Fully · Office Chairs
Staples Hyken Ergonomic Mesh Swivel Task Chair
Lower PFAS concern, mesh task chair with standard materials; no flagged treatments, but no public disclosure either.
The Staples Hyken is a basic mesh office chair with a steel frame and polyester mesh seat, common materials with lower PFAS likelihood than upholstered or water-resistant furniture. Neither Staples nor Fully (the maker) publicly disclose PFAS status or provide third-party certifications.
Shop Fully on Amazon →Material
mesh fabric (polyester), steel frame, plastic components
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Category baseline
furniture is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The Hyken uses polyester mesh fabric stretched over a steel frame with plastic components (armrests, base, casters). Polyester mesh itself is chemically stable in normal office use and does not leach harmful compounds under room-temperature conditions. The plastic components are injection-molded, typically polypropylene or ABS, which carry minimal leaching risk in a non-food, non-heated context. Steel frames are inert and pose no chemical hazard.
The brand's record and disclosure
Fully (the manufacturer) does not publicly disclose material testing data, restricted substance lists, or third-party certifications like GOTS, OEKO-TEX, or GREENGUARD for the Hyken. No major recalls or documented safety controversies have been published for this model. Staples, as retailer, does not typically impose stricter chemical transparency requirements on house-brand office furniture than industry baseline.
How it compares in its category
Mesh task chairs are among the lowest-risk office furniture in terms of volatile organic compounds and flame-retardant exposure compared to upholstered or foam-filled alternatives. The Hyken's construction is standard for its price tier; competitors at similar retail cost (Herman Miller, Autonomous, Autonomous) do not consistently offer superior chemical transparency. Mid-range and premium task chairs rarely disclose PFAS or formaldehyde testing, making this model representative rather than exceptional.
If you buy it
Unpack and air the chair in a well-ventilated space for a few hours to allow any minor manufacturing odors to dissipate. Clean the mesh periodically with a dry brush or vacuum to prevent dust and microparticle accumulation. Check all bolts and plastic components annually for cracking or degradation; replace armrests or casters if plastic becomes brittle. Do not expose the chair to direct sunlight for extended periods, as UV can degrade polyester fibers and plastic over 3-5 years.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and off-gassing
Injection-molded plastic components and polyester mesh may release minor VOCs during first weeks of use, particularly in warm, poorly ventilated spaces. This is typical for office furniture and generally resolves within 1-2 weeks; not a long-term health driver for mesh chairs.
Microplastic shedding from mesh fabric
Polyester mesh may shed micro-fibers with heavy wear, friction, or vacuuming. Inhalation of airborne fibers is unlikely in normal seated use; risk is most relevant during cleaning or if fabric is damaged. No established health standard for office-chair microfiber shed at this time.
Flame retardants in fabric or foam (if present)
The Hyken is a mesh-only design with no foam or padding, eliminating the primary vector for halogenated or phosphate-based flame retardants. No evidence suggests the polyester mesh itself is chemically treated for flammability beyond standard polyester properties.
Heavy metals in plastic colorants or plating
Steel frame is typically painted epoxy or powder-coat (low migration risk). Plastic components are molded in standard colors; no testing on record indicates lead, cadmium, or antimony contamination in Hyken plastics. Risk is low in non-ingestible, non-heated consumer plastics.
Bacterial or mold growth in mesh fabric
Polyester mesh is hydrophobic and dries quickly, making it resistant to mold growth compared to upholstered chairs. However, persistent moisture (spilled beverages, high humidity) can promote microbial colonies in seams or under padding if the chair is not dried promptly. Preventable with routine cleaning and dry storage conditions.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 72% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
More office chairs grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.