A decently comfortable, low surface area chair that keeps your ears above the back, and looks decent (even though its pedigree has about zero status value) is the Ikea Poang chairs. Don't cost much new, or can often be picked up for trivial amounts on craigslist. Cheap to try out.
If you can find one of the older ones which uses a smaller detached headrest (adjustable via leather straps), it is better still near your ears.
