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You’re thinking of getting a new office chair, but you’re not sure which one to choose. In spite of the fact that it may seem appealing to just buy the trendiest or least expensive option online (after all, it’s just a chair), that may not always be the best option for you.

The average office worker sits for 6 to 10 hours a day, which is a long time. All that sitting over time can take a toll on your back if you don’t have a chair that offers you the proper ergonomic support. Investing in an office chair that supports your spine is one of the best things you can do for yourself.

1. Here are some key factors you’ll want to consider when buying an office chair:
2. Lumbar support. Office chairs should support the inward curve of your lumbar spine. Sitting for long periods without proper support often results in slouching, which flattens the natural curve of the lower spine and stresses its structures. It is ideal to be able to adjust both the height and depth of the lumbar support in a good chair.
3. Proper seat width and depth. The seat depth should allow you to sit with your back against the backrest of the office chair while still leaving about 2-4 inches between the back of your knees and the seat of the chair. The typical width of most chairs is 17-20 inches, which is sufficient for most users to sit comfortably. If you have specific needs that do not fit within the standard 17-20 inches, you may want to consider some more customizable options. You may need to place a special order for this, but the effort is well worth it!
4. The right height. Feet flat on the floor with knees slightly higher than hips is the best position for a healthy spine. Make sure your chair’s seat height can be easily adjusted in order to accomplish this. It is common for adjustable chairs to have a height range between 16 inches and 21 inches. If you are taller (or shorter) than average, you may need to look beyond the standard office chairs to ensure that you get a chair that fits your height. Buying a chair that perfectly fits you may require special ordering, but it’s well worth it to have lasting comfort.
5. Adjustable armrests. It is important that the armrests allow the shoulders to be relaxed, not dipping too low or lifting up so high that they are almost touching your ears. The benefits of having adjustable armrests include being able to customize them according to the length of your arms for a relaxed posture.
6. Swivel. Swivel chairs allow you to reach for items around you without straining your back.
7. Cushion. Chairs with hard surfaces or mesh seats look cool, but they’re rarely comfortable for long periods of time. Ensure the chair has enough cushion to support you without letting you feel the base through the cushion. For maximum comfort, memory foam cushions provide the perfect balance of softness and firmness.

Keep in mind that a good chair will give you enough support to help you maintain a neutral posture as you consider these key factors. In a neutral posture, your feet should be flat on the floor and your knees should be slightly higher than your hips. Additionally, your hips, shoulders, and ears should all be aligned.

If you are unsure whether a chair from PVI is right for you, take it for a test drive. Visit our Frederick showroom today and let our experts help you find the perfect chair. Having trouble deciding? Spend a few days in one of our chairs and experience its features to decide whether it is right for you!