Cheap Computer Chairs = Not Good

I'm away from home today, where I normally have my super-ergonomic Neutral Posture 8000 chair, and my only seating option right now is this cheaply made computer chair that was probably purchased at an office supply store like Staples. I can't concentrate and get any work done because I'm so uncomfortable.

The first thing that's really bugging me about this chair is that the seat is so large; I'm currently sitting with a pillow behind my back between me and the backrest because there is so much extra space. This lack of back support is making me hunch over when I start doing work and I'm starting to feel a lot of discomfort in my upper back. The other main thing that is bothering me is the seat cushion itself, which feels flimsy and has very little support padding. I almost feel like I'm sitting on a wooden stool; not cool.

It just goes to show you how much benefit you actually get from an ergonomic chair and how quickly you can notice all the things wrong with cheap chairs that cause discomfort. However, most people, like me, can't afford multiple high-end chairs, let alone one most of the time. So when you're not home or at the office what are you supposed to do? Sometimes you're forced to do computer work when you're away from your normal workstation where everything is setup the way you like it.

Lately it's been almost impossible for me to get any work done anywhere other than my custom work station at home. Sometimes I'll alternate for a little while and use an exercise ball as my computer chair, you know, to get the blood flowing to my lower body and loosen up my hips. Off the top of my head, this might be the only portable ergonomic seating option since you can deflate it and re-inflate it somewhere else... but it isn't even that convenient to carry around. It's an interesting idea though and I'm definitely going to keep thinking about how I can be more comfortable when I'm working away from home because I know I can't be the only one who feels this way...