If you work 40 hours per week, you probably spend about 2,000 hours in a chair each year. Therefor it's important to find the right seat to maximize your comfort and prevent posture problems. When selecting a new office chair, pay attention to the following factors to make the best decision for comfort and wise investment.

4 Factors to Consider When Buying an Office Chair

1. Lumbar Support

The best chairs support the natural curves of your spine and some products will have adjustable lumbar support enabling you to adjust the chair's back to support you according to your body's needs. Proper lumbar support can prevent back strain, which may otherwise lead to sciatica or leg circulation problems. 

2. Adjustability

Nearly all office chairs have adjustable height arms and some move in and out or pivot to give you the ideal support.  The best products have at least five overall adjustments and some even have up to 15 various controls. Depending on your needs, look for a chair that has the adjustability you need to stay comfortable throughout the day.

For example, measure your desk's dimensions. When trying a new chair, check if the product can help you sit comfortably with both feet on the floor and your arms resting comfortably at the designated height. 

3. Wheels

Almost all office chairs include wheels called "casters".  These allow you to move comfortably in any direction without getting up to lift the chair when you want to move.  However, if you have a carpeted work environment, you might need to buy a chair with wheels specifically meant for the soft material or an acrylic chair mat, or you may need soft wheel casters for a hard floor environment such as wood or tile floors.

When trying out a chair, see if there's a section of the store that has a similar flooring material to your office. Then test your chair by rolling several feet to make sure it's safe and comfortable.

4. Upholstery

The upholstery needs to be breathable to keep your chair from getting too hot and uncomfortable after sitting in it for hours at a time. The chairs with mesh material naturally conform to your body but provide no warmth because of the extreme ventilation.  Modern materials like micro-fibers,breathing vinyls and modern leather hides are now produced in ways that allow for ventilation through them.  Meanwhile, a multi-layered foam cushion will help you stay comfortable and prevent aches.  This construction gives you a plush feel on top but firm support in the lower layers. You shouldn't be able to feel the frame of the chair through its seat. 

If you want to learn more about office chairs, turn to Office Furniture Connection in Loveland, OH, and Erlanger, KY. These office design specialists will help you find the perfect seat to keep you comfortable 40 hours per week. Call (513) 984-6620 to reach their Loveland location or (859) 371-9920 to contact for their Erlanger location. Visit the website to learn more about their services.