Checklist: How do I find the right heavy-duty chair?
It is true to say many people spend most of their working life sitting in an office chair. Depending on your height and body mass, this can become a burden in everyday working life. Tension in the back muscles and even problems in the hips from using incorrectly dimensioned office furniture are a constant issue in the workplace. If necessary, a heavy-duty chair can therefore promote physical well-being.
Use this checklist to find the most important selection criteria for your new desk chair.
From the depth of the seat to posture: the following are what you have to consider with a heavy-duty chair!
Height and body mass are imperative
The most important decision factor when buying a heavy-duty chair is the maximum load capacity. The classic office swivel chair is usually suitable for people weighing up to 110 kg. The rule of thumb is: the maximum load capacity of the desired piece of furniture should be at least one tenth more than the weight of the user.
A desk chair should be comfortable for a long time in any sitting position
The maximum seat duration is the second point to consider. An office chair in daily use must be suitable for use up to 8 hours or more – even if you work less in the interest of your health. This is a long-term solution to back problems and your spine will thank you if you choose wisely.
The correct height adjustment and seat inclination protect against back pain
The intervertebral discs suffer in particular from too much flexion or an incorrect seat angle, so the correct seat height is essential for good blood circulation and a gentle sitting position along the entire spine. There is a simple formula for calculating the individual seat height: length of the lower leg (with shoe) plus a buffer to ensure a sitting position in an open, health-promoting 90-degree angle.
The seat depth is based on the width of the torso and hips
The hip width when sitting is the basis for calculating the seat of the heavy-duty chair. The buttocks should be right against the backrest, with a little space between the seat shell and the back of your knees. When it comes to “seat depth”, office furniture with a height adjustment is also recommended – for individual adjustment.
Suitable upholstery is part of good ergonomics
In particular, the upholstery should provide additional relief for the heavy-duty chair. A comfortable seat pad is also important for a good sitting posture. Ergonomics can be comfortable. With a wear-resistant cover, the office furniture is also protected against wear and tear in the long term – as is your posture.
Adjust the height of the backrest!
Due to the stress of working life, the entire back needs full support. The measure of all things is the natural S-shape of the spine and the width of the torso and hips. A heavy-duty chair generally has an integrated height adjustment function, which gives the user individual advantages in their office work. In addition, a lumbar support or lumbar support with flexible adjustment options help protect against back problems. A neck support also reduces tension and back pain.
The neck and back muscles are relieved on the armrest
The armrests of the heavy-duty chair have to absorb a lot of pressure, especially since they often provide support when standing up or sitting down. Even when sitting, the forearm needs a stable armrest in order to be able to relax the shoulder and neck area. The ergonomics of the seating position and posture can also be optimised through technical refinements. 2D, 3D or 4D armrests with flexible adjustment of width, depth and angle can turn the office swivel chair into a comfortable workplace – especially when using an ergonomic keyboard.
A headrest offers additional relief
A head or neck support does not have a major impact on ergonomics. However, it provides some relief for the tense muscles in the shoulder and neck.
A heavy-duty chair needs strong castors
As already mentioned: a heavy-duty chair is always based on the upholstery, seat, etc. according to body size and mass. This also applies to the castors of the office chair, i.e. heavy-duty castors. Depending on the surface, there are “soft castors” for hard floors such as parquet, laminate, tiles, PVC or linoleum and “hard castors” for soft floors such as carpet.
Exercise should not be neglected in office work
A good posture is above all reliant on regular movement and often, back pain that arises comes from static sitting. With a rocking mechanism in the desk chair, the intervertebral discs are kept positively active even when sitting. The legs are at a healthy 90-degree angle and the whole thing is in motion from head to torso. With a heavy-duty chair, the spring force should be adjusted exactly according to the body weight.
Farewell to back problems – with a heavy-duty chair from Sedus!
The office chair is one of the central elements of office furnishings and the engineers at Sedus have been dealing with the common issue of back pain for over 150 years. The back muscles in particular, but also the torso, are actively supported by our seating models.
On the subject of “heavy-duty chairs”, we would like to introduce you to three pieces of office furniture that have a wide range of advantages for office work in professional life.
se:do – healthy seating comfort for tall people with a user weight of up to 130 kg
black dot air – the office furniture with 3D knitted upholstery
Office swivel chair mr.24 – an ergonomic office chair that is comfortable for users weighing up to 200 kg
