I took a chance not having seen this in person. But by the reviews I read I decided to give it a chance. I LOVE it. I now am inverted more often and love how that makes me feel with no worry about neck compression. I know good alignment, but I also know it is hard to maintain that for as long as I want to be inverted! I use this as a desk chair for my computer station and I can feel myself sitting up taller and in better alignment. Sturdy, good looking, firm cushioning, and all around great piece.