If you have looked at recliners lately, there is a new term which is being marketed. It is called the zero gravity recliner. Companies such as Sanyo have now come out with their own model of zero gravity recliners. The Sanyo RX-1 is the first attempt at a powered zero gravity recliner.

NASA discovered what is now become the zero gravity position. While conducting research on the best position for astronauts to be launched into space, NASA found the zero gravity position to be best. The idea behind this position is to better distribute the weight of the astronaut across the entire surface of their back. Before discovering this position, they tended to concentrate more pressure on the spine leading to greater fatigue.

The Sanyo zero gravity recliner comes with a built in remote control. The remote control is located just under the armrest. It has a slide mechanism which allows it to be tucked away when not in use.

Sanyo has equipped the RX1 with a remote control. The remote is built-in to the armrest and can be slid out when needed. The remote allows you to adjust the chair back or the leg rest to enable it to be comfortable for you.

The look of the chair is rather industrial. It does not seem to be very refined and looks a bit mundane and boring. I was hoping for more of an eye-catching design for the money. One part of design that seemed overlooked was exposing the metal frame below the side panels. This just seems to be an oversight on the part of Sanyo.

There is a zero gravity button which can be activated from the remote control. This automatically takes the user to a predetermined zero gravity position. Unfortunately, this position was not very comfortable and I found myself having to adjust the chair manually to find a better position for myself.

This Sanyo recliner comes with an air massage system. The air massage system has seven airbags located throughout the chair. An air pump distributes air via solenoid valves to the different airbags to provide a compression massage.

This recliner has two automatic air massage programs. One is gentler and the other is firmer. Each program can be activated by pushing the button for that particular program. This is an easy way to get an air massage.

This relaxation recliner is covered in leather upholstery. In addition to adjusting the chair back and the leg rest, there are also other adjustments for the head and neck. A pillow is provided to support the neck. The top of the chair has a headrest which can be angled outward to better support the head.

This chair comes with an automatic zero gravity position. However, it seemed that the position was not very comfortable for me. My knees seem to be bent at a strange angle which did not appeal to me.

I was excited to try the zero gravity position of the Sanyo recliner. I hit the Zero G Button and let the chair automatically go to its pre-set position. Upon arrival at the Sanyo zero gravity position, I did not find it comfortable with my knees bent the way they were. Instead, I adjusted the chair manually to a more comfortable position.

The remote control has a reset button called home. When this feature is activated, it will reset the chair to its full upright position. In other words, it'll lower the leg rest and it will raise the chair back all the way back upright.

I was a little bit disappointed with the Sanyo RX-1 relaxation recliner. It certainly is not a cheap recliner and for the price I felt that some aspects of the design were not well thought out. Exposing the metal frame underneath the side panel is a little strange at best. The preprogrammed zero gravity position was not very comfortable and that is the whole point of this recliner. I think the Sanyo RX-1 is a good attempt but certainly is too pricey for the types of features it contains.