Ask HN: Recommendations for “24hr” work chairs?

10 points by MrEliasen 11 years ago | 16 comments

Hi HN,

I am in need of a new comfortable chair for when I work/is at my desk. I spend pretty much all my wake moments in front of my desk at home, working and coding in general.

I have problems with my back (it's straight, no curve) and I can really feel I should have invested in better office equipment (Chair especially).

So I thought I would ask you/HN, see what recommendations or even just hear what you are using as your go-to chair and maybe even table? Hopefully this may help others as well.

I currently have the "MARKUS" from Ikea, but I found it to be very uncomfortable for my neck sadly.

I hope you guys and gals can help with some recommendations for a new chair, I know nothing of chairs or which brands to even consider or stay away from.

Thanks in advance!

computerjunkie 11 years ago |

This[0] was an enlightening article when it comes to selecting a chair for everyday use.

Whats more important is that you need to go to your general practitioner and get checked up on what is really bothering your back rather than making assumptions.

Secondly go to a experienced physiotherapist,(only if your general practitioner has said you should go to one)she/he will figure out what is wrong with your back.

Lastly, make health your number one priority, if your body is not 100% you won't be able to be as productive as you want to be. Simply perform exercise and eat nutritious food, it should help.

[0] http://blog.codinghorror.com/investing-in-a-quality-programm...

MrEliasen 11 years ago | |

Appreciate the info, will give the article a read. I guess you are right, better see my doctor, he did tell me once I should see a physiotherapist due to my back. Maybe now is a better time than ever.

Thanks!

webmaven 11 years ago | | |

That is an excellent article, but is now 6 years old. The market for ergonomic work chairs doesn't change quickly, but it isn't glacial either.

Take a look (and more importantly, try out) more recent offerings from Humanscale, Herman-Miller, Steelcase, and the like as well as the ones in the article.

danieltillett 11 years ago |

I can’t help you with the chair other than to advise going out and sitting in a few until you find one you like, but I can suggest getting a silicon wrist rest [1]. I spend most of my time typing (only 8 to 10 hours) and I find they really help me avoid neck and shoulder pain.

[1] http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fellowes-Crystals-Keyboard-Wrist-Sup...

MrEliasen 11 years ago | |

Thanks for the tip on the wrist rest.

I would love to try a lot of chairs, sadly there is limited places where I can (and they do not really have a lot to try).

It's just so I have some brands to maybe look into further before going out to try (if I can find them).

Thanks!

Broken_Hippo 11 years ago | | |

I understand this completely - I'm in Norway. Sometimes the choice isn't there.

I don't actaully have chair suggestions - I think the actual choice is personal. I have a preference for more of a lounge chair for my computer desk because a good one has back and neck support as well as the room to adjust and sit comfortably, even if that means I'm in lotus position on my chair. Not only that, but it seems more likely that you'll be able to test the chair first. I suppose that many people would miss the wheels, but if you can find one that swivels, the wheels don't seem to matter as much. You might be able to install casters (didn't see those in stock at Ikea, but the hardware store had plenty).

I do have suggestions that might help you until you find 'perfection'. Back in the states, I remember seeing lumbar support cushions. Something like this might just make your current chair bearable or at least buy time - and you can use that general shape to help guide your next chair. It is possible you can make one as well. You might try adjusting the height of your screen if your neck is hurting (even if this wasn't an issue before).

Good luck on your chair search.

2D 11 years ago |

Heya,

I also have a niggling back but no problems since I went for standing desk: http://www.fastcompany.com/3028686/my-year-at-a-standing-des...

Maybe give it a go in between sitting for long periods. Positive side effect: improved touch typing.

MalcolmDiggs 11 years ago | |

Good tip. I've been looking seriously as some standing desks. But is it exhausting to stand for a full day? And what do you do footwear wise? Is barefoot standing the way to go?

Thanks!

MrEliasen 11 years ago | |

Oh, those Locus Seats looks pretty good. I wonder if they ship to EU and if it's feasible cost wise.

Thanks for the tip! I think something like that would be great!

thisisdallas 11 years ago |

I've always bought cheap generic office chairs but recently picked up an Herman Miller Aeron. I am honestly surprised at how much of a difference it makes. I use the Aeron at home and have a generic $150 office chair at work and I am really hating it after getting the Aeron.

They are pretty expensive so you might check on Craigslist for a used version, that's what I did.

Also, you might try a standing desk. I've heard/read great things and will be getting one pretty soon.

atsaloli 11 years ago |

Have you tried standing? Perhaps alternating standing and sitting (in addition to an awesome chair) would help.

I switched to standing a few months ago, and it took me 6 weeks to build up strength so I can get through a day without pain. I do find I have more energy now toward the end of the day.

yen223 11 years ago |

I bought an exercise ball. It really did help strengthen my core. The "best" part was that, you know how people say you shouldn't be sitting down for too long? The exercise ball was so uncomfortable that I was forced to talk a walk every 45 minutes or so.

I don't know if people with back issues should take my advice though.

chewxy 11 years ago |

I have an Ergohuman. YMMV, but when I tried a standing desk, I ended up with backpain around my kidney area/lower lumbar region, so I went back to sitting. So I finally put down some money for an Ergohuman and no complaints since then

MrEliasen 11 years ago | |

I had that happening as well, with the pain, so I switched between standing and sitting.

I'll give the chair a look, thanks for the suggestion!

rubiquity 11 years ago |

I recently got a Steelcase Think and love it. My previous chair was a Herman miller Aeron and I find the Think to be better in just about every way. It was also half the price of an Aeron.