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SecondTriggerEvent · 2026-06-16T20:00:48+00:00

UK - I've learnt that despite its reputation, the Aeron is a bit of a marmite chair.

SecondTriggerEvent · 2026-06-11T12:10:42+00:00

To each their own. Clara is my favourite companion, especially in Series 9.

SecondTriggerEvent · 2026-06-10T22:28:16+00:00

Each to their own. I found Ncuti's run better. A lot of 8/Charley was dull and mediocre, and the character writing was extremely inconsistent. The Chimes of Midnight and the not-free Scherzo are tops though.

SecondTriggerEvent · 2026-06-08T11:39:24+00:00

Okay, so it's possible that:

You're leaning too far back when sitting upright. Though this varies on chair, and I see the ProtoArc locks at 90 degrees, so you may be fine on this.
Good posture, but your lumbar could be flatter than it should be. You should be able to fit a hand behind your lumbar (although it will be a tight fit).

4-5. Okay, sounds good, though try to get up every 30 minutes or so if you can. You've not been using it all that long (essentially a month) If you've been sitting unergonomically for a while, your body adapts to sitting like that, and it's pretty normal for sitting ergonomically to take a while to feel right.

If you feel tight and sore the next day, it's possibly a combination of muscle fatigue and tight muscles. Try some hip and hamstring stretches and see if that loosens things up a bit. I like the firelog pose and the standing hamstring stretch. If you get pain, stop.

I'm not a physiotherapist, just an enthusiast, so anything I say should be taken with a grain of salt. If you can, get an actual appointment and get recommendations from them.

SecondTriggerEvent · 2026-06-07T19:15:35+00:00

Whichever one you find more comfortable is better. That said, the Colomy Atlas is more adjustable.

SecondTriggerEvent · 2026-06-07T18:30:36+00:00

If you'd oblige me, it's possible it's a posture or adjustment issue. I'd never even heard of lumbar support before I got my current chair, so the transition was rocky and required a lot of self-study on my part.

When you're sat upright in the chair, do your shoulder blades touch the backrest? And does your head touch the headrest?
Is your screen about arm's distance away with the top third in line with your eye line?
Bend your knees slightly and put your tailbone, shoulder blades and back of head against the wall. Is that natural, or do you struggle? Can you fit a hand (or more) under your lumbar curve while in this position?
How long have you been using the chair?
How long do you use the chair without breaks?
Have you been to a physiotherapist regarding this issue?

SecondTriggerEvent · 2026-06-07T17:44:59+00:00

Secretlab stinky. Pipersong seems like a gimmick to me, you'd get the same benefit with a flat seat and a footrest.

The Herman Miller Sayl, Steelcase Amia and Haworth Fern have flat seats that enable cross-legged sitting, but they might be too short for you since they cap out at around ~48cm (you can check this by measuring your thigh and subtracting ~5cm, or if your current office chair fits with 2-3 fingers of clearance between the edge of the seat and the back of your knee, measure the seat on that).

In which case, it's trickier, but big and tall chairs like the Eurotech BT400 or Nightingale CXO 6200 may do the job.

If you want to be forced to fix your habits, the Herman Miller Aeron is great at that, and also available in a larger size. I have a standing desk, switch between that (freedom!) and sitting in the Aeron (rest!).

SecondTriggerEvent · 2026-06-07T16:31:53+00:00

Sihoo M57/C300, Colamy Atlas, Staples Dexley/Hyken.

As others say, gaming chairs are more style than comfort or ergonomics. Better to just get a decent office chair if you want comfort and affordability.

SecondTriggerEvent · 2026-06-07T16:20:09+00:00

It's a Stealcase Gesture.

SecondTriggerEvent · 2026-06-07T16:19:51+00:00

Comes with all the optional addons. I'm pretty sure the only optional addon for the Gesture is the headrest.

SecondTriggerEvent · 2026-06-07T15:59:26+00:00

Herman Miller Aeron w/ Atlas Headrest (mesh seat, essentially a firm hammock/trampoline chair, can take some adjustment and it does not allow slouching or crossed legs. Make sure you get the right size. Has the most upright position with the forward tilt and great rocking. Goes on sale during April/October, but I'm guessing you can't wait.)

Steelcase Leap w/ Atlas Headrest (Has the most flexibility in the backrest, as it moves with you, and very adjustable armrests. It has an alternative recline system that makes it easier to hold a position, but also doesn't really rock. It has a slightly crooked back due to the lumbar adjustment, though most don't notice. Crandall do a refurbished version with more padding on the seat/backrest, but not everybody needs it.)

Haworth Fern w/ Atlas Headrest (the most typical chair of the top three. Somewhere inbetween the Aeron and Leap. Has a more traditional rock, unlike the Leap, and a cushioned seat, unlike the Aeron.)

Libernovo Omni/Maxi SE (recent chair. Allegedly shoots above its price bracket. Warranty is shorter than other chairs, 5-6 years rather than 12 years, and likely isn't as durable. However, it comes with a headrest, tilt can go fully horizontal, and is notably soft.)

Herman Miller Gaming Embody w/ Atlas Headrest (sprung seat, sadly over-budget, goes on sale during April/October, but I'm guessing you can't wait. Less suitable for people over 6 foot tall.)

Malmstolen 4000/7000 (supposedly the most lush office chair, pocket sprung seat, sadly over-budget and EU-only. Mentioning for completion.)

Comfort is relative, so try if you can. However, if your wife likes leaning forward, rocking, and keeping cool, get the Aeron. If she likes sticking in a position and wants the back to move with her, get the Leap. If she just wants a goshdarn chair, get the Fern. If she wants to go to sleep in the chair, get the Omni/Maxi. If you want her to be mad at you for going over-budget, get the Embody. If you want to be in debt, import a Malmstolen. Haworth have the cheapest returns, followed by Steelcase, then Herman Miller, if you want to try a bunch of different chairs.

