Price Ranges of Ergonomic Chairs
A good ergonomic chair is going to cost you, so you better be prepared. It is extremely hard to accept the fact that any old computer chair you get at Staples, Costco, Office Max or wherever is just not going to cut it if you sit on it every day for hours on end. Companies that manufacture cheap chairs are catching on that people want a comfortable chair but don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars, so what’s happening is they create chairs that appear to be comfortable and ergonomic but the truth is it is just as cheaply made as the others.
This creates many disappointed consumers because they see the nice looking chair for $100 or $200 and they buy it, and then anywhere from 2 to 6 months later they hate it and they’re no more comfortable than they were before they bought it. Usually what happens with cheap chairs is the pneumatic cylinder begins to weaken and the chair sinks down when you sit in it. That’s the first sign that you need a different chair.
Please don’t be fooled. Just because a chair looks like it’s ergonomic does not mean it’s actually ergonomic and well-made. Ergonomic chairs are not cheap so don’t expect to get a real one for under $200. What makes a good ergonomic chair that’s worth spending a small fortune on? Good question, there are a few things to keep in mind when you finally decide to make a purchase.
First, you have to decide what your budget is. If you’ve never been chair shopping here’s a general guideline: decent ergonomic chairs will cost you $200 to $400; good chairs will cost you $400 to $600; and excellent chairs can be found for anywhere between $600 and $1400+. There are decent manufacturers that make good chairs in each of those price ranges.
Next, you have to come to terms with the type of chair you are going to get for the price. It basically follows the same rule as everything else in this world - you get what you pay for. Ergonomic chairs on the lower end of the price scale have good solid features, but only moderate research and testing was put into the design. The fact is really good chairs require a lot of research, testing and designing by highly qualified individuals, which is why they cost so much. You will still get a good chair that will last you a couple of years if you stay within the $200-$400 range; it makes a good starter chair. During this period you will get accustomed to the luxuries a good chair provides but after time you may not be fully satisfied with your comfort level if you use the computer heavily every day, and you may find yourself yearning for more.
It’s usually a good idea to refrain from buying a $1000 chair your first time around because you won’t fully appreciate its design and all of its features until you’ve experienced a $400 chair. It’s like jumping from a Honda to a Maserati - get the BMW first.
Quick examples of good quality chairs in each price range include:
- VIA Seating - very good chairs in the $200-$500 range
- Balt Inc - decent chairs in the $200-$400 range
- Safco - decent chairs in the $200-$500 range
- ErgoHuman - good chairs in the $500-$700 range
- Steelcase - good chairs in the $500-$700 range
- Herman Miller - excellent chairs above $700
- Humanscale - excellent chairs above $700
Filed Under ergonomic chairs 101 | 1 Comment
7 Tips for Choosing the Best Ergonomic Chair
Choosing the right ergonomic chair for the shape of your individual body is not an easy feat, but with some vigilant research and the educated advice of others you will find the chair you’ve been waiting for. The tips below will provide you with a basis of what to look when choosing an ergonomic chair, whether for at home or the office.
Tip #1: All ergonomic chairs are not the same. The saying “you get what you pay for” absolutely applies to ergonomic chairs. Ergonomic chairs range in price from about $100.00 to over and above $1,000.00 and every price point in between. Some will fail in one way or another within a year and some will last a lifetime. Make sure you spend as much as you can if you want to purchase the best, most comfortable ergonomic chair for you.
Tip #2: Many different users cannot sit in the same chair comfortably. When shopping for an ergonomic chair you need to look for the most adjustable features. This will make it easier to adjust the chair to your body type and if the chair you buy is going to be used by other people it also will make adjusting it to fit their body types as easy as possible.
Tip #3: Be aware of the size and shape of the seat cushion and back rest of the chairs you look at. Most office chair manufacturers have multiple seat sizes available and they provide measurements of each size so you can match it with your body size. This is the main area ergonomic chairs are different from regular computer chairs because regular chairs usually do not come in multiple sizes.
Tip #4: Is the height and tilt of the seat cushion adjustable? Most chairs, regular or ergonomic, have the ability to adjust the seat height, but adjustable tilt of the seat cushion is a feature that usually only ergonomic chairs come with. Setting the seat cushion tilt to a comfortable position allows for even greater versatility than height adjustment by itself.
Tip #5: is the depth of the back cushion adjustable to multiple positions? If it only stays in one place then the chair is not very ergonomic so most ergonomic chair manufacturers build in features for you to adjust the depth, or tilt, of your back support cushion. When sitting for long hours at the computer an adjustable back rest can mean a world of a difference.
Tip #6: Look for the adjustable chair arms feature and you’ll really start to figure out why ergonomics chairs are so special. Adjustable arms let you change the height and tilt of the arms so they can fit users of varying sizes and seating habits.
Tip #7: Make certain the chair you purchase comes with a good warranty, backed by the manufacturer. Good chair manufacturers will always include at least a 1-year warranty and they stand behind their products 100%, it’s the less expensive brands that end up costing you more in the long run between chair replacement and your own personal comfort and productivity. Probably the best ergonomic chairs available today are made by Humanscale and Herman Miller, and the models include the Freedom Chair, Liberty Chair and Aeron Chair.
Filed Under ergonomic chairs 101 | Leave a Comment
Ergonomically Designed Furniture
In the last decade, we have changed out approach to buying furniture for our homes and offices. Today, everything is ergonomically oriented. However, buying just a single chair which provides good posture, balance and less stress on the body is not the adequate. To ensure that musculoskeletal injuries are going to be prevented, one must buy additional furniture components which are also responsible in decreasing stress and work related injury. One classic example is the computer desk.
