Do Office Chairs Need Headrests?
Sitting at a desk all day at work can be hectic. It is an exhausting experience, both physically and mentally.
So, for you to remain comfortable during those long hours, your office chair must offer good support and comfort.
In ensuring that, headrests can potentially be important.
They offer good support for your head if you need to lean back and take a break from work. They’re also great for taking quick naps.
But do office chairs need headrests? Is it better to not have them at all? While many find them a convenient addition to their chair, other individuals might prefer not to have one.
The answer to this depends on your personal preferences as well as other factors concerning your work environment. Before you seriously think about getting a headrest or a chair with one, read on to find out more.
Benefits of having a headrest
The benefits that headrests offer are numerous. Here are some of them:
Increased comfort
This is a no-brainer. Headrests do actually make your chair more comfortable by allowing you to rest your head.
This means you can rest your back and neck every now and then and the long hours at work are much more bearable.
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You can also take short naps without having your head lolling from side to side.
Help workers with special needs
Employees having special needs will greatly benefit from a headrest.
Whether it’s some long-existing condition or a recent injury, headrests can offer vital support and protection.
In certain conditions, a chair with a headrest can even become necessary for such employees.
Relief from pain
A headrest can help alleviate pain as it reduces the strain on your shoulders and neck by offering vital support and protection.
If you are prone to frequent headaches and neck aches, you’ll be better off with a headrest than without one.
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Helps maintain good posture
With the help of a headrest, you’ll be able to maintain correct posture all the time, even when you’re leaning back and relaxing.
You’ll be less likely to slouch forward and put pressure on your spine. This usually isn’t the case when there’s no headrest.
Since there’s little support for your upper spine, you tend to hunch.
Flexibility and adjustability
Headrests on office chairs are pretty adjustable.
They usually have a knob mounted at the back through which you can adjust the horizontal and vertical tilt according to your own comfort.
Does more comfort mean less productivity?
An important question you may have is whether or not headrests can make you less productive by making you too comfortable.
Since you’ll be more tempted to take breaks and naps, you’ll get less work done.
While it’s true that headrests aren’t meant to be used every minute you’re working, this isn’t the case.
On the contrary, headrests can make you more productive. If you’re less comfortable, you tend to take more breaks to stretch and walk around.
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This means you’ll take more time to get work done.
But with a headrest, since your body will be in a relaxed and restful position, you’ll need to take breaks less often.
This in turn will lead to less fatigue, more focus, and hence greater productivity.
How do I choose a chair with a headrest?
If you’re thinking of getting a new chair with a headrest, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Height:
The height of the chair should be easily adjustable. A height of 15-20 inches from the floor is usually good enough for most people.
Depth And Width:
The depth and width of the seat of the chair should be enough to easily accommodate you.
Backrest:
The backrest should be wide and comfortable enough to support your spine. It should also be quite adjustable, allowing you to set the tilt angle.
Armrests:
Make sure that the armrests on your chair are soft and fully adjustable.
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Head Rest:
The headrest on the chair should also be completely adjustable. It should be soft, comfortable, and durable.
Headrests are usually made of layers of fabric, polyester, or leather.
Lastly, the seat should have plenty of padding and the seat material should be light and breathable.
Getting a headrest for your chair
Ergonomic chairs that come with headrests can get quite expensive and may not fall within your budget.
If that is the case, you might want to think about getting a headrest separately and attaching it to your office chair.
This is just as effective and saves you money too. The headrests are available separately and come with a fixture that latches onto your chair.
They also have an adjustment knob that allows you to set the tilt horizontally and vertically.
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The verdict: do office chairs need headrests?
So, do they? The answer is yes! Headrests offer great benefits, whether you get an ergonomic chair or buy them separately.
From more comfort to increased productivity, they are a great addition to your office chair.
Buying one would be a great investment in your health and comfort and would go a long way in improving your overall well-being at your workplace.
