I don't really know id the comparison is based on the "Thrift Store" office chair I've been utilizing for more than a decade of the "advancements" in the chair technology but my back is very appreciative!
I'm using this chair to replace well one of our dining room chairs so it's a real upgrade. Beyond that I've found that it's comfortable and unobtrusive enough that I often forget that I'm even sitting on a chair. I'm very happy with it but there were a few things I didn't like. Several of them are related to the arms: 1) they're pretty small and stiff not very cushiony 2) they're pretty narrowly positioned--I'm not a big guy but have fairly broad shoulders so my arms don't naturally fall where the chair arms are 3) they don't rotate or move in or out despite a line in the instruction manual that implies they are supposed to be able to do so. And the head rest could stand to be a little more adjustable horizontally (front to back). Otherwise it's a pretty good deal for a comfortable and cool-looking chair.
I LOVE the chair. It is extremely comfortable which is necessary because I spend what feels like full days sitting in it in front of the computer. It holds my frame well comforts my head when I lean back and magnificently it allows me to relax...or just plain nap...by tilting back to a level that I can control with the lever. That tilt feature is THE BEST. Almost equally as important it is attractive - particularly the stylishly red/black color and the near transparence of the mesh. It can be difficult to find a chair that's not a basic brown or black. Those colors are fine...but don't fit well with my office decor. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the color and the sheer'ish fabric that does not overpower my work space. I spend A LOT of time in my office and require items that are a good fit - both physically and aesthetically. However none of this would have been possible without the assistance of the salesperson Joyce who spent a lot of time with me discussing the merits of the Hyken verus other seating options. Joyce helped me to make a very sound decision. Thank you Joyce. Thank you Staples for having outstanding employees such as Joyce.