What the Foldex is trying to fix

High-back ergonomic chairs are comfortable but awkward in small rooms. Even with the seat lowered, the headrest and back remain above the desk. The FlexiSpot Foldex uses a 90-degree folding back so that the tall upper section can lie over the seat when the chair is parked.

It is a more feature-heavy answer to the same problem as the Tervo Model U. FlexiSpot adds a 2D headrest, height-adjustable arms, adjustable lumbar support, a 105 to 135-degree recline and a pull-out footrest.

The listing was £151.97 when checked. That is reasonable for the feature list, but only if you actually want those features.

Is it really a compact chair?

It is compact when stored, not necessarily when occupied.

Folding the back reduces the height and lets the chair move under a compatible desk. It does not make the seat, footrest housing or five-star base narrower. When you recline and extend the footrest, the chair needs more room than a simple task chair.

That makes the Foldex a good fit for a small dedicated office where parked clearance matters. It is a less obvious choice for the narrow gap between a bed and an 80cm desk.

Before buying, measure both states:

parked, with the back folded and arms lowered or raised as needed
in use, with enough room to pull out, swivel and recline

The second measurement is the one most people forget.

Adjustment and day-to-day comfort

The Foldex has a stronger ergonomic specification than most folding chairs. The headrest adjusts for height and angle, the lumbar support can be positioned, and the arm height can move to suit the desk.

The backrest recline is useful for changing posture, although the built-in footrest pushes the chair towards occasional lounging rather than focused desk work. A footrest under the desk can be more practical if you do not have the floor depth to recline.

The mesh back should feel less warm than a thick upholstered shell. The grey version also looks lighter than a black executive chair, which helps in a bedroom or pale home office.

FlexiSpot sells the chair in several colours. That is not merely decorative in a small room. A pale frame and fabric can visually recede, while a black high-back shape tends to dominate.

Foldex vs Tervo Model U

Choose the Foldex if you want:

a headrest
a deeper recline
a built-in footrest
more adjustment around the arms and lumbar area

Choose the Tervo if you want:

a simpler, visually lighter chair
a lower price
fewer mechanisms under and behind the seat
a chair focused mainly on folding away

Neither chair has the tiny footprint of an armless task chair. The folding mechanism only solves the upper section.

Who should skip it?

Skip the Foldex if your desk is only 60 to 80cm wide and the chair must sit in a very narrow walking route. A compact mid-back chair with flip-up arms will usually be easier to manoeuvre.

Also skip it if you never recline or use a headrest. Paying for a footrest and folding high back makes little sense when a simpler chair would suit your posture and room better.

For a broader shortlist, see best folding office chairs for small spaces.

FlexiSpot Foldex verdict

The Foldex is a clever compromise. It gives you much of the shape and adjustment of a high-back ergonomic chair, then folds the most awkward part out of the way.

The compromise is that it remains wide and fairly complex. Buy it because you want a supportive chair that stores lower, not because the word “folding” makes it sound tiny.

Where to go next

Continue from this article into the most relevant compact setup guides, reviews, and hubs.

Alternative

Tervo Model U Review

Compare the Foldex with a lighter folding-back chair that focuses on storage.

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Chair guide

Best Folding Office Chairs for Small Spaces

See which folding design makes more sense for a bedroom or box room.

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Desk fit

80cm vs 100cm Desk: Which Is Better for a Small Room?

Use the desk-size guide to check whether your chair will have enough room to move.

FlexiSpot Foldex Review: A Folding Chair With More Support