Frequently Asked Question

(i) Good task seating should:

Rotate the pelvis upright and position the body’s centre of gravity over the Ischial tuberosities (these are our seat bones).

  • Keep the spinal column in its neutral curves.
  • Open up the thorax (chest) and abdomen to allow full function of the lungs and abdominal organs.
  • Assist blood and lymphatic circulation.
  • Enhance muscle tone as the position is active rather than inactive.
  • Ensure that work can be performed easily with major joints at minimum stress because they are within mid-range of their function.
  • Ensure that the user can function optimally.

*The Bambach Saddle Seat does ALL of the above

Conventional seating cannot provide these outcomes. In conventional seating the centre of gravity is behind the seat bones with the pelvis rolled back and the lumbar spinal curve flattened, necessitating stressful muscular activity to maintain the upright position for work. The Saddle Seat places the centre of gravity over the seat bones by stabilising the pelvis in its upright, neutral position which ensures the spine is also in its neutral curves. The hip joints are in abduction and external rotation which ensures a close contact position. The ball of the femur, being now comfortably within the socket of the pelvis results in less stress on these joints.

Bambach Saddle Seat’s high, straddle posture supports and stabilizes your body, freeing your hands and feet for work and movement. It is easy to move about in your workspace, to reach equipment, or to reach a foot switch. This stable, straddle posture also improves hand accuracy and power and improves sitting balance. It is the ideal sitting posture. The hip joints rest in a relaxed open position and the spine is in perfect balance. The unique seat contour ensures you’ll bend forward from your hips, not from your back.

(ii) The straddle position with knees apart has “preventive value against future hip disease” Prof.Dr. G. Schumoe.Orthopedic University Hospital. Bonn. Germany

(iii) In the upright position supported by the Saddle Seat, your diaphragm is not pushed up into your vital organs so your body functions better than on a normal seat. Your abdominal organs e.g. lungs, liver, alimentary tract, etc. are not compressed and not pressing onto the bladder and bowel.

1. What is the advantage of the Bambach Saddle Seat?

(i) Good task seating should:

Rotate the pelvis upright and position the body’s centre of gravity over the Ischial tuberosities (these are our seat bones).

  • Keep the spinal column in its neutral curves.
  • Open up the thorax (chest) and abdomen to allow full function of the lungs and abdominal organs.
  • Assist blood and lymphatic circulation.
  • Enhance muscle tone as the position is active rather than inactive.
  • Ensure that work can be performed easily with major joints at minimum stress because they are within mid-range of their function.
  • Ensure that the user can function optimally.

*The Bambach Saddle Seat does ALL of the above

Conventional seating cannot provide these outcomes. In conventional seating the centre of gravity is behind the seat bones with the pelvis rolled back and the lumbar spinal curve flattened, necessitating stressful muscular activity to maintain the upright position for work. The Saddle Seat places the centre of gravity over the seat bones by stabilising the pelvis in its upright, neutral position which ensures the spine is also in its neutral curves. The hip joints are in abduction and external rotation which ensures a close contact position. The ball of the femur, being now comfortably within the socket of the pelvis results in less stress on these joints.

Bambach Saddle Seat’s high, straddle posture supports and stabilizes your body, freeing your hands and feet for work and movement. It is easy to move about in your workspace, to reach equipment, or to reach a foot switch. This stable, straddle posture also improves hand accuracy and power and improves sitting balance. It is the ideal sitting posture. The hip joints rest in a relaxed open position and the spine is in perfect balance. The unique seat contour ensures you’ll bend forward from your hips, not from your back.

(ii) The straddle position with knees apart has “preventive value against future hip disease” Prof.Dr. G. Schumoe.Orthopedic University Hospital. Bonn. Germany

(iii) In the upright position supported by the Saddle Seat, your diaphragm is not pushed up into your vital organs so your body functions better than on a normal seat. Your abdominal organs e.g. lungs, liver, alimentary tract, etc. are not compressed and not pressing onto the bladder and bowel.

Anyone who wants perfect posture in a task seat.

The Bambach Saddle Seat is ideal for people who work with their hands, such as dentists, surgeons, assembly workers, lab workers, hairdressers, grocery clerks, artists, therapists, musicians and teachers.

