Ergonomic Chair Headrests: Essential Support or Overrated Add-On?

You’ve finally decided to upgrade your desk chair—but do you really need that headrest? Let’s break it down.

👀What’s the Deal With Headrests Anyway?

If you’ve been browsing ergonomic chairs lately, you’ve likely noticed that some come with a headrest and some don’t. And then the questions start rolling in:Is a headrest really necessary?
Will it help with my neck pain?
Or is it just for looks?

In this article, we’ll explore what headrests are designed to do, who truly benefits from them, and when they might actually get in the way.

🧠What Does a Headrest Actually Do?

A headrest on an ergonomic chair is more than just a fancy add-on—it’s a functional piece of support when used correctly. Here's what a well-designed, adjustable headrest can do:

• Support your cervical spine (neck area) during reclining
• Relieve tension in your neck and shoulders after long hours at your desk
• Encourage proper posture by preventing your head from leaning forward
• Improve comfort during moments of rest, reading, or Zoom calls

🔍A study published in the International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics found that proper head and neck support can reduce muscle activity in the upper trapezius and cervical extensors by up to 21%. [¹]

🙋Who Really Needs a Headrest?

Let’s be clear: not everyone needs a headrest. But for certain users, it can be a game-changer.

✔ You’ll benefit from a headrest if you:

• Work long hours (especially 8+ hours per day)
• Frequently lean back to think, rest, or take calls
• Experience neck or upper back tension
• Are taller than average (over 5'10") and need more vertical support
• Use your chair in multiple modes—like working, gaming, or even power-napping

In these cases, a headrest offers more than comfort—it helps prevent chronic strain.

🙅♂️When You Might Be Fine Without One

There are also situations where a headrest might not add much value—or could even feel awkward.

🔺You may not need a headrest if:

• You sit mostly upright and rarely lean back
• You’re under 5'5" and most headrests feel like they hit the back of your head
• Your workspace is limited (especially if your chair is close to a wall)
• You find fixed-position headrests intrusive or non-adjustable

In these cases, skipping the headrest could make your setup cleaner and more comfortable.

⚠️ Common Mistakes: Bigger Isn’t Better

Many buyers assume any headrest is better than none, but that’s not always true.
Here’s what to look out for:

• Fixed headrests that don’t adjust vertically or tilt may do more harm than good
• Too-large headrests can push your head forward, leading to “tech neck”
• Improper placement might create pressure points or fail to align with your neck curve

✅ The key is adjustability. A good headrest should move up/down and angle forward/backward to meet your posture—not force you into one.

Final Verdict: Should You Get the Headrest?

At the end of the day, it depends on how you sit, work, and rest.

If your budget allows, opt for a chair with an adjustable headrest—even if you don’t use it 24/7, you’ll be glad it’s there when you need it.