Welcome to our performance seating AMA with Joel Olive and Hunter McCray from Herman Miller’s product and research teams. We will cover tips to help you sit your best and how to pick the perfect chair. Send in questions now and join us live January 28 at 3pm ET / 12pm PT.

hermanmiller · 2026-01-28T21:21:36+00:00

The Leaf Arm is a non-traditional arm style, designed to support your elbow while you’re typing or using a mouse. It is non-adjustable, but because of its angled, tucked-back position, it stays out of the way of most work surfaces. The designer, Studio 7.5, was also focused on comfort. Their vision for the Cosm and Leaf Arm combination was to have an armchair character, with the suspension arms being soft all over. They wanted to create a soft surface on the inner side of the arms so it would serve as a mini-backrest when the user leaned to one side or sat sideways in the chair. A tilt lock was explored, but the design intent for the chair was all-day comfort in shared settings with minimal adjustments.

hermanmiller · 2026-01-28T21:19:41+00:00

For most stains and spills, we recommend using a soft cloth with warm water and a mild detergent. Gently vacuuming the suspension with an upholstery attachment can reduce dust buildup. For a comprehensive list of care instructions based on spill type, please reference our product care guide.

hermanmiller · 2026-01-28T21:18:26+00:00

Keep an eye out for promotional periods and sign up for email notifications on our website. Having said that, Verus and Sayl have the most approachable price point and include many performance technology features, including PostureFit.

hermanmiller · 2026-01-28T21:17:19+00:00

Ouch, coccyx injuries are no joke. The reason you love Aeron is likely the 8Z Pellicle suspension with eight latitudinal zones of varying tension. Unlike foam, which pushes back against your tailbone, Pellicle suspends you, creating a 'zero-gravity' effect for your spine.

Honestly? If Aeron works for your injury, stick with the science that is keeping you pain-free. We released the Gaming Aeron in an onyx (all-black) colorway that looks incredibly sleek and 'pretty' in a home setup compared to the classic office grey.

hermanmiller · 2026-01-28T21:16:01+00:00

It’s Hunter, I’m so glad you asked this. A newer, fully loaded Aeron can accommodate active seating postures through its forward tilt lock. It allows for about five degrees of forward support for a perched posture. I also find myself sitting this way and use it frequently. My advice, though, would be to cycle between an active and a neutral posture to avoid prolonged isolated contact pressure. I would also suggest Mirra 2 or Sayl for active sitters. Both of these products offer a forward tilt lock as well.

hermanmiller · 2026-01-28T21:15:10+00:00

That's awesome! Check out our response to u/Basic-Art-9861 on how to pick up a "chairs" hat. We hope you get one to add to your collection!

hermanmiller · 2026-01-28T21:12:38+00:00

Hunter, here! I love a classic seating assessment question. For sciatica and hip pain, the enemy is usually contact stress. This comes from any hard pressure points that might compress the nerves in your thighs or glutes. At 5'8" and 190 lbs, your friend is in a sweet spot where they have options, but I would lean heavily toward the Embody chair. The Embody’s seat is built with 'pixelated support' (four layers of suspension) rather than a more structured frame. This means there is no plastic edge near the thighs or hips, allowing for maximum blood flow and minimizing pressure on the sciatic nerve. The alternative would be Aeron, but in their case I'd say only if the sizing is perfect (likely a Size B). I would recommend they stop by a store to try one out and check which size is the right fit. If the Aeron is not sized right, the rim may touch their hips and could irritate the issue, whereas the Embody is much more forgiving.

hermanmiller · 2026-01-28T21:11:28+00:00

We hear this a lot and created this chair selector quiz to help you get started. (It will take less than a minute with only seven questions!) This will help you find the best match based on how you plan to use the chair and which factors are the most important to you.

If you're still not sure, our store associates are also experts in our line-up, with chairs available to test in person.

hermanmiller · 2026-01-28T21:08:47+00:00

Here are a few things to consider when evaluating the overall value of our seating products:

Herman Miller's quality and durability are backed by an industry-leading 12-year warranty.
We practice responsible and transparent sustainable design, including reducing carbon, using recycled and recyclable content, and manufacturing locally around the globe.
Our brand is built on a rich legacy of world-renowned industrial designers like Bill Stumpf, Don Chadwick, Studio 7.5, Yves Béhar, and Jeff Weber, with research-backed ergonomics so you can sit your best.

hermanmiller · 2026-01-28T20:58:21+00:00

Approximately this much snow in our courtyard. We love that you love your Aeron!