You will especially benefit from the Bambach Saddle Seat if your work involves:

  • Close work requiring accuracy with excellent eye-hand coordination;
  • A lot of reaching;
  • Moving your body along with your arms;
  • Work spread out over a large area;
  • Varying work heights;
  • Viewing closely or at odd angles;
  • Long periods of standing;
  • Getting up and down often from your seat.

eg. Dentists, Surgeons, Machine Operators, Computer Operators, Artists, Nurses in Dialysis and Maternity.

If you suffer from painful conditions of the neck, back, or upper limbs, or if you have a neurological or musculoskeletal condition, you may also benefit from using the Bambach Saddle Seat.

2. Who should use the Bambach Saddle Seat?

Anyone who wants perfect posture in a task seat.

The Bambach Saddle Seat is ideal for people who work with their hands, such as dentists, surgeons, assembly workers, lab workers, hairdressers, grocery clerks, artists, therapists, musicians and teachers.

You will especially benefit from the Bambach Saddle Seat if your work involves:

  • Close work requiring accuracy with excellent eye-hand coordination;
  • A lot of reaching;
  • Moving your body along with your arms;
  • Work spread out over a large area;
  • Varying work heights;
  • Viewing closely or at odd angles;
  • Long periods of standing;
  • Getting up and down often from your seat.

eg. Dentists, Surgeons, Machine Operators, Computer Operators, Artists, Nurses in Dialysis and Maternity.

If you suffer from painful conditions of the neck, back, or upper limbs, or if you have a neurological or musculoskeletal condition, you may also benefit from using the Bambach Saddle Seat.

No. The Saddle Seat supports more correct postures than a kneeling chair. A kneeling chair puts pressure on the knees. Meanwhile, there is no knee pressure in a Saddle Seat.

In a kneeling chair, your feet are locked in underneath you. In the Saddle Seat, your feet are free to operate equipment or help you scoot around your work area and there is full floor contact for the sole of the foot.

Getting in and out of a kneeling chair is difficult as your feet get entangled in the kneeling pad. Getting in an out of a Saddle Seat is easy.

3. Will a kneeling chair work as well?

No. The Saddle Seat supports more correct postures than a kneeling chair. A kneeling chair puts pressure on the knees. Meanwhile, there is no knee pressure in a Saddle Seat.

In a kneeling chair, your feet are locked in underneath you. In the Saddle Seat, your feet are free to operate equipment or help you scoot around your work area and there is full floor contact for the sole of the foot.

Getting in and out of a kneeling chair is difficult as your feet get entangled in the kneeling pad. Getting in an out of a Saddle Seat is easy.

Not quite. While you can straddle a bicycle seat in the same way you straddle a Saddle Seat, their bicycle seat provides little support to the mass of the buttocks. This can be uncomfortable over a long period and does not give adequate stability.

The position of the pelvis is different on a bicycle seat. The pelvis is tilted back, the body is not upright, and the hips are not adducted (not in the spread position). This makes the legs work very hard to stabilize the body.

4. Will a bicycle seat work as well?

Not quite. While you can straddle a bicycle seat in the same way you straddle a Saddle Seat, their bicycle seat provides little support to the mass of the buttocks. This can be uncomfortable over a long period and does not give adequate stability.

The position of the pelvis is different on a bicycle seat. The pelvis is tilted back, the body is not upright, and the hips are not adducted (not in the spread position). This makes the legs work very hard to stabilize the body.

Yes. In fact, the Bambach Saddle Seat was originally developed for disabled children.

Children naturally sit with perfect posture in the Bambach Saddle Seat. They love the greater freedom of movement and easy access to activities that the seat provides. It’s the ideal seat for a student.

5. Can children use the Bambach Saddle Seat?

Yes. In fact, the Bambach Saddle Seat was originally developed for disabled children.

Children naturally sit with perfect posture in the Bambach Saddle Seat. They love the greater freedom of movement and easy access to activities that the seat provides. It’s the ideal seat for a student.

The Bambach Saddle Seat comes in four different sizes to fit everyone from small children to larger adults. The Executive size seat is our most male-friendly seat, which is more anatomically comfortable for some men.

