When doing your research for the best massage chair, you will need to become familiar with some of the common features and functions of a massage chair. You do not have to be a massage chair expert, instead just identify what you like and what is important to you. It helps to know the main sections of a massage chair. So, we can start with the massage chair itself. There are 4 major areas to know
Back Rest: The back rest has massage rollers that provide massage coverage for your back. Important aspects of the backrest are as follows: motorized or manual recline/incline, stroke length (length the rollers cover your back), number of rollers, roller width adjustment and layers of cushions or back pads.
Seat: The seat may just be a cushion. More sophisticated massage chairs have mechanical massage heads or an air massage system. The type of seat you want depends on if you want to have your thighs and buttocks massaged. The lower end massage chairs have fewer features, so they may only have a cushion. Whereas, higher end massage chairs have more features. Mechanical heads can be very stimulating and are usually the next step up from a cushion. The air massage system is a more costly feature and will be in higher end massage chair.
Leg rest: The leg rest may have a calf massage or it may have a calf/foot massage. The leg rest may have a motorized or manual recline/incline. Usually, if the leg rest just has a calf massage, then it has a flexible roller unit in the leg rest. If the leg rest massages both your calves and feet, then it has an air massage system.
Remote Control: The remote control has buttons to control the automatic features of the massage chair. It has the main power, automatic programs, and manual programs and may have recline/incline buttons for the backrest and leg rest. Some massage chairs have a main remote control and sub-remote control.
Remote Control: The remote control has buttons to control the automatic features of the massage chair. It has the main power, automatic programs, and manual programs and may have recline/incline buttons for the backrest and leg rest. Some massage chairs have a main remote control and sub-remote control.
The Back Rest has these important features to consider
Rollers: Massage chairs can have 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 or 16 rollers. Most massage chairs have 4 rollers with lower end massage chairs typically having 2 rollers. As you add more rollers, they have to become smaller and smaller. The more rollers you have may require a single motor to power them all which may be inefficient in delivering a therapeutic massage. The rollers will deliver the back massage. We have found that between 4 to 6 is optimum to deliver a strong massage and an effective massage. When there are 4 to 6 rollers, each individual roller can more effectively cover your back and obtain sufficient strength from the motor(s).
Roller Width Adjustment: Since users come in different sizes and shapes, you will want to find out if you can change the width of the rollers. Typically, the width of the rollers can be adjusted for the Rolling/Finger Pressing massage and Tapping massage. The width adjustment allows you to increase or decrease the distance between the rollers.
Motors: The motors power the rollers in the back rest. The motor delivers power to the rollers usually via belts. You massage chair may have multiple motors to power different rollers that carry out different massage functions. The quality of the motors is very important for the long term reliability of your massage chair. Also, motors are used to power the back rest or leg rest if it is a motorized recline/incline. There is a lot of debate on having more or less motors in a massage chair. The more motors in the massage chair drives the price up, which may cause the manufacturer to tradeoff quality/price. More is not always better, since more may require less expensive (i.e. lower quality motors to be used). What is important is how they use the motors. Are they dedicated to one function or do they have multiple roles. It is better to have fewer, high quality motors, than many low quality motors.
Stroke Length: The stroke length is how far the rollers can travel up and down in the back rest. The taller you are the more important the stroke length becomes to cover the length of your back. Most massage chairs do not accommodate tall people even though they have a “long” stroke length. Long stroke lengths are typically about 30 inches of travel. Most massage chairs have about a 27 inch stroke length. If possible, its always important to try the massage chair to make sure it fits you.
Massage Speed/Intensity Adjustments: Some massage techniques have speed/intensity adjustments. The rate of Tapping for the Tapping massage may be increased or decreased if the controller has a speed adjustment. Usually, the speed of the kneading or shiatsu massage can be adjusted as well.
Layers of Cushions: The back cushion is important for comfort. Typically, the back cushion is padded on the sides and thinner in the middle (where the rollers come in contact with you). For most people, it is better to get a massage chair with a strong massage. Higher end massage chairs come with multiple layers of cushions and pads for the back, neck and head. If you want a weaker massage add more layers and remove layers if you want a stronger massage.
Heat: Some massage chairs have heating pads integrated into the back cushion. If you like heat, then you will need to go with Synthetic Leather. Natural leather will wear very quickly with heat and for the most part is no longer used.
The Seat may have these important features
Cushion: Some massage chairs just have a cushion for the seat and do not have any massage capabilities built into the seat.
Seat Vibration: Some massage chairs include vibration in the seat. This helps to stimulate blood flow in your buttocks and thighs.
Seat Massage Heads: Some massage chairs have integrated massage heads into the seat. The massage heads stimulate the capillary vessels in the buttocks and thigh to improve blood flow. Additionally, there may be a vibration massage integrated as well.
Seat Air Massage: Some massage chairs have integrated an air massage into the seat. The air massage uses air bags to massage the buttocks, thigh and hips. The air massage is powered by an air compressor. The air bags will inflate and deflate according to the programming of the massage chair. Some air massage systems are very sophisticated and give a very good massage.
The Leg Rest may have these important features
Calf Massage: In general the leg rest may have just a calf massage. Typically, the calf massage has a flexible roller unit, which will knead the calves in the leg rest. Some manufacturer’s say they also have a foot massage, but you must bend your legs and put your feet on the roller units for a massage. You cannot massage your feet and calves at the same time.
Foot & Calf Massage: In general the leg rest may have both a foot and calf massage. The calf massage and foot massage can be used simultaneously. Usually, this is an air massage system. Airbags are inflated to squeeze, hold and then deflated to release the calves and feet. Some manufacturers also include reflexology nodes for the feet which helps to relax the body. The airbags are controlled by software and some manufacturers have included some sophisticated programming to provide different massage sensations.
Remote Control: Massage chairs come with a remote control which enables you to run automatic programs or to manually select areas or massage types. Lower end massage chairs may have a built in control where mid to high end chairs will have a remote control. The remote control usually has a cable attaching it to the massage chair. Most massage chairs have a holder to place the remote control in when not in use. Many higher end massage chairs have two remote controls—usually one large one and one smaller version. There is even one manufacturer that has the first wireless remote (finally!).
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