Before you buy
Seat depth, back height, lumbar position, and armrest range matter more than a headline percentage if you sit for long stretches every workday.
Chair boxes are large and expensive to return. A weaker return policy can erase the value of a seemingly strong sale.
Desk height, monitor placement, and foot support can change whether a chair feels supportive or awkward after a full day.
Quick answers
They can be, but only when dimensions, lumbar adjustability, and return policy are clear enough to reduce fit risk.
Neither is automatically better. Mesh can feel cooler and lighter; cushioned seats can feel more familiar. Fit and support geometry matter more.
Shipping cost, warranty coverage, replacement-part access, and the final checkout price usually matter more than the code format alone.