Finding the right seat height: HAG Capisco

HAG Capisco Puls, open hip angleSometimes a few inches can make a big difference in comfort when working at your desk. Many clients look to the popular Capisco saddle chair to help alleviate some of the discomfort that comes from sitting at a desk all day. The innovative and ergonomic design of the Capisco chair encourages movement in ways traditional task chairs simply fail. However, the key to unlocking some of the features of the saddle seat is the ability to sit a bit higher than a standard office chair allows. A taller seat height encourages an open hip angle, a crucial component to healthy and active sitting.

The perfect seat height / desk height combination will be slightly different for everyone. Below we’ve outlined the guidelines we work with when talking to clients.

Most task chairs have a maximum seat height ranging from 19”-22”. The standard pneumatic lift on the HAG Capisco and Puls chairs start at 19” and goes up to 26”. A low pneumatic lift is available on the Capisco (16”-21.6” of range) but the benefits of sitting higher in a saddle seat are unmatched at lower heights. We very rarely recommend the low lift for the Capisco.

For a fixed height desk, the target work height range when looking at a Capisco is about 32”. If your work surface (table top) is close to 32” you’ll have no problem getting comfortable in the standard 200mm pneumatic lift.

One idea for adding those crucial few inches is ESI’s desk risers. They are stackable and can add up to 3” to your desk. This can be the difference between a standard 29” desk and the 32” needed to feel the benefits of the Capisco.

Of course, if you have an adjustable height desk 32” is likely to feel incredibly low. I am sitting on my Capisco 26” high, with my adjustable-height desk at 39”. If for whatever reason a sit-stand desk won’t work for you but you are still interested in the Capisco chair, look into something like ESI’s desk risers, or maybe a couple of bricks to add the height you need to maximize the benefits of the Capisco.