A good office chair

festoolviking said:
Browsing for an ergonomical chair this funny picture came up. This was actually sold by IKEA back in 2008 but I've never seen one IRL. It was available in birch, oak, white, brown and pink. Might not be ideal as an office chair.  [big grin]

https://www.dropbox.com/s/torjm4q0bzd658l/Photo%202013-02-03%2021%2050%2005.jpg

Festoolviking
Click to expand...

I think that's a joke, it wasn't really made by Ikea (or if it was, it was a one-off for an ad campaign).

Ikea have NEVER made anything out of solid timber that thick. Now if it was the same design but moulded in wafer-thin plastic then I could've believed it....
 
I also have an Aeron.  I had one at work about 11 years ago, and I went through about 7 chairs avoiding spending the big bucks on the Aeron.  My wife bought me one this past Christmas, and I love it.

I agree with some of the comments above though.  Most important is make sure you have the proper desk/keyboard tray.  Your posture is incredibly important.  The right chair will help you keep the proper posture, but nothing will help if you slouch or have your keyboard too high.

I had to add a heater to my office when I got the Aeron, it wasn't so much my back to got cold, but my butt.

Kevin
 
Take your notebook computer along to an OfficeMax store and pick a chair or two that you like and ask if you can sit at a desk to see how you like it for an hour or two. The sales reps will be more than happy to accommodate you -- look's like there's traffic in the store.  Take out the notebook and get some work done.  You'll soon know if you like it.  I found a couple in the $100 to $200 range that I liked and bought one --- obviously these are Chinese knockoffs of other designs

One thing about chairs ----    the more the seat is "scooped out" to keep you from "scooting out", the more comfortable you will be.  Added lumbar support can actually push you out of the chair if it isn't scooped out adequately.  I was told by a good chair rep once --- think of how you sit in a saddle on a horse.  Thing about how uncomfortable some flat bottomed car seats are and they don't get much better when you inflate the lunar support.
 
Bob,
Please check out one of the chairs you kneel on. My wife's specialist insisted she buy one (she spends all day in front of the computer) I was very sceptical, especially as I was the one who had to make a trip to the other side of Paris (2hrs) to get it and had to 'pony up' the 1,000 dollars it cost back then (10 years ago). He was right and I happily eat humble pie when I see him. I got myself a cheap copy for about 100 dollars as the less time I spend at the desk the better.
Something like this:
http://www.ergodepot.com/Wing_Balans_by_Varier_p/v150.
There is a learning curve (like with Festool:)), but my wife's back problems have disappeared since she had the chair. Hers was made by Stokke, but I can't find a link.
At least check them out.
Richard
 
I write software for a living so I spend a lot of time in a chair. Also I've had occasional back pain when I haven't been going to the gym often enough. I've had two chair types that help. The Steelcase Leap and the Steelcase Criterion.

Both are expensive if you buy them from a full service dealer, however online you can get better prices.

I've tried a variety of chairs from big box office stores and haven't been particularly impressed. In general they don't last. Maybe they are better now, but that would be surprising to me.

I never had an Aeron, so no opinions there.

 
Well, thanks all for all the info. Saturday afternoon after doing a quick google search for Aeron dealer close by, I made a call and went down to this place http://www.dwr.com/.
  The lady stated that the prices stated were lower in the store. Well, what they did not say were that all the office furniture - chairs - were returns in one form of disrepair or another. Some were badly scuffed, some were missing arms, some had broken pneumatics, some were missing casters. Only one salesperson out of the lot had a clue as to any of the chairs'  features!
I was out of there. I wonder if the manufacturers would be pleased having chairs costing upwards of 1500.00 were being so poorly displayed? Or perhaps they don't know or care and can't be bothered
with this type of merchandising.

