Using an office swivel chair not only helps office workers improve their performance but also offers many health benefits. In the following article, Okamura will provide you with a detailed guide on how to adjust the swivel chair from A to Z, helping you easily customize it to fit your body and switch flexibly between working and resting positions.
1. Adjusting Your Office Swivel Chair Correctly
An office swivel chair is a specially designed chair intended to support you in enhancing performance and maintaining daily health. To maximize the benefits of a swivel chair, you need to know how to adjust it to suit your body and maintain the correct working posture.
Here is a guide to help you easily adjust the 8 important features of your swivel chair:
1.1. Adjusting the Chair Height
Adjusting the chair height is the first and most important step to ensure a correct sitting posture. The adjustment lever is usually located under the right side of the seat or beneath the right armrest.
You should adjust the height so that your thighs are parallel to the floor and your feet are firmly on the ground. Follow these steps:
To lower the chair: Sit on the chair, then gently lift the adjustment lever upwards. The chair will gradually lower until it reaches the desired height, then release the lever.
To raise the chair: Stand up from the chair, then lift the adjustment lever gently. The chair will rise until it reaches the desired height when you release the lever.
1.2. Adjusting the Seat Depth
To adjust the seat depth, locate the lever on the left side of the seat cushion. This lever is typically designed for easy access and adjustment even while sitting on the chair.
Adjusting the seat depth ensures a comfortable sitting posture and provides good support for the back and legs. Follow these steps:
To move the seat cushion away: Press the lever lightly and use both hands to pull the seat cushion forward. This will increase the distance between the seat and the backrest, providing comfort for taller individuals.
To move the seat cushion closer: Pull the lever up and push the seat cushion backward. This will reduce the distance and ensure proper thigh support while sitting.
1.3. Adjusting the Backrest Recline/Lock
The angle of the backrest significantly affects comfort and helps reduce back strain during prolonged sitting. Locate the adjustment lever, usually found underneath, on the left side of the seat.
To adjust the backrest recline, follow these steps:
To recline the backrest: Sit comfortably on the chair and lean back until you achieve the desired angle. Then, gently rotate the adjustment lever backward to lock the backrest in place, allowing you to maintain a relaxed posture and optimal spine support.
To return the backrest to an upright position: Lean back slightly to create pressure and rotate the adjustment lever forward. This will help you return the backrest to its original upright position.
1.4. Adjusting the Backrest Tension (if applicable)
To adjust the backrest tension, find the knob or lever on the right side of the seat cushion. This position is usually easily accessible and allows you to adjust the tension flexibly according to your needs and sitting habits.
Adjusting the backrest tension helps control the comfort level for your back, especially when leaning against the chair for extended periods. Follow these detailed steps:
To adjust the tension: Rotate the knob or lever backward to increase tension or forward to decrease tension, creating a lighter feel when reclining. You may also refer to the instructions on the knob/lever.
To check the tension: Lean against the backrest to test the appropriate level of tension. If the tension is not comfortable, repeat the adjustment steps until you achieve the desired balance.
1.5. Adjusting the Armrests (if applicable)
To adjust the armrests, first identify the location of the adjustment buttons or levers, usually found underneath or on the side of the armrests. These are typically designed for easy access, allowing you to quickly change the height and angle of the armrests.
Adjusting the armrests helps reduce strain on the wrists, arms, and shoulders, especially for tasks involving extensive use of a mouse and keyboard. Here is a detailed guide on how to adjust the armrests:
Adjusting Armrest Height: Locate the adjustment mechanism underneath the armrest. To change the height, press or rotate the adjustment knob up or down. Then, hold the armrest and lift it to increase the height or push it down to lower the height.
Adjusting Armrest Angle: Rotate the knob or lever to adjust the angle of the armrest, usually found on the outer edge of the armrest. Adjust it so that the armrests are angled to fit your sitting posture, keeping your arms in the most natural position.
Adjusting Armrest Depth: Locate the adjustment mechanism underneath the armrest. To adjust the depth, pull or push the armrest forward or backward. This adjustment aligns the armrests with the length of your arms, providing proper support and reducing arm fatigue during prolonged use.
