4 Tips for buying office chairs

1. OFFICE CHAIR GUIDE: THE MECHANISM

A device called the synchro mechanism encourages dynamic sitting. It allows the seat and backrest to
move synchronously and follow the body, ensuring that the back is constantly touching the backrest. A
good-quality synchro mechanism avoids the “shirt-pulling effect” when the sitter moves backwards and
forwards on the chair. An individual bodyweight adjustment option means that the same effect can be
achieved whether the user is heavy or light, thus guaranteeing comfortable support in any position. The
easier it is to use, the better: for example our quick-set adjustment function, which is especially user-
friendly. The synchro mechanism also encourages dynamic sitting, which stimulates the metabolic
process so that the muscles are always supplied with enough oxygen.

2. OFFICE CHAIR GUIDE: THE NECK SUPPORT

The neck support is a useful accessory for healthy ergonomic sitting. It functions as an extension of the
backrest, supporting the cervical vertebra area and relieving strain on the shoulder and neck muscles –
especially in a fully-reclined position as you might assume for example when relaxing while talking on
the phone. The neck support should definitely be height-adjustable.

3. OFFICE CHAIR GUIDE: UPHOLSTERY AND FABRIC COVER

Upholstery and fabric are attractive to look at, but they can also incorporate thermoregulatory and
ergonomic functions. Their quality is especially noticeable on hot summer’s days: if clothing sticks to the
skin, they are not ideal. To achieve maximum sitting comfort, the upholstery and fabric should allow
exchange of moisture and body heat. The seat is designed to support this principle, with its open-pore
foam properties, as well as not using any adhesives at all for the upholstery and covering fabric. If it is
straightforward to change the fabric or even the whole upholstery, an office chair will remain a loyal
companion to its owner for many years. Our tip: the new Klöber Klimastuhl offers heating and
ventilation functions, similar to a car seat. The ventilation in particular makes it impossible for clothes to
stick to the skin.

As well as its thermoregulatory functions, upholstery can often fulfil ergonomically beneficial roles, for
example our patented celligence® system, which is concealed within the seat and backrest. This air-filled
foam cell reacts individually to body weight and movement: if it senses pressure, air is gently rerouted
to support the body position. That prevents a posture that is bad for the spine, and supports dynamic
sitting.

4. OFFICE CHAIR GUIDE: THE FUNCTION LEVER

Function levers are the part of an office chair with which the ergonomic functions can be set – in other
words knobs, levers and switches. Ideally it should be possible to operate all the chair function levers
easily from a sitting position. They should be comfortable in the hand, slip-resistant and freely moving,
as well as intuitive to use.