How to choose the best Saddle to improve productivity and work pain-free

Around 30% of Dental professionals are forced into early retirement due to work related injuries. Be it an occasional back or neck ache or more regular pains which can accumulate into a serious issue, how dentists manage their health at work is vital for longevity in their job. The Amaze and Hopper Dental Saddle ranges are specifically designed for Dentists, Dental Nurses and Dental Hygienists to prevent and manage physical issues that arise from work.

1. Select The Correct Height

To get the full benefits of your saddle you must be high enough. Sufficient height will allow you to open your hip angle, thereby placing you in a natural and relaxed posture. Your best sitting height is the one where your upper legs naturally follow the shape of the seat. This enables a wide hip angle of around 130 to 140 degrees to be achieved while keeping your weight evenly divided across the seat of the saddle stool and the floor.

Because people vary in height, The Amaze and Hopper Dental saddles are available in three different heights, each with its own range of height adjustment. For 90% of people, the standard height incorporates a suitable adjustment range to ensure optimal height. Therefore, it is the best option if the saddle is going to be used by multiple people. 

2. Choose The Seat You Find Most Comfortable

Traditional Dental seats tend to be uncomfortable to sit on for long periods. This can lead to poor posture and reduced productivity over time. Finding a saddle seat specific to your requirements allows for increased comfort and improved performance. KOS Dental Saddles come in two unique seat shapes. The Amaze is for an active narrow sitting posture, and the Hopper for a more traditional, wider sitting posture.

Amaze (34 cm width)
The shape of the Amaze’s seat facilitates a very open hip angle with your weight being divided evenly across the seat and the floor. The Amaze’s seat strikes the best possible balance between the control and healthy posture of ‘standing’, and the comfort of ‘sitting’.

Hopper (44 cm width)
The Hopper has a wider seat, resulting in a slightly reduced hip angle than the Amaze. The reduced hip angle and wider seat means a larger part of your body weight can rest on the seat. This gives the Hopper seat a more traditional sitting experience.

Question: Will the saddle be shared with colleagues?

Yes:         

If you are going to share the saddle, the Amaze is most probably your best choice. It is the preferred choice by 75% of all oral healthcare practitioners.

No:

Women generally prefer the Amaze due to its narrower seat (83%). If you prefer a wider seat surface, choose the Hopper.

Men of average height or smaller typically choose the Amaze due to its more active sitting posture (67%). If you would rather a more traditional sitting experience, choose the Hopper.

3. Dynamic Sitting

Balance

Saddles that promote mobility and flexibility are a great idea for those looking to prevent any issues arising further down the line. The improved range of movement will allow for better performance at work along with reduced risk of back injuries. The Balance mechanism on the Hopper and Amaze ensures maximum comfort and optimal dynamic working posture. This adjustable mechanism enables the saddle to move in response to how you move for extra comfort and a beneficial effect on the muscles and spine. The degree of movement can be adjusted by rotating the ring.

Tilting Seat
Instead of the Balance mechanism, you can also choose a tilting seat for which the angle of the seat can be adjusted either forwards and backwards. This continues to enable postural variation as you work. 

4. Extra Support

Postural variation is the key to maintaining a healthy spine and good posture. A saddle with a lumbar support enables Dentists to alter between sitting positions and to sit back into the seat safely as they work. Both the Amaze and Hopper Dental saddles can be equipped with a lumbar support. Its multifunctional shape provides light support for your lower back while working in an active posture. In addition, one can lean against it and stretch to relax the back momentarily. The saddle version with tilting seat offers a lumbar support that is adjustable in both height and angle. With the Balance mechanism, the lumbar support can be adjusted in depth, and moves with the dynamic seat.

5. Choose A Saddle That Allows You To Sit Closer To Your Patient

To avoid leaning over excessively it is important to be able to sit as close as possible to your patient. This will enable you to perform to your best, work efficiently without having to readjust your position and help you to maintain a safe posture. The Amaze and Hopper saddles are narrow by design allowing you to sit close to your patient safely and to work efficiently.

For more information regarding workplace ergonomics among dentists or to arrange a Free Consultation with one of our Ergonomic Consultants at our Dublin City Centre Showroom on Clare Street (Near Merrion Square, opposite the National Art Gallery) get in touch on 01 6110200.