Top Ergonomic Office Chairs of 2018
Right, so 2018, eh? Back when ergonomic chairs were still a bit of a niche thing, not the absolute must-have they are now. Let’s rewind and check out what was causing a stir back then. This ain’t no crystal ball gazing; we’re sticking to the chairs that actually got reviewed and rated.
Top Five Ergonomic Office Chairs of 2018: A Ranked List
This table shows the five most-reviewed ergonomic office chairs from 2018, based on hypothetical review data gathered from various online platforms. Remember, these ratings are illustrative and not based on actual 2018 sales figures.
| Rank | Chair Name | Manufacturer | Average User Rating (out of 5) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Herman Miller Aeron | Herman Miller | 4.8 |
| 2 | Steelcase Leap | Steelcase | 4.7 |
| 3 | Humanscale Freedom | Humanscale | 4.6 |
| 4 | Haworth Fern | Haworth | 4.5 |
| 5 | Steelcase Gesture | Steelcase | 4.4 |
Key Features and Price Ranges of Top Ergonomic Chairs
Here’s the lowdown on the features of each chair, giving you the inside track on what made them stand out (or not).
Ergonomic office chair reviews 2018 – The following bullet points detail the key features of each chair. Note that these are based on general knowledge and reviews of the chairs from around the time of their release, and may not represent every single feature or variation.
- Herman Miller Aeron:
- Excellent adjustability: Height, depth, armrests, and recline are all highly adjustable.
- Superb lumbar support: The PostureFit SL system provides excellent lower back support.
- High-quality materials: Durable mesh fabric and robust construction.
Price Range: High-end (£800-£1500)
- Steelcase Leap:
- Comprehensive adjustability: Offers a wide range of adjustments for optimal posture.
- Strong lumbar support: Adjustable lumbar support caters to individual needs.
- Durable construction: Built to last with high-quality materials.
Price Range: High-end (£800-£1200)
- Humanscale Freedom:
- Self-adjusting features: The chair automatically adjusts to the user’s weight and movement.
- Good lumbar support: Provides comfortable support for the lower back.
- Stylish design: Modern and sleek aesthetics.
Price Range: High-end (£900-£1400)
- Haworth Fern:
- Flexible design: Adapts to the user’s body movements.
- Comfortable lumbar support: Provides adequate support for the lower back.
- Sustainable materials: Uses eco-friendly materials in its construction.
Price Range: Mid-range (£500-£800)
- Steelcase Gesture:
- Good adjustability: Offers a range of adjustments for personalized comfort.
- Decent lumbar support: Provides comfortable lower back support.
- Modern design: Contemporary and stylish appearance.
Price Range: Mid-range (£600-£1000)
Comparative Analysis: Pros and Cons
This table summarises the pros and cons of each chair based on hypothetical user feedback from 2018. Remember, these are generalisations based on common reviews and may not reflect every user’s experience.
| Chair Name | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Herman Miller Aeron | Unmatched adjustability, excellent lumbar support, high-quality materials | Very expensive, some may find the mesh uncomfortable |
| Steelcase Leap | Excellent adjustability, strong lumbar support, durable construction | Pricey, can be bulky |
| Humanscale Freedom | Self-adjusting features, good lumbar support, stylish design | High price point, may not suit all body types |
| Haworth Fern | Flexible design, comfortable lumbar support, sustainable materials | Less adjustability compared to top-tier options |
| Steelcase Gesture | Good adjustability, decent lumbar support, modern design | Not as many adjustments as Leap or Aeron, mid-range pricing |
User Experiences and Common Issues with 2018 Ergonomic Chairs: Ergonomic Office Chair Reviews 2018
Right, so 2018’s ergonomic chair game? A mixed bag, bruv. Loads of hype, but the reality for many users was a bit of a rollercoaster. Let’s break down the common gripes and long-term effects peeps were facing.
Common User Complaints, Ergonomic office chair reviews 2018
A fair few recurring themes popped up in reviews from 2018. These weren’t just one-off moans; they were proper widespread issues that affected a significant chunk of chair owners. Understanding these common complaints helps you avoid the same pitfalls when choosing your next office throne.
- Back Pain and Lack of Adequate Support: Many users reported that despite the “ergonomic” label, the chairs didn’t provide sufficient lumbar support, leading to back pain, especially after prolonged periods of sitting. This was often linked to poor adjustment mechanisms or inflexible designs that didn’t cater to individual body shapes.
- Discomfort and Pressure Points: Another common issue was the development of pressure points, particularly on the hips and thighs. This often stemmed from sub-par padding or a seat pan that wasn’t shaped ergonomically enough. Some chairs, even pricey ones, felt like sitting on a brick after a few hours.
- Poor Build Quality and Durability Issues: Several reviews highlighted problems with the chair’s overall build quality. Issues like wobbly bases, squeaky mechanisms, and easily-damaged components were frequently mentioned. This was a real let-down, especially considering the cost of many of these chairs.
Long-Term Comfort and Back Support
After six months to a year, the honeymoon period was well and truly over for many 2018 ergonomic chair owners. The initial excitement often faded as long-term comfort issues became apparent. Many users reported that the advertised ergonomic benefits didn’t hold up over extended use. Back pain, previously mentioned, often intensified, and new aches and pains emerged in unexpected areas. For example, some users reported neck and shoulder problems developing due to poor headrest design or lack of adequate armrest support. The initial promise of all-day comfort often dissolved into a constant battle against discomfort.
Durability of Different Materials
The materials used – mesh, leather, and fabric – played a significant role in the chair’s long-term durability. User feedback painted a varied picture. Mesh backs, while breathable, sometimes proved less durable than expected, with stretching and sagging reported after extended use. Leather, while often perceived as luxurious, could show wear and tear more quickly than anticipated, particularly on high-contact areas. Fabric, on the other hand, generally demonstrated good durability, but the quality varied considerably depending on the specific material and construction. Some cheaper fabric chairs wore down faster, while more robust fabrics held up well over time.
Maintenance Issues
Regular maintenance is crucial for keeping your ergonomic chair in top condition. However, users reported several recurring maintenance headaches. These included the loosening of screws and bolts, requiring regular tightening, the deterioration of the pneumatic lift cylinder, leading to height adjustment issues, and the accumulation of dust and debris in moving parts, affecting smooth operation. Cleaning the chair was also often a challenge, with some materials proving difficult to clean effectively. These maintenance niggles added to the overall frustration for many users.
