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Tom's Guide
15-06-2025
- Tom's Guide
I've been sitting in this ergonomic office chair for two months — and my back has never felt better
The Hinomi X1 is an ergonomic office chair with an almost all-mesh design and a butterfly-style split backrest that's designed to keep you sitting upright with good posture while offering plenty of support for your back. Unlike many other office chairs, this one is available in three different sizes to better cater to both shorter and taller users. Available in gray, black and pink, there aren't any other customization options besides the chair's color and size. Instead of using mesh like the Hinomi X1's seat, upper backrest and headrest, its adaptive lumbar support is made from Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU), which gives it a softer, more flexible feel and allows it to wrap around your lower back. When combined with its butterfly-style split backrest, the X1's adaptive lumbar support provides excellent back support along with plenty of comfort. Its mesh material allows for plenty of airflow to keep you cool, though it isn't soft to the touch and feels more durable than some other mesh office chairs I've tested. The Hinomi X1 also features numerous adjustment points (15 in fact) to help you lock-in the perfect fit, even if doing so might take some time. When you want to relax, there's a pull-out footrest underneath its seat, and the chair can recline up to 135 degrees. There's a lot to like here, but those looking for a simpler office chair might be overwhelmed by all these extra features and adjustments. Plus, you need to make sure you choose the right-sized chair for your height. My Hinomi X1 review will help you decide if this is the best office chair for your needs and workspace, or if it's worth spending less for something with a more basic design. Price $729 to $759 Height range 41.7 to 53.5 inches (small), 43.3 to 55.9 inches (medium), 44.1 to 55.6 inches (large) Seat width 19.7 inches Seat depth 19.7 to 21.7 inches Maximum load 330 pounds Maximum recline 135 degrees Weight 73 pounds Material Mesh, aluminum alloy Adjustment points 15 Warranty 12-year The Hinomi X1 has quite a lot going for it, from its simple assembly process to all the extra support offered by i The X1 ergonomic office chair sent over by Hinomi for review arrived in a single, though heavy, large box. Everything was packed inside very neatly and securely, with all the parts covered in bubble wrap to keep them safe during shipping. One thing that really stood out to me was that instead of your standard instruction booklet, Hinomi uses a large poster that's very easy to read. With everything unboxed and all the packaging out of the way, I was left with the chair's seat with the armrests and footrest pre-attached, the backrest, the headrest and its aluminum alloy frame. The casters (wheels) and smaller parts were neatly packed into separate boxes, which even included a pair of white gloves to help me avoid getting stains from the chair's gas cylinder. Putting the X1 together was a fairly straightforward process that started with attaching the chair's backrest to its seat using an Allen key. From there, I inserted the casters into its base along with its cylinder and placed its seat on top. Finally, I attached the adjustable headrest to the top of the chair. All told, assembling the X1 took about 30 minutes, but it would have only taken 15 to 20 minutes if I wasn't stopping to take pictures throughout the process. As an ergonomic office chair, adjustability is a key, but the X1's design heavily emphasizes back support, making it equally important. Just like the OdinLake Butterfly Ergo 753 or the Sihoo Doro S300, the X1 has a split, butterfly-style backrest and is certainly a hefty office chair at 73 pounds when fully assembled. The X1 immediately stands out when compared to those two chairs, as instead of a full-mesh backrest, its adaptive lumbar support is made from TPU and is also split into two parts. In my testing, I found that Hinomi's decision to use TPU allowed the X1's lumbar support to be both softer and more flexible than most mesh. It also hugs your lower back when sitting straight in the chair, but slightly bends when you shift to either side. The X1's backrest is adjustable, too, and like with the X-Chair X3, you can lift it up to change its height. This allows you to line up the chair's adaptive lumbar support with the small of your back. However, you do want to make sure you pick the right size X1 for your height (more on that later). The upper part of the X1's backrest is also split into two parts. There is some give to the upper backrest, which allows it to move with you as you shift from side to side. The panels themselves are concave, which I found helped support my upper back and shoulders while my spine rested comfortably in the small gap between them. At the back of the X1, there's a U-shaped piece of aluminum that adds some extra stability to its frame, which contrasts nicely with the flexibility of its mesh upper backrest and its adaptive lumbar support below. If you suffer from back pain or just want to improve your posture, the X1 is an easy office chair to recommend for both