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Herman Miller Cosm Chair

hermanmiller.com

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Re: Herman Miller Cosm Chair

#21

Post by Someone1234 »

slenk wrote: post #19
Someone1234 wrote: post #13

As someone who recently purchased a high end chair, my only advice is go try them in person(!), and sit how you actually sit. Herman Miller Aeron for example is great for people who are either small or sit "correctly." If you fold your legs under yourself, it is super uncomfortable. My finalists were the Aeron, Embody, Steelcase Leap, and Gesture. The Leap and Gesture worked much better for my lazy ("natural") seatin…

There are 3 different Aeron sizes FYI, so if one is too small you might just need to try a different size.

I'm aware. I was at a dealer, they had all three sizes.

I tried the B and C, both were uncomfortable for my normal seated position, my legs literally hit the underside/frame. For a smaller person, with shorter legs, they will likely have a better experience.

Re: Herman Miller Cosm Chair

#22

Post by pxlpshr »

Someone1234 wrote: post #13

As someone who recently purchased a high end chair, my only advice is go try them in person(!), and sit how you actually sit. Herman Miller Aeron for example is great for people who are either small or sit "correctly." If you fold your legs under yourself, it is super uncomfortable. My finalists were the Aeron, Embody, Steelcase Leap, and Gesture. The Leap and Gesture worked much better for my lazy ("natural") seatin…

The Aeron is only for people who are small? They make them in 3 different sizes and Size C can easily handle a very large person. The level of customization is why they became so popular. To that end, they also have premium versions that have even more 'levers and knobs' beyond the standard features. To your point, most people are uninformed about the Aeron (or similar) and the degree of customization that's achievable. But I ultimately do agree with you, it's not a chair that's designed for everyone and you should try before you buy. A great task chair fitted to your body makes a world of difference.

I use to buy and sell used office furniture in the early 00's to pay for college.

Re: Herman Miller Cosm Chair

#23

Post by gargravarr »

dominotw wrote: post #14

Or you could just just go the gym regularly, take frequent breaks from sitting, lose weight, eat healthy. You don't need fancy chair if your back is not supporting a huge gut or is strength atrophied from never using it , you don't need a fancy mattress if your body is tired and your mind calm.

There is a very good reason Aeron chairs appeal to programmers...

Re: Herman Miller Cosm Chair

#25

Post by encoderer »

NickM wrote: post #15

Every Herman Miller chair I've tried (and several other brands of "ergonomic" chairs) seem to be designed in such a way that there's a big gap in support around the mid-back area, in-between the lumbar area and the shoulder blades. There's very firm, forward support for the lumbar spine and shoulders, and then this weird gap in the middle. This causes my mid-back to round into the empty space, which in turn causes my…

Curious, are you using their lumbar insert? I used to and always found it uncomfortable. I later learned from a Herman Miller rep that most people shouldn’t use it and the chair provides support from the large mesh contact surface. Since removing it I’ve been way more comfortable, going on 5 years now.

Re: Herman Miller Cosm Chair

#26

Post by chiefgeek »

I used Aerons for several years back when they first came out. While they are really nice looking, I and my staff found them to be terribly uncomfortable. We all went and tested multiple chairs at the Merchandise Mart. The Steelcase Leap was the clear winner. I still have and use several of them almost 20 years later.

The Aeron has two major flaws, IMHO. It looks like the Cosm may have the same.

1.) Arms that recline with the back which causes your wrists to have to break to reach the keyboard

2.) The "trampoline" design of the seat means the front edge of the chair digs into the underside of your thighs.

Re: Herman Miller Cosm Chair

#27

Post by jdc0589 »

encoderer wrote: post #25
NickM wrote: post #15

Every Herman Miller chair I've tried (and several other brands of "ergonomic" chairs) seem to be designed in such a way that there's a big gap in support around the mid-back area, in-between the lumbar area and the shoulder blades. There's very firm, forward support for the lumbar spine and shoulders, and then this weird gap in the middle. This causes my mid-back to round into the empty space, which in turn causes my…

Curious, are you using their lumbar insert? I used to and always found it uncomfortable. I later learned from a Herman Miller rep that most people shouldn’t use it and the chair provides support from the large mesh contact surface. Since removing it I’ve been way more comfortable, going on 5 years now.

ditto. the lumbar insert was REALLY painful for me. super comfortable without it.

Re: Herman Miller Cosm Chair

#28

Post by justherefortart »

gargravarr wrote: post #23
dominotw wrote: post #14

Or you could just just go the gym regularly, take frequent breaks from sitting, lose weight, eat healthy. You don't need fancy chair if your back is not supporting a huge gut or is strength atrophied from never using it , you don't need a fancy mattress if your body is tired and your mind calm.

There is a very good reason Aeron chairs appeal to programmers...

I always wanted an Aeron. Finally got one and it's terrible. The bottom "breathable" fabric has to be so tight it's like sitting on a noncushioned chair. It might keep your ass cooler but at the expense of comfort.

I found a ~$150 chair on Amazon that is so much more comfortable and affordable.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000Q5XTE8/

Re: Herman Miller Cosm Chair

#29

Post by uptown »

chiefgeek wrote: post #26

I used Aerons for several years back when they first came out. While they are really nice looking, I and my staff found them to be terribly uncomfortable. We all went and tested multiple chairs at the Merchandise Mart. The Steelcase Leap was the clear winner. I still have and use several of them almost 20 years later. The Aeron has two major flaws, IMHO. It looks like the Cosm may have the same. 1.) Arms that recline…

2.) The "trampoline" design of the seat means the front edge of the chair digs into the underside of your thighs.

This was the dealbreaker for me. I tried one, but just never found it comfortable no matter what adjustments I made. Instead, I switched to the Humanscale Freedom. While it lacks extensive adjustments that many find essential, it's been a great chair that has held up very well. In the few instances where parts have worn due to age and use, the company has stood behind the product and shipped me replacement parts with no questions asked.

Re: Herman Miller Cosm Chair

#30

Post by ahtu123 »

Someone1234 wrote: post #13

As someone who recently purchased a high end chair, my only advice is go try them in person(!), and sit how you actually sit. Herman Miller Aeron for example is great for people who are either small or sit "correctly." If you fold your legs under yourself, it is super uncomfortable. My finalists were the Aeron, Embody, Steelcase Leap, and Gesture. The Leap and Gesture worked much better for my lazy ("natural") seatin…

I also use a (2nd hand) Steelcase Leap. It's definitely great for slouching which is comfortable but I guess I should work on improving my posture.
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