1.6. Adjusting the Lumbar Support Height (if applicable)
The lumbar support is an essential feature for maintaining comfort in the lower back while working. With the adjustment mechanism located at the back of the chair, you can increase or decrease the height of the lumbar support as needed.
Adjusting this support provides optimal comfort for the lower back, reducing strain and fatigue during long periods of sitting while helping to maintain correct posture. Adjust the lumbar support so that it aligns with the most prominent inward curve of your lower spine. Follow these steps:
To increase the height of the lumbar support: Reach behind the chair and place your hands under the lumbar support. Lift the lumbar support to the desired height and stop.
To decrease the height of the lumbar support: Reach behind the chair and place your hands on top of the lumbar support. Push the lumbar support down to the desired height and stop.
1.7. Adjusting the Headrest (if applicable)
Modern office swivel chairs come with one of two types of headrests: fixed or adjustable.
For chairs with fixed headrests, you cannot change the position to fit your body. To achieve optimal support for both working and resting, consider chairs with adjustable headrests, such as those from Okamura, including the Okamura Contessa II and Okamura Finora.
To adjust the headrest, follow these steps:
Changing the height of the headrest: Place your hands on either side of the headrest and pull evenly to raise the height. To lower the headrest, grasp both sides and pull downward to the desired height.
Changing the angle of the headrest: Hold both sides of the headrest and push it forward or backward within a 35-degree angle range.
1.8. Adjusting and Replacing the Coat Hanger (if applicable)
The coat hanger on an office swivel chair allows you to easily hang personal items like jackets, keeping your workspace tidy and convenient. The coat hanger is typically located at the back of the chair, near where the backrest connects to the chair frame.
For maximum convenience, adjust as follows:
To raise the coat hanger: Use the adjustment lever or knob located beneath the hanger. Press/rotate and pull the adjustment lever upward to raise the hanger to a higher position as needed.
To lower the coat hanger: Press/rotate and push the adjustment lever downward. This lowers the hanger, making it more suitable for the chair's height and your needs.
2. Tips for Ergonomic Sitting Posture
An ergonomic posture is designed to distribute pressure evenly across the body and optimize comfort during long periods of sitting. Adopting an ergonomic posture helps maintain balance and reduces the risk of health issues related to prolonged sitting.
The benefits of sitting in an ergonomic posture include:
Reducing the risk of back and neck pain
Enhancing comfort and reducing fatigue during work
Improving work performance and concentration
Preventing musculoskeletal issues
Supporting proper sitting posture
To adjust your sitting posture ergonomically and maintain an ideal working position over long periods, keep the following 4 tips in mind when adjusting your swivel chair:
Adjust the Chair to Fit Your Body Frame: Position the chair so that your knees are at a 90° angle and your feet are flat on the floor, ensuring good support for your legs and back.
Adjust the Seat Depth: Set the seat depth so that there is a slight gap between the back of your knees and the edge of the seat, preventing excessive pressure on the underside of your thighs. This helps avoid leg numbness and improves blood circulation.
Adjust the Lumbar Support to Match the S-curve of Your Spine: Adjusting the lumbar support helps maintain the S-curve of your spine, reduces pressure on the spine, supports the lower back, and prevents back pain.
Adjust the Armrests According to Your Arm Length and Usage: Customize the height, position, and angle of the armrests to keep both arms comfortably supported while working. This also helps reduce strain on the wrists, arms, and shoulders when using the mouse and keyboard.
3. Recommended 9 High-Quality Okamura Swivel Chairs
Okamura is a leading Japanese manufacturer of high-end office furniture, specializing in quality seating to provide comfort and enhance work efficiency. Currently, Okamura offers three main categories of swivel chairs: office chairs, executive chairs, and multifunctional chairs. Each category is designed with superior features to meet diverse user needs.
3.1. Okamura Office Chair
Okamura's office chairs are distinguished by advanced ergonomic design, premium materials, and flexible adjustability, ensuring comfort throughout work hours. Some models to consider include:
1 - Sabrina:
Features a modern and elegant design, suitable for various office spaces.
