Massage chairs are quite expensive equipment. If invested in a wrong one, then it’s a total waste of your money. So, you have to be very careful and attentive while purchasing them. To help you out, we have mentioned several important features below.
Table of Contents
1. Chair Size and Space
Being heavy in size, massage chairs take up a lot of space. So, check out the instructional manual or product description for its dimensions to understand how much space you have to allocate. As some massage chairs have reclining feature, you should make sure it has free space around it. Usually, massage chairs need 18 – 24 inches’ clearance between its back and wall adjacent to it. Few manufacturers are providing chairs with space saving technology. It takes minimal space (4”) to recline back so, they are suitable for people living in smaller spaces.
2. Weight
Usually, most of the massage chairs are quite heavy. So, you may need another person’s help to move it around. However, some light weight options are available. Minimal massage chairs weight around 20kgs and heavy weight massage chairs weigh around 45 to 140kgs.
3. Size Compatibility
Massage chairs are available in different sizes and frames. If you purchase a wrong one, then you will experience any relief from the massage. As most of them are designed to accommodate general user requirements, they are suitable for both tall and short people. However, it is better to double check the height and weight limitations before making the purchase. Few massaging chairs are not suitable for short people.
4. Roller Tracks
The responsibility of roller tracks in a massage chair is to perform the massaging. They contain a series of round balls which travel along the track in vertical, lateral, backward or forward direction to mimic the touch of a human hand. Based on their shape, roller tracks are categorized in two types. All the massage chairs in India have one of these two types of roller tracks.
- S-Track
Most of the massage chairs use S-Track roller system. As the name implies, the rollers will move in S shape along your back, according to your spine curvature. This roller track system is perfect for people dealing with back pain. The rollers are arranged to cover from your neck to tailbone. They are known for delivering excellent massaging experience consistently.
- L-Track
L-track system is actually an extension of S-track. In the S-track, the roller will run up and down only on your back. But in L-track system, they will reach to your glutes and back of your thighs as well. If you are dealing to leg pains, soreness in thighs or pain in lower back, then L-track roller system is the right choice.
5. Massage Styles
Before making a purchase, it is important to know what massaging styles it can provide. Different styles concentrate on different area to provide relief. If the massage chair you purchase cannot accommodate your massaging requirements, then it can be waste of your money. Some massage chairs come with more than two massaging styles. Below are some of the common massaging styles…
- Tapping
Tapping is considered as percussive massaging technique which stimulates the muscles. It mimics the striking and pounding movement of professional’s fist. In this style, the rollers will move towards and against your back, creating a karate chop movement. Some massagers use alternative way – by inflating and deflating air bags. This technique is perfect for improving blood circulation, local temperature and tissue elasticity.
- Kneading
In this technique, pressure is applied slowly in a circular motion. This will compress the soft tissues against each other or against underlying bones. Some massage chair models use inflating and deflating air bags slowly to imitate the same feeling. This massage technique is suitable for increasing flexibility, treating tight muscles and pain relief.
- Shiatsu
In this massaging style, pressure is applied to specific stress points on back. Massage chairs use either air bags or rollers provide this technique. Pressure will be increased slowly according to the user’s experience of shiatsu. This massage style is perfect for pain relief, stress and tension. Traditional shiatsu massage is famous for restoring energy flow.
- Rolling
In traditional rolling massage, skin is lifted and rolled between the masseur’s thumb and other fingers. In massage chairs, rollers go up and down to mimic the same. Some models use air bags or combination of both rollers and airs to provide rolling massage. This technique is good for treating loose skin and muscular tension.
- Special Techniques
In order to provide better massage chairs, manufacturers have been introducing special massage techniques. These techniques vary depending on the model and price. Some of the common techniques are spinal relief, heated massage, muscle stretch, yoga, reflexology and combo. If you are wondering which massage techniques are suitable for you, then we recommend to go with a model that offer maximum number of techniques.
6. Types of Massage Chairs
There are several different types of chairs. Below, we have mentioned a detail explanation of each type…
-
Zero Gravity
Zero gravity massage chairs are actually the most expensive and high end models. In this massage chair, the body will be reclined in a position where it doesn’t have to sustain its own weight. This provides a similar zero gravity space feeling to your body. This position will allow the vertebrae to relax and improve the massaging experience.
Few massage chairs provide multiple zero-gravity positions. The last stage will let the body recline in a position where the heat and legs will be in the same height. In this position, heart will not have to push too hard to provide blood circulation to the legs. So, it will relax a bit and improve its efficiency as well.
As the whole body weight will be distributed across the chair, you can feel the massaging of rollers or airbags and have a better massaging experience.
-
Recline
Recline massage chairs are lower-end version of zero-gravity chairs. The only difference between these two models is that the body will not be supported completely by the chair. As the legs will not be lifted to the similar height of the heart, you will not experience same feeling as zero-gravity chair.
However, these chairs will recline enough to provide a relaxing experience. They are perfect to use while watching TV or reading your favorite book.
-
Full Body
Full body massage chair provides relief to entire body from neck to legs. They are typically expensive in price as they are known to provide massaging experience mimicking a professional masseur hands.
-
Ottoman
If you want a massage chair that looks similar to traditional chair, this one right for you. It comes with a chair and footstool, delivering amazing relief.
-
Chair/Seat Pad
If you don’t have budget for a full-end massage chair or don’t have enough space in your home, then you can create your own by placing a seat pad over normal chair. Seat pads can also be placed on bed when you sitting.
7. Coverage
Because of medical issues or other reasons, some people may require more attention to certain parts. For those, we recommend to check out coverage of the massage chair.
- Head Massager
For people dealing with migraines and headaches, we recommend choose a massage chair with head massager. Most of the massage chairs provide massaging only till neck. But having additional head massage will target the muscles in the head providing relief.
- Foot Massager
If you spend a lot of time standing or travelling, then having a foot massager is really important. A foot massager can be helpful to get relief from a long tiring day at work. Most of the massage chairs come with foot massager – either included or separate as ottoman. These chairs use rollers, air bags or rotating discs for massaging. Some even provide heated massaging option as well.
- Neck Massage
Most of the massage chairs include neck massaging function. If you experience stress or pain in the neck, then it is better to make sure the model you choose has neck massaging option.
- Hip Massage
Though all massager come with airbags around the hip area, some models have special features then precisely target the spine area. This special feature will compress the muscles using air bags to provide pain relief. It also helps to maintain proper alignment of hip to the spine.
- Arm Massages
Some massage chairs use compression to provide relaxation to the arms. While other use special pockets to hold arms while the airbags compress the muscles. Some massage arms when you keep them on armrests.
8. Recall/Memory
This function remembers your favorite or previous speed and massage style. It prevents the need of going through all settings every time.
9. Height Range
If your height is over 6 feet or above, then you should be extra careful while purchasing a massage chair. Though some manufacturers claim to fit certain height requirements, they often don’t provide what is promised. People often complain that rollers didn’t hit the exact spots they are meant to (like shoulder, hips or shoulders). And some felt uncomfortable to sit on the massage chair. So, check out the height specifications before purchase to prevent any such situations.
10. Massage Length
Length of the massage session can be different based on body type. So, it is better to purchase a massage chairs that can customize the massage duration according to your needs.
11. Customer Reviews
Checking out the customer reviews helps to really know the quality and durability of the product as these people are using it. Some of them even provide reviews after using the product for one year – which can be more valuable. However, beware of reviews that are fake or overly gushing. We recommend to go for a product that has been rated 4 star or above by maximum customers.