. Such a height will allow you to keep your thighs parallel to the floor and your feet flat on the floor. This height also allows your forearms to be level with the work surface.
Backrest
A backrest that is separate from the seat must be adjustable, and you should be able to make adjustments to both its angle and height. Backrests should ideally be 12 to 19 inches in width and designed to support the curve of the spine, particularly in the region of the lower spine. In the case of chairs that are manufactured with a combined backrest and seat, the backrest should be adjustable in both forward and back angles. In these chairs, the backrest must have a locking mechanism to hold it in place once you have decided on a suitable angle.
Lumbar Support
The lower, or lumbar, area of your spine has a natural curve. Extended periods in a seated position, particularly without the necessary support, tends to flatten this inward curve and places unnatural strain on this sensitive area. For this reason, an ergonomic chair must offer a lumbar adjustment in both height and depth. Such a design allows you to adjust the chair to best suit your personal needs.
Seat material and Swivel Function
Ergonomic chairs should be designed with sufficient padding on both the seat and back, particularly where your lower back makes contact with the chair. Materials that breathe are preferable, so opt for a cloth fabric over a harder surface. Ergonomic chairs must be able to rotate. This function allows you to reach the various areas in your work place without putting strain on your back.
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