Re:The tyranny of chairs: why we need better design
by themodelplumber on Saturday August 29, 2020 @05:43PM
(#24319631)
You mean laying down to operate a computer? I've been experimenting with that on and off for about 4-5 years now. Looking to deepen / accelerate this practice recently.
It's pretty nice when it works well. I use one of those adjustable (3 joints per side) laptop desks and a mouse or trackball at my side. The laptop desk has a large lip on one end that prevents it from falling off when tilted.
The great thing about this is that laying down seems to reduce strain on the nervous system so much that it's a more sustainable working position in a lot of ways. I find that my overall working mood is much more stable, especially compared to 1h+ sitting upright. I sometimes go back to a sitting position at work in the late afternoon (WFH) and my energy seems sapped by sitting within about 30-45 minutes (not completely sapped; just compared to the laying position). Laying down, on the other hand, is much more sustainable.
I usually experiment with what I have on hand first (I used storage tubs and cardboard boxes to build my first standing desk), and I haven't yet tried any special chairs that allow laying down, except for a reclining couch.
I think my next experiment in this area will be a lumbar pillow to be used when laying flat. I've been surprised at how much lumbar support can make a big difference in chairs, couches, etc. A friend told me he believes lack of lumbar support in his chairs at home caused his nerve damage, and I can see why he would say that.
Some aspects that I don't like:
- It has a social stigma. Either "hospital bed" (are you sick?) or "lazy" (you've been in bed for how long today?)
- I can't (yet) put two 24+ inch monitors to use in this position :)
- Same with my favorite keyboard...laptops are what allow this to work.
- Some other minor things, but I believe paying attention to little adjustments can help here.
It's pretty nice when it works well. I use one of those adjustable (3 joints per side) laptop desks and a mouse or trackball at my side. The laptop desk has a large lip on one end that prevents it from falling off when tilted.
The great thing about this is that laying down seems to reduce strain on the nervous system so much that it's a more sustainable working position in a lot of ways. I find that my overall working mood is much more stable, especially compared to 1h+ sitting upright. I sometimes go back to a sitting position at work in the late afternoon (WFH) and my energy seems sapped by sitting within about 30-45 minutes (not completely sapped; just compared to the laying position). Laying down, on the other hand, is much more sustainable.
I usually experiment with what I have on hand first (I used storage tubs and cardboard boxes to build my first standing desk), and I haven't yet tried any special chairs that allow laying down, except for a reclining couch.
I think my next experiment in this area will be a lumbar pillow to be used when laying flat. I've been surprised at how much lumbar support can make a big difference in chairs, couches, etc. A friend told me he believes lack of lumbar support in his chairs at home caused his nerve damage, and I can see why he would say that.
Some aspects that I don't like:
- It has a social stigma. Either "hospital bed" (are you sick?) or "lazy" (you've been in bed for how long today?)
- I can't (yet) put two 24+ inch monitors to use in this position :)
- Same with my favorite keyboard...laptops are what allow this to work.
- Some other minor things, but I believe paying attention to little adjustments can help here.