Office workers have to sit for several hours every day, but some of us experience body aches at the end of the day. When you get up at 5, you feel like you completed a marathon. Your back is sore, and your neck is stiff. People consider a chair as a flat surface with a back. In fact, a chair is a complex element that supports the human body. A good ergo chair can put an end to the daily fatigue you so dreaded.

Ergonomics is rarely taken seriously, but the science involved fitting a workspace to the needs of its user has a tremendous impact on the productivity potential. You can control your physical health when you know how each lever, knob, and cushion operates. Small modifications can increase your energy levels. You need to learn the anatomy of your seat and how to use it.

Why Chair Design Matters for Ergonomics

The human body was not made to sit still for eight hours. We are evolved to move and hunt. Modern life works in the opposite way. We are working against our biology, so the chair we sit in has to be the first line of defense. A properly designed chair should follow the natural curves of your body. It distributes body weight evenly.

Poor chair designs cause “static loading.” This means your muscles cannot stay upright. It hinders blood flow and causes pain. An ergonomic chair addresses this problem with external supports. It’ll relieve your spine and exert pressure on the chair’s frame. You can easily concentrate on your work.

Key Parts of a Chair and Their Functions

You have to first know the components of a chair. Each piece has a particular job. Break one part and the whole ergonomic structure fails. Learning these names helps you identify the causes of your discomfort.

1. Seat

The seat is the basis of your posture. It bears most of your body weight. A decent seat must be spacious enough for your hips and have elbow space between the armrests. It should have sufficient depth to support your thighs. The “waterfall” edge, in which the front of the seat curves downward, is a common feature. This feature prevents the seat from cutting off circulation behind your knees.

2. Backrest

Your backrest becomes your second spine. It should contour the natural "S" of your back. The most important region is the lumbar, which is your lower back. Without back support, people tend to slouch forward. This causes intense strain on the spinal discs. A high backrest supports the shoulder blades to ease tension from your upper back muscles.

3. Armrests

Armrests are a misunderstood element and often forgotten. They’re designed to relieve your shoulders from the weight of your arms. When your arms are dangling without support, the muscles of your neck have to exert more effort to keep them up. It results in headaches. There should be enough space between the armrests to move easily.

4. Chair Base

The base offers stability for angular movement. A common office chair has a five-point pedestal base. This star-shaped base helps avert unexpected tipping due to imbalance. The chair should not fall if you lean back. A broad chair base is more stable. The material, such as nylon and aluminum determine the weight the chair can handle.

5. Casters or Legs

Casters are the wheels that move the chair on the floor. You can access different parts of the office without getting up. Different types of casters are designed for different floors. Hard casters are better suited for carpets, while rubberized wheels are preferable for hardwood floors or tile. Fixed legs are less common in an office setting and provide the highest level of stability.

How Each Chair Part Affects Ergonomic Support

Every piece works together to keep you balanced. The height of the seat affects the position of your legs. Your feet won’t rest flat on the floor if the chair is too tall. Your knees should not be higher than the hips as it tilts your pelvis backward and causes pain.

The backrest angle is also important. Slight reclining is better than sitting upright because it decreases stress on the spinal disks. The armrests should keep your wrists straight while typing.

How to Choose an Ergonomic Chair Based on Its Parts

Everyone’s body is unique to them. You have to determine the features that are right for your height, build, and work habits. You must prioritize adjustability. A chair that fits a gym rat will probably not fit an office worker.

1. Choose an Adjustable Seat

Invest in a seat that uses a pneumatic cylinder to raise and lower. You can also get one with a seat slider that lets you slide the seat forward or backward. There must be a small gap, about two fingers wide, between the seat edge and the back of your knees.

2. Prioritize Backrest Support to Protect Your Spine

A chair that doesn’t have an adjustable backrest isn’t likely to be great. You must get a model that provides adjustable lumbar support. A few chairs have adjustable lumbar cushions, which can be shifted up or down. The cushion must support your back at the spot where it curves. 

The OdinLake O2 (Ergo MAX 747) demonstrates the importance of back support through its design. It's specifically built for those who spend extended periods at their desks, featuring a unique three-section split backrest that proactively aligns with your shoulders, spine, and lumbar curve.

• Customized Support: Offers five levels of backrest height adjustment and a 2D adjustable headrest to fit your specific height and neck nape.

• Dynamic Comfort: Includes a 135° recline angle with precision locking and 4D adjustable armrests with premium PU padding.

• Premium Materials: Utilizes FlexBreath® Mesh imported from South Korea, which is skin-friendly, breathable, and resists sagging over time.

• Durability: Features a heavy aluminum alloy frame, Class 4 gas lift tested for 150,000 cycles, and a 15-year structural warranty.

