How To Pick The Right Chair For Long Hours Sitting?

  • 3 years   ago

Whether someone is working from their home or the office, most people have to sit at their workstation, staring at their computers. And you cannot merely move around when you have reports due. Thus, you would have to sit at your chair for long hours to handle the work pressure. However, while it may seem okay to do so at first, you would start feeling uncomfortable over time.

Using the wrong chair for more extended periods can result in many health problems down the line. Some of the common issues people may get are obesity, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes. Also, poor sitting posture can further lead to neck pain, lower back ailment, and carpal tunnel, among others. Thus, you need to think through some things and choose a chair that is best for you. 

Why use ergonomic chairs?

Indeed, in terms of countering these issues, ergonomic chairs are the best choice for people. They would help somebody sit comfortably and relieve the strain on the beck, neck, and arms. It is essential to choose the right kind, though, as per the user's requirements. 

You would also better understand the correct position to sit, and ergonomic chairs automatically fit with one's posture. Thus, your spine would stay safe from any injury. 

As a result of the comfortable seating, your efficiency and productivity in the workplace would increase. These are specifically designed for this purpose. Many of them even come with adjustable features in arm, neck, and back support. As for the padding, these ensure relaxation, which is valuable for long periods of sitting

Sitting for long hours in an improper posture can lead to scoliosis, and other back related issues in the long run. Thus, using a proper chair is necessary. 

Things to focus on when selecting the right chair 

There are three main features you would have to adjust your shopping choice around. They are:

● Appropriate for multiple tasks at work daily.

● You can move and have a different posture while sitting, and the chair should still curve naturally with your spine.

● It should suit different body sizes and shapes well. 

● They must also come at reasonable price ranges that are suitable for your budget. Some chairs come with a long-term warranty. 

● You need to sit on the chair and see if you feel satisfied when you buy one. That will help you understand if you are making the right selection. 

Features to consider

Indeed, there are some particular features in the chairs that you need to concentrate on. After doing so, you can select one best for you to use for more extended periods. These specific features are listed below. 

1. Adjustable backrest 

One of the first points to look for is if the chair's backrest can adjust or not. The generally accepted width for this falls between 12-19 inches and has reclining properties. Indeed, those that move backward and forward easily are useful. However, for safety concerns, they must hold a suitable locking mechanism so you can fix the reclining angle you are comfortable with.

2. Upholstery 

Sometimes, preservation takes too much time, and ignoring to do so can damage the chair quality. Thus, considering low-maintenance upholstery like leather or vinyl is the right choice. Using breathable fabric is a good plan as well, especially when the summertime gets too warm. However, they tend to become dirty more quickly. 

Also, check to see that the seat padding materials have high-quality foam in them. One of the best choices of foam types is memory foam. They last for a long time, especially compared to other styles. 

3. Wheel-base 

It would help if you went for ergonomic chairs with five-pedestal casters that would glide smoothly on any floor types. The spokes in this allow for good stability and mobility simultaneously. 

4. Lumbar support 

Keeping your lower back comfort is very crucial when sitting for long hours. Here, it is essential to note that the lumbar spine curves inwardly. So, when you sit straight for hours on end, you would start slouching more. That would, in turn, cause strain to the lower spine formation.

For this reason, you should choose an ergonomic chair that comes with lumbar adjustment features. This involves both the depth and height factors for a better sitting position.

5. Swivel feature 

It would be best if you opted for a chair that can swivel around more easily. Indeed, that would help you work better. You do not have to rotate your body to reach for things; turn the chair instead. 

6. Head support 

Many of the right chairs have head support potential. And one can adjust this too as per their height when they are sitting down. As a result, their neck, head, and shoulders would all have good support. 

7. Seat height 

One of the main points to focus on when choosing a good office chair is if the seat's height is adjustable. If there is a pneumatic adjustment lever, that is even better. The usual height range you should aim for in these chairs is 16-21 inches. And it usually works for many people. Accordingly, you can keep your feet on the ground. And your arms and thighs would stay horizontal to the desk and the chair, respectively.

8. Seat depth and width

This is a crucial point to consider for proper rest for the users. The correct width measurements for this are 17-20 inches, and the depth should be 2-4 inches. 

9. Seat material

The chairs must be well-padded and have breathable fabric. That would give you the right amount of comfort when sitting in one place for hours.

 

10. Adjustable armrest 

It would help if you went forward with an ergonomic chair that comes with an armrest that you can adjust, too. That way, you can place your arms comfortably in these areas when you are working. Here, make sure that your elbow would stay at a 9 degrees angle on the armrest.  

Overall, you need to choose the right chair to give your calm satisfaction, even if you stay sitting for hours. Focusing on the many features of the ergonomic chairs would help you come to the right selection.

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