It is the spread of the legs, called hip abduction, that stabilizes the pelvis and allows the pelvis and spine to rest in a natural posture. Hip abduction also ensures your hip joints are in their ideal alignment in their sockets. As hip abduction decreases, the spine becomes less stable, the pelvis tilts backwards and the hip joints are out of ideal close contact.

Be sure that your clothing does not interfere with your hip abduction (or leg spread). Wear loose trousers or a wide skirt.

6. Are there different saddle sizes?

The Bambach Saddle Seat comes in four different sizes to fit everyone from small children to larger adults. The Executive size seat is our most male-friendly seat, which is more anatomically comfortable for some men.

It is the spread of the legs, called hip abduction, that stabilizes the pelvis and allows the pelvis and spine to rest in a natural posture. Hip abduction also ensures your hip joints are in their ideal alignment in their sockets. As hip abduction decreases, the spine becomes less stable, the pelvis tilts backwards and the hip joints are out of ideal close contact.

Be sure that your clothing does not interfere with your hip abduction (or leg spread). Wear loose trousers or a wide skirt.

In a Bambach Saddle Seat, you sit higher than in a conventional seat.

We recommend a 45-degree angle of the knee joint. This ensures the pelvis is supported in its neutral upright position. In some cases workstations i.e. desk height inhibits this angle, therefore, as long as the knees are positioned lower than the hips the benefits of the Bambach are still achieved.

There are multiple gas stem sizes available to customize the height of your Saddle Seat.

7. How high should I adjust my Saddle Seat?

In a Bambach Saddle Seat, you sit higher than in a conventional seat.

We recommend a 45-degree angle of the knee joint. This ensures the pelvis is supported in its neutral upright position. In some cases workstations i.e. desk height inhibits this angle, therefore, as long as the knees are positioned lower than the hips the benefits of the Bambach are still achieved.

There are multiple gas stem sizes available to customize the height of your Saddle Seat.

If you normally work at a traditional office or computer desk, you need to raise it to benefit from the Bambach Saddle Seat. Place a shim under the desk legs (for example, using Raise Its, wood or bricks). Your knee joint should ideally be at a 45-degree angle.

Raise your computer screen so that the screen’s top edge is opposite your eyebrow, and keyboard just below wrist level – wrists just below elbow level – shoulders and neck relaxed.

If you usually work on a high drafting stool or in a standing posture, use the Bambach Saddle Seat with a foot ring.

If your work height is lower than recommended, you may have to tuck your feet under the Saddle Seat. This limits your mobility in the seat and your spinal postures will be less than ideal. Even so, this may be preferable to a traditional task chair if your work requires reaching forward. Many occupations require working at a lower than ideal height, for example, preschool teachers, car door assembly work, podiatrists, and nurses operating dialysis machines.

8. How high should I position my work station?

If you normally work at a traditional office or computer desk, you need to raise it to benefit from the Bambach Saddle Seat. Place a shim under the desk legs (for example, using Raise Its, wood or bricks). Your knee joint should ideally be at a 45-degree angle.

Raise your computer screen so that the screen’s top edge is opposite your eyebrow, and keyboard just below wrist level – wrists just below elbow level – shoulders and neck relaxed.

If you usually work on a high drafting stool or in a standing posture, use the Bambach Saddle Seat with a foot ring.

If your work height is lower than recommended, you may have to tuck your feet under the Saddle Seat. This limits your mobility in the seat and your spinal postures will be less than ideal. Even so, this may be preferable to a traditional task chair if your work requires reaching forward. Many occupations require working at a lower than ideal height, for example, preschool teachers, car door assembly work, podiatrists, and nurses operating dialysis machines.

The open hip angle and straddle posture supports the lumbar curve without a backrest. Traditional “ergonomic” chairs support your lumbar curve by pushing into your back. This is not the case in a Saddle Seat.

In activities that are static in nature, for example, dentistry, surgery, drafting, art, clerical work, and high bench work, a Saddle Seat with a backrest can be helpful. If you select a model with a backrest, use it just as a rest point.

Lean against the backrest while you rest, listen, talk, or when you sit back to think. You should not need the backrest for most upright and forward work.

Take care not to position the backrest so far forward that it pushes you onto the front pommel of the seat. In the Saddle Seat, there should be no backrest pressure pushing into your back.

