Introduction
According to Grandview Research, the global ergonomic chair market was valued at USD 9.80 billion in 2022. With many of us spending hours sitting at our desks each day, the office chair we use can have a significant impact on our health, comfort, and productivity. An ergonomic mesh office chair aims to provide optimal support and comfort for long durations of sitting. But are mesh office chairs the best option for every workspace?
In this article, we'll examine the pros and cons of mesh office chairs to help you determine if a mesh chair is right for your needs.
What is a Mesh Office Chair?
A mesh office chair is an office chair that uses a mesh material for the seat back and sometimes the seat itself. The mesh is a woven elastic material that is stretched across the chair frame to provide support and ventilation.
Mesh office chairs first emerged in the 1990s as an alternative to traditional padded office chairs. The mesh material allowed for improved breathability and comfort compared to leather or fabric upholstery. It helped reduce heat buildup and sweating during long hours sitting at a desk. The elastic quality of mesh also provided dynamic support that adapted to the user's movements.
According to Office Chair HQ, mesh chairs were initially designed in Europe and quickly gained popularity for their ergonomic benefits. Major office furniture companies began producing mesh chairs in the mid-1990s, and they became a staple in many offices and home offices since then.
Pros of Mesh Office Chairs
One of the biggest pros of mesh office chairs is their breathability. The mesh material allows for increased airflow and ventilation, keeping you cool even during long hours of sitting. The open weave construction prevents heat buildup and sweatiness that often occurs with other chair materials like leather or fabric.
Users report that mesh chairs like the Herman Miller Aeron and Steelcase Leap keep them comfortable throughout the workday thanks to the breathable mesh material. As one Reddit user commented, "In my honest opinion if you cross legs and move around and still want that mesh chair breathability and feeling, then look into arguably the most breathable mesh chair - the Aeron."
The increased breathability of mesh chairs makes them ideal for hot office environments or for those who tend to feel warm when sitting for extended periods. The open and airy feel of the mesh material can't be matched by traditional upholstered office chairs.
What is a Mesh Office Chair?
A mesh office chair is a type of ergonomic office chair that uses a flexible, breathable mesh material for the seat back instead of traditional cushioning or fabric. The mesh is stretched taut across the chair's frame to provide support while also allowing air circulation. This helps reduce heat buildup and sweat compared to other chair materials.
Mesh office chairs typically have an adjustable tilt mechanism that allows the user to recline the backrest and adjust the tension to suit their preferences. They also often include lumbar support, adjustable armrests, and seat height adjustment features. The base may have casters for easy mobility.
The open structure and flexibility of the mesh material makes these chairs conform to the user's back more than solid back chairs. The mesh spreads pressure evenly across the surface to minimize pressure points. This makes mesh chairs popular for prolonged sitting at a computer.
Some examples of popular mesh office chair brands include Herman Miller Aeron, Steelcase Leap, and Humanscale Freedom. Mesh chairs tend to be on the higher end for office seating due to their ergonomic design and breathable comfort.
Pros of Mesh Office Chairs
One of the biggest pros of mesh office chairs is their affordability. Mesh chairs are often much more budget-friendly than leather or fabric chairs. The mesh material used is inexpensive, yet still provides comfort and support. This makes mesh chairs a great option for offices looking to outfit multiple workstations or employees on a budget.
Entry-level mesh chairs can be found for $100-200, whereas mid-range options are $200-300. Even high-end ergonomic mesh chairs with more adjustments and features max out around $500-600. This compares very favorably to leather or fabric chairs which can easily be $300-600 for basic models and exceed $1,000 for high-end versions.
The affordable pricing of mesh chairs makes them accessible to most budgets. Small businesses, startups, individuals, and large corporations can all find mesh chairs that fit their price range. This allows companies to provide good seating for all employees without breaking the bank.
Overall, the inexpensive costs of mesh chairs is a major advantage over pricier leather and fabric alternatives. Mesh material brings breathability and support at a fraction of the price. Companies and individuals alike can benefit from this budget-friendly office seating option.
Cons of Mesh Office Chairs
One of the main drawbacks of mesh office chairs is that they generally have less padding compared to fabric or leather chairs. The mesh material is stretched taut across the seat and backrest, with minimal to no cushioning underneath. This can lead to a lack of comfort and support for long periods of sitting.
While manufacturers have improved the quality and tension of mesh over the years, many mesh chairs still do not provide the plush feel of a well-padded seat. The lack of cushioning can put more pressure on the tailbone and cause discomfort in the lower back and hips when sitting for extended periods. This is especially true for lower-quality mesh chairs made with thinner, weaker mesh material.
The minimal padding also provides less insulation. In colder environments, the mesh does not retain heat as well, leading to a chillier sitting experience. The tautness of the mesh can also lead to an overly firm and unforgiving seat, compared to well-padded chairs that contour to the body's shape.
