Massage Chair Buying Guide

Here are some helpful tips on researching and finding the best massage chair for your requirements. There are so many choices and many features to choose from. Many massaging recliners have advanced technology and provide you with state of the art luxury. You have to find out what features can best benefit you. Also consider other users of the chair. Here are some things to consider is your search for the right recliner.

Research the Market: As a consumer, you have a wide selection of choices. The Internet makes it convenient to do your primary research. You should start with the main manufacturers and check out their models in your price range. Most manufacturers will not sell direct, but they will answer your questions. Request literature and understand the features of each recliner. Another good place to check is massage chair review sites. These sites offer you product reviews about the different models which are helpful. You can see which ones are the most effective. Internet retailers are also very helpful and are experts in the different brands. Retailers tend to have fewer brands but offer the advantage of being able to try them out.

Long Term Purchase: A massage chair is a sizable investment. You should look at the longer-term needs of you and your family when considering different models. Entry-level models have fewer features and shorter warranties. Luxury models have longer warranties and many more features. It is important to evaluate the length of time that you would like your massage chair to be providing you regular massage treatments.

Massage Treatments: Some people get regular massage treatments and are very familiar with the different types of massage techniques. Massage chairs continue to add and replicate these techniques from around the world. You can now find treatments such as shiatsu, acupressure, Swedish, deep tissue, Hawaiian and even sports therapy. Manufacturers also have manual massage techniques as well as automatic programs. Some massage chairs allow you to set the massage to only cover a specific area. This makes it easy to target trouble spots.

Assess Your Needs: One of the important considerations is your needs. Do you currently have any back problems? Are there areas that you would want to avoid when massaging? What benefits or results are you looking for from having a massage chair? These are just a few of the questions you need to ask to determine your needs. Also, don't just look at your current needs but also look at future needs. Maybe you have occasional discomfort in your shoulder or neck. There are many recliners that have excellent massages for this area. This will help you determine which chair will best fit your needs.

Massage Chair Features: Massage chairs now come with a variety of different features. You can find features such as stress sensors. There are massage chairs that have stretching systems. What types of massage techniques would you like to have? Do you want your chair to be powered or use manual levers? There are a number of trade-offs in determining which is the best recliner for your needs.

Manual or Power Assisted Recline: These days most massage chairs over $2,000 are powered in lowering the chair back and raising the footrest. Manual levers use a hydraulic cylinder. The hydraulic cylinder will raise the footrest or chair back. The user has to lower the footrest and push down to lower the chair back. Most entry level massage recliners have manual controls. Higher end chairs have power assisted recline with a motor for chair back and a motor for the footrest. These operate with a one-touch control from the remote control for convenience.

Upholstery for Massage Chairs: You can buy massage chairs in synthetic leather, leather and also faux suede. Each material offers different advantages and disadvantages. Leather has traditionally been used in recliners because of its wear resistance. However, it does require more maintenance and cannot be used with heating systems. Synthetic leather or PVC leather has become quite good and offers many advantages over traditional leather. Suede offers a variety of fashionable colors but is more problematic when cleaning up.

Location of Your Massage Recliner: Determining the location of your recliner is important. Remember that this recliner will lay almost flat. This means that the chair back will be horizontal and the leg rest as well. So massage chairs can take up to 6 to 8 feet when fully reclined. Make sure you have enough room to recline it in the area you would like to put it. Also consider the design of the chair and the decor of your room.

Customer Service & Warranty Coverage: Check the warranties of manufacturers that you like. How long is the coverage? Companies like Sanyo and Panasonic only have a 1 year warranty. Others like Omega may have 3-5 year warranties (at no additional cost). Also, what type of service will they provide if you have a problem? Some manufacturers offer in home service. This avoids having to ship your massage chair or take it to an authorized service center. Others require you to bring your massage chair to an authorized service center. Keep in mind that massage chairs weigh 100lbs to 200 lbs. Packaging and shipping is expensive. Check the warranty before you buy!

Options for Shipping: There are a variety of different shipping options available. The standard options are curbside, threshold and White glove delivery. Curbside will bring the box to your door. Threshold will bring the box just inside your door. White glove delivery is a two-man delivery. They will bring the box into your home, unpack it and set up the massage chair where you want it. They will attach the accessories and then remove all the packaging at the end. Check around to see which shipping option is best for you. Also, many dealers will offer free shipping and sometimes even free White glove.

Try Some Massage Chairs: One of the fun experiences of this purchasing process is to go out and try some chairs. This gives you an opportunity to feel the different massage techniques. Some massage chairs are stronger than others. This can be an important factor over the long term as you build up resistance to softer massages. There are a variety of different features and models to try from. Check out an entry-level massage chair versus a luxury model to understand some of the main differences.

Evaluate the Information:  Here you have to step back and assess all the information. Who are the different users and what are their needs? What are some of your favorite chairs and how best do they fit what you would like? Did you get to try the chairs or not? Another way to try a chair is with a 30 day trial offer. Many Internet dealers offer a 30 day trial. The only caveat is that there may be shipping expenses involved. Check with a few different dealers.

Make Your Decision: Which massage chair did you choose? Where do you want to buy it from? Did you shop around? What kind of shipping option do you want? Check around and see what makes sense for you. Make sure you include any significant other in the decision process. Once you know what you want find the best deal. You may be surprised at the deal you can get.

Peruse the User Manual:  When you receive your massage chair, it is important that you review the user manual. This will show you important safety precautions about using your new recliner. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the remote control and its various features. There are many important tips included in the manual that will help you get the benefits much more quickly.

Use Your Chair Properly: The proper use of your chair will provide you with the most effective massage treatments. Most people just want to start the massage. However, it is best to adjust the massage chair so that you are comfortable in it. You can recline the chair back. You should raise the leg rest and extend the leg rest or pivot the foot portion to be comfortable. Getting comfortable is the first step. Once you are comfy, then start the massage therapy.

A massage recliner is an investment in your health and well-being. A massage chair may be essential for those with certain health conditions. Or you may just want regular massage treatments on demand. Finding the perfect massage recliner for you will give you years of relief and relaxation. Massage chairs are great to use in your health and relaxation programs.