Ergonomic Chair VS Normal Chair – What’s the Difference?

Normal chairs are okay to use until you begin developing all sorts of body pains. Sitting in a chair for long periods of time cannot be avoided by many people, especially those who work in an office setting. The sedentary work-style poses a risk on someone’s health, and a faulty chair can trigger or aggravate some of the health problems.

It is not uncommon for someone to experience back and neck pains from using an uncomfortable chair without proper support. For this reason, a great ergonomic chair which provides support and comfort from the neck down has become a must-have in the home or office.

what is ergonomic chair

The Differences Between an Ergonomic Chair and a Normal Chair

#1 Seat Height

One obvious indication that you are looking at a normal chair is its lack of seat height adjustability. An ergonomic chair’s height is usually adjusted with a pneumatic adjustment lever. The usual range of seat height is 16 to 21 inches off the floor, but there are ergonomic chairs especially designed for short people, with a seat height that starts at 14 inches. A chair that features a seat height adjustment allows a user to place the feet flat on the floor.

adjustable back height in ergonomic chair

Separate Back Height Adjustment in Action

#2 Seat Width and Depth

Most people can fit in either an ergonomic chair or normal chair. Chair manufacturers create the so-called “standard” chair which measurements, including seat depth and width, is right for the average person, but there are manufacturers that offer a chair model in three sizes to offer the right measurements that are just right for short and tall people as well. An ergonomic chair, however, allows a user to tilt the seat forward or backward to promote proper posture.

how to adjust sit depth ergonomic chair

Adjustable sit depth helps to add more comfort to lower back.

#3 Lumbar Support

Both ergonomic chair and normal chair have lumbar support, but an ergonomic chair allows for adjustment. A chair usually has a lumbar spine that curves inward, and leaning against that kind of support would lead to slouching, which can put strain in the spine. Buying an ergonomic chair helps avoid the problem, because the chair has a lumbar adjustment in both depth and height to provide the proper fit for a user’s back.

how to adjust lumbar support computer chair

Adjustable Lumbar Support

#4 Backrest

The width of a chair’s backrest should be anywhere between 12 and 19 inches, and a normal chair can have the right measurement for its backrest. However, an ergonomic chair offers adjustment to provide comfort and proper support. An ergonomic chair that has a backrest which is separate from the seat usually allows for height and angle adjustment of the backrest An ergonomic chair which seat and backrest forming as one piece can have an adjustment feature for forward and backward angles so a user can comfortably lean back. An ergonomic chair with this kind of adjustment feature has a locking mechanism to secure it from going too far backward.

#5 Seat Material

Both ergonomic chair and normal chair have padding, but the ergonomic variety usually have ample padding both in the seat and backrest for a very comfortable sitting experience, especially when a user would be sitting in the chair for a long period of time. Ergonomic office chairs usually have leather upholstery, while the general purpose ergonomic office chair may come wrapped in comfortable cloth fabric.

#6 Armrests

A normal chair has armrests that are fixed, but an ergonomic office chair has armrests that are adjustable to allow for the arms to be rested comfortably, with the shoulders relaxed. The ergonomic office chair is usually designed to allow for the forearms to be off of the armrests when the user is typing.

how to adjust armrests ergonomic chair

Armrest height adjustability helps to reduce muscle strain.

#7 Swivel

ergonomic office chair has a swivel feature so a user can move around the office for convenience.  However, a normal office chair can also have a swivel feature, so this consideration is the least important in the list.

tilt lock ergonomic chair

ergonomic products to consider

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