Office chair information

It was predicted in the 1980s that kneeling chairs would be the hot item in the future. They didn't take off as expected, but they are still around. Jobri's Tempur-Pedic Ergonomic Kneeling Office Chair (*est. $240) uses the same pressure-relieving material that's used in Tempur-Pedic mattresses. While this might be an option for people who can't tolerate sitting because of back or hip problems, it puts more pressure on the knees, potentially causing joint problems.

If you're willing to try something completely different, check out the PostureBall (*est. $45), a large inflatable ball that's an inexpensive alternative to traditional desk chairs. The idea of the PostureBall is that you have to sit up straight or fall off, which the company says improves your posture and strengthens your back muscles. You can get more details at Postureball.com.

If your office work is most conducive to a high desk -- the kind artists or engineers use -- a saddle seat or sit-stand stool may be most appropriate. These chairs sit high, and some have little or no backrest, no armrest and are good for two-handed work requiring a forward reach. They are said to improve balance and to be especially good for those with arthritis. Variations on this chair include a perch, a saddle, a tractor, a bicycle seat and a split seat. Manufacturers such as Bodybilt and Neutral Posture make sit-stand stools.

In addition to the sources listed in Our Sources, we found the following sources helpful:

EHow's Home & Garden Editor, Willi Galloway, has written a helpful guide called "How to Buy an Ergonomic Desk Chair."

Choice magazine offers a short report called "Choosing a Computer Chair."

Cornell University's ergonomics web includes the report "How to Choose an Ergonomic Chair."

The Office Chairs Guide website offers "Some Office Chair Buying Tips."

The United States Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has some tips for what to look for in a computer workstation chair.

Manufacturers' websites can also be good sources of information and product specifications:

Herman Miller

Humanscale

Steelcase

Neutral Posture

Ikea

Office Star

Raynor