Ask HN: Best Chair for Programming

I have a LEAP chair which is broken. It is much better than the overhyped Aeron. In theory the LEAP has a lifetime warrantee but practically the nearest Steelcase dealer who is 60 miles away won't return my phone calls.

Only complaint is that, apart from replacing the wheels, they're difficult to repair yourself. The seat broke on one a couple of years ago. I bought a replacement seat only to discover that it's held on by a couple of strange custom bolts that you can easily destroy if you try to wrangle 'em out yourself. Thankfully there was a Herman Miller place in town, and they were able to install the seat for me.

While I agree that the Aeron is great (and have one at work that I use regularly), the Marcus fit in my budget ($200 for the Marcus vs $800+ for a new Aeron) and is perfectly reasonable. I usually leave it in the locked forward typing position.

For twelve hour stints, I stand for part of the time (my desk will move up to standing height).

I tried an exercise ball - didn't work for me.

Beyond the adjustability that comes with the Mirra, I like this chair because the seat is actually a flexible mesh, rather than a traditional soft cushion. This is best for me, because it allows me to sit longer. By comparison, traditional soft cushions eventually become not-so-soft, and this will lead to pain in my tailbone. Mirra helps me avoid that pain, so I can sit longer.

I have a IKEA MARKUS too. It is perhaps even more comfortable due to it's height and headrest, but because it lacks a mesh seat like the Mirra, it's not great for long periods of sitting. (IMO)