Includes multiple adjustment options such as height, backrest tilt, and lumbar support, allowing for personalized customization.
Premium cushioning material and breathable mesh back provide long-lasting comfort.
2 - Finora:
The Finora chair is designed with diverse adjustment features, including height, tilt, and seat depth, making it suitable for various sitting styles.
The backrest and seat cushion utilize ergonomic technology to reduce back and body strain.
Durable and easy-to-maintain materials ensure both aesthetics and high durability.
3 - Sylphy:
The Sylphy chair stands out with its elegant design and flexible adjustability. Notably, the chair frame can be adjusted to fit different body types, providing maximum personalization and meeting all usage needs.
The integrated lumbar support helps maintain the natural curve of the spine, effectively reducing back pain.
The seat cushion and backrest are made from breathable materials, ensuring comfort even during extended periods of sitting.
3.2. Okamura Executive Chairs
Okamura executive chairs meet the specific needs for working and relaxing reserved for leaders, featuring a luxurious design, comfort, and flexible adjustment options. The robust structure and premium materials of these executive chairs not only enhance work efficiency but also reflect the status of the leader. Here are some notable executive chair.
1 - Legender:
The Legender chair is distinguished by its premium design and a variety of adjustment features, including height, backrest tilt, and lumbar support.
The seat cushion and backrest are made from high-quality leather or fabric, offering a comfortable and luxurious feel.
The chair’s exquisite details and sturdy construction enhance support and reduce fatigue during prolonged periods of sitting.
2 - Contessa II:
Featuring advanced technology and a comprehensive ergonomic design, the Contessa II chair provides maximum bodily support.
A notable feature is the smart operation, which enables you to easily adjust the height and lock the reclining function with the button on the armrests, allowing you to operate the chair while sitting down.
The breathable mesh backrest and premium seat cushion ensure comfort and reduce strain.
Notably, the chair features an elegant and modern design, making it suitable for upscale office environments and meeting spaces.
3 - Shibusa:
The Shibusa chair combines traditional design with modern technology, featuring a range of adjustments such as height, backrest tilt, and tension control.
The thick seat cushion and soft leather material offer optimal comfort and support for your health.
The ergonomic design of the chair helps reduce pressure on the spine and maintain proper sitting posture throughout work hours.
3.3. Okamura Multifunctional Chairs
Okamura's multifunctional chairs are designed to meet flexible usage needs in various environments, from meeting rooms to collaborative workspaces. These chairs typically offer adjustable features and the convenience of folding or easy movement, optimizing space and enhancing functionality.
1 - Plimode:
The Plimode chair stands out with its lightweight design and automatic adjustment of tilt tension based on the user's weight, making it suitable for meeting rooms or as a signing chair. Its adaptable nature provides maximum comfort with minimal adjustment.
Premium cushioning and a breathable mesh backrest ensure optimal comfort and effective support for the back.
Designed ergonomically to provide optimal support for the spine and back, it helps maintain proper sitting posture and reduces pressure on the body.
2 - Cynara:
The Cynara chair is distinguished by its ultra-lightweight design, weighing only 7 kg. With its minimalist and modern style, the chair impresses not only with its sleek appearance but also with its 100% recyclable materials, making it environmentally friendly.
Featuring automatic tilt tension adjustment based on the user's weight, the Cynara is an excellent choice for meeting rooms and reception areas.
The chair also boasts unique Hollow wheels, which are one of the standout features of the product.
3 - Lives Work:
The Lives Work chair is designed with a variety of adjustable features, including lumbar support and armrests, to help users maintain optimal ergonomic sitting posture.
The seat and backrest are made from high-quality materials, providing excellent support and reducing strain during long periods of sitting.
The chair’s versatile design allows it to be used for various purposes, from individual work to team collaboration, making it suitable for a range of office and meeting environments.
Properly adjusting an office swivel chair not only enhances work efficiency but also protects the user’s health, particularly the spine and joints. With detailed instructions on how to adjust the chair, from height and tilt to lumbar support, readers can easily customize their chair for optimal fit. Choose quality swivel chairs from Okamura for a comfortable working environment!
Comments