After a long day, do you ever wish you could kick your feet up, sit back, relax and enjoy a soothing massage with no need for an appointment or leave the house? Therapeutic massage is one of the best ways to relieve pain and stimulate the mind and body’s relaxation. On the other hand, researching and shopping for a massage chair may leave you feeling the exact opposite: overwhelmed and confused by your options.
Once you have decided that a massage chair is for you, which one do you choose? Understanding the mechanics and technology of massage chairs may not necessarily be your specialty (yet), so we are here to help you grasp what choices are available. Our massage chair specialists at Mattress World Northwest’s massage chair gallery locations will be your guide in finding the perfect massage chair for you. Talking with an expert about your specific wants and needs is the best way to maximize your time and make sure you get the right chair for your needs. Why spend hours researching online when you can get your knowledge directly from an expert while testing out the various options and functionality of a number of massage chairs.
As a guide to help you decipher which options will suit you, this article is a breakdown of the best and most common massage chair features you will want to look for when researching and shopping for a new massage chair.
Massage chairs are available with many types of heat applications. Infrared heat and heated rollers are available options that you can add to the massage experience.
Pairing the motions of kneading and rolling with heat will increase blood flow and flexibility while calming aches and pains.
The infrared heat therapy lumbar backrest on the Positive Posture Sol is a must-have for an affordable heated massage chair that will give you great benefits without spending lavishly. The best part about infrared heat is that it is not so easily affected by the surrounding temperature of the air, allowing the heat to disperse less quickly. This thermal activity is the best for massage chairs because it retains warmth and penetrates muscles more effectively. Infrared heat will soothe tight muscles and help manage pain or discomfort associated with arthritis, tendonitis, or muscle spasms.
Body scanning is an advanced technology found on mid-range to high-end massage chairs. This feature prompts the massage chair before beginning the massage to examine the curves of your body. Massage chairs will vary in body scanning capabilities, but ultimately this technology will elevate the human-like massage feeling. Many massage chairs with body scans can determine your shoulder position and the length of your torso and examine the contours of the back to deliver a customized massage designed to feel like a massage by a professional. The OHCO M.DX is a Japanese massage chair that features body scanning technology. This chair will deliver a unique experience with an intuitive and life-like massage. The chair takes a full-body analysis before beginning your session to “get to know you” and provide a custom massage specific to your unique body shape and individual needs.
The Zero-G function was introduced in modern furniture products to emulate sensations as if there was no gravity, like astronauts floating in space. Hence the name Zero-Gravity. As you begin your massage with the OHCO R6, you will be smoothly tilted back with the Automatic Recline and Zero-G feature. Leaning back will evenly distribute your body weight to relieve pressure as if you were floating.
Zero-Gravity recline will gently decompress the spine, boost circulation, and increase lung capacity for better breathing.
The body stretching feature is like getting a chiropractic adjustment from your massage chair. Though this is not necessarily a type of massage but an addition to the massage, it can provide benefits similar to compression therapy. Stretching will strengthen the muscles, help you be more flexible, and improve mobility. Being strong and flexible will make your body less prone to injury, pain, or discomfort. If the stretching feature intrigues you, keep your eyes out for a massage chair like the Brio+ with focused pre-programmed “Relax,” “Meditate,” and “Stretch” massage sessions. Our most loved, the M.8 massage chair, also offers a “Stretch” routine. OHCO massage chairs offer stretch techniques choreographed by Shiatsu master Akira Okabayashi. Sit back and let the chair do the work. Enjoy a heated massage while elongating your muscles, and be stretched in ways you never thought a massage chair could.
Modern massage chairs are built with technology to analyze your contours and get to know your body type for a personalized massage where you can also control the intensity. Many chairs will mimic a massage by a professional, and some say their massage chair can perform even better.
Also known as percussive massage, tapping uses the rollers or airbags to tap out muscle stiffness and break up scar tissue. This type of massage is ideal for surgery recovery and healing.
The rolling technique is similar to the benefits of a foam roller used before or after exercising. Rolling on the muscles in your back will warm up and loosen them to relieve pain or stiffness. It can also assist with a myofascial release which can cause muscle tightness, pain, or spasms. Upwards rolling can decompress the spine by gently loosening muscles to enable a release of pressure between the discs. A massage chair performs this method with massage rollers moving up and down along the spine like a rolling pin.
Kneading is perhaps the crowd favorite of the more basic massage techniques. Relying on a series of lift and stretch motions to release tension in the neck, back, and shoulders, kneading is one of the most soothing methods compared to tapping or rolling. Some massage chairs will offer kneading with massage rollers through the legs and feet.
One of the most common massage types found on massage chairs, Shiatsu is a Japanese style of massage that targets specific points on the body, often referred to as acupressure points. Shiatsu meaning “finger pressure,” uses rocking, rotation, stretching and targeted pressure combined into one technique, also known as acupressure massage. Shiatsu given by a massage chair will deliver direct and firm pressing with rollers on your precise shiatsu points throughout the body. No need to worry about too much intensity. Many massage chairs have variable pressure settings. Shiatsu is an esteemed therapy method excellent for the mind and body and can help manage pain associated with arthritis, joint problems, sciatica, and chronic neck or back pains.
The Swedish technique consists of long swirling massage motions to release muscle tension in all directions while melting away stress and improving circulation. Swedish massage can help to alleviate symptoms of anxiety or depression and even headaches. Though most massage chairs are not equipped with the Swedish massage option, the Panasonic MAJ7 is complete with this technique. The intensity is customizable and can be adjusted from gentle to firm. The Brio Sport offers deep tissue massage similar to Swedish but is essentially an intense version of the usually gentle Swedish style massage.
Now that you are one step closer to being a massage chair expert, it is time for you to come down and try out these techniques and features for yourself at your local Mattress World Northwest showroom, brought to you by Furniture for Life, or browse the selection in our online shop. If budget is a strong consideration, not to worry as there are low- to no-interest financing options available. You can even get pre-approved on our website. And rest assured, knowing all massage chairs have an industry-leading warranty and service options to go with it. Don’t hesitate to come in and pamper yourself with a relaxing massage to help you discover which will be the best fitting massage chair, depending on your needs. Let your massage chair dreams become a reality by trying, seeing, and believing that massage therapy can help change your life with a massage chair in your home.
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While you can't go wrong with any of our mattresses, here are a few factors you'll want to consider before making a purchase: your sleep position (and if you have a partner, theirs as well), the size of the space, and a price point. If you have any questions, rest easy knowing that our team is happy to help you find that perfect fit.
| Size | Dimensions |
|---|---|
| Twin | 38″ wide x 75″ long x 9.25″ tall |
| Twin XL | 38″ wide x 80″ long x 9.25″ tall |
| Full | 54″ wide x 75″ long x 9.25″ tall |
| Queen | 60″ wide x 80″ long x 9.25″ tall |
| King | 76″ wide x 80″ long x 9.25″ tall |
| Cal King | 72″ wide x 84″ long x 9.25″ tall |
| Split King (2pk) | 38″ wide x 80″ long x 9.25″ tall |
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