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...

A Task Chair May Be Right For You

If most of your time working is spent staring at an lcd monitor and playing with a keyboard and mouse then purchasing a computer task chair could greatly enhance your comfort while simultaneously helping to prevent any long-term back injuries from developing. This category of chairs is designed specifically for regular, daily computer use... supporting your body and limbs in more proper, low-risk positions. It will help you work longer hours and be more productive at the same time. Unfortunately most companies do not invest much money in this area for their employee and therefore many workers are unhappy with their workstation conditions. One day in the not-so-distant future it could very well be mandatory that all jobs include access to furniture and tools that will help us as people last longer and perform better.

Who Makes The Best Ergonomic Chair?

Many will agree that when it comes to choosing the best ergonomic office chair there are two main players - Humanscale and Herman Miller. Two of the most famous models are generally accepted as the Humanscale Freedom Chair and the Herman Miller Aeron Chair. Both chairs are top-of-the-line examples of what ergonomic seating should be for everyone, but their price tags keep most people away. These are both offered in multiple configurations so its hard to say an exact price for either, but you can safely assume that the cheapest Freedom or Aeron chair that you can build will be around $600, and when add on all the bells and whistles (well, in some cases normally desirable features) you can spend upwards of $1100+. This seems ludacris to most, which is understandable, but luckily a few manufacturers decided to make nice decent ergonomic chairs in the $300 to $500 price range. The best brand with chairs that cost this much is VIA. Their most popular task chair is the Terra which provides significant features and comfort for a more reasonable cost.

How Much To Pay For An Ergonomic Computer Chair

When it comes time to purchase a new ergonomic computer chair there are a few things you consider when determining how much to spend. The cheapest you can get a good ergonomic chair for is around $200. If you pay any less you are sacrificing quality and defeating the purpose of buying an ergonomic chair. You can also pay well over $1000 for a new chair if you want to but it not really necessary. If you are looking for great, high quality ergonomic chairs that will last for years to come you should expect to pay around $400-$600. In our opinion the best chairs on the market, the Humascale Freedom Chair and the Herman Miller Aeron Chair, can be had for $600-$900. However, you can get a very good chair from a different manufacturer that'll function just as well and last just as long for $400-$600. The moral is do not skimp out on an ergonomic chair, you totally get what you pay for.