10 Common Office Chair Questions, Answered!
Office chairs are an essential part of our daily lives, whether you work from home or in a traditional office setting. But with so many types, features, and issues, it’s natural to have questions. Here, we tackle 10 common office chair questions to help you get the most out of your seating experience.
What is Office Chair Butt?
Office chair butt refers to a viral term for the look and health of your gluteus muscles from prolonged and frequent sitting without performing regular exercise to keep these muscles developed. If you’re wanting to avoid that “office chair butt” look, its best to maintain a regular exercise routine. You can also reduce the amount of time you are sitting throughout the day by utilizing a sit-stand desk throughout your work day.
Can My Office Chair Cause Leg Swell?
Yes, an improperly adjusted office chair can contribute to leg swelling. Chairs that are too high or do not provide adequate support under your thighs can restrict blood flow, leading to swelling. To prevent this, ensure your feet are flat on the ground and the chair’s edge doesn’t press into the back of your legs. Ensure that your thighs are parallel with the floor. If you are still feeling leg swelling at the end of a long work day, we recommend increasing your work breaks and taking multiple short walks per day. You may also want to consider upgrading as your chair may have lost integrity in the structure of the foam and is simply not providing you with enough support. To test this, press your hand firmly into the seat. If you feel your hand bottom out to the backing-board, its likely a good time to replace.
Does Open Box Mean Used Office Chair?
Not necessarily. Open box often refers to products that were returned by customers without being used or barely used. These chairs are typically inspected and may come at a discounted price. Always check the condition and warranty details when purchasing anything open-box. Open-box is a great way to save money as long as the provider is offering a fair warranty and return policy along with the item, otherwise, you may get stuck with a defective item entirely.
How Can I Dispose of an Old Office Chair?
There are several eco-friendly ways to dispose of an old office chair:
- Recycle: Contact local recycling centers to see if they accept office chairs.
- Donate: If the chair is still usable, consider donating it to charities or local schools.
- Repurpose: Get creative and repurpose parts of the chair for other uses. Here in the south, office chairs commonly get repurposed as a swivel deer-blind or hunting blind chair.
- Bulk Waste Pickup: Some municipalities offer bulk item pickup services. Check with your local municipality trash service, or check with your trash service provider to see if they will pick it up. You may even find they’ll pick it up for free.
How to Remove the Bottom from My Office Chair?
To remove the base of an office chair:
- Turn the chair upside down.
- Locate the retaining clip or bolt holding the base in place.
- Use a screwdriver or wrench to loosen the clip or bolt.
- Pull the base away from the chair’s gas cylinder. Apply lubricant if it’s stuck. You may also need to use a rubber mallet to dislodge the base from the gas cylinder.
Why Is My Office Chair Sinking?
A sinking office chair usually indicates a problem with the gas cylinder. Over time, these cylinders can lose pressure and fail to hold the chair’s height. Replacing the gas cylinder or using a temporary fix like a chair clamp can resolve the issue. You can contact a local office furniture store or office supply store to see if they provide a repair service for office chairs. Most often it will be very helpful to know the brand and model of the chair. Although gas cylinders are fairly standardized, there are several models which use a special style of gas cylinder which may require an OEM replacement.
How to Buy an Office Chair Without Trying It Out?
When purchasing an office chair online or without trying it in person:
- Read Reviews: Look for detailed user feedback. Pay attention to the service experience. You can start by checking out our Herman Miller and Steelcase buyers guides.
- Check Dimensions: Compare the chair’s size with your desk and body measurements.
- Look for Ergonomic Features: Adjustable height, lumbar support, and a comfortable seat are key. Keep in mind that office chair comfort is very subjective and everybody’s body and sitting preference is different.
- Return Policy: Ensure the seller offers an easy return policy in case the chair doesn’t meet your expectations.
How to Clean an Office Chair?
Cleaning a chair depends on its material:
- Fabric: Vacuum regularly and spot clean with mild soap and water or upholstery cleaner.
- Leather: Wipe with a damp cloth and use leather cleaner for deep cleaning.
- Mesh: Use a vacuum or compressed air to remove debris and a damp cloth for stains.
- Plastic or Metal Parts: Wipe down with a gentle cleaning solution.
How to Remove Wheels from an Office Chair?
To remove the wheels:
- Turn the chair upside down.
- Grasp the wheel firmly and pull it away from the base. Use a flat-head screwdriver to pry the wheel up if needed.
- For stubborn wheels, apply lubricant or use pliers for extra leverage.
How to Make a Really Uncomfortable Office Chair Comfortable?
You can improve a chair’s comfort with a few adjustments and accessories:
- Add Cushions: Use a seat cushion or lumbar support pillow.
- Adjust the Chair: Ensure the height, tilt, and armrests are properly set.
- Use a Footrest: This can reduce pressure on your legs.
- Upgrade Components: Replace worn-out padding or armrests.
- Practice Good Posture: Sit upright and keep your feet flat on the ground