How to recognize a good ergonomic office chair?

What really makes a good ergonomic office chair?

The following 5 tips will show you what to look for to immediately recognize a good ergonomic chair.

One thing is clear: an ergonomic office chair is the most important thing for a relaxed office environment, but other factors should not be ignored. We sit in an office chair for hours on end every day, so no matter how good an ergonomic chair is, if you have an incorrect posture, you can cause considerable damage to your health (chronic back problems, herniated discs, etc.). That is why it is important to get into the habit of adjusting all the features of an ergonomic chair every time you change your activity.

5 key aspects to recognize a good ergonomic office chair

There is a wide variety on the market, but if you take these 5 aspects into account, you will be guaranteed to recognize a good ergonomic office chair.

1. Does the ergonomic office chair have 3D ergonomics?

Not all office chairs that call themselves ergonomic are also ergonomically perfect and comfortable at the same time.

3D ergonomics means that the ergonomic chair allows movement when sitting in three dimensions: forward and backward, sideways, and up and down. Thanks to 3D ergonomics, the ergonomic chair will support the intuitive movements of the person. This feature makes the body regain natural movement patterns, even when sitting.

What does this mean? It's very simple: the chair follows your movements and not the other way around. This guarantees a particularly comfortable sitting experience.

This is the 3D ergonomics in detail:

1. Vertical balance

This only works if your ergonomic office chair is mounted on springs. This relieves the strain on your intervertebral discs, promotes blood circulation and gets your circulation going. This ensures an optimal supply of oxygen.

2. Lateral flexibility

Harmonious 3D movements with wide lateral flexion increase your range of action while optimizing your natural sitting position. They also activate your circulation with every change of posture, which will also increase concentration.

3. Lean forward

In order for an ergonomic office chair to lean forward naturally, it is important that the chair has a 3D joint close to the floor. The advantage of this is that as soon as you lean back towards your desk, the entire spring column of the chair moves and tilts forward. As a result, your pelvis assumes a walking posture, your back remains straight, your breathing is deep and your circulation is activated. And best of all: the "slouching" when typing on the PC is gone forever.

2. Can I adjust the ergonomic office chair individually?

Individual adjustment possibilities are very important for a modern, ergonomic office chair. Make sure that you can adjust the office chair not only in terms of seat height and body weight, but also to your individual movement needs.

• Seat height

Sitting correctly means above all paying attention to the correct height of the seat. Ideally, there should be an "open" angle between the upper and lower legs (> 90°).

In order to be able to adjust the seat height of your office chair quickly and easily, it is important that the lever is easily accessible. In addition, the height should be infinitely adjustable.

• Weight adjustment

No two people are the same. And that's a good thing. That's why you should make sure that your ergonomic office chair is individually adjusted to your body weight and fits your proportions. The office chair should therefore work according to the motto "one fits all" and still offer a high level of sitting comfort.

• Armrest

It is important that they are adjustable both in height and width. Some armrests can also be turned back if they are not to be used.

• Backrest with lumbar support

Most ergonomic office chairs on the market have a backrest. This is usually height-adjustable. An important feature: a high backrest always requires adjustable lumbar support for your back. This part of the backrest can adjust to the curvature (S-shape) of your spine and supports it when you sit in the lower area (lordosis).

• Seat depth

The seat of your ergonomic chair should be adjustable. Adjust it so that the back of your knees is always free and you are not leaning on the seat. This is the only way to ensure sufficient blood circulation, especially from the legs to the heart.

3. How much does an ergonomic office chair cost?

This is a good question, but there is no general answer. The price range for ergonomic office chairs is very wide. The simplest chairs start at around 200 euros. However, particularly exclusive models can cost up to 2,000 euros. Tip: Going by price alone is not a good idea.

As already mentioned in the first two points, it depends above all on the functions of the office chair and whether it meets your ergonomic requirements. Ultimately, it also depends on how much you want to invest in your own health. In the mid-price range, there are already very good ergonomic office chairs with an excellent price-performance ratio.

4. How long does an ergonomic office chair last?

Conventional, non-ergonomic office chairs should be replaced after eight years at the latest. The reason is very simple: depending on the price range and the shape of the seat, these "normal" office chairs more or less quickly develop gaps in the seat that fix the pelvis and thus considerably restrict freedom of movement.

On the other hand, a good ergonomic office chair has a much longer lifespan.

You should also pay attention to the quality of materials and workmanship. High-quality materials and excellent workmanship significantly increase the lifespan of your ergonomic office chair. And best of all: the resale value also remains correspondingly high. It is not uncommon for a good office chair to last 20 years. That's good for your wallet and your health.

By the way: Warranty and customer service often indicate whether an ergonomic office chair is of high quality. A company with high quality standards will help you with all your questions about the ergonomic chair and help you get the most out of your chair for your back and movement. In addition, high-quality office chairs have a multi-year warranty.

5. Do you need an ergonomic office chair with backrest?

 A backrest is not essential for an ergonomic office chair.

The answer is clear: No! Sitting in a professional office chair with 3D ergonomics is ergonomically the best and healthiest without a backrest. Why?

Because active-dynamic sitting in motion without a backrest activates the muscles, especially those of the back and legs. By sitting without a high backrest and especially without armrests, you can move freely and naturally. This dynamic posture exercises the muscles and increases concentration. Greater movement stimulates circulation, the brain is better supplied with blood and oxygen.

The reality is that most people are used to sitting in conventional office chairs with backrests and armrests. However, sitting (more or less motionless) for years causes the back muscles to slacken. This is reactivated with an ergonomic office chair without a backrest.



So, what should a good ergonomic chair be like? Here is a summary:

• 3D Ergonomics: Movement in three dimensions
• Adjustable seat height
• Individual weight adjustment
• Adjustable armrests (for office chairs with armrests)
• Height adjustable backrest (for office chairs with backrest)
• Adjustable lumbar support (for chairs with backrest)
• Depth adjustable seat
• Confirmation of ergonomic properties through independent expert testing
• Convex shaped seat
• Several years warranty and customer service for questions
• Not necessarily with support