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Ask HN: Best Chair for Programming

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31–40 of 54 posts

Re: Ask HN: Best Chair for Programming

#31

I really like my swiss kneeling chair. I got this one: https://www.amazon.com/Flash-Furniture-WL-SB-210-GG-Ergonomi... I've had to do lots of physical therapy for the problems developed from sitting in a chair at the computer. The kneeling chair has been a huge improvement.

[deleted]

Re: Ask HN: Best Chair for Programming

#33
See PainScience for a thorough discussion: https://www.painscience.com/articles/chair-trouble.php

Relevant excerpts:

> The importance of extremely comfy and ergonomically dazzling chairs is exaggerated. There is simply no such thing as a perfect chair: your body isn’t comfortable with any position for hours at a time. The problem isn’t the position that your body is in, but the lack of motion, exertion, and variety of stimulation, and no chair can solve that.

> The best chair might just be two or three simple-but-different chairs used in rotation, including or used in conjunction with an destabilizing cushion, such as a Disc-O-Sit or Sissel Sit, or a fitness ball.

> In my office, I have a standard office chair and a stool, both of which I use in combination with a Disc-O-Sit for plenty of variety.

> And, if you still want a good chair, and if you’ve got the cash, by all means — get yourself a fancy chair! I did. I worried about the cost until I sat in it. I’ve now been sitting in it without buyer’s remorse for about 12 years.

(The chair he bought and is referring to is the popular Aeron chair)

Re: Ask HN: Best Chair for Programming

#34

I really like my swiss kneeling chair. I got this one: https://www.amazon.com/Flash-Furniture-WL-SB-210-GG-Ergonomi... I've had to do lots of physical therapy for the problems developed from sitting in a chair at the computer. The kneeling chair has been a huge improvement.

I have a classic "Stokke" kneeling chair (now apparently called "Variable balans", http://www.varierfurniture.com/en_us/Movement-Chairs) and I like it, but only for temporary use, not as a full-time chair. Two reasons:

First, your back has to be in quite good shape to avoid dropping your posture after an hour or two. If you can't stay in good form, you need to strengthen your back and work up to it.

Second, the pressure on my kneecaps causes a certain amount of knee pain after using it for extended periods.

Re: Ask HN: Best Chair for Programming

#35
post #8

Follow-up question: Aeron or Mirra 2? I'm in the market for a new chair and Herman Miller seems like a solid brand. I was considering the Aeron but the Mirra seems interesting as well.

I like that the "lip" on the Mirra 2 drops off more quickly so it doesn't press into you.

The Embody is another Herman Miller option.

Re: Ask HN: Best Chair for Programming

#37

Steelcase leap is by far my favorite

I have a Herman Miller Celle at work and love it. They're a bit cheaper than the Aeron, and as far as I can tell offer a couple more adjustments not available on the Aeron. (Lumbar support, seat depth, and seat angle(separate from the back).

There are also some Steelcase Leaps laying around which are also great.

Re: Ask HN: Best Chair for Programming

#38
post #34

I really like my swiss kneeling chair. I got this one: https://www.amazon.com/Flash-Furniture-WL-SB-210-GG-Ergonomi... I've had to do lots of physical therapy for the problems developed from sitting in a chair at the computer. The kneeling chair has been a huge improvement.

I have a classic "Stokke" kneeling chair (now apparently called "Variable balans", http://www.varierfurniture.com/en_us/Movement-Chairs ) and I like it, but only for temporary use, not as a full-time chair. Two reasons: First, your back has to be in quite good shape to avoid dropping your posture after an hour or two. If you can't stay in good form, you need to strengthen your back and work up to it. Second, the pres…

I've used a Stokke/Varier Wing Balans for about 15 years on and off. I find that it allows for a variety of sitting positions.

If you are experiencing knee pain, you may want to adjust so the top of your shin is against the pad, not the knee itself, and keep the majority of your weight through your core and seat.

I started using one when I bruised my coccyx (snowboarding accident) and found it to help with lower back pain YMMV

[edit] I prefer the Wing Balans because it is height adjustable with a gas ram, so it can be used in more positions, with a variety of desk heights. I would often use it very low in more of a kneeling position, or at the upper edge of its height range more like a stool

Re: Ask HN: Best Chair for Programming

#39
I've used the Herman Miller Aeron for 3 years at various San Francisco startups, and got to really appreciate it. Its best features for me were the ability to forget I'm sitting in a chair or that it even exists, I could just focus on my work. I ended up getting one for my current office. It was the new 2016 refreshed model, which is slightly nicer. I like it a lot.

It's also unbeatable if you tend to run warm, because of the mesh that has great air circulation. In a normal chair, you'd be sweating otherwise.

That said, I also got a standing desk and I think it's fantastic to be able to stand half the day, and sit the other half.

Re: Ask HN: Best Chair for Programming

#40
I've got an Aeron. I've been through a few others far cheaper and near enough as good for sitting in but they broke so quickly with effectively zero customer service about that the 10 year guarantee was worth it.

I've had it about 5 years now, no issues with it whatsoever, but if there ever are past the guarantee period the parts market is pretty robust for them.

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