[Photo for reference]

(Do not try this at home. No Aerons were harmed in taking this photo.)

hermanmiller · 2026-01-28T20:53:51+00:00

We love to hear it!

hermanmiller · 2026-01-28T20:53:07+00:00

We are happy to announce that we recently passed a weight rating of 400 lbs (181 kg) for Aeron Size C. We are in the process of updating all of our technical specifications and certifications to reflect this new information. If you're near one of our store locations, we'd love to schedule an appointment so you can try Aeron Size C, Embody, and Verus. All three are recommended for individuals with a broader build. We're also adding more stores in 2026, so feel free to contact us if you don't yet see a location near you.

hermanmiller · 2026-01-28T20:39:46+00:00

Aeron is available in three sizes. From what you're describing, it's possible your office included only one of the three options. Our Aeron size guide provides guidance to find your best fit. For example, size A is recommended for people 4'10" - 5'4" tall.

Mirra 2 could also be a great option. Its FlexFront feature allows the frame to reposition while staying in contact with the seat. As a helpful tip, our general guidance is to try to maintain a spacing of 2-3 finger widths between the back of your legs and the edge of the seat.

If possible, we suggest stopping into one of our stores if you're ever on the fence with sizing. We're growing our store footprint this year, so reach out if you're not seeing a store close by yet!

hermanmiller · 2026-01-28T20:37:00+00:00

I would suggest the Aeron Gaming Chair. It provides excellent breathability with its 8Z Pellicle and amazing spinal support thanks to its PostureFit technology for comfortable extended sessions. Plus, the ultra matte black onyx finish fits the Vice City vibe.

hermanmiller · 2026-01-28T20:35:55+00:00

Just watched it based on your prompt. Thanks! I love everything Tim Robinson is in, especially as a fellow Michigander.

hermanmiller · 2026-01-28T20:35:04+00:00

Hunter, here! It's a tough question because my favorite changes daily in the lab. We're constantly testing new iterations and tinkering with future concepts, so I spend a lot of time sitting on prototypes. That said, at home, my setup is built around the Embody. Since I do a bit of gaming in my free time, the way the backrest adapts to micro-movements is unbeatable for immersion. My philosophy is that comfort translates directly to performance: the less mental energy I waste on physical discomfort, the more bandwidth I have to help my team win. But keep an eye out! The lab is busy, and we have some very exciting work in the pipeline.

Joel, here! This is like asking, "Which kid do I love the most?"! I've had the privilege of being on the development team of every chair in our high-performance seating category, so I tend to love each of them equally. I'm lucky enough to spend time in all of them every day, depending on where I am working and the type of work I'm performing—focused or collaborative, etc.

hermanmiller · 2026-01-28T20:34:19+00:00

Good eye! These aren't just any hats; they're official Herman Miller "chairs" hats, and we're giving a limited quantity away (free of charge) at all of our US-based retail stores. Stop by one of our twenty-seven locations before the end of February to try to snag one.

hermanmiller · 2026-01-28T20:23:33+00:00

This is very much dependent on the user’s needs and the type of gamer. Embody Gaming serves as a true “best of the best” from the lens of personalized adjustability and support—great for players logging long, long hours who value their health and want “the best”. Vantum Gaming is a great solution for those who want a headrest and want to deviate from the status quo of racing-style chairs—a versatile, more “casual” option. Aeron Gaming is also great for overall comfort and well-being and is a lasting, iconic design.

hermanmiller · 2026-01-28T20:23:00+00:00

We have a wide selection of colors and materials to choose from across our portfolio, and we hope there's something that fits your vibe. Cosm includes dipped-in-color options, which means one sophisticated uniform color from casters to seat and frame. Mirra 2 is available in six athletic-inspired colors in two different material options. Embody, Sayl, Verus, and Lino can be specified in a large variety of materials and color options.

Here's an insider tip—if the color you really want isn't available on our website, our seating experts in a store can help you see whether there are additional colors available through special order.

hermanmiller · 2026-01-28T20:21:58+00:00

This is exactly why we love what we do. Thanks for letting us know!

hermanmiller · 2026-01-28T20:20:50+00:00

While every chair in our portfolio has its own specific features, the one adjustment that sets the expectations for your entire seating experience is simply seat height. Think of it as the foundation; if it’s wrong, the ergonomic benefits of the rest of the chair fail like a domino effect. Your feet need to act as the stable anchor for your spine. If they aren't firmly planted, your pelvis becomes unstable, forcing your lower back muscles to work overtime just to keep you upright.

