Top 6 Facts and Myths about Adjustable Armrest Office Chairs

Ergonomics have changed the working environment of the office since they have come into existence and till now various things are improving every single day to improve the productivity of workers not only in the office but throughout the day. In simple words, it is improving the efficiency of work by changing the office supplies like a mouse, desk, chair, and other office goodies in order to make sure that employees don’t sustain any injury or body pain so that they can work to their full potential throughout the day.

However, we all know ergonomic is concerned with resolving a long-term issue like back pain, neck pain, vision problems, stiff arm muscle, etc. that are caused by working long hours at the similar position.

6 Myths and Facts about Adjustable Armrest Office Chairs

1. Is Armrest a must have featured in an office chair?

While adjustable armrests can be beneficial for reducing shoulder and upper back pain, they are not essential for everyone. When set correctly, armrests can improve posture by supporting the arms in a neutral position. However, improperly positioned armrests can cause discomfort, especially if they force the shoulders into awkward positions.

Interestingly, some people find no armrests to be more comfortable. Without armrests, the body can naturally settle into a more neutral posture, reducing strain. If armrests are causing discomfort instead of alleviating it, it might be better to remove them.

While adjustable armrests can be helpful for many, they aren’t a must-have for everyone. Chairs without armrests or those with adjustable options may work just as well for comfort and ergonomics.

If you're interested in office chairs with adjustable arms, check out the options available. For space-saving solutions, you might prefer office chairs with flip-up arms. Mesh office chairs with adjustable arms provide both breathability and comfort, while high back office chairs with adjustable arms offer additional support for long hours.

2. There is a risk of sitting with adjustable armrest while typing

Our arms are heavy and equipped most of the time while working, so without armrest, there will be pressure on arms and shoulder which will result in pain after a few hours of work. Ultimately, the user will lean to the desk for support or slouch. However, most people don’t understand that it is difficult to remember to sit with our arm line in the position of the desk and the goal behind this is to keep the wrist relaxed and comfortable to move while typing or using a mouse.

Therefore, an armrest is very supportive while typing as when you want to sit and think about your next move, the most comfortable position is leaning back and keeping your arms on the armrest for support. However, the adjustment of the armrest helps you to keep the arms in the best possible position you like and which make you thinking style more convenient. Not only this incorrect position can result in an increase of RSI due to tension build in the wrist but also other joint pains which will affect your working ability and body health in the long run.

Those who feel that the there is a risk of sitting with adjustable armrest office chair while typing, they should think one again and try to contradict their own situation because there is nothing like it. Instead of causing risks, it reduces the risk of many muscle problem faced by employees while working for long hours continuously in the office. So, make sure you use the chair with an armrest that allows you to make adjustments according to your needs.

3. Chairs with armrest don’t fit under the desk

Most of the office chairs are featured with armrest which is a great thing for workers health as long hours of using laptop or writing or any other work can cause a lot of pressure and pain to the arms and shoulders. Most of the people feel that the armrest in an office chair come in a way while they want to work close to the desk. It may not be true as the adjustable armrest can be rotated and the chair can slide in as per the user convenience. The best part of this adjustable armrest is that it can easily be set as per the user height and width. Furthermore, the user can slide the chair as much as he wants and at the same time put the armrest on the table for arm and wrist support.

There is no such thing that the chair with armrest won’t fit under the desk; it depends upon your desk and arrangements. Keeping these things aside there are many adjustable armrest office chairs are available in the market with various adjustment feature. Only you need to know under the desk arrangement of the desk you work on by this it means whether the table has less space underneath or a lot of electronic devices are attached. After knowing all the requirements, you need to buy the one which will fulfill your need, and there is nothing like that you won’t find a perfect office chair. There is a number of office chairs present in the market with adjustable armrest that you might have not even seen.

So, if you think that chair with armrest will not go under the table or desk you are working on then you are wrong, and there are different armrest adjustment which states the statement.

4. Is office chair with armrest expensive?

While it's true that office chairs with armrests generally cost more than those without, the price difference is often minimal. Chairs with adjustable armrests can be slightly more expensive compared to fixed-arm models, but the cost difference usually ranges from $30 to $50. The primary factors influencing cost are functionality and design, not just the presence of armrests.

Many people believe that higher-priced chairs are always more comfortable, but that’s not necessarily true. Comfort largely depends on the overall design and how well the chair supports your body, rather than just its price tag. A chair with armrests may cost a little more, but it's often within an affordable range. If you’re concerned about cost, doing some market research can help you find the best options within your budget.

For budget-friendly options, consider exploring the best office chair under $200 or best office chair under $300. If you're looking for premium quality, check out some of the most expensive office chairs, or browse through affordable office chairs for a great deal.

5. One chair does not fit for everyone

Comfort is the most important factor when choosing an office chair, but it’s true that what works for one person might not work for another. However, when it comes to office chairs with adjustable armrests, there is a solution. These chairs are designed to accommodate a wide range of body types, making them suitable for most people. Whether you’re tall, short, wide, or narrow, the adjustability of these chairs helps them meet the diverse needs of the working population.

The key feature that makes adjustable armrest office chairs suitable for most people is the ability to customize the seat and armrest height. By adjusting the armrests for different users, the chair ensures that your arms are supported without straining your shoulders, neck, or wrists. Even larger individuals can comfortably use these chairs without sacrificing comfort, thanks to the flexible armrest settings and spacious designs.

If you’ve ever thought that an office chair with armrests isn’t made for everyone, you might want to rethink that. The variety of adjustments available today—such as seat height, armrest depth, and tilt angles—ensures that almost anyone can find the perfect fit. These ergonomic features prevent issues like neck, arm, and shoulder pain, providing users with the best possible seating experience.

For a proper fit, be sure to check out guides on office chair dimensions to make sure the chair is right for your body type. If you’re looking for a chair tailored to smaller or larger frames, there are plenty of options like the small desk chair with arms or big and tall office chairs. If you need something even more robust, explore the heavy-duty office chair for maximum support, or check out the extra wide office chairs for ultimate comfort. For petite users, there are office chairs for short people or office chairs for petite women. Those needing a sturdy chair with a higher weight capacity should consider an office chair for 300 lbs.

6. The most optical position while sitting on an office chair is 90 degree 

It is probably the biggest myth you might hear from many people even those who use the chair. It is a stereotype that sitting at 90 degrees improves posture instead of having a neutral back posture.

As cliché, as it sounds having a 90-degree posture, is not which will improve your back muscle. By slightly shifting and positioning the back 95 to 115 degree is considered an ideal sitting position. Mostly it is advised to use the armrest and adjust according to your sitting posture because it will help to reduce muscle strain and stress from the body.

Therefore, the biggest disaster in sitting posture is when the user leans or slouches on the desk. It is very risky as unsupportive back results in strain and muscle pain. It is considered the most uncomfortable position while sitting on an office chair.

So if you still think that 90 degree is the best position while sitting on the chair, then you must follow researches conducted on sitting posture while sitting on an office chair. The results will definitely blow your mind.

Conclusion

There are many other myths as well, but these are some of the common stereotypes which are projecting the benefits of an adjustable armrest office chair in a wrong manner. We must all keep in mind that office chair is our best companion in the office with whom we spend 8 hours a day. So it is important to trust it and make yourself comfortable with it as it is the one who will reduce the risk of muscle problems in your body.

If you are looking forward to buying an office chair with adjustable armrest, then Autonomous can turn out to be the best option. We provide lots of ergonomic accessories for smart office from standing desk, ergonomic chair with armrest to anti fatigue mat and more.