| Additional Resources Accessories | | Product Summary |
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The Australian designed Bambach Saddle Seat has been in production for over 30 years. This particular model features a longer, flatter front pommel with a wider seat in the rear. It was designed based upon feedback from men who felt the standard models were too "short" and restrictive. The greater width at the rear offers ample support and cushioning for those of larger or heavier build. Although more suitable for men, women with wider hips or larger frame may also find it a suitable fit. This particular model is best suited for those over 5'7" and up to about 6'3". Shorter individuals or those with average or slender build will most likely not find this seat overly comfortable. The upholstery is high quality vinyl that offers a supple leather-like feel. | | Ergonomic Benefits |
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Correct Spinal Alignment (Improved Posture) - Saddle Seats are designed to restore the correct alignment of the spine . This is accomplished when the pelvis is tipped forward due to the 45° downward angle of the thighs. The forward tilt of the pelvis restores the natural "S-Curve" of the spine, positioning it where it can best provide the support necessary for the torso, neck and head. Traditional chair seats actually force the lumbar portion of the spine outward (creating a “C-Curve”), exerting unnatural and unsupported stress on the soft tissue muscles and ligaments of the lower back. The improved alignment of the spine which saddle seats promote alleviates or removes that stress, reducing fatigue by enabling those tissues to relax and rest. Fixed saddle seats eliminate the option of enhancing this forward tilt of the pelvis to a greater degree.
Ability to Deviate from Upright Position Securely - Saddle Seats can provide a significant improvement in overall sitting posture, especially for those who need to have both their hands and eyes positioned close to their work. Dentists are a good example of this. By having the thighs splayed and angling downwards rather than directly toward the patient (i.e. 90°) it is possible to move significantly closer to their work, hovering over the patient while maintaining a stable seating posture. This ability to “move in” enables them to maintain a more upright posture which in turn reduces the strain on the lower back - an issue which is common to this occupation or anyone else who performs repetitive forward or side-reaching tasks. The “forward tilt” feature of the saddle can aid in moving the torso even closer to the work area or patient/client. It also enables them to exert greater force when necessary while at the same time reducing the effort required. The closer positioning also facilitates a greater degree of hand and finger control since the arms can be held closer in to the body in a more relaxed and neutral position.
Reduced Potential for Lower Back Pain - By positioning the spine in its naturally strongest and correctly aligned position the continuous tension and stress which traditional chairs place on the lumbar portion of the spine is relieved. Saddle seats accommodate an upright posture, rather than leaning forward from the waist. This can significantly reduce the strain to the ligaments and muscles of the lower back which in turn will reduce the risk of muscle spasms. This will generally result in a reduction or elimination of associated back pain.
Reduced "Overreach" - A complaint commonly associated with traditional seating is that it is difficult to reach items positioned to the sides or front. Doing so requires a significant rotation forward or outward from the shoulder, often combined with a forward bend from the waist. This can be a cause for concern for two reasons. First, the extreme reaching of the arms and the high degree of rotation necessary to accomplish this can lead to the development of shoulder-related issues. Usually this is addressed by trying to adapt the work area by bringing frequently used items and equipment closer. However, there is always a limitation to the comfort zone so this is usually only partially effective as a solution. The second area of concern related to the overreach is that when items are out of reach people will attempt to extend the limited range of their arms by "bending" or "stretching" forward from the waist. This exerts unnatural and unnecessary stress on the lower back, increasing the potential for development of lower back pain. The Bambach Saddle Seat can address both of these concerns by providing a significantly increased reaching zone. The forward tilt of the pelvis immediately provides several inches of additional forward reach that cannot be available when seated in a traditional chair as the upper body is brought into closer proximity to the work space. In combination with this is the fact that a saddle stool position permits the entire torso to accomplish the reach, rather than relying on a single joint such as the shoulder or the lower lumbar area. By spreading the reaching movement throughout the upper body not only is it possible to reduce the angle of the shoulder rotation but also the potential for stress on the lower back. The result of this is that the reach of an average individual can easily and comfortably be extended 12" - 18" beyond what they could normally reach from a traditional chair.
Achieve Sit/Stand Benefits WITHOUT Standing - The upright posture which saddle stools offer can help individuals realize many of the benefits attributed to an active standing posture without some of the accompanying concerns and behavioural modifications. Posture is improved, blood flow is increased due to the greater degree of movement offered, and oxygenation of the blood is increased as the upright posture encourages deeper breathing. This automatically results in a greater degree of alertness and the ability to better focus on the tasks at hand.
