Buying a massage chair is a tricky thing. First, few people privately own them. And most owners are businesses selling a recreational service. Also, they’re quite expensive. A massage chair can cost you anywhere from $700 to $3000… And some models even go up to $9000! So you have to pick your chair wisely. And this is something we’ll help you with. Below is a 10-Step guide to buying a massage chair. We’ll discuss specs, features, and what to seek!
A massage chair is an excellent addition to the home. It offers the entertainment and benefits of standard massage but without the challenges of putting together a spa session around your everyday life. Additionally it is the more affordable alternative, and a very good massage chair provides numerous distinct massage styles as well as an entire body massage experience. If you choose a massage chair cautiously, and make sure you get the very best one possible, it will last you for countless years to come and continue to offer you the benefits associated with regular massage all through this period.
Here you have it: your manual to choosing that excellent massage chair you always wish you had. That chair that is perfect for relaxing after a tough day or eradicating tension after exhausting workouts. But before you decide to dig in, there are some fundamental information – and misinformation that you will need to understand.
There is absolutely no question; a massage chair can be the most essential and costly consumer products in your residence. The appropriate chair will help you to alleviate stress and back problems, while poor quality chairs will have you gritting your teeth with additional headaches after each breakdown.
Pick A Design You Like
In addition to providing you regular home massage sessions, a massage chair is mainly a chair. It will most likely be positioned in the living room or other living area in your house and so it needs to look nice while also appearing to be a reliable form of regular massage. Pick the colour that fits most closely with your decoration but always be cautious to ensure you choose a massage chair manufactured from a durable material as well as one which is good looking.
Ensure It Will Last
The material utilized in the design of the chair is an essential factor in lots of ways. Not only will it ascertain how excellent the chair will appear once in place, but it has to be solid and resilient to the pressures that will be placed on it. The massage mechanisms can easily wear through some materials and will also function with genuine leather. Because of this, it will always be good to choose a strengthened synthetic material designed solely for the task.
Choose One That Provides The Best Variety Of Massage Styles And Options
Massage chairs come in numerous designs and with various configurations and massage styles. While certain massage chairs merely provide a limited selection of massage, some others provide a whole range as well as a mixture of numerous styles. Various massage styles work in different ways and prove reliable specific issues or symptoms. As such, a massage chair that offers a varied selection of styles will usually provide better value and more use.
Make sure It's Very Easy To Use
Because there are many choices and potential configurations in the advanced massage chairs, it is important that it provides an intuitive and easy to learn procedure for control. Massage chairs that are hard to master will prove virtually worthless and you will want control over the different areas of the massage, for example the ability to make use of various massage styles in different parts of the body. But it is also good to have automated configurations and quick choices to make the procedure as easy and as personalized as you desire it to be.
Does It Provide An Entire Body Massage?
The design of the massage chair will also ascertain how many parts of the body will benefit from the massage. Some may only massage the back while some may provide a slightly larger massage area and include the shoulders also. The perfect and most appropriate massage chairs will massage the whole back and shoulder part along with the legs, the calves, the feet, and even the hands. For a whole body massage experience you should make sure the chair reclines and that it has additional massage balls and leg rests.
6 Extra added tips for choosing the best massage chair!
At present we have discussed about your Massage Chair benefits and discovered more about the massage features , it’s time for you to follow these six extra added tips to truly find you the best gear for you.
Know Thyself –Understand the design of massage you require: Have you got a neck issue, back problem, or lower back problem? Do you really need more focused massage or perhaps a mixture of kneading, rolling, or tapping?
Durability or short-term solution:If you require an immediate shiatsu massage, there are inexpensive rollers for the back. If your priorities require durability and long term use, you will want a chair that can last a minimum of 5-10 years.
Visit an online store or a showroom in the mall: One of the most popular chairs are shown in malls and if you have an opportunity, you should try them. Remain calm in the purchasing process. Generally speaking malls will cost more than online shops. Tax and shipping are included as is the Mall’s store operating expenses that have to be made up in your final price.
Research: Get in touch with producers for extra information on sizes, specifications, and some other information. Analyze them carefully, look at tapes, talk to friends, and other professionals. Be cautious about impulse purchases and non-durable electrical component units.
Think about return policy: You might think you will not bring back your massage chair. But we certainly have discovered that 50% of marriages in the US end in divorce. Therefore falling in love is fantastic; but ensure you have the option to return or exchange, or you might end up getting a case of buyer’s regret.
#1 – Basics.
A massage chair is basically a luxury sofa – with special services.
Those services vary from one model to another. They include high-tech features, or simple comfort ones (like massage pre-programs, seat heating, etc.) We’ll discuss each below. So to start off…
#2 – Track Types.
Tracks define the rollers in your massage chair.
So what’s a roller? This is “the spine” of the chair, where your back lays.
There are 3 types of tracks. Those being…
- S – Track.
- L – Track.
- SL – Track.
S – Track.
This is what most people look for if they emphasize the massage feature. An S – Track roller molds itself to your back. It conforms to your spinal posture, while slowly improving it as you use the chair… So it’s extremely comfortable.
L – Track.
Those rollers don’t conform to your back. They’re straight, just like the shape of a mattress. However, the roller does extend farther down an S – Track. An L – Track covers your back, buttocks, and thighs. So the massaging effect works for your entire body, and not just the back!
SL – Track.
This is a hybrid of the previous two. And it combines their best features…Thus, you’ll find that this type of chair is the most expensive. And it’s commonly used by businesses, and less by private consumers. That is, unless you’re rich…
#3 – Roller Numbers.