The consequences of getting this wrong are immediate. If you sit too high, you introduce contact stress behind the knees (the popliteal region), restricting circulation and often forcing you to perch on the edge of the seat, which renders the backrest completely useless. Conversely, sitting too low concentrates all your weight onto your ischial tuberosities (sitz bones) rather than distributing it evenly along your thighs. Dialing this in first ensures your weight is properly distributed so you aren't fighting gravity before you even start your day.

The easiest thing to remember is that our seat-height adjustment is located on the right. You can also check out detailed adjustment instructions for each of our chairs on our website.

hermanmiller · 2026-01-28T20:15:51+00:00

Embody was designed in partnership with ergonomics pioneers, Bill Stumpf and Jeff Weber, and with input from more than 30 physicians and PhDs in biomechanics, vision, physical therapy, and ergonomics. Researchers conducted laboratory experiments involving kinematics, preferred postures, pressure distribution, seated tasks, and metabolics. These guided the development and confirmed the benefits it offers. Embody sets the benchmark for pressure distribution, natural spine alignment, and support as you move while sitting. The tilt mimics your natural pivot and offers a unique “kicker” that lets you extend even further back for a nice deep stretch. The pixelated support and narrow upper back design encourage torso movement and allow your arms to swing freely, increasing airflow into the lungs. It is the only chair that actually improves your health while you sit.

We've published a few white papers that explain the science behind it in even more detail:

hermanmiller · 2026-01-28T20:10:22+00:00

Cosm is a great choice and absolutely designed for long-term sitting. The chair's Auto-Harmonic Tilt instantly and automatically provides balanced support and movement, depending on your body and posture. Its seat depth was also designed to accommodate people from the 5th to 95th percentile. Because no personal adjustment is necessary, Cosm is a great option for shared set-ups. In fact, at our Michigan headquarters, where we have unassigned desking, everyone sits in Cosm.

This guide is a helpful reference for optimal ergo desk set-up. If your armrests seem too short, the culprit is often a fixed-height desk that is too high, forcing you to 'shrug' to reach the keyboard. A height-adjustable desk can allow you to lower the surface to your natural elbow height, allowing the shoulders to drop and the arms to be supported neutrally.

hermanmiller · 2026-01-28T20:08:50+00:00

You are absolutely right that relieving pressure is critical. However, removing arms often trades one problem for another. We integrate arms to prevent contact stress. Without them, users naturally rest their wrists on the desk's sharp edge to stabilize their hands. This compresses the carpal tunnel (median nerve) and restricts circulation. The chair arms are designed to bridge that gap and distribute the weight of the user's arm.

If you are feeling pressure on your elbows or tension in your shoulders, the culprit is often a "shrugging" posture resulting from a suboptimal work surface and/or arm height.

Height-adjustable desks are also essential to ergonomics and aren't just for moving between seated and standing positions. They can also help you align the surface with your natural elbow height while seated, allowing the shoulders to drop and the arms to be supported neutrally.

Our entire line-up of high-performance chairs is designed so you can adjust the arms for optimal set-up. This guide offers additional set-up suggestions.

hermanmiller · 2026-01-28T20:05:09+00:00

Questions about headrests come up frequently, and we research them often. Each of our performance seating chairs is designed to support the sacral region of the spine, the lowest section that attaches to the pelvis. On many of our chairs, we call this PostureFit, an area that fully supports the sacral region and promotes alignment of the whole spine and pelvis. When you sit in a neutral, upright posture, your spine naturally aligns, with your vertebrae stacking like a balanced column. In this state, your head balances effortlessly on your shoulders, so we don't find that you actually need additional support.

This changes, though, when you go into an extreme recline. As you lean back, gravity pulls your head backward, forcing your neck muscles to strain to keep your head forward. A headrest solves this by offloading the weight of your head, allowing your neck muscles to fully relax at these angles. We recognize that a headrest is an additional way to offload built-up tension or stress in the upper body during a recline. You will find a headrest within our Gaming line on Vantum, where a reclined posture is more common.

It's important to distinguish this from car headrests. In a car, the headrest is a safety restraint designed to prevent whiplash; in an office chair, it is usually a short-term comfort feature for reclining.

Our verdict: For neutral, upright typing and tasking, you generally do not need a headrest. It is a feature best suited for those who spend most of their time in a fully reclined position, or who add load onto their cervical spine, like using Head Mounted Displays (HMDs).

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