scenarios. Although you often have to purchase one separately with other, cheaper office chairs like the Branch Verve Chair or even the significantly more expensive Haworth Fern, Hinomi includes one in the box with the X1. Its headrest is also very adjustable and can be raised or lowered, tilted forward or back and even rotated. I don't think I've tried an office chair with a headrest this adjustable yet. On the right side of the X1, there are two small levers that are used to adjust the chair's height as well as the depth of its seat. Underneath them, though, there's a black bar that you turn forward or backward to adjust the chair's tilt tension while reclining, and this is definitely an office chair you're going to want to lean back in. The X1 has a single lever on the left side and this is used to lock the chair's backrest in place. When you release it, you can recline back up to 135 degrees. If you plan on taking a rest and reclining for a bit, there's also a footrest that pulls out from underneath the X1's seat. While I spent most of my time either working or playing games while testing this office chair, I did find the footrest to be an excellent and extremely comfortable addition while reclining. Another thing that sets the X1 apart from similarly priced and even more expensive chairs is its 6D armrests. You can adjust their height, width, depth and, most importantly, their tilt both at the back and at the front. allows them to tilt up as you recline. Likewise, you can also rotate them 270 degrees for a steeper angle, and I found that this made playing one of the best handheld gaming consoles — like the new Nintendo Switch 2 — very comfortable while sitting in the X1. That way, instead of craning my neck down to see its screen, I could raise the device up closer to eye level while my elbows remained planted firmly on the X1's armrests. With 15 points of adjustment, the Hinomi X1 is easy to tailor to a wide variety of body types and sitting positions. However, besides the armrests, which take some time to get used to, the rest of the chair's adjustments are easy to learn and remember. Hinomi makes this a bit easier, since the levers on the side have cutouts in them that depict which part of the chair they're used to adjust. The Hinomi X1 is a great ergonomic chair, but it isn't without its downsides. This includes potential confusion over its multiple size options and that there's no way to lock its armrests in place. The Hinomi X1 is available in three different sizes, and the one that's right for you depends entirely on your height. The small version is ideal for users from 5'1' to 5'6' tall, the medium version is best suited for those between 5'6' to 6'1' in height and the larger version is for users from 5'9' to 6'6' in height. It's worth noting that all three sizes of the X1 have a maximum weight capacity of 330 pounds. Another popular office chair that uses a similar sizing structure is the Herman Miller Aeron. However, when moving up from the small to the medium or large versions of that more premium chair, the weight limit jumps up from 300 pounds to 350 pounds. While I appreciate the fact that Hinomi does offer different-sized versions of the X1, I could easily see potential buyers getting confused and accidentally ordering the wrong one. The company does offer free returns for 30 days after purchase, just in case this ends up happening or you want to move up or down a size after the fact. As someone who's 5'4', I tested the small version of the X1, so I can't say if there are any other differences between the various sizes of this office chair. One thing that could help clear up this confusion is by offering cylinders with different heights, like BodyBilt does with its Classic 2500 Series and other chairs. If you are considering the X1, just make sure that you order the right size for your height, and for the best ergonomic experience, you don't want to exaggerate how tall you are either. Don't get me wrong, I'm a big fan of the X1's 6D armrests, and I really like how you can adjust them to your liking for the task at hand. I really liked having them flat while working or tilted upward while leaning back and playing games on either a console or a handheld. However, I just wish there were a way to lock them in place. At first glance, you might think that the adjustment pin directly underneath the armrest would be used for this. Unfortunately, it's used to lock the armrest in place so that they don't tilt up when you put your elbow's weight on their rear. While certainly useful, I think having a similar mechanism to prevent the armrests from turning horizontally would have been a better choice for myself and others, especially as this is a common complaint with the X1. Keep in mind too that other office chairs with less adjustable 4D armrests suffer from this same problem. For instance, back when I reviewed the X-Chair X2, I outfitted that chair with the company's optional 4D armrests. I loved their flexibility, but just like on the X1, it was too easy to accidentally move them when getting up and out of the chair. Fortunately, with the X1, if you put your forearms and elbows down straight when you sit in the chair, its armrests do remain in place. It's a different story if you grip