There are about 1.71 billion people with musculoskeletal disorders worldwide. Low back pain is the leading cause of disability in 160 countries. Musculoskeletal disorders can limit mobility and often lead to early retirement from work.
While some of these disorders are auto-immune or caused by inflammation, many are caused by the repetitive nature of office work. Some of the top risk factors are sitting in the same position every day and engaging in repetitive activities.
To combat these risks, many offices are remodelling their spaces with ergonomic furniture. It’s designed to conform to the natural shape and movements of the human body. This reduces the risk of strain and injury.
There are now hundreds of products on the market, especially when it comes to office chairs. So how do you choose the best one? Keep reading for our guide on how and where to find the best ergonomic office chair in Australia.
Why Do You Need an Ergonomic Office Chair?
The top reason you need an ergonomic chair for your office is health. Sitting for prolonged periods can cause health issues, including musculoskeletal disorders.
Sitting in a non-ergonomic chair often leads to bad posture. This creates pressure on your spine, which then causes back pain. It can also restrict blood flow, which may lead to conditions such as deep vein thrombosis or cervical spondylosis.
Ergonomic chairs promote good posture by conforming to your body and keeping your joints aligned. This helps keep you comfortable during the day and lowers your risk of injury. As a result, you may find yourself with more energy, more focus, and higher productivity.
Ergonomic Chair Features to Look For
Many office chairs on the market claim to be ergonomic, but don’t always fulfill all the criteria. Here are the features you should be looking for in a good ergonomic office chair:
Adjustability
Adjustability is a key feature of any high-quality ergonomic chair. Every person has a different body type, so their office chair needs to be able to conform to their unique shape.
Seat Height
An ergonomic office chair should have adjustable seat heights from 15 to 22 inches. This will accommodate people from 5′ to 6’4″ tall.
To find the proper height, make sure your knees are at a 90-degree angle and your feet are flat on the floor. This reduces pressure on your knees and your lower back.
Seat Width
The seat width needs to be between 17 and 20 inches for good thigh support. To find the proper seat width, make sure there is at least 1 inch on either side of your hips.
Seat Depth
The seat needs to be deep enough so that you can sit with your back against the backrest. There should also be enough space for two to four fingers between the edge of the seat and your knees. The seat should support at least 3/4 of your thighs.
Seat Materials
The seat should be made from high-quality foam that will support joint alignment. The seat fabric should be a comfortable, breathable cloth or leather.
Upper and Middle Back Support
When you’re sitting for a long time, you need to support your back’s natural shape to avoid injury. The backrest should be between 12 to 19 inches wide. The promotes dynamic sitting, which increases blood flow.
Lumbar Support
A chair with good lumbar support will help maintain the natural curve of your lower spine. This will stabilize your upper body, including the neck and head. An ergonomic office chair should have an adjustable backrest to allow for proper lumbar support.
Backrest Materials
The backrest should be made from a breathable mesh. This will help keep you cool by promoting airflow. It will also help distribute your weight and take pressure off your joints.
Headrest
A headrest supports your head and reduces strain on your neck. This is important if you have pre-existing neck issues. The headrest should be made from a comfortable, breathable material.
Armrests
Armrests should be broad, contoured, and comfortable. You should be able to rest your elbows and forearms on them while typing.
The ideal height for armrests is 7 to 10 inches above the seat. The height of the armrests should be adjustable, as well as the position.
Chair Mobility and Stability
An ergonomic office chair should move and rotate with ease so you don’t have to strain when reaching for something. This also promotes dynamic sitting. If the chair has wheels, the casters should glide smoothly across the floor.
The base of the chair should have five spokes. This makes the chair more stable and minimises the risk of tipping.
Pricing
In addition to the features of the chair itself, you need to consider your budget when choosing an ergonomic chair for your office. Ergonomic chairs are available at a range of price points, so it should be easy to find something you can afford.
Before you run out and buy the cheapest office chair you can find, consider that you might be sacrificing quality. Sometimes it’s better to spend more upfront on a product that’s built to last.
The Best Ergonomic Office Chair in Australia
Now that you know all the features to look for in an ergonomic chair, you might be wondering where you can buy one. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
Here at Meergo, we offer the ultimate ergonomic office chair. It’s fully adjustable to suit every type of user and is available in five awesome colour combinations.
Get in touch with us today to learn more about the best ergonomic office chair in Australia!