Picking the perfect office chair is crucial if you spend countless hours at your desk. The right office chair can protect your posture and keep you comfortable throughout the day. But finding that one perfect chair can be quite a challenge. There are so many different types of office chairs. All promising extra comfort in very different ways.
Two types that are very often confused with one another are posturepedic and ergonomic office chairs. Both office chairs place a particular focus on posture and promise to prevent back problems and pains. But in what ways do they differ? And which of the two is right for you?
Our Reliant tech experts are here to help! In this guide, our experts will pit the two types against one another. To see where they differ, and to help you decide on the perfect type for your office needs!
What Is A Posturepedic Office Chair?
Posturepedic office chairs are specially designed to both support and improve the posture of users. When sitting on bog-standard office chairs, many of us find ourselves tempted to slouch. Unfortunately, slouching has a very direct negative impact on the posture. Most notably, it puts a significant strain on the lumbar region in the lower back.
The lumbar region, the lowest part of the spine, has a curved shape. This curve naturally has an inward direction, towards the belly. When you slouch, the lumbar region instead bends outward! When the lumbar region curves in the opposite direction, it has a much harder time holding up the weight of the body. This then results in back pain: the dreaded curse of any office worker!
Posturepedic office chairs are specially designed to support the structure of the spine. This helps the user to optimise their posture and avoid slouching. Avoiding slouching helps to stave away back pain!
Posturepedic office chairs totally discourage slouching. They do this by promoting an optimal posture. Every aspect of a posturepedic office chair, from the seat to the backrest, is designed to support the natural curve of the spine. This prevents back ache in the short term, and other complications in the long term!
What Is The Difference Between Posturepedic And Ergonomic Office Chairs?
Posturepedic and ergonomic office chairs are functionally very similar. Both are designed to optimise posture and to keep you comfortable and safe as you work. Where the two differ is in terms of how defined they are. Ergonomic office chairs can differ massively from model to model. Where one ergonomic office chair might have one set of features, a different ergonomic office chair might have a totally different set of features.
A standard office chair might be classified as an “Ergonomic” office chair simply because it has a detachable lumbar support pad.
A posturepedic office chair, on the other hand, is specifically for use by those looking to improve their posture. Posturepedic office chairs have specific ergonomic features built into them. And you would be likely to find those features on all posturepedic chair models.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Posturepedic Office Chairs?
Pros
- The design of posturepedic office chairs keeps you from slouching. This helps to prevent back pain!
- Posturepedic office chairs can be used to help recover from spinal injuries.
- Protecting the posture with a posturepedic office chair helps to improve your mood during the working day!
Cons
- They’re often very expensive.
- Because of their unique construction, posturepedic office chairs are often bulky.
Should You Buy A Posturepedic Office Chair?
If you very often suffer from back pain, or you otherwise suffer from issues related to the spine, then a posturepedic office chair is a great investment. A posturepedic chair will help to keep you from slouching. So, it’s particularly useful if you often catch yourself slouching at your desk.
Being able to keep your posture upright throughout the day significantly reduces the strain placed on your back. It also allows you to relax a number of the muscles in your body. This all keeps you from tiring out by the end of the working day. Greater levels of energy help to keep you focused as you work, which enhances your productivity. It might sound dramatic, but a good office chair really can make you better at your job!
Posturepedic office chairs are absolutely worth the investment. Especially if you often suffer from back pain at your desk. However, they do often have a heavy price tag. So make sure to research different models!
However, it is worth taking the time to look around at all of the many models available on the market. Prices for posturepedic office chairs can vary massively. In some cases, you might find that a simple ergonomic office chair serves you a little better. And with a lower price tag!
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s The Difference Between A Posturepedic & Ergonomic Office Chair?
Ergonomic and posturepedic office chairs are largely very similar. Both types of office chairs are specifically designed with the unique shape of the spine in mind. However, posturepedic office chairs are generally the better choice for those that suffer from back pain or spinal issues. Ergonomic office chairs can differ from model to model. Where one might have loads of posture-supporting features, another might have fewer!
Do I Really Need An Ergonomic Chair?
If you spend long hours at your desk, then it’s worth purchasing a more ergonomic office chair. Ergonomic office chairs are designed specifically for long-term use. They have plenty of padding, to keep you comfortable. And plenty of unique structural features that are designed to support your posture. To make back pain a thing of the past!