I the went to Relax the Back, as Jon suggested. which featured Human scale chairs and another brand made in Canada. Unfortunately, the ones made in Canada did not have the correct seatback in place and the salesperson did not want or did not know how the switch out the backs. Both brands are excellent though.  I did buy an auto seat foam there though and will go back when they get another chair with the  proper back. I do know one thing for sure, and that is office task chairs - for those that it matters enough to spend heavy coin - are a very individualized purchase. As mentioned, some people's condition/comfort level worsened even with the very expensive chairs. I'll be checking out a few more brands  in the upcoming weeks and will be spending plenty of time sitting in each one - as suggested. I'm intrigued, but still skeptical about those kneeling chairs, but will give them a shot too.
Seems my journey is just starting!

Thanks again.

Bob
 
When I hurt my back, I purchases an unusual ergonomic chair named The Swopper.  It is basically a round seat on a flexible springy pedestal.  It has some aspects in common with a kneeling type chair, in that it positions your pelvis forward so that there is pressure relief on your back and it naturally straightens.  The unique feature of the chair, is that you can bounce and sway the seat while sitting on it.  The amount of bounce and sway is completely adjustable.  They call it active sitting, and it helps to relieve boredom and promote circulation.  There is no back support, but you back is sort of trained to the correct posture.  I used this chair for 6 years at an office desk writing code.  Drawback are the chair does not let you slouch, and it does not come with wheels.
 
I've had Aerons for over 15 years and just had to replace a seat pan on one and a seat back on the other... dunno why the pellicle failed but I think it has to do with the climate here in Hawaii as it wreaks havoc on certain types of plastic. I like the mesh, especially here in Hawaii as it keeps my "okole" cool :-) I also have to admit that I love the design of the chair as its a timeless classic.
 
Bob,

Here's another vote for the Aeron.  It's unfortunate that you encountered people with no apparent knowledge of what they were selling.  You're right that an office chair should be a highly personal purchase (though it rarely is).  It was in that vein that I was able to swallow the cost of an Aeron.  Given the amount of time I spend behind a desk and my expectation that the Aeron would last a long time (over 12 years so far, with no problems), I reasoned that the cost was worth it.  Not unlike my rationale in buying Festools.  Godspeed in your quest for the perfect chair (for you).

David
 
I used Aerons and similar chairs for about ten years before switching to a traditional padded leather chair (by Hancock and Moore). I think the Aerons are great for computer work and open plan offices and are good value, but I prefer my current chair for general office work which includes less computer time and more reading and writing (and perhaps the odd nap!). I can sit in my chair for hours on end if needs be, which is rare but sometimes it happens. When I used Aerons, I did not find them that comfortable to be honest. It was good on my back but not so good for the bum. I think the lack of comfort is one factor that appeals to office managers- you don't really want your staff lazing their days away after all.

I know it's more expensive than you had in mind, but my chair will give me a lifetime of use so it's a terrific investment. It was about $2000 but it depends on the leather you select.

http://www.hancockandmoore.com/product.asp?productid=1426

 
Ok, after a decent amount of time, my search led me to check out a company called BODYBILT - (actually from a link provided by Brice to the Talk Festool, post by Dan Clark). What they do is have you speak with an experienced and knowledgable staff person who hones in on what would be the best chair for your height, weight, amount of time spent in the chairs and issues/problems your may or may not have with your neck, shoulders, back, etc. Based on those parameters, they custom build you a chair.
Here's a link a model very similar (mine is fabric not leather)  to what I ordered, based on my conversation with a sales tech there.
http://www.ergogenesis.com/3507.php

They offer a 30 money back warranty, if in that time, you are not satisfied. Not that I'm looking to return  it, but nice to know that the company feels confident enough in their products to do so and I won't be stuck with a chair  that just isn't right for me. The price point is not cheap $1250.00 + shipping, but I spend enough sitting at my computer to consider this an investment in my back; money well spent - (sound similar to Festool?) They are manufacturing it as I write this and should be here in a few weeks.

And a big round of thanks for all the help, suggestions and even offers from the FOG members.

Bob
 
I realize this is probably too late, but I had an Aeron for years, I managed to break because I thought disassembling it would be better for a move ...

Anwyway, I did some reasearch when I was replacing it, and I've now had a Steelcase Leap for about 4 years now, and I like it much better than the Aeron.

I work at home as a software developer, and seating is really important to me.
 