9. Do I need a backrest on my Bambach Saddle Seat?

The open hip angle and straddle posture supports the lumbar curve without a backrest. Traditional “ergonomic” chairs support your lumbar curve by pushing into your back. This is not the case in a Saddle Seat.

In activities that are static in nature, for example, dentistry, surgery, drafting, art, clerical work, and high bench work, a Saddle Seat with a backrest can be helpful. If you select a model with a backrest, use it just as a rest point.

Lean against the backrest while you rest, listen, talk, or when you sit back to think. You should not need the backrest for most upright and forward work.

Take care not to position the backrest so far forward that it pushes you onto the front pommel of the seat. In the Saddle Seat, there should be no backrest pressure pushing into your back.

(i) Start by using the seat no more than one hour each day. It may take a few weeks to get used to the Bambach, often alternating between a flat seat & your Bambach helps the adjustment phase. If you have been sitting with poor posture for many years, your body will need time to adjust – your hips may be tight and will need time to stretch out; your abdominal and back muscles may be unaccustomed to upright postures and will need time to tone. Be patient.

Explore all seat tilt and height variations. Small adjustments will change the distribution of pressures. You may be more comfortable with the sheepskin seat cover, which both softens the seat and widens the support surface.

(ii) If the seat has a backrest, it is important for the first few weeks to push the back as far back as possible so that you are using the seat only.

(iii) Adjust the tilt forward until you are comfortable. This will improve and as it does, adjust the seat tilt closer to the neutral (flat) position.

(iv) Some people experience tightness in thighs and hips. Again, your body will adjust. The position with your knees apart greatly reduces the chance of hip joint disease at a later age. Tight muscles, tendons and ligaments will soften and relax, which is desirable.

10. How long does it take to get used to the Bambach Saddle Seat?

(i) Start by using the seat no more than one hour each day. It may take a few weeks to get used to the Bambach, often alternating between a flat seat & your Bambach helps the adjustment phase. If you have been sitting with poor posture for many years, your body will need time to adjust – your hips may be tight and will need time to stretch out; your abdominal and back muscles may be unaccustomed to upright postures and will need time to tone. Be patient.

Explore all seat tilt and height variations. Small adjustments will change the distribution of pressures. You may be more comfortable with the sheepskin seat cover, which both softens the seat and widens the support surface.

(ii) If the seat has a backrest, it is important for the first few weeks to push the back as far back as possible so that you are using the seat only.

(iii) Adjust the tilt forward until you are comfortable. This will improve and as it does, adjust the seat tilt closer to the neutral (flat) position.

(iv) Some people experience tightness in thighs and hips. Again, your body will adjust. The position with your knees apart greatly reduces the chance of hip joint disease at a later age. Tight muscles, tendons and ligaments will soften and relax, which is desirable.

Cleaning Fabrics

Vinyl

The Bambach Saddle Seat is very easy to keep clean. The best way to clean vinyl upholstery is to use warm soapy water or diluted methylated spirits (mixed with water). Apply a small amount to soft clean fabric, and use small, light circular movements where necessary.  

Suede

Vacuum to remove dust particles. Avoid direct sunlight and clean spills immediately. Use mild soap and water, following with clean water only. Do not saturate the fabric with water or cleaning fluids. Persistent stains may need to be treated by a professional cleaning company. 

Leather

Use a soft clean cloth or micro-fibre cloth to dust the surface. With another clean cloth, wipe a small amount of a very mild detergent onto the seat. Possible detergents might include those designed for washing delicate clothes or a saddle soap that contains oils and waxes that will help maintain the leather’s shine. With a separate cloth, wipe again with cool, clean water, taking care not to oversaturate the leather. Repeat until all soap residue has been removed. Leave to dry naturally, closing curtains or blinds if the furniture is in direct sunlight. In order to maintain the quality and suppleness of leather, it is recommended that leather care products are used regularly.

Wool

Spot cleaning – Immediately soak up the stain with a soft absorbent cloth. Do not dry the stain completely, or it may set. Most spots will vanish if treated immediately and are not allowed to dry in. Always work inwards from the edge of the stain to prevent spreading. Do not over-wet the fabric but use small amounts of cleaning liquid at a time and blot between applications. The type of cleaning liquid will be dependent on the origin of the stain.  Liquids should never be pressed through the fabric, instead, give a firm and gentle touch. Continue until the stain has disappeared.

