Arm Rest Pillow
Maybe you’re someone who doesn’t use their armrests because they’re hard and uncomfortable. A soft, memory foam armrest might be the solution to all your problems.
If you’re looking to add more elbow support, the armrest might be your best option. To learn more about our recommendations for how to set up your desk space so it’s perfectly ergonomic and how an armrest can help you achieve that goal, keep reading.
How to Setup Your Desk Ergonomically
Unfortunately, not all office spaces are set up with proper ergonomics in mind. Ergonomic means that a product or space is designed for efficiency and comfort. Some desk chairs are made to be affordable instead of ergonomic. Companies have budgets, and sometimes an ergonomic office chair isn’t possible with the budget they have in mind. So, how are you supposed to achieve perfect ergonomics with an office chair that’s just sub-par? First off, let’s look at what perfect ergonomics look like.
An ergonomic workspace will allow you to have your monitor at an arm’s distance away, your wrists straight, your hands below or at elbow level, and your knees at the same level as your hips.
Elbows and Wrists
Let’s break that down and look at why each element is important. Looking at the top half of your body, it’s important to have your keyboard at the correct distance and your arms parallel to the floor. This prevents strain on your wrists, shoulders, and elbows.
However, if your chair can’t account for this, there are a few ways to compensate. You can add a keyboard pad to make sure your wrists don’t droop, and you can add arm rest pads if your arm rests don’t come up high enough to keep your arms in the right position.
Knees and Hips
The same thing is true of your lower body. Your hips and knees need to be in the same position in order to prevent pressure on your tailbone, hips, knees, or ankles. If this is unobtainable with the chair that you have, you can add a footrest to lift up your kneesor a seat cushion to lift up your hips.
Using all of that information, you’ll be able to turn any plain office chair into an ergonomic office chair that prevents pain and discomfort when using it. The more you follow the ergonomic method of sitting, the more comfortable you’ll be throughout the day.
What Is an Arm Rest Pillow?
An armrest pillow is made from high-density memory foam and gel inserts in order to keep your elbows free from pain throughout the day. By using your armrests, your elbows may dig into them. Not all built-in armrests are made equally, so some may be harder than others. In the case of hard built-in armrests, you may want to consider purchasing armrest pillows at a great price in order to make them more comfortable on your elbows.
Should I Be Using My Arm Rests?
It’s highly debated within the office community whether or not armrests should actually be used when typing or using a computer. There are good arguments on both sides, meaning that eventually, it just comes down to personal preference and what best suits the comfort level of each individual person.
Some argue that using an armrest is best, as it makes it easier to keep the elbows in line with the wrists and provides great support. Some argue that they’re uncomfortable and not spaced properly to allow for proper elbow resting. We can’t solve the issue of them being too far apart, but we can help to give you a better experience with our armrest pads.
Types of Arm Rests
There are a few different types of armrests that you can purchase to use in your office setup, and they often come in different sizes. Static armrests are the ones that come attached to your chair. You can’t move them other than up and down (only on some chair models), so if they’re too far apart, there’s nothing you can do about it.
There are also moveable armrests on the market. These armrests can attach to your computer desk by a C-clamp, allowing you to freely move them around and place them wherever you need. These a great option and allow for the best comfort. However, they are still usually hard and uncomfortable for the elbow, but that’s nothing a cushion can’t fix.
You should also consider the cover material, as a high-quality polyester or plush cover with a zipper for removal will make for much easier washing. Memory foam or shredded foam filling will also make for the most comfortable arm rest possible. Some models even feature a handle for easier transportation, so you can toss them in your bag, along with a good book, while you're commuting, or place them on the arms of your couch while you're watching a movie.
Health Conditions Linked to Improper Posture
There are many different health conditions that one can develop after days, weeks, or months of sitting with poor posture. Prolonged sitting is dangerous, but prolonged sitting with poor posture is even more so. You could develop the following health problems in the near future by having poor posture:
- Incontinence
- Heartburn
- Constipation
- Poor circulation
- Fatigue
- Poor mood
- Low energy and motivation
- Jaw pain
- Low breathing efficacy
- Headaches
- Back pain
- Tailbone pain
- Leg pain
- Varicose veins
How Arm Rest Pillows Can Help
If you’re trying to set up your office to be the most ergonomic space possible, you may want to consider using an armrest pillow to prevent your elbows from getting sore when using your armrests.
When using your armrests, make sure that they’re at the proper height. When you add armrest cushions, you may have to lower your armrests to account for the added height. Or, if you need the additional height, leave them be.
At Everlasting Comfort, we want to help you make the most ergonomic office setup possible, so you’re comfortable throughout your workday. Not only do we have armrest pads, but we also have seat cushions, footrests, and keyboard pads to help make your office as comfortable as possible.
Plus, ergonomics move beyond the office. Consider investing in a husband pillow (also sometimes referred to as a bed rest pillow or a reading pillow), a pillow for neck support, or back pillows for comfort in all areas of your life, or choose a product or two for unique gift ideas.
Sources:
Office ergonomics: Your how-to guide | Mayo Clinic
Armrests on Ergonomic Office Chairs- What You Need to Know | Ergonomic Trends