Salient Features of Massage Chairs

There are many things to think about when looking for a massage chair. Like most things, start with the basics. There are alternative technologies in each area of the massage recliner. You want to find the right features for your long term needs. Do you want power recline? Do you prefer compression type massage vs. mechanical kneading? To help understand some basic options, I have put together a few of the important features to think about.

Full Back Massage: The back has always been the most important aspect of a massage chair.Massage chairs really started with the back massage. The most common technology for the back is a mechanical roller system. These are more costly but also the most effective. Roller systems use side to side movements for kneading and up and down movements for tapping. The quality of the motors is key and whether the design is one or two motors. One motor may drive both the kneading and tapping. Or for the most power and reliability a motor is used for kneading and one for tapping.

Reclining the Chair: All massage chair are built to to recline. Reclining the chair allows you to better relax and is another way to strengthen the massage. Your own body weight is used onto the roller mechanism giving you more thorough and deeper penetration. A motor is the most common to recline most massage loungers. However, there is also some piston driven models that are pretty standard. Piston-driven is a manual system. The piston-driven system provides for assist. It will move the chair up when weight is not put on it. Reclining is by use of your body's weight. A lever is used to control the piston.

Buttocks Massage: The seats in massage chairs have a variety of functions. Sometimes the therapies are delivered from the actual seat cushion and other designs from beneath the seat. The main functions include air compression massage, vibration massage and heating elements. Placement of the air bags is key for the comfort of the massage. You want to be wary of where the air bags under the seat are going to massage so there are no surprises. Some chairs have mechanical massage heads beneath the seat which provide invigorating massage to the buttocks.

Leg Massage: Most massage chairs are full body massage chairs. They can massage from head to toe. Many different technologies have been employed to accommodate the many areas to massage. Leg massage is generally done via a mechanical massagers. It employs a squeezing technique. Another method is using an air compressor and delivering air compression massage. Air bags are specifically designed to squeeze, hold and release the larger muscles of the body.

Leg Rest Movement: The leg rest is an important consideration. One can go with the lower end piston driven which provides an assist. Or you can go with a motorized leg rest.If you can afford it, the motorized is the way to go. That way, you can get to the comfortable position quick and easy. A manual movement makes you use a lever which may require you to lift your legs to find the right position.

User Controls: Remote controls are always a touchy subject. Most chairs have a hard wired remote that rests in a remote arm holder. Some models have the remote integrated into the armrest which can be nice. You want to have large buttons for easy access. Some now have wireless sub remotes which can run virtually the whole chair. Higher end models tend to have LCD screens where lower end chairs have just LEDs. Your remote should be simple and easy to use.

Styling: Massage chair manufacturers have been way behind the style curve from the beginning. Most massage chairs can look intimidating, not relaxing. You think you may get strapped in! Plus, where are you going to put this thing. Please do not say garage.If so, then find a design, there are maybe one or two companies conscious of design, but the rest do not care and it shows.

One thing is for sure, the pace of massage chair change is fast and furious. The amount of technology in today's chairs from just 5 short years ago is astounding. The price per feature is falling as more is being added and integrated into these tech marvels. This follows the typical electronics curve as software also is increasing important. When looking for a chair, know the basics of what chairs can do and find what types of needs you have. Always look at your longer term needs and who else may use the massage chair.

Massage Chair Features
Features of Massage Chairs