LiberNovo Maxis Airflow Review – Office Chair with Active Seat Ventilation

With the Maxis Airflow, LiberNovo is targeting tall and heavily built users who find that the seat depth, backrest, or armrests on many ergonomic office chairs are too small. The manufacturer recommends this model for users between 178 and 200 centimeters tall and specifies a maximum weight capacity of 181 kilograms. The 52-centimeter-deep seat and wide design are intended to provide ample space without restricting freedom of movement due to pronounced side panels.

A unique feature is the multi-part FlexFit backrest. Its movable elements are designed to adapt to the back while sitting and support changes in posture. Additional features include an electrically adjustable lumbar support, the motorized Omni Stretch function, and active seat ventilation with two power settings. Power is supplied by a removable battery, allowing the chair to operate in everyday use without a permanent cable connection.

In this test, the Maxis Airflow in graphite was paired with the StepSync footrest. The combination was used for several weeks, including during full eight-hour workdays. With a height of 1.81 meters, a weight of 115 kilograms, and broad shoulders, the tester had the ideal physical attributes to put the chair’s claims to the test. Given a price of around 1,800 euros, it remains to be seen whether the extensive technology provides noticeable added value and whether the comfort, build quality, and choice of materials live up to premium-class standards.

Specifications

Contents and Packaging: Three boxes with well-organized contents

The packaging and organization give the impression of careful planning. The LiberNovo Maxis Airflow is packed across two large boxes, while the StepSync footrest is shipped in a third, smaller box. All components were securely held in place and well protected against shipping damage. No damage was found.

In addition to the chair’s individual components, the package includes the battery, the necessary screws, tools, and gloves. The electrical components are already largely pre-assembled. Therefore, only a few cables need to be connected during setup.

Each of the two large boxes includes a cardboard sheet outlining the most important assembly steps. Components and fasteners are clearly organized and labeled. A more detailed instruction manual is also included, explaining each step in greater detail.

The manufacturer primarily uses cardboard packaging and largely avoids plastic. The brown boxes look simple on the outside, but the large instruction panels provide a little surprise when you open them. Transporting the two chair boxes is less pleasant. Due to their heavy weight and bulky dimensions, they’re difficult to carry up stairs by yourself. The smaller box containing the footrest is significantly easier to handle.

Design and Workmanship: Sturdy construction, but with armrests that move too easily

Visually, the Maxis Airflow is clearly recognizable as a modern office chair. The graphite color appears slightly lighter in real life than in the product photos. Its wide and deep design gives it a rather bulky appearance, while the chair’s height is more understated. It slides easily under a desk. However, when the backrest is reclined all the way, it requires a lot of free space.

There is little cause for criticism regarding the build quality. All components are securely fastened and show no noticeable play. No annoying noises occurred during testing either. However, a large part of the construction is made of plastic. Given the high price, additional metal parts would have improved the overall feel of the materials.

The battery, cables, and controls are thoughtfully integrated into the design. The visible cables complement the chair’s technical and modern character without appearing cluttered. The understated design, however, makes the Maxis Airflow less eye-catching than its technical features might suggest.

Gabriel Atlantic fabric is used on the seat and backrest. The material feels soft and comfortable, and its open weave makes it breathable. At the same time, it’s likely that thorough cleaning will be somewhat more time-consuming. We haven’t encountered any stubborn stains so far.

The armrests are less successful. While their numerous adjustment options are generally practical, the individual positions do not hold reliably. When moving closer to the desk, the armrests shift easily. The same happens when leaning on them while standing up or sitting down. In everyday use, this is annoying and doesn’t match the chair’s otherwise sturdy construction.

The StepSync footrest matches the chair’s color and shape. Once assembled, it stands firmly on the floor and doesn’t wobble. However, the padding on top is quite thin. This makes the footrest somewhat uncomfortable during prolonged use.

