Ergonomic Chair: How to Choose the Right Model

Choosing the right ergonomic chair can transform your workday. Spending several hours seated in an ill-fitting chair can lead to back, neck, and shoulder pain. Fortunately, these discomforts can be avoided with a chair designed to support your posture and meet your body’s specific needs.

Keep reading to learn what sets an ergonomic chair apart, how to achieve ideal posture at work, and the key features to look for when making your choice. We’ll also explore the differences between mesh and upholstered backrests—two popular options with distinct advantages.

What Is an Ergonomic Office Chair?

An ergonomic chair is designed to adapt to your body and support your movements throughout the day. It doesn’t just provide a comfortable seat—it helps prevent pain caused by poor posture. What sets it apart from standard models is its mechanism and multiple adjustment options.

For example, a synchronous mechanism allows the backrest and seat to move in harmony with your body. Whether you lean forward to work or recline to rest, this system reduces pressure on the spine. Another key feature is the seat depth adjustment, which adapts to the length of your thighs. This helps maintain a proper 90° angle between your legs and torso, while avoiding pressure behind the knees that could restrict blood flow.

Adjustable armrests are also essential to an ergonomic setup. They support your arms and shoulders, reduce muscle tension, and help prevent pain caused by poor posture. Unlike headrests—useful for moments of rest—armrests play a crucial role during active work. Properly adjusted, they keep your forearms at the right height, aligned with your desk, and help reduce strain on the shoulders. This feature is critical for maintaining long-term ergonomic comfort, especially during long hours at your desk.

Mesh vs. Upholstered Backrest: Which Is Best?

Choosing between a mesh or upholstered backrest largely depends on your needs and preferences.

Mesh back chairs are highly breathable, allowing air to circulate—an advantage during long work hours or in warmer environments. The flexible mesh conforms to the natural curve of your back, promoting healthy posture. With their sleek, modern look, mesh chairs fit seamlessly into contemporary workspaces.

Nexus Chair VIEW

Vortex Mesh Chair VIEW

Auxi Chair VIEW

Upholstered chairs, on the other hand, focus on comfort. Their high-density foam provides soft support while helping maintain proper posture. These models are known for their durability, as quality foam retains its shape over time. Upholstered chairs also come in a variety of styles and firmness levels, allowing you to find the perfect balance between comfort and support.

Loveflex Chair VIEW

Vortex Chair VIEW

Dotcom Chair VIEW

Looking for a hybrid solution? Artopex chairs featuring Ultra-Flex® membrane technology offer the best of both worlds. This exclusive feature evenly distributes body weight, eliminates pressure points, and promotes optimal blood flow. The combination of foam and sturdy internal structure ensures lasting comfort and support.

What’s the Ideal Posture at Your Desk?

Even with a perfectly designed ergonomic chair, posture is key to your comfort.

Start by adjusting the seat height so that your feet are flat on the floor and your thighs are parallel to it. This provides a stable seating position and reduces pressure on your knees.

Your back should always be supported by the chair's backrest, especially in the lower lumbar region. This helps prevent slouching or leaning forward, both of which put unnecessary strain on the back muscles. The angle between your thighs and torso should ideally be 90°, supporting good blood circulation and reducing tension.

Arm position is just as important. Make sure your elbows form a right angle and your forearms are aligned with your work surface. This reduces muscle fatigue and promotes more efficient movement.

Finally, movement is just as vital as posture. Even with an ergonomic chair, it's important to stand up regularly, take short walks, or stretch. These micro-breaks improve circulation, release muscle tension, and help you stay focused throughout the day.

Choosing the Right Mechanism and Armrests

When it comes to ergonomic chairs, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. That’s why it’s important to choose models with a wide range of adjustments. Look for a chair with easy-to-use adjustment levers that allow you to change the height, tilt, and seat depth without effort. These features ensure the chair fits your body—instead of the other way around.

Armrests are another key component. Modern designs are built to offer optimal support without restricting movement. By adjusting their height, angle, and position, you can relieve shoulder pressure and avoid neck strain, all while keeping your arms in a natural position.

Lastly, a good swivel mechanism and five-point base provide the stability and mobility needed for dynamic work environments. Combined with the other ergonomic features, these options ensure that your chair can adapt to almost any body type and workspace configuration.

Click here to learn more about how to adjust your ergonomic chair.

An ergonomic chair is much more than just a piece of furniture—it’s an investment in your health and well-being. By choosing a model that matches your needs, you can reduce discomfort, improve posture, and enhance productivity.

Whether you prefer the breathability of a mesh back or the plush support of upholstery, Artopex offers a variety of high-quality options that combine innovation and comfort. Take the time to find the chair that best suits your expectations—and enjoy lasting comfort, every day.

Ready to upgrade your office? Shop Artopex ergonomic chairs online!