Thinking about doing upgrades in your workspace and considering an ergonomic chair? In Canada, there is great importance placed on workplace ergonomics. In fact, there are laws concerning this and organizations working to manage the way workplaces are designed. Ergonomic hazards are covered under the Canada Labour Code. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Acts and Regulations are also in place to regulate ergonomics in the workplace, with the goal of preventing musculoskeletal disorders among office workers.

There are several ways to address and improve ergonomics in the workplace, and among the most effective is the replacement of old equipment with new, ergonomic equipment. An adjustable ergonomic chair is one of the first things you can get to start transforming your space and make it more ergonomic and healthier to work in. If you’re still hesitant or you have questions in mind, this post is for you. Read on.

The Most Common Questions People Ask before Investing in an Ergonomic Chair

Do you happen to have any of these questions? Check out the answers to help you decide when it’s time to make the move to going ergonomic.

What makes a chair ergonomic?

Before answering this question, let us first look into what an ergonomic chair is. For one, it is a chair designed to adjust to the human body, to different types of bodies, in fact. You will hear people complain about back pain after a day at the office, seated in front of the computer. This is often caused by prolonged sitting, but a poorly designed chair can worsen the problem.

An ergonomic chair is designed to be adjustable to the body, able to meet the body’s needs in various positions—whether you are seated, leaning forward, or backward. What makes a chair ergonomic are the adjustability features it is equipped with, including the following:

• Adjustability in height
• Adjustability in back tilt
• Adjustable armrest
• Adjustable headrest
• Tilt ratio between the backrest and the seat

When looking for an ergonomic chair, be sure to check out the said features.

Do I need a headrest in my office chair?

Some people definitely need a headrest, especially those who seem to be prone to neck and shoulder pain. In this case, a headrest is helpful when you recline for some rest. Meanwhile, other people feel they don’t need a headrest, or even that a headrest can get in the way of movement.

The answer to this question will depend on what you need in your ergonomic chair. In Canada, you’ll find chairs with and without a headrest. Those with headrest will be more expensive than those without, but they pay off in certain instances.

If you find yourself needing to sit longer than usual, then a headrest will give your back, neck, and head some much-needed rest for when you take a break from what you are doing. If you don’t sit very long and often find yourself having to get up from your chair now and then (which is recommended, by the way), then you may invest in a chair with no headrest.

How helpful is a 4-dimensional armrest in my ergonomic chair?

Are you looking for increased mobility while seated? Do you find yourself needing to reach for things from your chair and need as much space as possible? If the answer is yes, then a 4D armrest in your chair is helpful. A 4D armrest is one that you can adjust in 4 ways—up and down for height adjustment, forward and backward, left and right, as well as rotate the armrest horizontally.

This gives you enough space to do everything you need to do while seated without the armrest getting in the way. Increased armrest adjustability also ensures your arms, hands, and wrist will be comfortable as you type on your computer and perform other tasks on your desk.

Which is better—an ergonomic office chair or a gaming chair?

In Canada, you’ll find a wide array of chair types and designs for different uses, or for multi-use. Some chairs have more features than others; some are designed with more adjustment options than other. But in this case, does that mean more is better? It depends on what you need.

In terms of adjustability, more is better. And, either a gaming or an office chair will have more, depending on the chair design. Check back to the earlier part of this post for the adjustment features you need to look into when deciding on a chair.

In terms of features, more is not necessarily better. To find the right chair for you, ask yourself what features will give you the best benefits. For instance, you will find gaming chairs in Canada to be equipped with extra features such as a Bluetooth speaker. They come in a greater number of color options, are bulkier, and can have a seat design imitating that of racecars (more for style than function).

So ask yourself—what are you going to use the chair for? Your answer should determine the right chair for you. For more comparative details, check THIS POST.

Which is better—an ergonomic mesh chair or leather chair?

Both types of chairs offer a set of advantages and benefits. The right choice will depend on your particular need, the benefits you are looking for, and your particular situation. Check out a quick list of the benefits of each.

