Buying Guide: Massage Chairs

A quality massage chair is a big purchase. That’s why you need to take the time to consider which one would be most suitable for you. You may already have a budget and type of chair in mind.  However, do not just buy the first chair you come across. Please read over our buying guide to learn about the many different and exciting features these chairs offer. It will help you see what’s important features to look for in a massage chair. First, we will help you learn the basics of these great chairs. Then, we will talk about features and other concerns such as warranty information. Let’s begin by discussing the features you might see when shopping around for one of these great chairs.

Zero Gravity Reclining

Nearly all the massage chairs for sale today offer users the chance to recline in some way. But not all have a zero-gravity option. This is a chair position created by NASA that occurs when our legs are raised above our hearts.  The reasoning behind this position is that it relieves the stress on our joints caused by gravity and allows your body weight to rest on the chair’s back, enhancing your massage. This grants you a very relaxing and deep full-body massage. Plenty of chairs out there offer this position, so if it sounds like something you could benefit from, make sure the chair you like offers it. Some chairs are equipped with a one-button zero-gravity feature. Others offer two stages of the reclining position. So why does it matter? The zero-gravity feature is able to put you into a new state of relaxation that is also helpful for our tired and achy joints. It could help alleviate stiffness and back pain, too. This is a position that is believed to put the least pressure on your back. It could be a lifesaver for people with back pain.

Massage Tracks

You will find two types of massage tracks as you shop: L-track and S-track. Some chairs even include both of the tracks for a full-body experience.

L-Track Definition

The L-track’s claim to fame is that it can massage our hamstrings and glutes, unlike the S-tracks designed to reach and massage the neck.  The L-track is named for the shape it creates inside your massage chair. It goes from the neck down to the lower back and then goes under the glutes and thighs. This track style is good for somebody who needs their lower half massaged. These track-style chairs tend to be more expensive in comparison to the S-track style chairs.

S-Track Definition

This is the first track design as found in early-model massage chairs. It is a track that follows the natural curves of our spine and focuses its attention on varying spots in our back. The L-track uses this design also but utilizes a longer track to enhance the massage.

Rollers

Your massage chair will contain rollers, depending on which model you buy. Which rollers do you need for a comfortable experience? Read on to discover the difference between all the rollers, so you know what to look for. 4D Massage Rollers: These rollers are what will give you a deep tissue massage. They can turn and massage various angles that other rollers simply cannot reach. They are intense and feel great. 3D Massage Rollers: These rollers are what you find in the vast majority of massage chairs for sale. They go deep into the back and shoulder muscles, penetrating these muscles and providing you an intense but pleasant massage.  They can extend out from the track, which helps them massage hard-to-reach places that typically are untouched by the everyday massage chair, such as your neck and shoulder areas. 2D Massage Rollers: If you are opting for a budget chair, this is probably what you will get. This does not mean they are ineffective. This simply means they are geared toward folks seeking a basic massage- nothing that goes too deep or penetrates too much.  This is for somebody looking for a casual massage, a nice rub that will work the back and surface muscles without getting too deep into your muscles located underneath. They are the least intense type of roller but still feel great.

Calves and Feet Massagers

Many of you shopping for a massage chair are in it for the benefits associated with massaging your feet and calves. It is great to have if you are a worker who’s on their feet all day long, or you are an athlete that depends on foot and calf strength to do your best on the field or court.  A foot massage can certainly make your day that much nicer and could boost your performance the following day. As a result, you should know what to look for if this feature matters to you. There are plenty of chairs capable of providing reflexology massages for your feet and plenty of them that use airbags to massage your calves. This helps work out aches and pains, plus boosts circulation to your lower body. You can adjust these calf and foot massages to make them more or less intense, and you can also adjust the leg rest to make sure your feet and legs are cradled comfortably while the massage takes place.

Airbags

Airbag compression massages are just what they sound like: airbags deflating and inflating to work the extremities of the user, increase circulation of the blood and relieve them of stiffness. It is also great for the removal of toxins thanks to the stimulation of the lymphatic system. It’s easy to adjust how intense you want your airbags to be. Most of these chairs come with a remote control that will allow you to do just that. You can sometimes program the airbags to focus on a specific location, as is the case with rollers. The most advanced chairs offer users the chance to have the airbags hold you steady, helping you perform stretches or squeezes. The biggest difference between airbags and rollers is that airbags offer a compression massage, while rollers are focused on kneading and tapping. Airbags are quick to deflate and inflate around the targeted zone and compress it by squeezing and then releasing. The intensity of these airbags is going to vary based upon how much it is inflated.

Heat

Many chairs offer a heating feature, and when you combine heat plus a massage, you have a recipe for melting aches and pains away. You will increase blood flow and help your body and mind feel relaxed. Plus, better circulation means it is easier for your body to get rid of toxins. Plus, heat and massage are great for improving the flexibility of muscles. This helps lower pain associated with various ailments and helps with limited mobility. Conditions like inflammation, arthritis, deep tissue injury, and stiffness of muscles can be helped by getting a heated massage. Many of the chairs featured on today’s list offer heat, and you will find that this heat is situated in the lumbar area. In other words, this means the heating elements of the massage chair will be found in the lower back. Some chairs do offer full-body heat elements. Users may also combine their massage chair experience with items such as a heated blanket to enhance their session. It’s a great feeling to be totally warm while the rollers do their work, guaranteed that you will feel the difference.

Device Usage

Smartphones and tablets are everywhere. Massage chair manufacturers have been keeping up with the times by offering buyers the chance to pair their Bluetooth-enabled devices to the chairs, enhancing their enjoyment of the experience.  Many massage chairs offer speakers built right in and technology that syncs your phone or tablet to the chair so you can enjoy audiobooks, podcasts, and music while you relax. Once your phone or tablet is paired up, you may even be able to control the chair using that device. The most advanced chairs offer you the opportunity to do just that, and some even sync the massage to the beat of the music you are listening to. If Bluetooth connectivity matters to you, be sure the chair you are interested in has such capability before buying.

Space-Saving Chair

Your massage chair is going to be a big addition to your home. Make sure the chair you like has space-saving technology if you are limited on space. Many models are available that can recline fully in mere inches. This is great for folks with smaller spaces to work with, and you won’t need to situate the chair five or so feet from your wall. Some chairs will need just a few inches to recline, while others need a foot or so. Look for chairs that offer a space-saving feature if you don’t have lots of room.

How Do I Know Which Chair Is Right for Me?

When you begin shopping for your chair, you will want to think about what features above are most important to you and what purpose your chair is going to serve. Make sure to keep a note of which ones you want most, so you know what to look for when you shop. Be sure to also think about what your body needs. Is it arms, legs, or back that’s bothering you? What massage type do you like best? At this time, we will talk about what kinds of massages these chairs can provide, so you know what to look for.

In Conclusion

A massage chair does not have to be expensive to be effective. There are massage chairs of many price ranges out there that can bring you relief after a long day of work.  They are far less expensive and much more convenient than going to visit a massage therapist regularly. You can enjoy massaging comfort any hour of the day or night. You can target areas that need relief. Which of these chairs are you most interested in? Whether you are using it for much-needed relief or just as a reward for yourself, you are going to be glad you purchased your massage chair.