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The scoop on seat selection is that
it all starts with one word: ergonomics. |
The Evolution Chair is
just one of many stools
created to alleviate stress on the back and shoulders.
acting as a reminder of one’s posture.
The backrest should be adjustable up and down to accommodate differing
torso heights, while also being adjustable forward and back for
varying degrees of lumbar lordosis or swayback.
Armrests tend to be a controversial topic. Many oral health care
professionals have learned to practice without armrests, which has led
to a variety of awkward working postures. In practice however, the use
of armrests tends to keep the arms in a supported, balanced, neutral
position at the practitioner’s side. While this may be an initially
awkward position for individuals unaccustomed to working with
armrests, they soon find that their level of comfort throughout the
day increases
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TAKE-AWAY
Ready to adjust
The backrest and seat of the
chair are most effective when adjustable.
You are unique
Your shape is unique. Get a
seat that meets your needs.
Priority purchase
Spend your money on the right
seat, not the ‘right-now’ seat. |
So you say you’re in the market for a new
operator chair—your old seat cushion is worn and flat in the front,
but the rear upholstery is like new, as is the backrest. The cylinder
doesn’t raise and lower like it used to, and the casters are less than
smooth. It’s time to trade up! Do you know what to look for in a new
operator stool?
KNOW YOUR BOTTOM
When considering important components in a seating system, start by
making sure that it is adjustable. The seat pan, for instance, should
be wide enough and deep enough to fit your bottom; if you share your
seat with someone whose bottom is very much different than yours,
consider getting one for each of you. For example, if they have a
slender, “bony” bottom, while yours is more “bubblish,” one of you may
not be comfortable sitting on a smaller seat pan. The shape of the
seat pan also is important. In general, we have contours to our
bottoms and thus are more comfortable with a contoured seat which has
leg “cut outs” for the thighs. The front of the seat should be
contoured or “water-falled,” gently sloping forward toward the floor.
Both of these components will best fit the shape of the leg and
relieve pressure on the back of the thigh. A gentle forward tilt of
the seat pan places the knees slightly lower than the hips and tends
to allow a more balanced position of the lumbar spine. Having a stable
base of seated support will make it possible for the rest of the body
to “sit” comfortably from the waist up.
GIVE IT A REST
A back support should able to meet the back and gently support the
natural lumbar curve of the lower back while..
(next column) |