Once you are seated on an ergonomically designed chair and work with a computer, the height of the chair must be adjusted accordingly. It is important to place the computer monitor at a level where it does not produce stress on the eyes or the hands. The top of the screen should be ideally set just below eye level. When sitting upright, this positioning will not produce any neck, shoulder or eye stress.
Additional measures that can eliminate eye strain include:
- keeping the computer screen clean
- adjusting the screen resolution so one gets clear sharp images
- placing the monitor at an optimal distance from the chair to avoid eye stress
- adjust lighting in the room to avoid glares
- placing a document holder at the same distance as the monitor
For those individuals who wear eye glasses or wear bifocals, tilting of the head may be required periodically. Thus, the ergonomically designed hair and desk must be properly adjusted so that the neck is not stressed. The most important thing to understand is that the furniture must be adjusted to fit your posture and reduce stress on your joints.
Filed Under ergonomic chairs 101 | Leave a Comment
The Ergonomic Computer Desk To Match Your Chair!
Today almost everyone sits at the computer- both at home and at work. The amount of time spent at the computer by almost all individuals is increasing on a monthly basis. We have all become an internet addicted society. However, seating at a computer desk for hours is not good for health and many individuals have developed problems with their neck, upper arm, hands, wrist and fingers. Many of these indviduals have had to wear splints, braces and take time off work.
Well, ergonomics has now come into play. Just like ergonomic office chairs we now have an ergonomically designed computer desk with adjustable keyboard, large space for writing and a well lit keyboard. Previously using a fixed keyboard with small cramped keys and poor lighting caused a lot of stress on individuals. The latest designs of computer desks are roomier, provide adequate room for a printer, speaker, books and also allow one to rest their hands on the desk if so desired.
The ergonomically designed computer desks come in a variety of shapes, styles and sizes. The aim of all these products is to reduce the stresses on the hands, fingers and neck during work or while playing on the computer.
Most experts recommend using a rolling ergonomically designed chair to be used with a computer desk to obtain the best health benefits and prevent worsening of any existing injury.
Filed Under ergonomic chairs 101 | Leave a Comment
Ergonomics and Furniture
The subject of ergonomics is a major topic of discussion at work. For years it was not realized that there was a significant mismatch between the human and the physical requirements at work. Over the past 5 decades, this has resulted in millions of muscular-skeletal problems, loss of earning potential and worker inefficiency. This has all changed with the concept of ergonomics.
The occupational health and safety agency (OSHA) has been implementing programs that have required many industries and business to establish ergonomically designed furniture to prevent these skeletal injuries. Besides worker safety, what has become well known is that properly designed furniture is essential for health and prevention of diseases.
To implement OHSA polices, many companies have started to address the issues by starting to develop effective ergonomic programs like:
- making available adjustable furniture to prevent stress on the neck, back hands and legs
- giving employers breaks from repetitive work like typing making available custom designed ergonomic chairs which provide neck and back support
- allow for more flexible desks with more leg room, desks with easy access to the telephone, mouse and directory
Most of the ergonomically designed furniture has made a major difference in workers health and comfort. Today, almost every type of furniture is available to help reduce muscular-skeletal injuries for both the office and the home
Filed Under ergonomic chairs 101 | Leave a Comment
The Best Use Of Ergonomically Designed Furniture
To get the most out of your ergonomically designed chair, one has to understand how it works and what are the best positions for sitting. The only way to eliminate poor posture and its health consequences is to pay attention to pose. The ergonomic chair allows one to carefully position the head, neck, back, shoulders and thighs. Once the arms are relaxed on the arm rest and the back is supported, the entire body will feel relaxed.
The use of an ergonomic chair must be used with some degree of common sense. One should adjust the posture every now and then to determine which position is best suited for your body. For different functions, different postures may be required. When using a key board, the arms should be easily rested on the table and the keys should be struck with minimal effort. Most individuals who develop carpal tunnel syndrome do so because of excessive use of the hands and improper positioning of the wrist joint. The one way to avoid wrist pain is to maintain the wrist in a slightly flexed/neutral position with the hand slightly extended. This allows for free movement of the fingers.
While sitting on a chair, all the items on the desk such as a telephone directory, telephone and other paper work should be within reach with causing too much arm extension. Another important factor is to avoid resting the elbows or wrist on the hard table surface. This is a major cause of bony and muscle pain which accounts for significant morbidity. All hard surfaces on the table should be padded.
Anyone who works in the office for prolonged hours should take frequent breaks and stretch the arms. This will not only help ease pain but prevent the swelling in the legs. Most Companies who make ergonomically designed furniture offer seminars on how to best use their products.
Filed Under ergonomic chairs 101 | Leave a Comment
Herman Miller Furniture - Chairs Made From Recycled Materials
Herman Miller makes a variety of ergonomically designed furniture for both the business and home. Herman Miller products have always been synonymous with excellence in both quality and service.
In the last decade, Herman Miller has manufactured ergonomically designed chairs- Aeron and Mirra- both of which feature the latest in style, design and technology. Each of the chairs has been designed to provide the maximum comfort and ease of use. Both chairs have various adjustables to provide the best incline for the neck, upper and lower back. The chairs are available in a three sizes and provide excellent support for the upper back and the arms. The ability of the chair to even out the pressures on the hips has shown to improve blood circulation to the legs resulting in no fatigue at the end of the day.
Herman Miller chairs have incorporated human physiology and engineering to make sitting on a chair a pleasure rather than a chore. Both the Aeron and Mirra chairs are state of the art chairs which represent prestige, comfort and quality at its best.
All Herman Miller furniture is made of recycled material. The products have been shown to be durable, simple to assemble and easily adjustable.
The aesthetics of the Herman Miller chairs are unmatched in the world of ergonomically designed furniture.
Filed Under ergonomic chairs 101 | Leave a Comment
keep looking »