Different Types of Office Chair Lumbar Support

Do you often find yourself at work slouching in your chair or hunched over your keyboard? The outcome of which is usually poor posture and back pain.

The purpose of office chair lumbar support is to support the back and maintain the natural curvature of the spine. In this blog we look at the different types of office chair lumbar support to better understand the options available to us, to see what improvements we can make and ultimately choose the right kind of ergonomic seating.

Types of Lumbar Support for Office Chairs

We can categorise office chair lumbar support in 4 main ways:

  • fixed

  • adjustable

  • dynamic

  • external

Fixed lumbar support for office chairs

Usually found in lower end chairs with a basic ergonomic rating. The lumbar support itself cannot be repositioned or modified as it is fixed into the back of the chair, so it is better to test these chairs thoroughly before purchasing. They are not a bad option if sitting for long periods is not necessary.

Adjustable lumbar support for office chairs

Provides a good ergonomic chair rating as it allows manual adjustment. The lumbar support area in the seat back can be changed in height, depth, and firmness to provide good back support and promote healthy posture. This type of office chair is a good option if different people will be using it.

Dynamic lumbar support for office chairs

Available in high end office chairs with an excellent ergonomic rating. This type of lumbar support automatically adjusts based on your posture and provides constant support. Although more costly, this type of dynamic seating is far more comfortable and can be very beneficial if your job requires you to sit for long periods of time. At AirCare Systems we specialise in this type of seating technology.

External lumbar support for office chairs

Often found in gaming chairs for example but the level of effectiveness ranges from basic to excellent. Some external lumbar supports are merely pillows or cushions while others are of a specifically designed shape, cut and firmness. The added benefit of external lumbar support is that it is inexpensive but also portable, so can be transferred to most other types of seating: automotive seating, office seating, dining chairs and so on. AirCare Systems manufacture some of the best lumbar support cushions available in the form of pump up or self-inflating lumbar support cushions. You can find out more about our external lumbar support product here.


At AirCare Systems we work with designers and manufacturers all over the world to produce some of the best dynamic office chairs available.

Be sure to contact us directly to find out more.