Are Mesh Chairs Comfortable?

When you’re looking for a new office chair, an overriding priority has to be comfort. You may be sitting in it for up to eight hours a day. In some professions, even longer. If an office chair is uncomfortable, it’s not just an inconvenience. It can lead to genuine and diverse health conditions, from aches and strains to chronic back pain. If you’re really unlucky, you could even develop poor circulation and cardiovascular disease. So, comfort is so much more than a ‘nice to have’. But how do you know which chairs are likely to be comfortable when shopping online? Today, we’ll take a look at mesh office chairs.

Are Mesh Office Chairs Comfy?

What is a mesh office chair?

The answer to this is fairly simple. To qualify as a mesh chair, the chair back must be made with a breathable, meshed fabric, like the Executive High Back. Chairs with a mesh seat are also available, but they are generally less supportive and less comfortable. Consequently, they are less popular.

Why do people like mesh office chairs?

There are a couple of key reasons why mesh office chairs are popular.

• Firstly, mesh is the ultimate in breathable material. And when a fabric is breathable, the air naturally circulates. When used in a chair like the Jack, this can help to prevent your back from becoming hot and sweaty, which is never an enjoyable experience.
  
  
• Mesh can also be beneficial for allergy sufferers. Because mesh doesn't trap allergens and is far easier to clean than many other fabrics, it’s a particularly good choice for anyone who struggles with dust allergies.
  
  
• Mesh chairs can conform to the user's body shape. This can not only make them more comfortable, but can help to provide better physical support, in much the same way as an ergonomic chair.

Are there any drawbacks to mesh chairs?

Most of the negatives associated with mesh chairs relate to those with mesh seats. But they’re still worth knowing.

• Tension can be a problem. If the mesh of a chair is too loose, it simply cannot provide the support you need to sit comfortably or safely. Equally, while too firm is better than too loose, it’s still not going to be comfortable, so you’ll make excuses not to use it.
  
  
• The fabric can be rough. If you dress in typical office wear, this probably won’t be a problem. But if you work from home or somewhere with a more relaxed dress code, mesh can be uncomfortable. Especially on exposed skin. This can be overcome with chairs like the Fonseca, however. Here the mesh is surrounded by plush, padded fabric, so you gain the breathability and the comfort.
  
  
• Mesh isn’t cosy. Especially on a seat pad. If you’re someone who feels the cold and likes to snuggle up in a chair, mesh may not be for you.

Are mesh office chairs comfortable?

The answer to this question ultimately comes down to you and your chair choice. As a general rule, chairs with a mesh seat tend to deliver less comfort and support. While a chair with a mesh back and cushioned seat can provide the best of both worlds… But only if you don’t feel the cold. If you like a chair that embraces you and keeps off the drafts, mesh may not be the best choice. But if you sit at a desk in a warm room for long hours every week, mesh chairs can help you with temperature regulation, comfort and support.

When you’re shopping for an office chair, you have to keep your personal requirements in mind. There is no one-chair-fits-all solution. So, make a list of what you need from your office chair. And in a lot of cases, you’ll find a mesh chair that delivers.

View the full collection of mesh office chairs available from UK Office Furniture.