Mesh chairs can sink over time due to the wear and tear of the pneumatic cylinder that controls the height adjustment. This is a common problem that affects many office chairs, especially those with cheap or low-quality components. However, there are some ways to prevent or fix a sinking mesh chair, such as replacing the cylinder, using a hose clamp, or adding a chair cushion. In this article, we will explain why mesh chairs sink, how to identify a sinking chair, and what are the best solutions to restore your chair’s height and comfort.
Mesh chairs are designed to provide breathability, flexibility, and support for the user. They usually have a mesh backrest and a mesh seat, which allow air to circulate and prevent heat buildup. Mesh chairs also have a mechanism that enables the user to adjust the height of the seat, depending on their preference and posture. This mechanism is called a pneumatic cylinder, and it works by using pressurized air to lift or lower the seat.
However, over time, the pneumatic cylinder can lose its ability to hold the air pressure, causing the seat to gradually sink. This can happen for several reasons, such as:
Frequent or heavy use of the chair, which puts stress on the cylinder and its seals.
Exposure to extreme temperatures, humidity, or dust, which can damage the cylinder and its components.
Ageing or deterioration of the cylinder, which can reduce its performance and durability.
When the cylinder fails, the air pressure inside it becomes lower than the atmospheric pressure outside, creating a vacuum effect. This causes the seat to drop down, even when the user is not sitting on it. This can be very annoying and uncomfortable, as the user has to constantly adjust the height of the seat, or deal with a chair that is too low for their desk or workstation.
A sinking mesh chair can be easily identified by observing its behavior and performance. Some of the signs that indicate a sinking chair are:
The seat lowers by itself, without the user pressing the height adjustment lever.
The seat does not stay at the desired height, even after adjusting it several times.
The seat sinks faster or slower than usual, depending on the weight of the user or the amount of air pressure left in the cylinder.
The seat feels wobbly, unstable, or loose, as the cylinder does not provide enough support or resistance.
If you notice any of these signs, it means that your mesh chair is sinking, and you need to take action to fix it or replace it.
How to Fix a Sinking Mesh Chair?
There are some possible solutions to fix a sinking mesh chair, depending on the severity of the problem, the availability of the resources, and the user’s preference. Here are some of the most common and effective methods to fix a sinking mesh chair:
Replace the pneumatic cylinder. This is the best and most permanent solution, as it restores the original functionality and quality of the chair. However, it can also be the most expensive and complicated one, as it requires buying a new cylinder that matches the specifications of the chair, and installing it with the proper tools and skills. If you decide to replace the cylinder, you can either do it yourself, following the instructions from the manufacturer or online tutorials, or hire a professional service to do it for you.
Use a hose clamp. This is a cheap and easy solution, as it only requires a hose clamp, a screwdriver, and some tape. A hose clamp is a metal ring that can be tightened or loosened with a screw, and it is used to seal hoses or pipes. To use a hose clamp to fix a sinking mesh chair, you need to follow these steps:
Adjust the seat to the desired height, and mark the position of the cylinder with a tape or a marker.
Remove the plastic skirt or cover that protects the cylinder, and expose the metal rod that connects the seat and the base of the chair.
Place the hose clamp around the metal rod, just below the seat, and tighten it with a screwdriver until it is secure and snug.
Replace the plastic skirt or cover, and test the chair. The hose clamp should prevent the seat from sinking, by creating a physical barrier for the metal rod.
Add a chair cushion. This is a simple and comfortable solution, as it only requires a chair cushion, a pillow, or a folded blanket. A chair cushion can help to fix a sinking mesh chair, by adding some extra height and padding to the seat. To use a chair cushion to fix a sinking mesh chair, you need to follow these steps:
Adjust the seat to the lowest height possible, and measure the distance between the seat and the floor.
Find a chair cushion, a pillow, or a folded blanket that is thick enough to fill the gap and raise the seat to the desired height.
Place the chair cushion, the pillow, or the folded blanket on top of the seat, and secure it with some straps, ties, or velcro.
Test the chair. The chair cushion should make the seat higher and more comfortable, by compensating for the loss of air pressure in the cylinder.
Mesh chairs are popular and ergonomic office chairs, but they can sink over time due to the failure of the pneumatic cylinder that controls the height adjustment. This can affect the user’s comfort, productivity, and health, as they have to deal with a chair that is too low, unstable, or hard to adjust. Fortunately, there are some ways to fix a sinking mesh chair, such as replacing the cylinder, using a hose clamp, or adding a chair cushion. These methods can help to restore the chair’s height and performance, and extend its lifespan. However, if the chair is too old, damaged, or beyond repair, it may be better to invest in a new and high-quality mesh chair, that can provide the best support and comfort for the user.
