What are some alternatives to a computer chair?

March 18, 2015 1:50 AM

My computer chair, which I once thought was magical, now causes me discomfort after a few minutes in any position - both feet on the ground, one leg folded, both legs folded. The back is not aligned with my spine and is just plain uncomfortable. It seems like I'm doing gymnastics every time I sit in it now, and I work in front of the computer.

Rather than buying a new chair I can't afford, what are some alternatives to a chair in an office setup? I know about a standing desk but I'm not interested in that quite yet. I've also looked into a stability ball and am considering that. I've tried moving my desk to the bed but that wasn't comfortable and I've also tried sitting at the dining room table on chairs that are the most anti-ergonomic chairs ever built.

Some more details: I work on a laptop with a mouse so it doesn't take up a lot of space if that makes a difference, but I type constantly and need to have comfortable access to the keyboard at all times.

So what's an alternative setup that won't break the bank?

posted by atinna to Home & Garden (12 answers total)

You might try adding a lumbar cushion and/or a footrest. Does your chair have arms?

Otherwise, I'd suggest trawling Craislist for a new free office chair. Or even a yoga ball, if you'd like to try that.
posted by DarlingBri at 2:18 AM on March 18, 2015 [1 favorite]

I've tried a stability ball, it seemed to work well for a while but doesn't seem to help me much anymore. I've gone temporarily to a folding metal chair with a cushion; the next options I plan to explore are kneeling chairs and saddle chairs.
posted by DanielK at 3:20 AM on March 18, 2015

Working on a laptop only is pretty terrible for ergonomics. I would recommend trying to get an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
posted by rockindata at 5:10 AM on March 18, 2015 [7 favorites]

Right. The keyboard is too close to the monitor so you end up hunched over all day. And external monitor that is placed such that your head is looking at it straight on while your hands are on the keyboard would probably be of best benefit to you.
posted by dawkins_7 at 5:17 AM on March 18, 2015

Have you tried a kneeling chair? It's a little unusual at first but they are cheap enough that you could try it out for a bit and see if it makes a difference. Ergonomics are really important.
posted by Schleprock at 5:38 AM on March 18, 2015 [1 favorite]

Or just put the laptop up on a stand, use it as a monitor, and use an external keyboard which is placed lower in front of you.

Regarding chair choice: kneeling chairs are a classic, but people tend to get tired of them quickly. You could be different, though, and used ones are available!
posted by amtho at 5:48 AM on March 18, 2015

I long ago switched to a treadmill desk, and can't imagine going back to sitting all day. The best version is a standing desk that's adjustable for either sitting or standing (ideally, custom-built for your height). I bought the most popular version at the time (Treaddesk), and am about ready for an upgrade - the treadmill died a firm death, despite my disassembling it multiple times to dust the already-dusted mechanics, in conversation with the company, and the desk was so cheaply made that I had to carpenter it into functioning).
posted by mmiddle at 6:33 AM on March 18, 2015 [1 favorite]

I'm more comfortable sitting cross-legged on the ground than on most chairs. Could you sit on the floor and work on a low table in front of you?
posted by ostro at 6:33 AM on March 18, 2015

I know you said you're not ready for a standing desk but a Varidesk is a nice way to get used to standing. A standing desk with a standing stool might be another option.
posted by bitdamaged at 7:19 AM on March 18, 2015

I have three workstations in my home office: a Swopper, a standing desk, and a bike desk. Alternating among them works great for me. The Swopper's not cheap, but I found a used one on Craigslist for $300.
posted by ottereroticist at 9:02 AM on March 18, 2015

I am echoing mmiddle. I got a lifespan desk, it is pricey but the treadmill is well built, can be repaired, will work for 6-8 hours a day everyday for years without failure, the desk is sturdy and adjustable (manual is...hard work to adjust. they also make an electric). A standing/walking desk is awesome. Burn calories and stay focused why you work/surf the web and i even manage to play some games while walking.
posted by bartonlong at 10:08 AM on March 18, 2015

Do you have any idea why your chair is less comfortable now than it used to be? Is it possible that your back is less strong and that doing some core strengthening exercises for a while would help and get you comfortable with your chair again?

(I agree with the others saying that laptops have terrible ergonomics and would also recommend getting an external keyboard so that you can put the laptop screen higher up at eye level.)
posted by mvd at 3:31 PM on March 18, 2015