How to Stop Sliding Out of Office Chair

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Updated Jun 27, 2022 11:11 PM

One of the unfortunate aspects of sitting in an office chair eight or more hours each day is the human body’s tendency to slip out from the chair over time. Keep reading to learn more about selecting the right office chair for sitting comfortably.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Slipping out of an office chair is a consequence of improper seat depth.
  • Measure for proper seat depth by making a fist and placing it between the chair’s outer edge and your calf. If it fits, then you are likely fine.
  • Adjust the backrest to achieve proper seat depth, or place a cushion, pillow, or towel behind your back.

Chair Seat Depth Explained

The depth of the seat of your office chair may be something you have never thought about, but this metric can contribute to incidents of slipping out. Seat depth refers to the length between the back edge and the front edge of your chair seat.

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Measuring Proper Seat Depth

To check your proper seat depth, sit all the way back in your office chair. Next, make a note of the amount of space between the front edge of your chair and your calves by making a fist and placing it on the edge of the chair. If your fist easily fits between the front edge of your chair and your calf, that means you likely have enough room for a healthy amount of blood circulation. If not, your chair may be too deep and you will have to find another solution.

Insider Tip

If your fist easily fits between the front edge of your chair and your calf, that means you likely have enough room for a healthy amount of blood circulation.

Solutions to Improper Seat Depth

There are a number of ways to achieve proper seat depth, so you can avoid slipping out of your office chair and increase your overall spinal health.

Move the Backrest Forward

A simple way to achieve proper seat depth is to make minor adjustments to your office chair. Move the backrest forward until you feel proper seat depth has been achieved. Not all office chairs, however, allow for backrest adjustments. If not, you can simply replace the back rest by taking off the back of your office chair and fixing another one.

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Insider Tip

A simple way to achieve proper seat depth is to make minor adjustments to your office chair.

Insert a Cushion or Pillow

If moving the backrest doesn’t help, we advise placing a pillow or cushion on top of the backrest. This can force your back forward, automatically adjusting the seat depth. You can also use a rolled-up towel for this purpose or purchase a standalone device intended to simplify the procedure. These items could accidentally fall from the chair, however, so take that into account as you go about your workday.

Purchase a New Chair

Achieving proper seat depth is an important aspect of your spinal health. If the above methods are not helping, it may be time to buy a new office chair. Be sure to sit in the chair and measure for proper seat depth before making a purchase. Many retailers and furniture showrooms allow consumers to try out office chairs before buying. You may also find it useful to replace your office chair wheels if you do not have the funds to buy a new chair.

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F.A.Q.

Which is the best office chair cushion?

There is no absolute best office chair cushion, as each human body and each office chair have different needs. We recommend trying out any office chair cushion before making a purchase.


Why do office chairs sink?

Office chairs tend to sink over time due to a cylinder that has lost its lift. It may need professional repair.


Office chair: How to reduce back pain?

In order to minimize back pain, we strongly recommend you try out an office chair before making a purchase. Check it for comfort and for the number of adjustability options available.



STAT: The average weight an office chair can hold is around 250 pounds. (source)

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