Mesh Chair

• Breathable
• Lighter and more versatile
• Modern, sleek, and clean
• Cheaper

Leather Chair

• Elegant
• Offers more support
• Durable and long-lasting
• Requires little maintenance

For a complete comparison, you may check THIS POST.

Is it safer to sit in an ergonomic chair longer?

It’s important to note that prolonged sitting is never healthy. If at all possible, get up and move from your chair! The Mayo Clinic shared that sitting for more than 8 hours a day with no physical activity poses a mortality risk comparable to that posed by smoking and obesity.

So, before we answer this question, be reminded that whether you are sitting in an ergonomic chair or a regular chair, don’t sit for too long. That said, between an ergonomic and a regular chair, the former will offer more support when you need to sit longer than usual. Its adjustable features will allow you to sit in various positions and receive the support you need for your body.

What do I look for in an ergonomic office chair?

In Canada, the ergonomic chairs that you will find can come with a large variety of features, but which of these do you really need to focus on?

• The more adjustability features a chair has, the better.
• Lumbar support. Look into the recline angle and the chair material to ensure you’ll receive sufficient support for your back.
• Seat support. This primarily pertains to the seat, both the material and design. Look for enough cushion, not too soft and not too hard, as well as a friendly design that will care for your thighs and legs. In general, a waterfall seat design is preferred because it reduces pressure from your thighs and legs.

For a complete list of things to consider when shopping for an ergonomic chair, check out THIS POST.

How long do ergonomic chairs in Canada last?

The answer to this question will depend on the quality of the ergonomic chair, to begin with. On average, you will find adjustable chairs in Canada that will last up to a decade. There are even chairs that can last longer than that, depending on the construction and design.

However, remember that you will also play a part in the lifespan of your chair. The way you use it every day and the kind of stress you subject the chair to will determine whether it will last a long time or will get damaged prematurely. When shopping for a new chair, don’t forget to check the warranty coverage to ensure you are covered for at least the first couple of years of the chair after purchase.

What is the best ergonomic office chair in Canada?

The good thing about the answer to this question is that there is no one best chair for everybody. Depending on your need, there is a right chair for you.

Do you need a leather chair that is versatile enough for both work and gaming use? Check out the Enforcer Chair. How about a leather chair that can handle a bigger body build and taller height? We recommend the Guardian Office Chair. How about a mesh chair that is both comfortable to use, sturdy, and able to handle a good amount of weight? Check out the Airglide Office Chair! Meanwhile, if you’re on a budget and still want to get the best value for your money, check the Motion MS1.

For a line-up of our top ergonomic chair picks, you may check out this POST.

How much do ergonomic chairs in Canada cost?

The range of the price of ergonomic chairs in Canada is wide. You will find chairs that go as low as $100 and chairs that can go as high as $2000. But how do these chairs differ? Well one, they might differ in features. The higher-priced chairs may have more advance features in terms of adjustability. Two, the distinguishing factor could be the material used in the construction, with chairs in the higher range being made from highly durable and longer-lasting materials.

Now the important question is this: do you need to spend thousands of bucks for a good chair? The answer is no. You will find chairs that will have the features you specifically need at a price that won’t break the bank. The important thing to do is to determine which features are a must-have for you and which features you can do away with. Once you find the essential features, look for a chair that will give you a balance between these features and the price.

We hope the information we have provided will be helpful for you in making the decision to shift to an ergonomic chair and in finding the right chair that will meet your specific needs. Check our catalog for more high-quality and affordable ergonomic chair options, some of the best you will find in Canada!

About Us

MotionGrey is a Canadian standing desk company that specializes in ergonomic furniture. We supply and install only the best quality standing desks and ergonomic chairs in the country.

Our products are designed with wellness as the focal point. From our electric standing desks to our office and gaming chairs, we deliver best value by putting your health, safety, and comfort as top priority. Boost your creativity and level up work performance. We want you to create great outcomes so we’re providing you only the best tools to make them possible.
 
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