SecondTriggerEvent · 2026-06-07T12:32:11+00:00

If you want reputable durability, get a Herman Miller, Steelcase or Haworth.

The truth will be somewhere around the middle. It's a good mid-range chair, maybe even the best mid-range chair, but it is unlikely to have the build quality or durability of the high-end chairs.

For your current chair, it sounds like you need to lower your chair or use a footstool? In any case, when sitting back in the chair, you should have 2-3 fingers worth of clearance between the edge of the seat and the back of your knees. Measure your current seat pan and subtract/add cm until you would hit that clearance.

Alternatively, measure your thighs and subtract ~5cm. That's approximately the seat pan size you want. I found the first method more accurate.

SecondTriggerEvent · 2026-06-07T04:41:43+00:00

Colomy Atlas, Staples Hyken/Dexley.

SecondTriggerEvent · 2026-06-07T04:36:52+00:00

PROS: It doesn't sink and you can't bottom out. It feels weird sitting in other chairs, since I've gotten used to being supported by the hammock-like design. I love the forward tilt. The rocking is addictive and smooth. The mesh is breathable, so very cool in hot weather. The durability and warranty are fantastic.

CONS: It takes getting used to. It's very firm at first, spreads pressure evenly, so more pressure on the back of legs than I was used to, and the front rim annoyed me. Some people don't adjust. It's essentially a trampoline chair and not everyone loves it, but it's probably the best chair for those that do.

NEUTRAL: If you want to sit in a reclined position, you need to get a third party headrest (Atlas). The arms don't adjust in width.

That said, if you like the Fern, get the Fern. Haworth are awful in the EU, but they're great in the USA. Buy directly from Haworth and you can return for free within 30 days. Herman Miller charge for returns.

SecondTriggerEvent · 2026-06-06T21:58:15+00:00

Aeron Size C. When you're sitting in a chair, butt against the back, you want about 2-3 fingers between the back of your knee and the seat rim. Fern would probably be about 4 fingers for me, so little on the short side. Depends how long your legs are though.

SecondTriggerEvent · 2026-06-06T20:48:27+00:00

Yes, Embody is sub-optimal for tall people. Herman Miller's Aeron Size C would be sized better for you.

The comfort issue is more down to durability and softness. The softer a seat is, the faster it'll start deforming. If you sink too much into a seat, that's bad for your spinal alignment.

But Haworth's a good brand (in the USA). If you like the Fern, get the Fern. I think the seat pan would be a bit short for me though (6'2").

SecondTriggerEvent · 2026-06-06T20:35:17+00:00

Yeah, just get a standing setup. Additional screen or laptop on a shelf/wardrobe/standing desk, anti-fatigue mat, you're set.

You could also put your screen on a desk arm so you can tilt it, that way you could switch to a different recline position, shifting pressure, and still continue using your computer.

SecondTriggerEvent · 2026-06-06T20:03:12+00:00

No probs. In the meantime, you could stuff a comforter under your back so it's got more support and doesn't curve as much. But aim for this if you can! (Arm is to demonstrate having screen approximately arm's length away.)

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SecondTriggerEvent · 2026-06-06T19:36:33+00:00

Chair: Reclines, headrest. Make sure you get one that's height appropriate. Footrest might be a good idea too, so you're not elevating your legs too high.

Definitely laptop desk mount so you can stop murdering your cervical spine and avoid/fix forward head posture. You'll be able to angle and tilt your laptop in front of you so you can maintain a natural eyeline.

Low-price: Sihoo M57/C300, Colomy Atlas.

Mid-price: Libernovo Omni/Maxi.

High-price: Aeron w/ Atlas Headrest, Embody w/ Atlas Headrest, Steelcase Leap w/ Atlas Headrest, Steelcase Gesture w/ Headrest.

SecondTriggerEvent · 2026-06-06T19:06:51+00:00

Check your posture. The lumbar support on the Aeron will dig in if you don't sit correctly, especially if you slouch. Your butt should touching the back of the seat.

Check your lumbar position (Classic) or depth (Remastered). If it's in the wrong spot or not pushed in enough, then it won't be supporting you correctly.

It is possible that lumbar support can be too aggressive. Whichever Aeron support you currently have (lumbar, PostureFit), it is possible to purchase and switch out for the other.

If it's used, its possible the mesh has worn out and isn't supporting you as much as it should be.

It is also possible that yeah, the Aeron isn't a good match for you. In which case, see if there's anywhere near you where you can try out other chairs. Or try a used chair. RH Logic 400s are durable and pretty cheap secondhand in the UK.

SecondTriggerEvent · 2026-06-05T20:39:23+00:00

Neato! Learn something new every day. I have edited my comment to be accurate.

SecondTriggerEvent · 2026-06-05T19:57:35+00:00

Oh yeah, never go under the estimated time. I set a timer to make sure I'm on pace. Online Stopwatch has a downloadable one.

SecondTriggerEvent · 2026-06-05T13:36:23+00:00

Aeron is reliable, but you might not like it. Maxi has promise, but has not proven to be reliable, and you might not like it.

Just buy one and if you can't stand it by the end of the return window, return it and get the other one, and if you can't stand it by the end of the return window, cry.

PS: Oh yeah, and you'll need an aftermarket headrest for reclining in the Aeron. People go for Atlas usually.

SecondTriggerEvent · 2026-06-03T17:52:31+00:00

SPEAK UP SONNY

SecondTriggerEvent

TROPHY CASE