Ergonomic chairs often come in two varieties. They’re ultra comfortable and expensive or super cheap and a horror for your back. I recently tested the Sihoo M56C ergonomic chair and finally experienced a surprising blend of comfort and affordability.
This is a sponsored article and was made possible by Sihoo. The actual contents and opinions are the sole views of the author, who maintains editorial independence even when a post is sponsored.
Easy to Put Together
The Sihoo M56C ergonomic chair does have to be assembled, but I had it put together in less than 20 minutes. It does weigh around 40 lbs., so you may want to get someone to help you if you have any health issues or back pain that makes it hard to lift heavier objects.
Even though nothing was damaged, many of the components were scattered in the box. They had fallen out of their wrapping and mini-boxes. I’d love to see slightly better packing so that nothing ends up scratched or damaged before users get to enjoy their chair.
But all the pieces and tools you need are included. Plus, the instructions clearly label every part and step, so you’ll be ready to start sitting comfortably quickly.
The included manual doesn’t mention much of anything about how to use the chair. It’s mainly just assembly instructions. Check out the YouTube video to see exactly how it works.
Adjustable Neck Support for All Activities
Whether you’re working, gaming, or reclining while streaming movies on your computer, the Sihoo M56C ergonomic chair’s adjustable neck support keeps your neck ultra comfortable.
It works in two ways: height and angle. Adjust it higher (up to 4.33 inches) or lower if needed. But my favorite part is the angle. Firmly push it forward or down to move the chair up to a 45-degree angle. This helped it fit my neck perfectly. I could even adjust it to work well with a ponytail.
Plus, it’s a wider headrest than you often see on ergonomic chairs. I felt like I had much more room to move my head around without bumping into the sides of the headrest.
When you first try to adjust the headrest, it’s rather stiff. But the more I used it, the easier it was. However, it locks securely into whatever position you choose.
Dynamic Lumbar Support Eases Back Pain
I’ll admit I don’t have the best posture when I’m working. This tends to lead to lower back pain. With the Sihoo M56C, the dynamic lumbar support adjusts as I move. If I lean forward, the lower mesh plate follows my lower back. If I lean back, it pushes back with me.
It’s a firm support that I found myself quickly adjusting to. It also made me sit in a more upright posture since the lumbar support felt more comfortable than slouching or leaning.
Adjustable Armrests Improve Your Posture
To be a truly ergonomic chair, I need armrests that adjust to my height. Chairs that try to be a one-size-fits-all but don’t let me raise or lower the armrests always make me feel awkward.
At 5 feet 4 inches, I usually need to slightly lower the armrests from their default position. Otherwise, I end up with my shoulders aching. For taller people, you’ll definitely want to raise them. Plus, having the armrests adjust to match the height of my keyboard or desk is a must.
A single button on each armrest lets you raise or lower them up to 3.35 inches. They lock securely as soon as you release the button.
Even though the armrests aren’t super cushioned, they offer a firm support.
Change Your Seat Height Easily
Honestly, this ergonomic chair offers one of the smoothest height adjustments I’ve tried. Simply twist the bar under the seat to move up or down. Let go when you’ve reached the perfect height, and it locks in place.
To fit a wider range of users, the Sihoo M56C adjusts between 18.31 inches and 22.05 inches.
Relax or Stay Alert – Your Choice
When you think of ergonomic office chairs, relaxation probably isn’t your first thought. Mine either. But the Sihoo M56C offers a reclining option as well as an option where you are sitting upright and alert for work or school.
Want to relax after a long day or chill while playing games? Pull out the lever used to raise and lower the seat. Then, recline back, release the lever, and lock it in place. You can even use the knob on the bottom of the seat to adjust the recline tension. In an economy model chair, I was thrilled to see it offered a range of 110-125 degrees.
Make a few adjustments to the headrest, grab an ottoman, and you have a comfy chair for lounging as well as work.
Durable, Breathable Design
I’m not a huge fan of leather or faux leather chairs. They get hot, especially when sitting for hours at a time. Sihoo puts comfort first yet again with elastic breathable mesh for the back and headrest.
The seat features high-density foam with a fabric cover. It feels quite durable, rather than some cheap plastic-like cover that many cheaper office chairs have.
Five PU (polyurethane) casters roll smoothly and quietly. I tried the chair on a relatively thin rug, an office chair mat, and a wood floor. There were no problems at all and no loud noises or squeaking.
While it might not be the most expensive chair, it’s one you’ll be able to enjoy for a long while.
Ideal for a Wide Range of Users and Uses
I love that the Sihoo M56C doesn’t try to just be one type of chair for one type of person. Thanks to all the adjustable components, it fits a wide range of users up to 300 lbs. The specifications state that it’s best for users ranging from 62 to 74 inches tall. For taller people, you may have issues getting the headrest to be as comfortable as it should be.
With the comfortable, ergonomic seating, it’s ideal for gaming, office, school, and relaxing while watching TV. Plus, it fits well in most budgets.
For me, it’s comparable to most mid-range chairs. No, it doesn’t offer quite as many adjustments, but I like the simplicity. It adjusts as much as the average user would need without paying for extra features you probably wouldn’t ever use.
The M56C is Sihoo’s entry-level chair and only costs $184.99. Try it for yourself. and you may discover that it’s the perfect fit.
