Many people write off wrist health as a minor concern, but the reality is that it directly affects how you feel during the workday. Repeated typing and mouse use create tension in your wrist.
A wrist rest promises to provide extra support, relieve pressure, and help maintain a natural posture. But are wrist rests good for you? Here’s what you need to know about how they work, why they matter, and how to find the best wrist rests for your desk from Ergolink.
What Is a Wrist Rest?
A wrist rest is a padded support placed in front of your keyboard or mouse. It cushions your wrist, encourages a natural position, and helps reduce pressure during typing or clicking. It also supports your wrist during pauses between movements.
If you experience wrist pain, tingling fingers, pressure marks, or frequent discomfort, a wrist rest could help—when used correctly.
Key Benefits of Wrist Rests
- Supports wrists during pause: A wrist rest cushions your wrist when you're not typing or using the mouse. It helps muscles relax between tasks and prevents unnecessary tension buildup.
- Promotes neutral posture: A wrist rest helps keep your wrist in a straight, natural position. This reduces awkward bending and lowers the risk of strain and injury.
- Relieves pressure points: A wrist rest prevents your wrists from pressing against hard desk edges. It reduces red marks, soreness, and long-term discomfort.
- Improves comfort in long sessions: A wrist rest helps you stay comfortable during long hours at your desk by reducing muscle tension and wrist pressure.
Did you know? Wrist supports can reduce muscle fatigue in upper arm muscles by up to 32% during long typing sessions. This helps prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders and boosts long-term comfort.
A wrist rest works best when paired with proper posture and desk alignment. Poor placement can misalign your arms and shoulders, leading to new problems instead of solving old ones.
Types of Wrist Rests
You can choose from different types depending on your work habits and desk setup:
- Keyboard wrist rests: These run along the bottom edge of your keyboard.
- Mouse wrist pads: Smaller pads are placed beside the mouse to support your wrist during use.
- Ergonomic mouse pads with built-in rests: These combine a soft wrist pad with a smooth tracking surface for the mouse.
Common Materials Used
Wrist rests come in a variety of materials to suit your comfort and support needs:
- Gel: Soft, cooling, and easy to clean. Gel wrist rests adapt to your wrist shape.
- Memory foam: Moulds to your wrist for personalised support.
- Standard foam: Lightweight and affordable but may offer less contouring.
- Silicone or rubber: Firm and durable, suited for high-use settings.
Who Should Use a Wrist Rest?
Wrist rests suit many types of workers and work environments. Office workers who type all day benefit from joint support and reduced fatigue. Data entry staff face repetitive strain, and wrist rests help lower injury risk.
Remote workers often lack proper ergonomic setups, making wrist rests an easy and effective upgrade. Anyone experiencing wrist pain can use a wrist rest as a simple first step toward better comfort and posture.
Learn more: How to Choose the Best Ergonomic Office Equipment for Your Needs.
How to Use a Wrist Rest Properly
Follow these tips for safe and effective use:
Position Your Wrist Rest Correctly
Place the wrist rest in line with your keyboard or mouse. Keep it flush with the front edge of the keyboard or beside the mouse. Let your wrists hover just above the rest while typing or clicking—don’t press down into it. Bend your elbows at a 90-degree angle to support natural arm movement. Adjust your chair, keyboard, and desk so your forearms sit in a straight, relaxed line.
Support Your Posture with Daily Habits
To ease wrist strain, use an ergonomic mouse pad with a built-in wrist pad. Pair it with a chair that supports your arms and lower back. Sit upright and relaxed to avoid shoulder or neck tension. Stretch your fingers and shake out tension every 30 minutes.
Create a Balanced Work Setup
Set your chair, keyboard, and mouse to the right height for your body. Keep your wrists, elbows, and shoulders aligned. A good setup prevents strain and supports long-term comfort. Pair wrist rests with proper ergonomics for best results.
Best for all-day mouse comfort: Fellowes Crystal Ergonomic Mouse Pad & Wrist Rest (Gel)
This Fellowes crystal wrist rest mouse pad combines a smooth gel cushion and a stain-resistant polyurethane cover. The integrated mouse pad and wrist support offer both comfort and functionality. The non-skid rubber base keeps the pad securely in place, ensuring stability throughout the day.
Comfort and Support
The gel-filled wrist rest reduces pressure on the wrist and offers superior comfort during extended computer use. The clear cover allows easy cleaning with a damp cloth, keeping the workspace hygienic and professional.
Size and Dimensions
- Width: 200 mm
- Depth: 233 mm
- Height: 19 mm
- Weight: 290 g
This wrist rest and mouse pad combo is suitable for professionals who require wrist support while using a mouse for long periods.
Best for Portable Wrist Support: Fellowes Crystal Flex Rest Wrist Rest
The Fellowes Crystal Flex Rest Wrist Rest is a compact and portable wrist support. It features a thick gel cushion that moulds to your wrist and provides effective relief from pressure during keyboard or mouse use.
Comfort and Support
This wrist rest elevates your wrist to a more natural position, reducing discomfort caused by prolonged desk work. The stain-resistant material and non-skid rubber base help maintain cleanliness and ensure the rest stays firmly in place.
Size and Dimensions
- Width: 124 mm
- Depth: 87 mm
- Height: 25 mm
- Weight: 180 g
It is perfect for workers who need a lightweight, standalone wrist rest to use across multiple workstations or in flexible office setups.
Need more than a wrist rest? Check out Ergolink’s extensive range of ergonomic equipment.
Small Tools, Big Difference
So, are wrist rests good for you? Yes—when used correctly, they can improve posture, comfort, and wrist health. But like all ergonomic tools, they work best alongside good posture, the right chair, and regular breaks.
Explore Ergolink’s range of ergonomic wrist rests and mouse pads to find the right fit for your workspace, or contact us to discuss your office equipment requirements.