3. Select Armrests That Reduce Shoulder and Neck Strain

Look for “3D” or “4D” armrests that can tilt up and down, slide left to right, and rotate inward. Pivoting armrests are useful if you have to type a lot, since they provide support for the forearms. 

The OdinLake O3 (Ergo BUTTERFLY 753) represents a natural progression in ergonomic seating. It comes with a butterfly split backrest for adaptive lumbar support that mimics your body’s movement, ideal for users seeking dynamic posture control.

• Innovative Backrest: Features a butterfly split backrest and a Livemotion Lumbar Auto-Tracking System that changes dynamically with your spinal movements.

• WireControl™ Technology: Revolutionizes adjustability with paddle shifters embedded in the armrests, allowing you to change seat height and tilt without bending over.

• Comprehensive Adjustability: Offers a 135° recline, depth-adjustable seat slider, and an optional integrated leg rest for a lounge-like experience.

• Industrial Build: Combined with FlexBreath® Mesh, it’s also supported by a sturdy aluminum alloy chassis and silent, anti-loosening casters that glide effortlessly on any surface.

Other chairs from established brands like the Steelcase Amia and X-Chair X3 Management also offer solid ergonomic features. The Steelcase Amia provides LiveLumbar technology and 4D adjustable arms while the X-Chair X3 Management features Dynamic Variable Lumbar support.

4. Pick a Stable Chair Base

Don’t ever settle for a weak chair base. A cracked base can cause falls and severe injury. If you are looking for a chair with strong casters and frames, you should consider the OdinLake O2 and O3. They are made with a strong frame and durable anti-loosening caster wheels. Sturdy bases are more grounded, so you don’t have to balance on a wobbling chair.

5. Choose Breathable and Comfortable Materials

Your chair’s material determines how well your body can release body heat into the air. Foam cushions trap heat, and this causes a sweaty and unpleasant afternoon. Mesh office chairs are a common alternative because they let air circulate under your back.

The OdinLake series are made with high-quality FlexBreath® Mesh, using materials imported from South-Korea that feature skin-friendly processing, these are breathable mesh that will stay cool during the summer and last you for years. The warranty guarantees that we will be available to serve you even years after the purchase.

To better understand how different chairs perform in practice, the table below outlines key specifications for several popular ergonomic office chairs.

Common Chair Design Mistakes That Hurt Ergonomics

A lot of chairs prioritize form over function. A leather chair may look impressive, but it will not offer the support you need. They are too deep and don’t offer the lumbar curves you need. Another problem is the bucket seat that many gaming chairs offer. These can push your shoulders forward.

If the arms are too high, they will force your shoulders toward your ears all day. This puts tension into the trapezius muscles. Another mistake is a too soft seat. Although it feels great for five minutes, a super-soft seat doesn’t offer structural support for your bones. 

Conclusion

Knowing the components of your chair changes the way you sit. It turns a furniture item into a productivity tool. You can get rid of the afternoon ache with an emphasis on adjustability and premium quality materials for your office chair. 

Do yourself a favor and invest in something like the high-quality OdinLake series chair. You can sit in your office chair longer than you sit in your car. It should pass the same scrutiny and care. It's time to take the strain off your back.

FAQ

1. How to fix an uncomfortable chair?

If a new chair is out of reach for you right now, go with external support. Stuff a towel, or a small cushion behind you. Get a footrest if your chair is too high.An office chair with footrest is also a great additional option if your chair is too high. These little cheats can work until you move towards an ergonomic model.

2. What is the 90-90-90 rule for sitting?

In sitting, the 90-90-90 rule means that your elbows, hips and knees should each be at a 90-degree angle. Your feet should be firm on the floor. Your lower back must be supported and your wrists should be straight. This position cuts back stress.

3. Is a firm or soft seat better for comfort?

A firm seat is usually healthier over the long term. Firm support offers a strong foundation for your pelvis. This will prevent tilting that can stress your spine. Soft seats feel good for short periods, but do not hold an upright posture.

4. Should my feet touch the ground on a chair?

Yes, your feet should be flat on the floor. If they hang, your thighs will push against the side of the seat. That can put pressure on nerves and reduce blood flow. If you are on the shorter side, a footrest is a necessity. 

5.Why Does My Office Chair Keep Going Down?

If your office chair keeps going down, it’s usually a sign that the pneumatic cylinder is malfunctioning. The cylinder is responsible for adjusting the height of your chair, and over time, it can wear out, causing the seat to gradually lower itself. To fix this issue, you can try replacing the gas cylinder or adjusting the tension screw to ensure the chair stays at the desired height.