Your back is massaged using rollers. The previous point discussed their layout. But here, we’ll look at their numbers…
Amount.
Depending on the model, you can get anywhere from 2 to 6.
2 is the most basic. Those are the cheaper (more affordable chairs)…
4 is the common value found in chairs $1500 - $3000 in price. Anything higher than that, and you’re dealing with 6 rollers…
Significance.
The more rollers you have, the better the massage experience. Because now, you have more rollers working on your back. You have a meticulous massage for each sq. centimeter.
So it’s a matter of quality. However, roller number isn’t the only thing governing quality. After all, intensity matters too!
#4 – Intensity Levels.
Almost all “effective” chairs have 5 intensity levels – at minimum. A chair that’s lower than that isn’t worth it. Because now, you’re looking at extreme massage options… You want more control over the range. So pick chairs with 5+ roller options.
Model Variance.
In this aspect, there isn’t much difference between normal and “expensive” models. They’ll usually supply you 5-6 intensity options. And you select the ones that suit your tastes…However, there is a difference in a whole other field of settings. This being…
#5 – Special Programs.
Some massage chairs come “pre-programmed” to deliver a specific type of massage… Those again, are a trait of the more expensive ones. And the pre-programs installed differ from model to model.
Example.
Take a look at the Osaki OS Alpina Massage Chair.
This chair offers many pre-programs for different purposes. Including…
· Senior mode (massage for old people).
· Pain relief.
· Yoga stretching.
There are many-many more.
However, note that you get those options in a “zero gravity” setting. And speaking of those…
#6 – The ZERO Gravity Option.
Basically, this is where the massage chair reclines back – putting your body in a horizontal position. So it turns into a bed of sorts. Only difference is, it’s a position designed to minimize stress on your spine and joints.
But Why is it Named That?
Because that’s position astronauts take when launching off on space missions. And they take that position to deal with gravity increases as they accelerate… which puts much stress on their bodies.
But is This Position Healthy?
Of course it is! It’s common in many quality massage chairs. In fact, it’s a staple feature to seek in any massage chair you buy. You see, a “zero gravity” position doesn’t just relieve your back. But also, it improves your body’s fluid circulation. It improves blood flow to your brain and upper body. And it also improves your lymphatic system’s pressure. Also, it makes massage rollers more effective. Because now, gravity is at work pressing your spine onto the rollers… So you get a strong massage as you lay horizontally!
#7 – Head & Foot Options.
Massage chairs weren’t just made for your back. They were also made to relax your neck, feet, and head. So you have to look at options for those, such as…
Rollers.
Yes, some models specify roller numbers for foot rests. Again, the more the better. And your feet needs those rollers, since their muscles are smaller, and need more stretching. As for the head, don’t expect roller number stats. Instead, look at cushioning, and headrest adjust options.
Extensions.
Not all head and feet were created equal. Some people have longer legs (and/or bigger heads) than others. And for those, you need a way of extending space. So make sure you can find feet rest that are extendable. They should suit people all the way to 6ft. 5’ (at minimum).
#8 – Heating/Air Options.
You know how modern car seats come with heating options – right? A massage chair should come with similar options too. After all, it’s much more expensive than a car seat! And this heating is especially necessary for users in cold areas. Because what use is it trying to relax in a massage chair, if you’re too cold to enjoy it?
Air Options.
This also matters with a massage chair. It provides more breathability to the user’s skin. It ensures that the time spent on it won’t lead to a sweat pool. Also, good air circulation ensures that the chair doesn’t stink later. And it makes it easier to clean!
Applies to All Body Portions.
The last point discussed heads and feet. And we believe air circulation/heating matters there too… After all, warm feet and head lead to less heat loss. And circulation in this area ensures that there are no sweat problems too.
#9 – Extra Control Options.
The more, the better. You never know how controls can shape your experience. Especially with a massage chair, which is all about a custom luxury feel.
Example.
How about remote control? It lets you easily adjust many of the previously mentioned options. You can adjust massage intensity, heating, positioning, and much more! It’s a vital part of the experience. And you need a remote that’s replaceable, and maximizes what you can adjust.
Key Tip.
Some of the high-end models provide LCD remotes. And this is useful, considering the sheer amount of factors to adjust, which is best manipulated through a touch screen. Be sure to look for those models. Because they make user experience much smoother.
More Control Options.
How about time control? Maybe you want your chair to stop after a certain amount of minutes… This is useful for people using the chair to sleep. You can let your chair rock you for a while. Afterwards, it’ll switch off, putting you to sleep!
#10 – Guarantees.
This is the final step on a buyer’s list. Here’s the thing. If you’re paying thousands of dollars for a chair, then you must protect your investment. And what’s the best way to do so? It’s through a long service guarantee, attested to by buyer reviews.
How Long?
At minimum, the guarantee should last 2 years. And this includes parts and labor. It means that the company should send you personnel to service your chair.
Quality Approval.
Check if the company you’re buying from has a reputation for quality. Ensure that they ace regulations where you live. This includes product safety against accidents, electrocution, spillage, flammability, etc.
Final Tip – Check Reviews.
It’s the best way to evaluate an expensive product. Look for reviews that breakdown user experience. They’re the most genuine, and ones that describe the product to the detail. Also, look for negative stories. This’ll pinpoint problems using the product. Compare multiple massage chairs, and buy the models that best suit your purpose!
