Adjustable V's Fixed Height Office Chairs

Adjustable office chairs offer enhanced ergonomics over standard, fixed-height alternatives. However, if you are on a budget, perhaps fixed is favourable? Each type of chair has its own beneficial features. It is all about determining which best suits your personal requirements. If you are a casual user, you will not need the level of lumbar support essential to a 9-5 employee. So, what are the features of adjustable VS. fixed-height office chairs that you should know?

The Features of Adjustable Office Chairs

Adjustable office chairs use gas-lifting and pneumatic mechanisms to adjust your seat height. These systems force pressurised, compressed gas through a chamber that moves a piston, which raises and lowers your seat. Adjusting your seat is necessary to position your sitting body properly and reduce the risk of musculoskeletal problems. 

Adjustable office chairs usually include ergonomic features, including armrests, lumbar support, tilt control, headrests and seat depth adjustment. Adjustable chairs are designed to accommodate varying body types through long shifts and reduce strain on your back, neck and wrists. 

Unfortunately, the sizable collection of moving parts in an adjustable office chair can incur more regular maintenance. Since the components of a fixed-height office chair are usually static, the frequency at which parts wear down is far less. Although an adjustable office chair will serve you well, regular use, especially by multiple people, can demand potentially yearly part replacement in lower-quality models.

The initial cost of adjustable office chairs is also considerably higher than fixed-height alternatives, retailing for a minimum of £70 and exceeding £200.

Why are Chair Ergonomics so Important?

Chair ergonomics help to reduce a number of physical stress concerns for those working in offices. Lower back pain, neck and shoulder strain, wrist and arm fatigue and even hip misalignment are all common complaints of office workers. These conditions are all long-recognised consequences of office-based working and must be taken seriously. 

Adjustable chairs support the natural curvature of your spine and distribute weight evenly, reducing stress on joints and soft tissues. Genuine, long-term damage can occur from constantly using inadequate seating at work, including Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Musculoskeletal Disorders.

If you can, purchasing an adjustable chair will help diminish your discomfort and improve productivity.

How Should I Sit in an Office Chair?

You should try to sit up straight with your knees and elbows bent at roughly 90 degrees as often as possible. Sitting this way will prevent hunching, slouching and reaching and minimise discomfort and muscle fatigue. If you use your office chair for more than 4 hours each day, you should consider your chair as an accessory for your health and less as a simple piece of furniture.

Without adequate support from your chair, you may experience unusually high levels of tiredness, restlessness and a loss of focus. Fortunately, a combination of ergonomic features can considerably reduce these symptoms and encourage sustained, focused work. 

The Features of Fixed-Height Office Chairs

Fixed-height office chairs usually have static seats that don’t allow for adjustments. They’re also far less likely to include ergonomic support and are much more suitable for short-term working, from 1-3 hours. Although they lack ergonomic features, they’re a more cost-effective initial price and maintenance option.

Fixed-height office chairs have fewer moving parts to maintain and are generally cheaper than ergonomic alternatives. There’s no gas lift to fail in the future, no intricate components to clean, and the chairs are usually upholstered with simple, easy-to-clean materials.

Adjustable VS. Fixed-Height Office Chairs

Fixed-Height and Adjustable Office Chairs From Lakeland Furniture

Lakeland Furniture supplies fixed-height and adjustable office chairs to customers across the UK. So, whether setting up a new workspace or replacing your current office chair, see our range to find style, comfort and savings.