Finding the Perfect Ergonomic Chair in Singapore: A Guide to Comfort and Support
Does the seat pan provide a comfortable ride and do you feel like it contours to your body?
If the seat pan is too long for your legs, it will either get caught up behind your knees or prevent you from reclining all the way back against the lumbar support. It should be the appropriate length for your legs. It is recommended that there be a space of at least half an inch between the front edge of the seat pan and the back of your knees for adequate clearance. You should be able to receive comfortable support over at least three quarters of the length of your thigh from the seat pan, and it should be long enough to do so. The seat pans of many ergonomic chairs can be adjusted in length to better fit occupants of varying heights and proportions. The majority of ergonomic chairs feature a seat pan that has a waterfall front, which means that the front of the seat slopes downwards. This avoids the seat from trapping behind the knees. In addition to this, the seat pan ought to be shaped in such a way as to permit even weight distribution, and it ought to be comfortable to sit on. It is imperative that the edge of the seat pan be pliable and shaped in such a way that it does not result in compression of the thighs and buttocks. The back of the seat pan ought to offer a supportive and pleasant position. In addition to this, you should look for a chair that swivels effortlessly.
Is the height of the seat and chair able to be adjusted?
It is recommended that the chair have a pneumatically adjustable seat pan, which would allow the user to change the height of the seat pan even while seated on the chair. Although it is somewhat less convenient to use, the mechanical height adjustment (spinning) mechanism that is included in some chairs is suitable in certain circumstances. The ideal chair would have a height adjustment mechanism that could accommodate users of varying heights, from short to tall.
Is there enough of a range of adjustment for the chair’s height so that it can accommodate the requirements of all users?
You should be able to adjust the height of the seat pan so that the front of your knees is either level or slightly below level and that your feet are securely planted on the ground. It should not be necessary for you to make use of a footrest in the vast majority of situations. When you are sitting, the mechanism that adjusts the height of the seat should be within easy reach and simple to use.
Does the chair feature a lumbar backrest that supports your lower back in a pleasant way?
Many chairs come with cushioned lumbar supports that have the ability to be moved up and down, that are curved, and that sometimes adjust both forwards and backwards to best match the curvature of your lower back. If the chair is going to be used by more than one person at a time, an adjustment of this kind might be necessary. If the chair has a lumbar support with a fixed height, and if you can sit back against it comfortably, and if you are going to be the principal user of the chair, then a fixed lumbar support may be appropriate.
Is the backrest of the chair roomy enough to offer enough support for the back?
In addition to offering enough support for the lower back, the back supports of many chairs are also sufficiently large to offer support for the upper and middle back all the way up to the level of the shoulder blades. It should not be difficult for you to bring your elbows behind your body, and the back of the chair shouldn’t get in the way of that motion.
Is there a comfortable amount of space for your hips when you lean back against the lumbar support?
If there is not enough room in the hip area, you may be forced to sit too far forward on the seat pan, which will leave you without appropriate thigh support. When you are seated in the chair, the seat pan has to be at least one inch broader than both your hips and your thighs on either side.