Cleaning Castors

If using soft castors, it is a good idea from time to time to check for any grit which may become stuck to the wheels. This could lead to scratching of delicate surfaces. 

Recovering Your Bambach Saddle Seat

Original Bambach Saddle Seats are covered with high-quality fabrics which, if the seat is used with reasonable care, will last for many, many years. If for any reason you wish to recover your seat, this service is available using the fabrics and colours available in our range at the time of your order. Alternatively, you can supply us with your own fabric.

Replacing Seat Components

Castors

We have several different styles of castors available if your floor type changes, or your needs change when using the Bambach Saddle Seat. Please consult our Accessories page for details. Castors are easy to change, and can simply be pulled out and slotted in.

Stem replacement

We have a huge range of stems, including swivel, solid and non-swivel. The Accessories page details the standard range of stems available. If you need some assistance with purchasing a new stem, please contact us so that we can help you make the right choice.

Note: Dye Transference

Certain clothing dyes (such as denim jeans) may transfer to lighter coloured vinyl. This likelihood is increased by humidity and temperature. The Bambach Saddle Seat Pty Ltd will not assume responsibility for dye transfer caused by external contaminants.

11. How do I maintain my Bambach Saddle Seat?

Cleaning Fabrics

Vinyl

The Bambach Saddle Seat is very easy to keep clean. The best way to clean vinyl upholstery is to use warm soapy water or diluted methylated spirits (mixed with water). Apply a small amount to soft clean fabric, and use small, light circular movements where necessary.  

Suede

Vacuum to remove dust particles. Avoid direct sunlight and clean spills immediately. Use mild soap and water, following with clean water only. Do not saturate the fabric with water or cleaning fluids. Persistent stains may need to be treated by a professional cleaning company. 

Leather

Use a soft clean cloth or micro-fibre cloth to dust the surface. With another clean cloth, wipe a small amount of a very mild detergent onto the seat. Possible detergents might include those designed for washing delicate clothes or a saddle soap that contains oils and waxes that will help maintain the leather’s shine. With a separate cloth, wipe again with cool, clean water, taking care not to oversaturate the leather. Repeat until all soap residue has been removed. Leave to dry naturally, closing curtains or blinds if the furniture is in direct sunlight. In order to maintain the quality and suppleness of leather, it is recommended that leather care products are used regularly.

Wool

Spot cleaning – Immediately soak up the stain with a soft absorbent cloth. Do not dry the stain completely, or it may set. Most spots will vanish if treated immediately and are not allowed to dry in. Always work inwards from the edge of the stain to prevent spreading. Do not over-wet the fabric but use small amounts of cleaning liquid at a time and blot between applications. The type of cleaning liquid will be dependent on the origin of the stain.  Liquids should never be pressed through the fabric, instead, give a firm and gentle touch. Continue until the stain has disappeared.

Cleaning Castors

If using soft castors, it is a good idea from time to time to check for any grit which may become stuck to the wheels. This could lead to scratching of delicate surfaces. 

Recovering Your Bambach Saddle Seat

Original Bambach Saddle Seats are covered with high-quality fabrics which, if the seat is used with reasonable care, will last for many, many years. If for any reason you wish to recover your seat, this service is available using the fabrics and colours available in our range at the time of your order. Alternatively, you can supply us with your own fabric.

Replacing Seat Components

Castors

We have several different styles of castors available if your floor type changes, or your needs change when using the Bambach Saddle Seat. Please consult our Accessories page for details. Castors are easy to change, and can simply be pulled out and slotted in.

Stem replacement

We have a huge range of stems, including swivel, solid and non-swivel. The Accessories page details the standard range of stems available. If you need some assistance with purchasing a new stem, please contact us so that we can help you make the right choice.

Note: Dye Transference

Certain clothing dyes (such as denim jeans) may transfer to lighter coloured vinyl. This likelihood is increased by humidity and temperature. The Bambach Saddle Seat Pty Ltd will not assume responsibility for dye transfer caused by external contaminants.