Assembly and Setup: Easy Assembly Despite Electronic Components

Despite the built-in electronics, assembly is straightforward and can be easily handled by one person. It took about 20 minutes for the chair to be fully assembled and ready for use. A second person isn’t required, but can make it easier to hold and assemble the large components.

The cardboard instructions provide clear guidance through the most important steps. The included manual offers more detailed explanations. Screws, drill holes, and components fit together without any difficulty. The included tools are sufficient for complete assembly. The gloves, on the other hand, turned out to be an unnecessary extra.

The electrical part of the setup is also quick to complete. A USB-C cable connects the backrest to the seat base. The connection is easily accessible and can be made without any special prior knowledge. Since the battery was already pre-charged, the electrical functions could be tested immediately after assembly. Subsequent charging also went smoothly.

It took about five minutes to assemble the StepSync footrest. The few components are easy to put together, and the instructions explain the process clearly.

Seating Comfort and Fit: Plenty of Room for Broad Shoulders

Seating comfort remains high even on long workdays. However, fit and cushion firmness are highly subjective and depend on body type and preferred sitting posture. This assessment is based on a height of 1.81 meters, a weight of 115 kilograms, and broad shoulders. Under these conditions, the Maxis Airflow allows for plenty of freedom of movement. Even after eight hours of use and additional use during leisure time, there were no pressure points or discomfort.

The seat cushion felt soft when first sitting down, especially compared to the chair used previously, which had a significantly harder seat surface. After several weeks, the cushion has likely softened slightly and no longer feels quite as soft as it did at the beginning. You can easily feel the firm internal frame along the outer edges. However, this isn’t noticeable or bothersome during normal sitting.

For the body measurements mentioned, the seat depth and width provide ample space. The large surface area also allows for less conventional sitting positions, such as sitting with one leg bent. The backrest does not restrict the body with side panels, as is common on many gaming chairs. The shoulders extend only slightly beyond the backrest without restricting freedom of movement or comfort.

Pressure can build up more easily at the front edge of the seat when your feet are elevated. Although the padding feels soft in this area, the edge is noticeable in this position. However, it does not cause any discomfort during a normal workday. Even after several hours, there was no unpleasant buildup of heat.

The headrest and armrests are comfortably padded. The headrest can be adjusted to support the head well in various sitting positions. The armrests are a good size and comfortable. However, their overly loose adjustment remains a nuisance, even during extended periods of sitting.

Ergonomics and Electric Features: Many Adjustment Options with Minimal Effort

The seat height is easy to adjust and covers a suitable range for someone 1.81 meters tall. Both feet rest completely on the floor, while there is still sufficient room to move up and down. The battery is located under the left side of the seat, and the two-part control unit is on the right side. All controls are accessible from the seated position.

A special feature is the flexible backrest. When sitting normally, its flexibility is hardly noticeable at first. However, when viewed from behind or felt by touch, it becomes clear just how much the individual ribs move with the back. The design feels comfortable and does not restrict movement.

When leaning back, the chair feels secure even with a weight of 115 kilograms. The movement is controlled without the structure ever feeling unstable. The control unit on the right allows you to set how far the backrest can recline. Alternatively, it can be left completely unrestricted, allowing for a deeply reclined position. The armrests move along with you and remain aligned with your arms. The headrest does not change position automatically, but can be quickly readjusted as needed.

The electric lumbar support also offers plenty of adjustability. Its position can be adjusted quietly and without distracting motor noise. The range of adjustment is large and extends significantly further forward than seems necessary for a normal sitting posture. At the strongest setting, the support pushes the lower back forward so far that it can result in a slightly curved posture. However, this allows it to be easily adapted to different preferences.

The OmniStretch function moves the lumbar support back and forth repeatedly. This noticeably stretches the back, which can be pleasant for a short time. However, it did not provide significant added value in everyday use. After a few tries, the feature was rarely used. It is therefore more of an occasional supplement than a substitute for regular exercise or maintaining good posture over the long term.