Great to hear that you have found a suitable chair - my wife had back problems and she was prescribed a custom built set of two saddle chairs (she works with kindergarden kids at their low tables/crouching so problems are different from desk jockeys). Having a chair customised to your body and usage pattern made a huge difference for my wife.

Another thing I'd suggest in looking into if you still continue to have upper shoulder pains is to look into ergonomic keyboards. My shoulders had been jamming up for years from sitting at the computer for 12+ hours a day for the last 30 years and when I finally managed to convince my employers physiotherapist to let me acquire an Kinesis Freestyle VIP (with hand rests) ergonomic split keyboard all shoulder area pains vanished within 4 weeks of starting to use one. It has a bit of a learning curve if you're not a touch typist, but you get used to the split very quickly.

Another thing that is currently trending at my workplace is motorized tables for the computer. This apparently is very effective in combating lower back problems when you can work part of the day standing up in front of the computer (with the table raised to a suitable height) and sit down in your chair when your feet get tired from standing. I have colleagues who swear by having a 'convertible' table. Even Ikea has a cheap one.
 
  Again,

Thanks for all the great suggestions and comments. I am very comfortable and satisfied with my chair. It's built like a tank and the customer support that been very impressive. I think what is also important is relearning poor habits many of us have developed over time - leaning/hunching over the desk rather than sitting upright, incorrect desk height, etc. etc.  In time, I will look at those ergonomic accessories mentioned above.

Bob

Bob
 
Bob, that's great that you've found a good chair!

I'm going to add my voice to the chorus of those talking about the importance of ergonomics.

The key with monitors is to be eye level - you shouldn't have to tilt your head or eyes up or down.

If you are using a laptop without an external monitor, you can raise the laptop and get an USB keyboard+mouse for under $50.
Ideally your wrists (when typing) should end up lower than your elbows, so a below-desk keyboard tray/drawer makes a lot of sense.

In terms of biomechanics, it's healthiest for your pelvis to be tipped slightly forward (a position forced by the kneeling ergo "chairs.") Many years ago I was in a bad car accident.  For the next year after the accident, I had an office job in front of a computer all day, and I sat on one of those big inflatable yoga/pilates balls instead of a regular office chair.  It really forced me to be "aware" of my body while at a desk all day, and was far better for me than a regular office chair.
I find that when I have to spend long periods in front of the computer, creating awareness around proper pelveis and shoulder position makes a workld of difference in fatigue level and shoulder soreness (or lack thereof.)
 
Joseph C said:
Bob, that's great that you've found a good chair!

I'm going to add my voice to the chorus of those talking about the importance of ergonomics.

The key with monitors is to be eye level - you shouldn't have to tilt your head or eyes up or down.

If you are using a laptop without an external monitor, you can raise the laptop and get an USB keyboard+mouse for under $50.
Ideally your wrists (when typing) should end up lower than your elbows, so a below-desk keyboard tray/drawer makes a lot of sense.

In terms of biomechanics, it's healthiest for your pelvis to be tipped slightly forward (a position forced by the kneeling ergo "chairs.") Many years ago I was in a bad car accident.  For the next year after the accident, I had an office job in front of a computer all day, and I sat on one of those big inflatable yoga/pilates balls instead of a regular office chair.  It really forced me to be "aware" of my body while at a desk all day, and was far better for me than a regular office chair.
I find that when I have to spend long periods in front of the computer, creating awareness around proper pelveis and shoulder position makes a workld of difference in fatigue level and shoulder soreness (or lack thereof.)
Click to expand...

Thanks Joe,

Yep, I'm liking my chair and agree that proper seating "angle" is critical for long term comfort. Also overlooked or at least not emphasized enough IMHO, is tring to make sure that you engage in the basic core  building and lower back excerices to help strengthen the area to begin with.

  Bob
 
Aeron chairs are great but crazy expensive. You can order different sizes to match you height and build.

I'am 6' 4" and ordered one about 10 years ago. About a year ago the seat frame broke. I was really bummed out. Then I discovered the Aeron was still under warranty. One call and they asked for several numbers off the chair. A few days later a guy showed up and fixed the chair right in my office.

GREAT customer service!!!!
 
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