Finding an office chair to fit your needs can be difficult, especially if you carry a little bit of extra weight around. Sitting all day can be taxing physically to anyone, but if you are bigger than most, you may need to take even more care to find something that will be comfortable for the long haul. Here are some helpful tips on how to identify the best bariatric office chairs.

1) Look for ergonomic chairs to support your back.

One of the first tenets of finding the ideal office chair is to look for models that are touted as the best chairs for back pain. Even if you don’t regularly suffer from back pain, it can still be wise to support your back and lumbar, because it will increase your overall comfort while sitting for long periods of time. Are you already dealing with back pain, or do you find that an ergonomic chair design just isn’t enough to alleviate your aches? Consider investing in back support pillows for some extra padding.

2) Check for a weight rating.

Another thing to do in order to select a great office chair is to browse those that have a high weight rating. Most weight rated chairs come in three categories: up to 300 pounds, 350 to 500 pounds or 500 pounds and above. Searching for a chair that is made to accommodate a number well above your weight maximum can ensure that you will be most comfortable. Also, chairs that are built for big and tall users will be less likely to warp or break in the future. You can often search for office chairs using weight rating criteria as opposed to price or color.

3) Forgo constrictive design.

Although many chairs are designed for those that are the larger among us, they may still be uncomfortable due to certain unnecessary features. If the chair that you want has close-set arms, you may want to skip it. Chair arms may constrict and squeeze you while you sit, making you uncomfortable. Consider looking for a chair with wide-set arms or better yet—no arms at all. It’s also a good idea to look for chairs that are adjustable in terms of their height. Look for one that moves up and down and has adjustable angles for the back and/or arms.

4) Seek a sturdy and durable build.

Of course, even if you purchase an ergonomic chair that has a high weight capacity and a common-sense-based design, it may still fall apart before its time if it isn’t sturdily built and designed. Look for a wide, thick seat, durable materials such as leather, a strong metal base and lots of padding for a chair that will serve you well through years of comfortable sitting.