Practical Test: Effective Ventilation and a Comfortable Reclining Position

In everyday use, the active seat ventilation proves to be more than just a technical gimmick. There are two fan speed settings to choose from. The lower setting can be used comfortably for extended periods and keeps the seat surface pleasantly cool. Although the fan remains audible, it operates unobtrusively in the background. The noise is reminiscent of a running computer and didn’t interfere with work.

The second setting is significantly more powerful. It moves noticeably more air and can even become too cool after prolonged use. It is therefore less suitable for continuous operation, but provides rapid, intense cooling when needed. The seat cushion completely masks any sensation of the fan housing.

The ventilation is controlled via a button in the left armrest, which also operates the backrest’s electric functions. The built-in presence sensor worked reliably in everyday use and detected when the chair was vacated or occupied again. This means the ventilation doesn’t have to be turned on and off manually every time.

With regular use of the fans, the battery needed to be charged about once a week. It can be easily removed from its holder and charged via USB-C. During testing, the charging process was fast and hassle-free. However, there was no clearly visible indicator of the remaining battery level during use.

At its most reclined setting, the backrest can be adjusted almost to a horizontal position. Despite the steep recline, you feel well supported and can lie comfortably. The flexible design of the backrest adapts to your position, while the StepSync footrest provides a stable place to rest your feet. Even with a body weight of 115 kilograms, the entire setup felt secure and stable. However, there must be sufficient space behind the chair, as the reclined position takes up a lot of room.

When sitting upright, the lower resting surface of the footrest is particularly comfortable. It facilitates a more upright sitting position and provides firm support for the feet. If, on the other hand, you rest your legs on the padded top surface, the thin padding becomes noticeable after a while. It’s sufficient for short breaks, but the cushioning could be more comfortable for extended use. Thanks to the rubberized underside, the footrest stands firmly on the floor and doesn’t slip.

On laminate flooring, the casters roll smoothly without any noticeable grinding or jamming. No noticeable marks appeared on the floor during the test period; however, a floor protection mat may still be advisable for long-term use. The open-pored cover also showed no visible soiling after several weeks. Dust and crumbs can be vacuumed out of the larger gaps. The test was unable to assess how well stubborn stains can be removed.

Conclusion: High comfort comes at an even higher price

The LiberNovo Maxis Airflow is a comfortable and spacious office chair, but its high price prevents us from giving it an unreserved recommendation. Especially tall and heavy individuals benefit from the wide seat, the flexible backrest, and the many adjustment options. You can sit at your desk for several hours without pressure points or discomfort.

One of its greatest strengths is the active seat ventilation. Both fan settings are clearly noticeable, and the lower setting is also suitable for extended use. The upholstery feels comfortable, while the electrically adjustable lumbar support allows for personalized adjustment. Workmanship and stability also leave little room for criticism. All components are securely fastened, and no annoying noises occurred during testing.

Weaknesses are most evident in the armrests. They adjust too easily and slip out of position even upon contact with the desk. Although the Omni Stretch function is pleasant, it didn’t provide sufficient added value in everyday use. The StepSync footrest impresses with its sturdy construction, but the thin padding becomes uncomfortable during prolonged use. Given its price, it is therefore not an essential part of the package.

At around 1,800 euros, the chair lacks some of the expected extravagance. The high proportion of plastic and the understated design make it seem less exclusive than the price would suggest. Higher-quality materials or a few visual accents would have better conveyed its premium appeal. The two-year warranty on electronic components is also somewhat limited for this price range.

For those looking for a particularly wide office chair with high seating comfort and effective ventilation, the Maxis Airflow offers a technically unique model. However, people shorter than the recommended height may find the generous dimensions less comfortable. Despite its strengths, the price remains the biggest hurdle. To warrant a clear recommendation to buy, it lacks a certain level of quality and polish in some areas.

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