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Back and seat

For optimal support, the back(rest) should tilt back and forth to match body movements and move up and down to fit different lumbar spine shapes. In addition, the back and seat should adjust separately. Dr. Marvin Dainoff, director of Miami University’s Center for Ergonomic Research states, "...it is crucial to have a chair that allows independent adjustment of the backrest and seat pan angles." In some chairs, the seat pan slides in and out, allowing for more or less support of the leg.

The back design is the deciding factor. You should feel adequate support in the lumbar spine and not experience any aches in the back or neck after the chair is adjusted correctly (see below) and healthy work habits are practiced.

Different types of work require different types of backrests and/or seat angle. Individuals who do not perform keyboard activities are more likely to require a straight-backed chair than computer users who work with arms or hands extended. These tasks require a backrest that conforms slightly to the small of the back.

Other features

For total comfort, some chairs provide a "rocking" feature.

Arm rests are an option on all chairs and are an additional cost. Note: When used incorrectly, arm rests will contribute to upper back tension and shoulder problems. They should be used only when necessary when not typing, writing or pipetting.

Headrests are not necessary since you should be moving your body regularly; however, in some cases cervical support is recommended. Special chairs have this feature.

An adjustable lumbar roll is a standard feature on Office Master chairs.

Refer to the manufacturers instructions on where controls are located for your particular chair.

• For Office Master chairs, please refer to the chair products page, find your chair model and click on the link that will take you to the appropriate web page on the manufacturer's website.
• For Neutral Posture chairs:
  • Click here for 5000 series chair adjustments.
  • Click here for 6000 series chair adjustments.
  • Click here for 8000 series chair adjustments.
• For Soma chairs, please refer to the Soma website and select the appropriate chair model for manufacturer's illustrations and instructions on chair adjustments.

1. Begin by adjusting your chair away from the work surface so you don't subconsciously compensate for inadequacies in the workstation.
2. Lower the chair so your feet are flat on the floor with your knees slightly lower or even with your hips (knees should never be higher than hips). The front of the seat pan should be a fist distance from the back of your knee.
3. Adjust the seat pan tilt to set your pelvis in its natural position.
4. Adjust the back angle to allow you to sit upright in comfort. Your ears and shoulder should be aligned to allow the vertebrae in your neck to carry the weight of your head, instead of your neck muscles.
5. Adjust the back height so you experience full support in your low back (i.e., approximately belt line height).

After achieving the proper fit, pull the chair up to your worksurface to see what changes need to be made to allow you to work in this ideal seated posture. For example, check the placement of your computer monitor and keyboard/mouse. A monitor that is too far away causes you to lean forward or extend your neck, and a keyboard/mouse that is too high or far away requires harmful elbow extension that pulls your shoulders and head forward. Use our Workstation Design guidelines to help you decide what needs to be changed.

Seat adjustments may vary throughout the day depending on your current activity. The images below illustrate sitting positions for three different activities. Note that the use of armrests is appropriate for a relaxed position, but not for active keyboarding.