What is a good ergonomic mug?
If you search "ergonomic coffee mug" on Google, you'll notice a surprising lack of options. But there are a few that come up, including Jamber and Curvd. At Momnt Mugs, we want to give you the best information possible, so we're going to talk about our mug design as well as the competition and give you our honest thoughts.
But to answer the question "what is a good ergonomic mug," it’s helpful to first talk about what "ergonomic" and "ergonomic design" mean.
Video Review
This video covers the same information. Or keep reading the full post below!
What do "ergonomic" and "ergonomic design" mean?
Ergonomic is a common term you hear in marketing, especially when describing products like office chairs, keyboards, computer mice, and a wide range of other work and lifestyle-focused goods. But what does ergonomic actually mean?
We like Penketh Group’s short-but-sweet summary about ergonomic design in the workspace. "Ergonomic design is adapting the workspace to suit the needs and activities of those using it."
In other words, adapt the workspace to the person, not the person to the workspace. This concept can also be applied to products.
Instead of forcing people to adapt to products, design products to work better for people.
You know the feeling when you find a product that feels just right, like it was designed for you? That’s the goal of ergonomic design. We created Momnt Mugs with these same principles in mind.
We like Penketh Group’s short-but-sweet summary about ergonomic design in the workspace. "Ergonomic design is adapting the workspace to suit the needs and activities of those using it."
In other words, adapt the workspace to the person, not the person to the workspace. This concept can also be applied to products.
Instead of forcing people to adapt to products, design products to work better for people.
You know the feeling when you find a product that feels just right, like it was designed for you? That’s the goal of ergonomic design. We created Momnt Mugs with these same principles in mind.
Why are ergonomics important?
As the CDC writes, “the goal of ergonomics is to prevent soft tissue injuries and musculoskeletal disorders caused by sudden or sustained exposure to force, vibration, repetitive motion, and awkward posture. To create an ergonomically sound work environment, NIOSH ergonomists and industrial hygienists recommend designing tasks, work spaces, displays, tools, lighting, and equipment to fit employee’s physical capabilities and limitations.”
Whether it’s for the office, home, traveling, or any other aspect of your life, using well-designed, ergonomic products can reduce joint pain and stress on your body, and even small changes can make a significant positive impact.
The effects of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and other similar hand and wrist issues can be improved by adjusting to more ergonomic habits, like using a neutral wrist alignment. As discussed in this article by Yoga International, “a neutral wrist position is one in which the wrist is best supported by its musculature and its nerves are not being compressed. The line from the forearm to the back of the hand should be smooth.”
Whether it’s for the office, home, traveling, or any other aspect of your life, using well-designed, ergonomic products can reduce joint pain and stress on your body, and even small changes can make a significant positive impact.
The effects of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and other similar hand and wrist issues can be improved by adjusting to more ergonomic habits, like using a neutral wrist alignment. As discussed in this article by Yoga International, “a neutral wrist position is one in which the wrist is best supported by its musculature and its nerves are not being compressed. The line from the forearm to the back of the hand should be smooth.”
Are coffee mugs ergonomic?
Most standard and traditional mugs are not ergonomic. Normally it's related to what we like to call the hand-vs-handle curves, which is the underlying factor that determines where your fingers go.
Let's take a look at what we mean. What does your mug’s handle look like, and specifically where do your fingers go? Odds are the handle is curved like one of these examples.
Let's take a look at what we mean. What does your mug’s handle look like, and specifically where do your fingers go? Odds are the handle is curved like one of these examples.
Now look at the shape your hand when you form a grip. Your fingers also form a curve, but the problem is that these two curves don’t line up. In fact, they’re nearly mirror images of each other.
Awkward and crammed finger placement
The misalignment of your hand-vs-handle curves is the primary reason why many mugs force your fingers to be in uncomfortable positions, like in these examples.
These types of grips create excess strain on your fingers, which is especially a problem if you already have joint pain. Over time this can contribute to chronic conditions, such as arthritis. |
Non-neutral wrist alignment
A common problem with many traditional mugs is that the user has to twist his or her wrist at an awkward angle to keep the mug level, which can lead to excessive joint fatigue and strain in your wrist.
If this problem persists for long enough, it can contribute to more chronic concerns like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. |
Momnt Mugs: Designed with Ergonomics and Wrist-Alignment in Mind
Momnt Mugs are designed to match the shape of your hand more naturally compared to standard mugs. This leads to a secure, comfortable grip that feels much more natural.
Hand-vs-handle curves and finger positioning
The hand-vs-handle curves are better-aligned, and your fingers won’t feel out of place or awkwardly positioned.
No-slip grip
Neutral wrist alignment
Reduced torque
Let's geek out a little! In physics, torque (T) equals the force (F) times the length (L) measured perpendicular to the force, aka "moment arm."
T = F x L F is the force needed to keep the mug elevated and remains fairly constant. Think of this as the weight of the mug. When holding a standard coffee mug, the length (L) from the force to the rotation axis (your wrist) is fairly long. Following the formula, a higher L value with a constant F leads to a higher T value. Torque (T) is the force your wrist makes to keep the mug elevated, so this is essentially the strain you feel. Momnt's unique grip puts your ring and pinky fingers on bottom to push against the handle. This allows your fingers create the torque needed to keep the mug elevated, not your wrist. And because the length (L) is shorter with a Momnt Mug, you'll use less torque (T) overall to keep the mug elevated. |
Other ergonomic mugs
As mentioned, we want to give you as much helpful information as we can so you can choose the right mug for you. Here's what we think about some of our competitors, along with links so you can take a look at what they have to say.
Jamber
This is a good option for anyone with severely limited finger strength because the oversized handle is much easier to grip securely compared to standard mugs.
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Curvd
Curvd mugs are a solid improvement over standard mugs, and more specifically, this is the best mug for amputees and people with similar severe disabilities.
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