The Story of Salli

The Origins and Development of the Salli Saddle Chair

The idea for the Salli Saddle Chair emerged from the personal experience of its inventor, a long-time horse rider who had been riding since 1974. Despite leading an active and physically demanding life—managing forest land and performing tasks on horseback—he experienced persistent back pain while working in an office environment.

In 1990, he discussed the issue with Seppo Mahlamäki, a physiotherapy and rehabilitation specialist. Mahlamäki suggested that a riding-like sitting posture could be a healthier alternative to conventional office seating. At the time, saddle-type chairs were not available in Finland, prompting the inventor to explore the idea further.

The initial prototype involved placing a riding saddle on top of a stool. While this improved posture and reduced back pain, the saddle itself proved uncomfortable for extended sitting. This led to a more serious development process, involving local craftsmen and upholsterers. The first version of the Salli Saddle Chair was presented at the Geneva Invention Expo in the autumn of 1990. The design received protection in 1993.

In 1997, the chair was modified to include a notch at the front, aimed at improving comfort for male users. Later, in 2001, development began on a two-part saddle seat following feedback from a male dentist who reported discomfort in maintaining an upright pelvis due to pressure in the genital area. This led to the creation of a split-seat design that sought to better accommodate anatomical differences and promote ergonomic sitting for all users. A worldwide patent was later secured for this design.

A Focus on Sitting and Health

Since its early years, the company behind the chair, Salli Systems, began receiving reports from users who noted improvements in back health and overall comfort. Over time, the company turned its attention to the broader implications of seated posture.

Research and user feedback indicated that conventional sitting may contribute to a variety of health issues, including

• Lower back and shoulder discomfort

• Fatigue and poor posture

• Circulation problems in the legs and pelvic area

• Joint strain in hips and knees

• Slower digestion and restricted breathing

• Headaches and genital discomfort

  
  

The design of the saddle chair aimed to address these issues by encouraging a more upright posture and open hip angle, similar to that used in horseback riding. According to the company, many users have experienced relief from posture-related problems and improvements in sitting comfort.

Ongoing Work

Today, Salli Systems continues to develop the Salli range to find the right stool for you please see our