Overall, the lack of plushness and padding is the primary drawback of mesh office chairs for those who prefer a softer, more cushioned sitting experience. However, higher-end mesh chairs are improving in this regard by using multi-layered mesh and strategically placed padding in key areas. The level of padding can vary widely between budget and premium mesh chairs.
Cons of Mesh Office Chairs
One potential downside of mesh office chairs is that the mesh material can be prone to tearing or damage over time. The thin, flexible nature of mesh means it is not as durable as traditional upholstered fabric or leather. Excessive wear and tear, especially on the seat, can cause the mesh to develop holes or rips.
The mesh material is secured to the chair frame by being stretched across and held in place with plastic or metal rings. With repeated use, the mesh can loosen or sag, creating pressure points on the body. The attachment points are also vulnerable, with the mesh fabric tearing away from the frame if strained too far.
Lower quality mesh chairs may use a thinner, weaker material that is more likely to deteriorate. Heavy use by larger individuals can accelerate wear and tear issues. While higher end chairs utilize more durable mesh, no mesh is invulnerable to damage after prolonged use.
Exposed metal chair frames can also potentially snag clothing if the mesh seat or backrest gets damaged. Replacement mesh fabric segments can sometimes be ordered, but may be difficult to install properly at home. Overall, mesh chairs tend to have a shorter usable lifespan than solid chairs before requiring part replacement.
Cons of Mesh Office Chairs
While mesh office chairs have many benefits, they also have some potential downsides to consider. One of the most common complaints about mesh office chairs is that the mesh seat and backrest can feel uncomfortable for some users.
The flexible, breathable material conforms to your body, but some find it provides insufficient support and cushioning. The lack of padding can put pressure on the tailbone and legs. This potential discomfort tends to be most noticeable when sitting for extended periods.
Mesh chairs also provide less insulation compared to padded chairs. The open weave allows air to pass through freely, which is great for ventilation but provides less warmth. Some users, especially in colder environments, may find mesh chairs to feel somewhat chilly.
Additionally, while mesh is durable, it's not invincible. Mesh office chairs can be prone to rips, tears or sagging over time with heavy use. Sitting on a mesh seat that's lost its tautness can be uncomfortable. Replacement mesh kits are available, but repairing chairs adds hassle.
Mesh office chairs may also lack adjustable lumbar support. Since the backrest flexes to your spine, some chairs forego a dedicated lumbar adjustment. But additional lower back support can be beneficial for proper ergonomics.
Finally, mesh chairs come with a higher price tag than basic padded office chairs. The intricate mesh design and ergonomic features don't come cheap. Budget-conscious buyers may find the investment difficult to justify.
Considerations When Buying
When purchasing a mesh office chair, there are several key factors to consider:
Comfort - Mesh chairs are often praised for their breathable quality, which helps keep you cool. Look for chairs with thick, supportive mesh material and adjustable features like seat depth, armrests, and lumbar support to customize comfort.
Adjustability - The best mesh chairs allow you to tweak the seat height, backrest angle, armrest position, etc. This enables proper ergonomic support for your body type and preferences.
Build Quality - Inspect the base, casters, lift mechanism, and other components. High-quality chairs will have sturdy parts made from metal alloys and durable plastics. Mesh material should also feel taut and resilient.
Weight Capacity - Make sure to choose a chair rated to support your body weight comfortably for long durations.
Warranty - Reputable brands offer 5+ year warranties on mesh office chairs. This protects against defects and premature wear.
Style - Mesh chairs come in many colors and shapes to suit your tastes. Focus on ergonomics first, then pick visual flair.
Price - Quality mesh chairs range from $100 to $1000+ depending on features. Set a budget but know you generally get what you pay for.
Conclusion
In summary, mesh office chairs have several benefits but also some potential drawbacks to consider. On the plus side, mesh chairs provide breathable comfort, good back support, and a modern aesthetic. The flexible mesh material and ergonomic design helps reduce back pain and discomfort during long work days. Mesh chairs are also lighter than traditional padded chairs, and easier to keep clean.
However, mesh isn't for everyone. The lack of cushioning can feel uncomfortable for some. Mesh chairs also provide less customizable padding and lumbar support options compared to traditional chairs. They can be more expensive than basic padded chairs, although often last longer. The open weave may not provide enough privacy in shared office spaces.
When shopping for a new office chair, consider your needs for support, comfort, and aesthetics. If you want a breathable chair that promotes good posture, mesh is an excellent option. But if you prefer plush cushions and padded comfort, traditional upholstered chairs may be better suited. Testing chairs in person can help determine personal preference.
Ultimately, mesh chairs are a smart choice for many modern office settings, providing ergonomic support in a lightweight, stylish package. But padded chairs still reign supreme for those seeking maximum softness and customizability.
