The Guide to Selecting the Perfect Chair – Part 4

The Guide to Selecting the Perfect Chair

At ergoCentric it is our mission to design and manufacture the best ergonomic chairs, but we also want to make sure you understand what to look for. Whether you are purchasing an office chair for yourself or many for a company it’s important to consider each person separately.

Part Four: Armrests, Headrests, Casters and Base

The smaller components of a chair like the armrests, headrest, casters and base can sometimes be over looked, but these feature can have a huge impact on your comfort.

The Base

Starting with the base of the chair, it needs to be the correct size and type for the size and type of chair it holds. A chair should have at least 5 spokes. Larger chairs require larger bases for stability and if bases are plastic, they should be made of 30% glass-reinforced nylon with a metal hub insert.

Casters

The right quality casters (wheels) should glide freely over various surfaces to help you move around your desk and office easily.  If your floor is carpeted, you need Nylon casters to provide ease of movement and reduce carpet wear.  If you have hard flooring, Urethane casters should be used. Urethane is a softer material and is less likely to damage your floor.

Armrest

If you require armrests, which typically you will, then make sure they are adjustable.

• They need to allow you to pull the chair close to your work surface.
• Armrests should give you somewhere to rest your arms, which in turn, takes some of the stress off of the shoulders and neck.
• They need to be strong enough to provide guidance and support when getting in and out of the chair.

ergoCentric has a full line of arms and arm caps offering over 50 modular versions available on every chair. The arms and/or caps can be easily and inexpensively reconfigured to accommodate changes in job functions, employees and physical needs. You can find details about all the armrest options available here.

Headrest

Headrest are optional; however, they are recommended for users who work long hours and need a supported relaxed position, or users who medically need it to provide support. In these cases, the best option is a headrest that allows the user to place it exactly where it is needed. ergoCentric can provide headrests that adjust seven inches both vertically and horizontally, and also pivots, so that the user never has to strain their neck by putting it in an uncomfortable position.

If you have not yet read parts 1, 2 and 3, of The Guide to Selecting the Perfect Chair, we recommend you go back and read them so that you can make an educated purchase when buying a new office chair.