the front of the armrests with your hands, though, as doing so immediately makes them turn to the left or to the right. The Hinomi X1 is an excellent ergonomic office chair and a great choice for anyone who suffers from back pain or wants to stop slouching forward in their chair. You rarely see a chair with 15 adjustment points, as most offer between 8 to 10. At the same time, if you want a firmer lumbar support mechanism that still has a good bit of flexibility, the X1 certainly fits the bill. At $729 to $759, depending on where you purchase it, the X1 is on the expensive side compared to one of the best budget office chairs. Still, for a chair with a split, butterfly-style backrest, it's actually more affordable than both the Sihoo Doro S-300 ($799) and the OdinLake Ergo Butterfly 753 ($999). I wouldn't recommend the X1 to those who just started working from home or are putting a desk setup together for the first time, as this isn't a starter chair. Instead, the X1 is the kind of chair you get as an upgrade after you realize what you want in an office chair, or if you find that your current chair just doesn't offer the kind of back support you want. After thoroughly testing and using the X1 for just over two months while both working and gaming, I can easily recommend it to those willing to make an investment in their health and well-being and in their workspace. There are certainly cheaper office chairs out there, but this one delivers a supportive and comfortable experience without the premium price tag you'd find on a chair from Steelcase or Herman Miller.
Time Business News
24-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time Business News
Why TPU is Superior to Vinyl for Paint Protection Film
When it comes to safeguarding your vehicle's paint, the choice of material for your Paint Protection Film (PPF) plays a pivotal role. While both vinyl and TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) films are popular options, TPU offers distinct advantages that make it the superior choice for long-term protection. This blog post delves into why TPU-based PPF outshines vinyl in protecting your vehicle's exterior. TPU's Advanced Composition : TPU is a class of polyurethane plastics with remarkable properties such as elasticity, transparency, and resistance to oil, grease, and abrasion. Its flexibility allows it to conform seamlessly to curves and edges, providing more comprehensive coverage. : TPU is a class of polyurethane plastics with remarkable properties such as elasticity, transparency, and resistance to oil, grease, and abrasion. Its flexibility allows it to conform seamlessly to curves and edges, providing more comprehensive coverage. Vinyl's Limitations: Vinyl films are generally thicker and less flexible, making them more challenging to apply flawlessly, especially around complex curves and edges. This can lead to poor fit and exposed areas that aren't protected. Longevity of TPU : TPU films are engineered to last. They withstand harsh environmental conditions, including UV exposure, without degrading or yellowing over time. This resilience ensures that your vehicle's paint remains protected for longer. : TPU films are engineered to last. They withstand harsh environmental conditions, including UV exposure, without degrading or yellowing over time. This resilience ensures that your vehicle's paint remains protected for longer. Vinyl's Vulnerability: Vinyl is more susceptible to wear and tear. It can deteriorate from exposure to the sun and environmental elements, leading to peeling, cracking, and the need for frequent replacements. Self-Healing Technology in TPU : Many TPU films feature self-healing properties that repair themselves from minor scratches and swirls when exposed to heat (e.g., sunlight or hot water). This keeps the film looking new and unblemished. : Many TPU films feature self-healing properties that repair themselves from minor scratches and swirls when exposed to heat (e.g., sunlight or hot water). This keeps the film looking new and unblemished. Absence in Vinyl: Vinyl lacks these self-healing capabilities. Any scratches or damage are permanent unless the film is replaced, adding to maintenance costs. Ease of Installation : TPU's flexibility not only provides better coverage but also makes installation easier and more precise, reducing the likelihood of errors and air bubbles. : TPU's flexibility not only provides better coverage but also makes installation easier and more precise, reducing the likelihood of errors and air bubbles. Vinyl's Aesthetic Restrictions: Although vinyl comes in various colors and finishes, its aesthetic benefits are offset by its susceptibility to damage and aging, which can detract from your vehicle's appearance over time. Investment in TPU: While TPU films might be more expensive initially, their durability and reduced maintenance requirements make them more cost-effective in the long run. Vinyl's Short-Term Savings: Vinyl might seem like a cost-saving option initially, but frequent replacements and the potential for damage can lead to higher overall costs. Choosing TPU over vinyl for your vehicle's Paint Protection Film is an investment in quality, durability, and long-term savings. TPU's superior material properties, combined with its self-healing and UV-resistant features, provide unmatched protection that keeps your car looking pristine for years. If you're serious about preserving the value and appearance of your vehicle, TPU-based PPF is the clear winner. For car owners looking to make an informed decision, TPU offers not just protection but peace of mind, ensuring that your vehicle stays in top condition despite the rigors of daily use. Opt for TPU-based Paint Protection Film and give your car the best defense against the elements and the road. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Tom's Guide
