Have you ever heard of a saddle seat? This type of office chair offers a whole host of ergonomic benefits. We are happy to tell you more about what a saddle seat is, all its advantages, what to look out for when buying one and which quality models are available on the market.
1. What is a saddle seat?
As the name suggests, a saddle stool is a stool with a saddle-shaped seat, similar to a horse-riding saddle. Unlike a traditional office chair, these usually have no backrest, to encourage more active sitting. If you want to buy a saddle stool as an alternative to your office chair, it is better to choose one with a backrest.
As standard, saddle stools are height-adjustable and have a five-star base on castors. Higher-quality models also let you tilt the seat.
2. Benefits of a saddle seat
A saddle seat tilts the pelvis slightly forward. This is the neutral position of the pelvis, which means the back also adopts a neutral curve. This neutral posture ensures that pressure is evenly distributed across the back. It makes it easier to sit upright without uneven pressure on the back or neck.
A saddle seat lets you sit higher while still keeping your feet on the floor. Shorter people can use a saddle seat to work at a higher desk. A saddle seat is therefore the solution for fixed, built-in worktops that are too high for the user.
In addition, the higher position and the shape of the saddle seat keep the knees lower than the hips at all times. This posture is known as an open hip and knee angle. This 'open' posture improves lymph and blood circulation to the legs.
In confined spaces with little legroom, such as at reception desks or in doctors' and dentists' surgeries, a saddle seat makes it easier to position the legs downwards. This reduces the legroom needed, making it easier to manoeuvre.
The active posture on a saddle seat encourages more movement and better blood circulation throughout the whole body.
3. What to look out for when buying
First of all, it is important to know what the saddle seat will be used for. If it is for a treatment room, you will spend fewer hours on it than if it replaces a traditional office chair. In the latter case, it is better to choose a saddle seat with a backrest.
Next, saddle seats come in different sizes. 75% of people prefer a saddle width of around 35 cm. Others may prefer a wider saddle (approx. 44 cm).
Do you have back problems? Then choose a saddle seat with seat tilt. Tilting the seat encourages a more upright posture, as the pelvis is guided into a neutral forward tilt.
Do you have genital issues? Then a split saddle stool is the best choice, as it consists of two halves with the centre of the seat left open. This reduces pressure on the genital area.
4. Which quality models are available?
- Our pick of saddle chair for medical practices or confined spaces: Score Amazone or Jumper
- Our pick of saddle chair with backrest for moderate use: Score Amazone or Jumper with backrest
- Our pick of saddle chair for dynamic, active working in the office: Rovo Surf
- Our pick of saddle chair for intensive use (a worthy replacement for the traditional office chair): Capisco 8106
- Our pick of saddle chair for intensive use (budget version): Capisco 8010 or Capisco 8020
Ergonomic Consultant, Bert Claerhout
FAQ: The saddle seat as an office chair
- Do I always need a backrest on a saddle seat? Not always. For limited use, such as in a treatment room, a saddle seat without a backrest is fine. If you want to use it as a full alternative to a traditional office chair, it is better to choose a model with a backrest.
- Which saddle width suits me best? 75% of people prefer a saddle width of around 35 cm, while others prefer a wider saddle of about 44 cm. So it depends on the individual.
- Is a saddle seat suitable if you are prone to genital complaints? Yes, in that case choose a split saddle stool. It consists of two halves with an open centre, which reduces pressure on the genital area.
