Commonly used ergonomic chair brands at the UW are listed below with descriptions and adjustment options for each chair. Vendor web site links to instructions for adjusting the chair are provided below. These links can also be accessed from computer in the Access Technology Center.
After trying out a chair in the UW Access Technology Center:
- Contact the vendor representative to request a loaner chair to test at your workstation for one week before you and your unit/department decide to make a purchase.
- After testing, the loaner chair must be returned to the vendor.
- How the chair will be purchased and delivered is dependent on the vendor; please coordinate with the vendor and your department/unit for purchase.
Note: If you have an ergonomic chair that was purchased within the past 5 years and it does not work properly, you may be able to replace the malfunctioning part at no charge. The UW purchasing agreement with ergonomic chair vendors includes a minimum 5-year warranty on parts (Steelcase includes a 12-year parts and labor warranty).
Chair Adjustment Features
Ideally, individuals should have a chair with sufficient adjustment features so that it can be adjusted for optimum comfort. Chairs may have all or some of the common adjustment features listed below. Adjustment should be made after first selecting a comfortable chair in the proper size. Chair sizes include petite/small, standard/regular, large/plus, and bariatric. The most adjustable chairs listed in the tables below (and at the ATC) are models manufactured by Steelcase, Neutral Posture, MillerKnoll, BodyBilt and ErgoCentric.
Some chairs are designed with built-in flexibility that allows for slight rocking back and forth; other chairs are inflexible and do not allow rocking.
Ask vendors about chairs that accommodate users over 500 pounds, taller or shorter seat-height adjustments, large or petite seat pan, vertically adjustable lumbar support.
Steelcase brand is available through One Workplace Seattle (Ann de Bruin, 206-468-6687, or Bri Smith, 206-768-1586; uwteam-wa@oneplace.com). Some models have the following features:
- Support users up to 500 lb
- Taller or shorter seat-height adjustment
- Independently adjustable upper and lower back firmness
- A seat pan with flexible side edges for varied postures and larger users
- Armrests that adjust in a complete circle
- Vertically adjustable lumbar support
- Available in stool height
MillerKnoll brand is available through Catalyst Workplace Activation (Conner McKinley, 206-615-9286, cmckinley@catalystactivation.com) or Systems Source (Kyle Smith, 206-475-1088, ksmith@systemsource.com). Some models have the following features:
- Taller or shorter seat-height adjustment
- Independently adjustable upper and lower back firmness
- Armrests that adjust upward/downward, forward/backward, inward/outward
- Vertically adjustable lumbar support
- Available in stool height
- One size fits all
- Forward and back seat rock/recline
- Different sizes of seat pans
- Mesh backs and mesh seat pans
- Triflex ventilated backs
ErgoCentric brand is available through Keeney’s Office Supply (Jill Cooper, 425-285-0549, jillc@keeneys.com). Some models have the following features:
- Ventilated seat back
- Contoured seat options
- Seat pan tilt
- Inflatable lumbar pillow for extra support
- Armrests rotate 360 degrees
Neutral Posture brand is available through Neutral Posture (Dale Garrison, 206-412-4998, dale@garrison-associates.com). Some models have the following features:
- Contoured seat options
- Fabric covered back
- Seat pan tilt
- Inflatable lumbar pillow for extra support
- Armrests rotate 360 degrees
BodyBilt brand is available directly through BodyBilt (Aaron Johnson, 503-509-2542, ajohnson@bodybilt.com). Some models have the following features:
- Customizable seat sizes
- Support users up to 700lbs
- Fabric and Mesh back options
- Work stools options for both general usage and lab seating
- 10 Point Posture Control
- Contoured seat pan options
- Cleanable fabric options for back and seat pan
- Foot ring for foot support
- Armrests rotate 360 degrees and can be adjusted inward/outward
- Inflatable Air Lumbar for extra support
Contact EH&S ehsergo@uw.edu or at 206.543.7388 for further information about chairs.
Considerations for selecting an adjustable height desk are the following:
- Adjustable height desks are usually used without a keyboard tray when sitting.
- The lower range for the height adjustment of a desk should be sufficiently low to match the height at which the keyboard tray is adjusted and used for comfort. The “sitting elbow height” for small users can be 22 to 24 inches and the table should be able to accommodate this height.
- The depth of the desk-top should be at least 30 inches to accommodate the keyboard/mouse at the front edge of the desk and the computer monitors toward the back edge of the desk.
- The monitor should be at arm’s length distance away from the user for viewing comfort. The electric motor option is suggested for ease of adjustment.
- Note: Less expensive height adjustable desks are typically designed with the lowest height at 28 to 30 inches.
Considerations for selecting an adjustable height desk are the following:
- Height adjustable desks should meet the recommended height range of 22.6 to 48.7 inches; optimal range for a desk is 22.6 to 48.7 inches.
- A standard computer desk has a fixed height of 28.5 to 30 inches above floor level; smaller users are provided with an adjustable keyboard tray for using the keyboard and mouse.
Steelcase brand is available through One Workplace Seattle (Ann de Bruin, 206-468-6687, or Bri Smith, 206-768-1586; uwteam-wa@oneplace.com). Some models have the following features:
- Counterbalance mechanism
- Multiple position heights
- Supports up to 315 pounds
- Obstruction sensing technology
ErgoCentric brand is available through Keeney’s Office Supply (Jill Cooper, 425-285-0549, jillc@keeneys.com). Some models have the following features:
- Digital display of positional heights
- Supports up to 315 pounds
- 1.6 inches per second adjustment speed
In general, a keyboard tray that allows the keyboard and mouse to be used at the same level is preferred compared to using the keyboard and mouse at different levels.