Avoids the Risk Factors of Standing When Working - Standing to work is rapidly gaining in popularity due to solid scientific evidence that extended sitting in the traditional office environment greatly increases numerous health risks. Current media coverage which is to a great extent fueling this movement has almost solely focused on the "benefits" of standing to work, ignoring the equally compelling evidence that extended standing can also be extremely detrimental to one's overall health. Studies have shown that extended standing can result in blood pooling in the lower legs due to the static state of the leg muscles, resulting in edema (swelling of the feet and lower legs) and a corresponding increase in varicose vein problems. This also increases the load on the circulatory system which has to push this pooled blood back out of the legs. There is good evidence that this can exacerbate existing or possibly lead to heart and circulatory problems. Many people who stand extensively, especially on hard floors (concrete, ceramic tile, etc), develop heel problems that can manifest as bone spurs or plantar fasciitis. Standing is also more tiring, something which is has been well-known in industry for many years. While standing does burn more calories it is also rated to consume 20% more energy than sitting which can result in fatigue. Industry has addressed this by providing anti-fatigue mats, anti-fatigue footwear, and chairs to sit on during rest breaks - each of which is aimed to reduce the tiring effects of standing. Saddle Seats enable individuals to maintain the upright posture that is most beneficial to their health while at the same time reducing their exposure to the risk factors described above. Since the saddle stool carries the majority of the weight load the leg muscles are no longer required to remain in “tension” mode in order to provide support. Instead, these muscles are now free to relax and flex as needed to move the chair around the work area. This movement activates the “pumping action” that aids in moving blood from the lower legs. By transferring the majority of the weight to the saddle seat, the feet are also permitted to rest, reducing the ongoing strain that occurs with extended static standing. IMPORTANT NOTE - Working in a Saddle Seat will generally require some modifications to the workstation. Since it elevates the torso there will be a requirement to ensure that keyboard, mouse and monitor are all able to be brought into an appropriate height position in order to maintain a neutral posture for the hands, arms, and neck. For average or shorter individuals this might be able to be accomplished by elevating the desk using specialized lifters such as Raise-Its which can safely raise a desk by up to 3". Standard keyboard arms and trays may also provide enough elevation or may be utilized in combination with a product like the Raise-Its. The monitor mount may have enough range to elevate the screen to the desired greater height or a few simple monitor risers in combination with its integral movement may provide the necessary elevation. For more complex scenarios such it may be necessary to provide an elevating workstation that can be raised enough to bring these devices into the correct alignment. The advantage that a Saddle Seat offers over a Sit/Stand workstation is that it becomes possible to sit in a seated position and the monitor and keyboard do not need to shift throughout the day as the range of motion and viewing angles do not change. In order to properly equip a true Sit/Stand Workstation it would need to accommodate the changes which occur when the switching from Sitting to Standing. These include small but significant changes in the hand/arm positions and more significant changes in the viewing angle required for the monitor. This may often require a monitor arm with a fairly wide range of elevation adjustment, adding additional cost to the adaptation.
| | Features |
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- Adjustable Tilt: The “forward tilt” feature lets individuals lower the pommel to increase the forward tilt of the pelvis if they wish to enhance their upright posture. At the same time, lowering the front of the saddle seat aids in relieving lower pelvic pressure which can increase comfort.
- Broad and Deep Seat: This model of the Bambach Saddle Seat features a well-cushioned broad and deep seat. It is intended primarily for those of larger broader build and will most likely be uncomfortable for most women.
- Easy Rolling: The Bambach Saddle seat is equipped with 60 mm soft casters (for hard floors). A simple push/pull action with the feet lets one manoeuvre around a work area with minimal effort.
- Quality Upholstery: The Bambach Saddle Seat is upholstered with high quality vinyl with a supple leather-like feel.
- Weight Rating: The Bambach Saddle Seat is designed to safely support up to 350 lbs (160 kg).
| | Images (Click on any thumbnail to view larger image) |
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Bambach Saddle Seat - Large
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| | Technical Specifications |
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| | Usage Tips |
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- When considering a Saddle Stool it is wise to consider the entire workstation. The reason behind this is that an appropriately positioned saddle-style seat will raise one significantly higher than does a standard office chair. This means that other factors such as keyboard/mouse and monitor heights will need to be adjusted to bring them up to an appropriately ergonomic position. Failing to address these factors will usually result in the saddle being positioned too low and the individual losing most of the benefits which the saddle seat might otherwise offer OR potentially introducing other ergonomic issues while trying to reach a workspace which is positioned too low. If you have questions regarding solutions to these problems please feel free to call for assistance in addressing these concerns.
- When setting the height of the seat you want to have your thighs angled downwards at roughly 45° as this position provides optimal pelvic tilt for most individuals. This will also usually align the thighs with the angle of the seat halves, permitting them to naturally rest against the saddle and reducing the risk of pressure points on the inside of the thighs.
- Be careful to not lower the seat significantly lower than where the thighs are at the optimum 45° angle. Sitting in this manner changes the angle at which the pelvic bones contact the seat and concentrates your weight over a smaller zone along the crown of the saddle. This will for most people not only be uncomfortable but also pushes the lower spine into an unnatural "C" curve. This posture exerts undue stress on the lower back and spine and greatly reduces the effectiveness of the saddle seat posture.
- Moving about a workspace with a saddle seat is much easier than moving a traditional office chair. Since the saddle posture provides your legs with a much wider range of motion, both feet can be employed to perform a push/pull action. Movement in any direction can accomplished with the minimum of effort.
- Saddle-style seating does require an adjustment period. We encourage you not to try to perform marathon work sessions in the first days of use. Rather, take the time to break your muscles and joints into this new posture. Take breaks, use your old chair, stand up and stretch, and even walk around. Also, expect that over the first days and even weeks you may find that there is sensitivity. Adjust the seat to reduce pressure points or ridges, fine-tuning the seat height and angle to meet your requirements. Of course, if you are an equestrian or cyclist you will almost certainly adapt very quickly since your body is already acclimated to this style of seat.
| | Models |
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 | | Model # | Description |
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| B121B-1B-23V201 | Bambach Saddle Seat, Black Vinyl Upholstery, Pneumatic Lift, Medium - Recommended User Height: 5'7" to 6'3" |
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