A massage chair is a great way to unwind after a stressful day. It’s also perfect for those who are unable to go to the masseuse regularly. A high-quality massage chair will work wonders on your body and help alleviate pain and reduce stress.
However, buying the right one can be quite daunting, especially if you’re not sure what to look for. There are dozens of companies offering different models, with each one claiming to be better than the next.
In this guide, we’ll give you some tips on how to choose the best massage chair for your home, salon, or office. We’ll also discuss what features make up a good product. Here are some of the top-rated massage chairs that we found will provide years of comfort and relief to you.
How Often Will You Use Your Massage Chair?
One of the first things to consider is how often you plan on using your massage chair. If you plan on using your massage chair daily, we recommend investing in a higher-quality chair or spending more money on a chair that provides the types of massages you prefer.
For instance, if you are looking for relief from chronic back pain, an ottoman-based foot and calf massager might do little to relieve your pain. Instead, look into a high-end massage chair with an S-track or L-track system that provides full-body coverage. These advanced machines are more expensive because they provide better coverage and more features than other types of chairs.
Size
The other thing you should think about is the size of the massage chair. You want it to be able to fit in your space comfortably without taking up too much room. If it is too big or small then it will not be comfortable when use it. You should also consider if the chair will fit in with other furniture pieces such as tables, couches, or desks so that it looks nice when placed together.
Budget
The other factor many people think about when they consider purchasing a massage chair is the cost. This can be a big investment for some individuals, so it’s important to consider your budget and how much you can spend on a massage chair.
The average cost of a full-body massage chair is between $1,500 and $3,000. However, you can find massaging recliners for less than $500, with the most expensive ones costing as much as $10,000 or more.
Have the Right Features
Massage chairs have a lot of bells and whistles, but not all of them are necessary. Here’s a rundown of features you should consider when shopping for a massage chair:
Heat Therapy
A good massage chair should come with a heat therapy option for the lumbar area. Heat therapy improves blood circulation and relaxes muscle tension around your lower back. However, if you have sensitive skin or medical conditions like diabetes; you should avoid chairs with heat therapy options.
Massage Intensity
It’s important to find one that allows you to modify the intensity of the massage as well. Lower intensities are best for parts of your body like your legs or neck. Higher intensities are better when wanting to work out knots and soreness in your back or shoulders.
Size and Shape
Massage chairs are not one-size-fits-all, so you need to make sure that the chair you’re buying can accommodate your body type. If you’re particularly tall, look for a chair with extended leg rest. If you’re short or petite, you’ll want to look for an option that doesn’t have any wasted space.
Rollers
Most massage chairs use rollers that mimic the movements of human hands. Rollers glide along your back to provide a soothing massage. Some rollers are flexible to move with the contours of your body, while others remain stationary.
The number and placement of rollers vary by model. Some rollers are designed to focus on specific areas such as your neck, shoulders, or lumbar region (lower back).
Airbags
Some massage chairs use airbags instead of rollers to apply pressure to certain parts of your body. When these airbags inflate, they press against different muscle groups to mimic a hand-based massage technique such as shiatsu or Swedish massage.
Massage Techniques
You should check what kinds of techniques your chair offers. It is better to go for one that offers both Shiatsu and rolling techniques since they work together to deliver an excellent massage. Also, go for one that allows you to choose between different levels of intensity when rolling or kneading.
Massage Type
Not all massage chairs are made to deliver the same types of massages, so it’s important to know what you’re looking for in a massage chair. There are three main types of massage chairs: shiatsu, rolling, and air compression. Shiatsu chairs use kneading techniques to relax muscles along your back and neck and relieve tension.
Rolling massage chairs move up and down your back, just like a masseuse would do with their hands while delivering a Swedish deep tissue massage. Air compression massage chairs work similarly to rolling massage chairs, except instead of physical rollers they have airbags that squeeze your body to mimic a deep tissue or sports massage.
Massage Area
Another important factor to consider when buying a massaging chair is how much area the chair covers. Some chairs only focus on your shoulders and upper back, while others reach down to your waist and even your legs. If you’re looking for something that will help relieve pain in other areas besides your back, be sure to consider the coverage area when choosing a chair.
Comfort
If you’re going to be spending time sitting in your massage chair (and you likely will), then comfort should be a top priority. Look for padded armrests, extra-wide seats, and soft materials like leather or vinyl that are easy to clean.
Look for cushy padding made from memory foam or similar material because these materials conform to the shape of your body and can provide more support than other types of cushioning.
