Neutral Posture Ergonomic Chair Review
The Neutral Posture 8000 series is the ideal blend of ergonomic comfort and contemporary executive styling. The 8000 series features Neutral Posture's patented pressure reducing seat contours and maximum adjustability including Neutral Posture's unique three-way adjustable armrest. Choose from different seat designs, different adjustment mechanisms and an infinite range of upholstery options to create the ultimate office chair. You even have the option of adding a fully adjustable head rest to any 8000 series model.
Seat height adjustment
The seat height is the very first thing you should adjust. Before you get into the chair, lift the seat height lever and your chair will continue to rise to its maximum height. To adjust the seat height, sit in the chair and raise the lever again, the chair will lower until you release the lever. You'll know the seat height is adjusted properly when your feet are flat on the floor slightly in front of you and there is a slight downward slope to your thighs.
Seat tilt adjustment
The seat tilt or angle should be the second adjustment you make after adjusting the seat height. While sitting in the seat, push the seat tilt lever all the way down and leave it in the downward position. Using your body weight rock the seat forward or backward depending on your task. If your task requires a reclined posture the seat tilt can be left in this free floating, rocking mode. For desktop intensive tasks you can lock the seat tilt in a position that will support a more upright posture. Simply raise the seat tilt lever and lock the seat in place.
Seat tilt tension adjustment
The tension knob that controls the seat tilt should be adjusted from a kneeling position in front of the chair. If while adjusting the seat tilt you feel that the rocking motion is either too stiff or too loose you should adjust the tilt tension for your particular body weight. From a kneeling position in front of the chair first place the seat tilt in its most forward leaning position; this relaxes the main spring of the chair and makes the spring tension knob easier to turn. Then turn the knob to the right to increase the spring in the seat tilt, or turn the knob to the left to loosen the spring tilt tension. It will take several turns of the knob before you will notice any change. There is an arrow with plus and minus indicators on the face of the knob if you need a reference. You'll know the seat tilt tension control is adjusted properly when the chair responds easily to a shift in your body weight while the seat tilt is in the free float position. If you find the seat too easy to move each time you release the seat tilt you need to increase the tension. If you find that you're forcing the chair to rock in the free flow position you should decrease the tension.
Lumbar pump
Neutral Posture's unique lumbar pump allows you to inflate the lumbar portion of the backrest. You should use this when you feel like the backrest is not firm enough, or when the curved portion of the back rest is not making firm contact with the lumbar portion of your back. To use the lumbar pump from a seated position use your right hand to locate the lever at the bottom of the backrest. Leaning firmly against the backrest, use the lever to pump air into the backrest. If the backrest height is adjusted properly you will feel the backrest getting firmer where it makes contact with the lumbar area. Your lumbar is right at your belt line or slightly below it. If the backrest becomes too firm, simply press down on the lever to release some of the air.
Backrest height
The backrest height should be the third adjustment you make immediately after the seat height and seat tilt. From a seated position, lean forward slightly. Reach behind you and grab the outer edges or bottom of the backrest. Simply raise the backrest in half inch increments. You will hear and feel a click each time you move the backrest. There are 8 of these click stops including the bottom position which does not click. When you raise the backrest passed the last stop the backrest will drop down to the lowest position and you can start over. You will know the backrest height is adjusted properly when the contoured shape of the backrest fits into the contoured shape of your back, firmly supporting your upper and lower back when you lean against the backrest.
Backrest depth
After the seat height, seat angle, and backrest height and angle have been adjusted you may find that you cannot get the backrest close enough to your back without sitting so far back on the seat that the front edge of the seat pan touches the soft area behind your knee, or you may find that your legs are so long that you feel like you're barely on the seat. In either case, you can use the backrest depth adjustment to help fix the problem. To adjust the backrest depth, get out of the chair and locate the L-shaped backrest post that connects the seat and back. Flip the cam lever up and slide the entire backrest farther back or closer to the seat. When you get the backrest to the position you think will work best, flip the cam lever back down and lock it into place. This adjustment does not need to be made frequently unless multiple users are sharing the same chair for multiple shifts. You'll know the backrest depth is adjusted properly when the backrest is in a position that allows it to make firm contact with the natural curve of your back without the front of the seat pan touching the soft tissue area behind your knees. The prominent nerves and blood vessels that serve your lower leg run through this small area. If the front edge of the seat puts pressure here it will cause your feet to tingle and fall asleep.
Arm height adjustment
After adjusting the seat height and angle, and backrest height and angle, make sure your arms are properly supported by adjusting the height of the arm rests. Neutral Posture standard armrests allow 4 inch range of height adjustability to ensure an ideal ergonomic fit for your body. To raise or lower the height of the armrest press the button located on the side of the armrest. While squeezing the button move the armrest up or down until it properly supports your arm. To lock the arm rest into place just release the button. There are preset notches that will allow you to position each arm at the same height. You will know the arm rest height is adjusted properly when it fully supports the weight of your arms as you lean against the backrest without pushing her shoulders up. If you feel like your arm is unsupported raise the height so you can rest your arm on the armrest without pushing your shoulders up or allowing them to droop.
Arm angle
The arm pads on your Neutral Posture chair pivot 360°. When you need more forward arm support for tasks such as typing or more rear arm support for reclined tasks such as talking on the phone or conferencing you can easily rotate the arms for maximum support. A 180° rotation of the arm pad produces a front to rear location change of the arm pad of approximately 2 inches. It is very common for thin users to prefer the armrests rotated back and in while larger users may prefer forward and out positions. This is a personal preference that is greatly influenced by posture and upper body position relative to the arm support posts. To rotate the arm pad find the finger indents located on the bottom edge of the arm pad, this is the pivot point for rotation. Firmly grasp the pad and raise it up. This will release the pad from the notches that hold it in place. Pivot the arm pad until you find a position that best supports your arms than simply push down on the pad and lock it into place. You will know the arm pad angle is properly adjusted when you can quickly rest your forearms on the pad as you pause during typing without having to assume an comfortable or awkward posture to do so. Be sure you don't adjust the arm pad height to a position that leads to significant bending of the rests while typing.
Arm width and removal
If you feel that you're having to work with your arms too close to your body you may want to move the armrests out slightly. This will give you more elbow room and allow you to properly function in the chair. From a seated position, follow the arm down the bracket where it connects to the seat. Locate the rubberized knob and loosen it without unscrewing it all the way. Slide the arm bracket out for more elbow room or hip clearance, or in to position the arm pads closer to your body. To lock the arm bracket into place tighten the knob firmly. You will know the armrest width is properly adjusted when your arms are supported comfortably at your side without having to stretch to place them on the arm pads. If the arm pads are making it difficult to get in and out of your chair they probably need to be adjusted outward slightly. You can also remove the arm rests on your chair by unscrewing the knob all the way and sliding the arm out of the bracket. You should only do this if your arms are fully supported by another surface such as a desktop or worktable. If you do remove the arms be sure to replace the knob and washers in the bracket.
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