Nala Patient Chair

Built with the same ergonomic innovations in Herman Miller’s award-winning chairs, Nala combines ergonomics and technology with the comfort, durability and ease of cleaning you need in a patient chair.

Its tilt, support and contours all follow the movement of the human body, creating a patient chair that’s truly designed around the patient.

Ergonomic Design

Nala’s Harmonic tilt mimics the natural movement of the patient’s body. The chair’s back and seat move synchronously, opening up as the patient reclines and tilting around the body’s natural pivot points.

Patients can rest anywhere within a 24-degree recline range. Dampening cylinder controls movement for large  or small patients.

Support + Comfort

Nala’s seat-and-back suspension is a series of firm, flexible straps encased in a layer of high-density foam. The combination offers a perfect balance: responsive and even support over the entire chair surface and a soft outer layer for a comfortable sit and feel.

Synchronous Tilt

Nala Harmonic Tilt was designed to be easy to use with a synchronous tilt mechanism which supports the user from recline to forward seated position.

Its tilt, support and contours all follow the movement of the human body, creating a patient chair that’s truly designed around the patient.

A synchronous tilt mechanism supports the user from recline to a forward seated position. It's easier to move even heavier patients up and out of the chair. A pivoting arm design, open area beneath the seat, and flexible front seat edge help caregivers move patients into and out of the chair safely and comfortably. The arms move up and out of the way and lock in an upright position.

Adjustments are simple and intuitive. One button adjusts tilt; another raises and lowers the chair's arms.

Ease of Use

An integral handle in the chair back, as well as rear casters, can be specified to make moving the chair easier. Recline and arm pivot can be controlled from either side with either hand.

Design Story

The development and design criteria for the Nala Harmonic Tilt chair came from the results of a research project within Herman Miller Healthcare. Researchers engaged with more than 200 caregivers in more than 19 hospitals and healthcare systems to learn about patient seating and what worked and didn't work in current patient chair offerings.

They also consulted ergonomists, physical therapists, gerontologists, and more than 70 healthcare designers. A design partnership was also established with Continuum, a Boston-based strategy, product, and brand design firm, to provide industrial design vision and refinement. These professionals participated throughout the development of Nala prototypes.

The design objective was to address both patient and caregiver needs. Continuum put it this way: "We wanted Nala not only to feel comfortable physically for patients, but also to be comfortable in an emotional sense. For caregivers, we felt a patient chair should not add complexity to their work. They are rushed and overworked, so they can't stop to think through the features of a chair."

Downloads

Brand: Herman Miller / Nemschoff - Healthcare

Designer: Nemschoff Design Studio

Herman Miller Healthcare