Humanscale brand is available directly through Humanscale (Laura Hayett, 206-962-3594, lhayett@humanscale.com) Some models have the following features:
- Separate platform for mouse
- Negative tilt adjustment
- Lift and lock height adjustment
BodyBilt brand is available directly through BodyBilt (Aaron Johnson, 503-509-2542, ajohnson@bodybilt.com). Some models have the following features:
- Platform for left or right mouse
- Negative tilt adjustment
- Lift and lock height adjustment
- Sit Stand option
Steelcase brand is available through One Workplace Seattle (Ann de Bruin, 206-468-6687, or Bri Smith, 206-768-1586; uwteam-wa@oneplace.com). Some models have the following features:
- Platform for right handed mouse
- Lift and lock height adjustment
- Negative tilt adjustment
Risers are available to place under a computer monitor to raise it when it is too low. The space under a riser can be used to store documents and materials so space directly in front of the monitors is free for holding documents in active use.
A riser with the computer monitor can be moved to any preferred position on top of the table for viewing comfort. An adjustable articulating monitor arm, if mounted at a fixed location on the desk, may prevent the computer monitor from be placed in the preferred location in front the user when using an adjustable keyboard tray that is also mounted at a fixed location on the table.
Steelcase brand is available through One Workplace Seattle (Ann de Bruin, 206-468-6687, or Bri Smith, 206-768-1586; uwteam-wa@oneplace.com). Some models have the following features:
- Platform holds keyboard and mouse
- Sits flat on table when used in sitting position
- Holds dual monitors
- Adjustable tilt
- Supports up to 30 pounds
Varidesk brand is available directly through Varidesk (800-207-2587). Some models have the following features:
- Platform holds keyboard and mouse
- Sits flat on table when used in sitting position
- Holds dual monitors
- Adjustable tilt
- Supports up to 35 pounds
AMQ brand is available through One Workplace Seattle (Ann de Bruin, 206-468-6687, or Bri Smith, 206-768-1586; uwteam-wa@oneplace.com). Some models have the following features:
- Single and dual monitor mount
- Push button handset with memory presets
- Anti-collision technology
- Built in USB chargers
- Supports up to 125 pounds
iMovr brand is available directly through iMovr (844-366-8748). Some models have the following features:
- Piston assist for each adjustment
- Holds dual monitors
- Hold keyboard and mouse
- Supports up to 35 pounds
ErgoTron brand is available through Keeney’s Office Supply (Jill Cooper, 425-285-0549, jillc@keeneys.com). Some models have the following features:
- Can hold one or two monitors
- Adjusts for standing or sitting
- Built-in document holder
- Keyboard tray extends below table top
Computer monitor arms may be needed if the computer workstation consists of a free standing table in an open work area and the monitor could fall if it is not secured or if the employee works at a tight work surface and computer monitors on adjustable height stands occupy needed space that could be made available if the monitors were mounted on adjustable arms. In tight spaces, the arms should be mounted on moveable pedestals to accommodate the unique characteristics of each work station and the arms should fold against a wall behind the monitor to maintain a comfortable viewing distance.
MillerKnoll brand is available through Catalyst Workplace Activation (Conner McKinley, 206-615-9286, cmckinley@bodylystactivation.com). Some models have the following features:
- Mounts with bracket to table
- Dual or single monitors
- Monitor tilt rand +/- 40 degrees
- Arms can fold flat against wall to open workspace
ErgoTron brand is available through Keeney’s Office Supply (Jill Cooper, 425-285-0549, jillc@keeneys.com). Some models have the following features:
- Mounts with bracket to table
- Monitors can tilt up and down
- Monitors can rotate between portrait and landscape position
- Arms can fold flat against wall to open workspace
Steelcase brand is available through One Workplace Seattle (Ann de Bruin, 206-468-6687, or Bri Smith, 206-768-1586; uwteam-wa@oneplace.com). Some models have the following features:
- C-clamp bracket mounts to edge of desk, can mount to wall
- 200-degree monitor tilt
- Monitors can rotate between portrait and landscape position
Footrests are provided when a short user raises the chair to use the computer and cannot support the feet on the floor while sitting. A short user sometimes needs to raise the chair so the arms and elbows are in the proper posture for comfort while using the keyboard and mouse.
Humanscale brand is available directly through Humanscale (Laura Hayett, 206-962-3594, lhayett@humanscale.com) Some models have the following features:
- Adjustable tilt
- Metal base with wood platform
Fellowes brand is available through Office Depot Some models have the following features:
- Adjustable tilt
- Independent platforms for each foot
- Sturdy plastic
Safco brand is available through Office Depot Some models have the following features:
- Adjustable tilt
- Adjustable height
- Suitable for work at high tables
Steelcase brand is available through One Workplace Seattle (Ann de Bruin, 206-468-6687, or Bri Smith, 206-768-1586; uwteam-wa@oneplace.com). Some models have the following features:
- Cutouts to allow for repositioning
- Provides support in several positions
Please visit the Access Technology Center website for information about ergonomic keyboard options.
Please visit the Access Technology Center website for information about ergonomic mice options.