Choosing the right computer chair is a responsible matter that does not tolerate rushing and buying the first item you come across. Work productivity and, more importantly, health depend on what we sit on.
Often, office workers use the most ordinary wooden chairs. In home use, even a stool can play the role of a computer chair. All this leads to discomfort and various problems with the spine. We will tell you how to choose a computer chair in this article.
Chair design
The back of a good chair follows the anatomical curve of the spinal region. The level of the upper edge of the shoulder blades is taken as its optimal height. The shape should not be too concave, as this can lead to scoliosis or pinched nerve endings.
A well-made backrest serves as support for the spinal column without straining it. Some chairs are equipped with reclining mechanisms, so you can even take a nap in them.
It is recommended to choose a seat not flat, but with small protrusions at the edges. This will prevent it from slipping.
The size from floor to seat is determined based on the height of the table and the anthropometry of the person. Your knees should not rest on the tabletop, and your feet should be on the floor without dangling in the air. Raising and lowering is carried out by gas elevators.
Armrests relieve some of the load from the spine. The best option is removable elements.
For complete breaks at work, you will need a headrest. It can be built into the chair (a soft cushion at the top of the back) or taken out separately.
To understand whether a chair is ergonomic or not, try it on yourself before purchasing. If this is not possible, then consider models with adjustable parts.
Orthopedic "breathable"
It is the best option that helps maintain posture and has a therapeutic effect for scoliosis. It will help in the prevention of osteochondrosis and relieve neck stiffness.
Its cost is higher than that of serial chairs, but when it comes to health, it’s not worth saving.
The term “orthopedic” computer chair means the presence of a number of specific functions and the ability to adapt to the user:
- Curved back, anatomically corresponding to the curves of the human body;
- Breathable material;
- With an overhead roller in the lumbar area.
Herman Miller, Aeron, Mirra, SAYL are famous American companies of orthopedic furniture. Their products are characterized by comfort, thoughtful posture support, and care for the comfort of the body.
Sitting in them, you feel lightness and freedom.
It is also worth noting the South Korean and German “Topstar”.
The produced chairs are equipped with an adjustable headrest, a rocking function, and an ergonomic seat.
The double backrest and variable-height armrests also provide orthopedic properties.
There are options for people who spend little time at the computer, who value style and beauty.
Adjustment is not important here at all, the main thing is bright colors and original design.
Upholstery material
The list of the most popular materials includes durable fabrics with a high density of thread weave, mesh fabrics and leather.
Genuine leather is quite an expensive pleasure. In attempts to save money, they often resort to leatherette, which, unlike its natural counterpart, “does not breathe.” For air exchange processes, it is better to purchase chairs with mesh inserts.
Choosing the best
Modern fabric upholsteries are not inferior in their performance characteristics, which are about 2 times cheaper than leather, but are reliable during operation.
There are many options available in inexpensive fabrics.
Eco-leather upholstery is gaining popularity; this material is resistant to temperature changes and does not require special care. Acrylic mesh, which is widespread and fashionable today, would also be an excellent solution. For the home, a high-quality, cozy option is preferable.
The acrylic mesh allows the back to “breathe”, rigidly supports posture during work, and has orthopedic properties, which is also important for children.
Nuances
The basic requirements for computer chairs are stated above. Let's take a closer look at a few nuances:
- the chair must be stable, it does not tip over if a person leans back;
- the wheels should rotate well and be durable;
- The swing mechanism allows a person to sway in the chair, which relieves tension in the back muscles.
Another useful feature is the presence of a retractable footrest. The most successful models are shown in photos of computer chairs.
Pros and cons of home models
Constantly working at a computer at home requires the creation of appropriate conditions. Here the best solution is an office-type work chair. The most comfortable position comes first. When a PC is a source of relaxation and entertainment or is used only for viewing news and mail, then a conventional design, even a simple chair, is sufficient.
It is important how a chair or chair standing in front of a computer looks in the overall interior of the room. After all, they can differ greatly, if not contradict each other. When choosing, you should first consider why you wanted to purchase this particular model.
For choosing computer chairs for the home, he says that:
- their cost is lower than the cost of models for office work;
- looks “homemade”;
- matches any style of interior decoration.
There are also advantages to buying a working model for your home. This:
- high functionality and adjustability;
- upholstery material lasts much longer. However, the price is correspondingly higher. In addition, among the huge selection, it is almost impossible to find a model that matches the style of your home interior.
There are combined options on sale, where only the back and soft seat are wooden. You can take a closer look at models with a semi-soft back, depending on how profitable such an acquisition is. The main difference between the home version and the office chair is the exact opposite of rigidity and ergonomics.
Another feature is the presence of armrests. You can later purchase them separately. The choice is offered from:
- hard;
- soft;
- plastic;
- metal.
Computer chair for children
Caring parents buy only safe computer chairs for their children. It is no secret that many diseases of the musculoskeletal system arise as a result of the use of poor furniture products.
Requirements for child seats:
- maintaining an even posture;
- reliability - the child can use the chair as an element of the game, organizing a kind of race;
- prevention of blood flow disorders.
Among the entire assortment, models with an orthopedic effect should be highlighted separately. Thanks to transformation devices, they “grow” together with children. With their help, you can adjust the parameters to the age and physique of the child.
When buying a child seat, pay attention to the presence of regulators, the braking system of the wheels, the size of the crosspiece (at least 530 mm), hypoallergenicity and safety of materials.
Interesting types of chairs
A modern computer chair is a knee chair. Outwardly, it resembles a rocking chair with an angled seat and a knee rest. In such products, the correct lumbar deflection is forced to form.
The design has only one drawback - numbness in the lower extremities. From time to time you need to get up and stretch your legs.
The “dancing” chair looks even more unusual. A distinctive feature is a movable seat with one central fulcrum in the form of a hinge. There is no backrest.
A sitting person must maintain balance, which is achieved by correct posture. The advantage of such a chair is that the muscles and vertebrae are constantly in motion, which improves oxygen exchange in the blood.
