What is a good ergonomic chair?

Hepro’s ergonomic chairs are robust and functional. They are developed and manufactured in Norway, which guarantees high quality and long lifespan. The chairs are safe, have easily accessible control levers, and come with many individual adjustment options for customized seating comfort. With us, you will find chairs with both manual and electric seat lift operation.

Our work chairs are ergonomically designed to suit different users in their activities and work situations.

Things to consider before buying a ergonomic chair:

1. Ability to vary sitting position

It is important that the user of the chair has the opportunity to change their sitting position during an activity or work situation. This places demands on the design of the seat, backrest, armrests, and adjustment options.

2. What will the chair be used for?

It is wise to assess the user’s functional level and needs, as well as the environment in which the chair will be used. Will the chair be used for work or hobby activities? And will the chair also be used as a mobility aid or means of transportation?

Will the user need to push themselves back to reach something from a shelf, or move around the kitchen? Or is the work situation more static, such as sitting in front of a computer?

3. Manual or electric seat lift

Assess whether the user is able to operate the chair with a manual seat lift, or if an electric height adjustment is necessary for the user to be able to use the chair.

For a manual seat lift, the user must grasp the lever, stand up, and partially shift their body weight to raise the chair. This requires good hand control and balance.
The manual seat lift is operated via an ergonomically designed lever, marked with a symbol. The control levers are standardly placed on the right side, but can also be supplied on the left side on certain models.

Electric height adjustment of the seat is operated via a switch. This solution is suitable for those with reduced functional ability who cannot use a manual lever. The chair’s battery must be charged regularly (the charging frequency depends on usage).

Why the correct seat height is important for the user:

• Good contact with the floor provides a good and stable sitting position.
• Ensures good contact with the floor when rising from the chair and when the user needs to move around (roll) in the chair.
• Good contact with the floor provides a good and stable sitting position.
• The correct seat height prevents unwanted pressure on the seat and thighs.
• Too low a seat height causes pressure under the sitting bones, external rotation of the hips, the pelvis tilts backward, and the back becomes rounded. Control of arms and hands is reduced.
• Too high a seat height means the user cannot reach the floor, which can cause pressure under the front of the thighs. This can lead to reduced blood circulation and pressure on nerve pathways.
• Little or no contact with the floor leads to poor control when standing up.

Wheelbase: It provides good space for the legs when standing up and moving in the chair. It does not get in the way, unlike a chair with 5 wheels. It is easy to roll because it has larger wheels than a chair with 5 wheels.

4. Choice of seat and back type

To choose the correct seat size, measure the user. See the chart/manual for how to take measurements.
The goal of a good sitting position is to create stability and distribute pressure over the entire seating surface.
A contoured seat increases stability both forwards and sideways. It provides comfort, improves pressure distribution, and reduces the risk of pressure sores.

The choice of backrest is based on the user’s functional level and need for support. The backrest plays a major role in the user’s stability. Contact with the backrest increases upper body stability.

We often distinguish between high or low backs (active or passive back shape):

• Low back (active): Provides freedom of movement for the upper body and arms.
• High back (passive): Provides support for the entire back, but may reduce freedom of movement for the upper body and arms.

5. Adjustment options

The more adjustment options the chair has, the better it can be adapted to the user.
Our chairs have ergonomically designed armrests that are width- and depth-adjustable, and they can also be folded up or away. The armrests also follow the movement of the seat when using a chair with a tilt function.

Ergonomically developed products are designed to reduce strain for the user of the chair. The goal is relief instead of strain.

6. Accessories and individual customization

At Hepro, we believe it is smart to have a good selection of accessories for the best possible customization. The lifespan of a chair can be extended when you can replace parts. The control levers are standardly placed on the right side, but can also be supplied on the left side on certain models.

• Accessories for individual customization – see brochure
• Leg support, amputation support

The user weight limit for our work chairs is 165 kg. For users with a higher weight (up to 230 kg), the Hepro Kilo, a work chair with electric seat lift, can be used.

7. Service and lifespan

It can be economical to consider accessories, service, and lifespan together. If you have been unlucky, can you buy a new cushion? Are spare parts available?

By choosing a chair from Hepro, you have access to service options throughout the country. Our service technicians can come to your home if desired, so you do not have to send in or deliver the chair yourself.

8. Before you buy: Take measurements – for a good fit

These four basic measurements are important (approximate measurements):

a. Hip width – defines the seat width (it should be fairly tight)
b. Thigh length (from the back of the buttocks to the knee – inside of the knee crease)
c. Lower leg length
d. Back height: from the seat to the top of the shoulder

9. Where should you buy it?

Are you going to buy online or in a store? Many people do not have a store nearby that sells customized ergonomic chairs. You can contact our sales consultants for help in choosing the right one.

We recommend that you check the shipping and delivery terms.