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You spend a lot of time sitting at work, so it's important to make sure you're using an office chair that works as hard as you do. After all, getting ahead is much easier when your back doesn't hurt.

See below to learn more about backrests, armrests and seats. Also, check out the glossary and the standards section to familiarize yourself with important chair terms and learn how chairs are tested.

Key Features - Roll over each item for more information.

The typical backrest should support both your upper and lower back. Many chairs offer lumbar support, which pushes the lower part of the chair out to support the natural curve of your spine. Make sure the lumbar support is not pushing you too far forward, forcing you to lose support on your thighs.

Proper lumbar support should allow you to sit up straight with relaxed shoulders and should leave no stress on your upper body. Height-adjustable backrests allow users to customize support to their personal needs.

Armrests are often an afterthought when buying a chair, but can be very important for comfort. You want armrests that will support your arms, yet still allow your shoulders and neck to feel relaxed. Many people prefer padded armrests for an extra touch of comfort. Adjustable armrests can be raised and lowered to exactly where you need them to be, so you can customize your comfort.

Seats should be wide enough to sit on and should support an even distribution of your weight. While seated, your feet should rest flat on the floor and feel comfortable. A seat-height adjustable chair will help you accurately find this ideal position. If this is not possible, a footrest is a viable option.

A seat should have a waterfall edge, which slopes in the front promoting better leg circulation. The seat should comfortably support your thighs and leave no pressure behind your knees, which is bad for your circulation. While you are seated, your pelvis should be tilted slightly forward to prevent stress on your spine.


Adjustable seat slide:	Allows users to change seat depth to accommodate the length of their legs
Adjustable back height:	Correctly positions stationary lumbar support to user's back
Asynchronous control:	Independently modify back angle, tilt and forward tilt
Backrest:	Conforms to the natural contour of the spine
Dual-clutch posture control:	Two levers that adjust the seat and back
Dual hooded casters:	Covered wheels that provide chair with easy mobility
Flexible backrest:	Flexible backrests continuously support the natural curve of your spine, flexing as you move
Fire retardant:	All materials in chair may be fire retardant or fabric and cushions may be fire retardant for added safety
Foot ring:	Provides user with a small adjustable foot rest
Forward-tilting arms:	Reduce muscular effort in neck and shoulders
Height- and width-adjustable arms:	Help prevent neck and shoulder pain
High back and wide seat:	Provide ultimate comfort
Independent seat and back flex:	Allows user to find the perfect fit for ideal comfort
Inverse synchro tilt:	Automatic tension control opens torso and helps keep feet on the floor for better circulation
Lumbar support:	Reduces lower-back fatigue and strain (sometimes adjustable)
Massaging motors:	Adds massage function to alleviate muscle tension
Multitask control:	One lever that independently adjusts back and seat angle
Oversized contoured seat:	Provides better comfort
Padded sectional back cushions:	Provide ample back support
Pillow headrest:	Extra comfort and support for the neck and head
Pneumatic (compressed air) seat-height adjustment:	Raises and lowers chair quickly and easily
Posture lock:	Back angle adjusts independently of seat and locks in place for safety and comfort
Tilt lock:	Seat and back adjust either independently or simultaneously and lock for comfortable positioning
Tension:	Tilt tension increases or decreases the resistance of chair tilt
Waterfall seat:	Sloping seat promotes better leg circulation

ANSI/BIFMA standards. What are they and how are they tested?
ANSI/BIFMA standards are a series of tests performed on chairs to see if they pass furniture industry standards of usability and durability. ANSI is The American National Standards Institute while BIFMA stands for The Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturer's Association. The two have united to provide one set of quality standards and safety tests for office chairs.

The following tests are administered to ensure high-quality, safe chairs:

Back Strength Functional Load Test — The chair is restrained from movement and 150 lb. of force is applied to the chair back for a period of one minute. The chair passes if there is no structural breakage or loss of functionality, including stacking ability.

Back Strength Proof Load Test — The chair is restrained from movement and 250 lb. of force is applied to the chair back. The chair passes if there is no sudden change in the structural integrity of the product. Loss of functionality is acceptable.

Forward Stability Test — The front legs of the chair are blocked and a force is applied downward at 45 degrees from the surface of the seat. The chair passes if the force required is greater than 40% of the total chair weight.

Backward Stability Test — A 173 lb. weight is strapped to the chair as if an adult male is sitting in it. The rear legs of the chair are blocked. A rear load is applied to the chair until the total weight is transferred to the rear legs. The chair passes if the force required is greater than 35 lb.

Chair Leg Strength Functional Load Test (Side) — The entire chair is restrained on its side. A 75 lb. weight is applied one inch from the bottom of the front leg for one minute. This is repeated on the back leg. The chair passes if there is no structural breakage or loss of functionality.

Chair Leg Strength Proof Load Test (Side) — The entire chair is restrained on its side. A 115 lb. weight is applied one inch from the bottom of the front leg for one minute. This is repeated on the back leg. The chair passes if there is no sudden change in the structural integrity of the product. Loss of functionality is acceptable.

Chair Drop Functional Load Test — A 225 lb. weight is positioned 6" above the seat of the chair and allowed to free-fall onto the center of the seat. The chair passes if there is no structural breakage or loss of functionality.

Chair Drop Proof Load Test — A 300 lb. weight is positioned 6" above the seat of the chair and allowed to free-fall onto the center of the seat. The chair passes if there is no sudden change in the structural integrity of the product. Loss of functionality is acceptable.

Seating Impact Test — A 125 lb. weight is dropped from a height of 2" onto the surface of the chair seat for 100,000 cycles. The chair passes if there is no structural breakage or loss of functionality.

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