21-05-2025
- Health
- Tom's Guide
I'm a bedding expert and these are my 5 sure-fire tips for choosing a mattress protector in the Memorial Day sales
Even the best mattresses need protection against dust, dirt, bed bugs, and accidental spills and stains, so that they can deliver a clean environment for sleep. And yet, a mattress protector is one of the most underrated bedding essentials out there. While all the recommendations in our best mattress protector guide are designed to keep your bed safe, there are a few key considerations to help ensure you choose the right one for your preferences and environment. Right now, the Memorial Day mattress sales are running: they're one of the best times of year to grab a top deal on all bedding items, including mattress protectors. But don't just pick a random one off the shelf — ask yourself these five questions first... Not all mattress protectors are waterproof — many are water-resistant, which means that heavy spillages will seep through unless you deal with them quickly — so consider your risk level. No one is immune from accidental mishaps like spills, leaks or stains, but if you have a toddler or pet at home, it's even more important to choose a waterproof mattress protector that will prevent liquids from seeping into your bed. Mattress protectors are generally made waterproof with the help of TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) backing between the layers. Cheap models are often noisy when you move around, so it's worth choosing a model that's been independently tested and proven to be noiseless. We recommend the Coop Home Goods Ultra Tech mattress protector, which we gave 4.5 out of 5 stars in our review. While it's unlikely that a mattress protector will cause you to overheat, it could certainly make you a little warmer — particularly if you're a hot sleeper, and particularly if you use it on a cheaper memory foam mattress, because these can retain heat. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. If you're prone to overheating while you sleep, look for a cooling mattress protector. These are crafted from breathable materials that are designed to wick away moisture and transfer any excess heat trapped on the mattress surface. A good example is the Sijo Airyweight Eucalyptus mattress protector. It's made from plant-derived Tencel-Lyocell fibers, which are known to be naturally soft, breathable, and cool-to-touch. If you're constantly triggered by dust or pollen, you need a hypoallergenic mattress protector. These work by creating a barrier against common allergens like dust mites, pet dander and pollen, helping reduce sneezing, itching and other symptoms. They're especially beneficial for anyone suffering from asthma and other respiratory health conditions, which can worsen with constant exposure to dust. Look out for protectors made from tightly woven and naturally hypoallergenic fabrics, such as organic cotton and bamboo, or those that incorporate additional layers to prevent allergens from getting into your bed. A good option is the Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling mattress protector, which has 30% off for Memorial Day and currently starts at around $70. A mattress encasement is similar in look, feel and design to a protector — but it works slightly differently. As the name suggests, it completely envelops your mattress and is zipped up to provide 360-degree protection to help prevent bed bugs, dust mites and other allergens from entering into your mattress. No matter how hard you try, bed bugs can still make their way through to your mattress, unless you use an encasement. So if a bed bug infestation is something you're particularly concerned about, a mattress encasement is a better investment than a protector. Mattress protectors come in a wide range of prices, so if you can, it's important to balance affordability with long-term value. You can find basic mattress protectors below $20, such as the Utopia Bedding Waterproof Bamboo mattress protector. It performed well in our tests - but the material was so silk it came loose every night we slept on it. You'll generally pay more for mattress protectors that provide a better experience. For example, waterproof options that use double TPU backing to reduce any crinkling noise, or cooling mattress protectors with breathable materials, will be more expensive. However, you can get good discounts during major retail events like the Memorial Day sales. The top-recommendation in our mattress protector guide is the Purple Mattress Protector, which has 20% off for Memorial Day (it starts from $63 at Purple, down from $79 —but some sizes have sold out).
