What is the difference between a lumbar pad and a contoured back on a drafting chair?

A lumbar pad is a separate foam or mesh cushion added to the lower portion of the backrest to target the lumbar curve, often adjustable in height. A contoured back is molded or shaped to follow the natural spine curve without a separate pad. Contoured backs provide support across a wider area but are fixed in shape. Adjustable lumbar pads can be positioned precisely for each user. High-end drafting chairs sometimes combine a contoured back with an adjustable lumbar pad for maximum versatility. OfficeFurniture2go.com — call 1-800-460-0858 for model-specific back details.