Meet Alexandra Williams, Founder of Holistic Hyperbarics and Human Touch Wellness Council member.
Guest post from our friends at Massagers-And-More!
Are you interested in buying a massage chair, but confused silly with all the different options out there? Not to worry, I was in your shoes about a year ago. With not enough resources and information, I’d find myself tirelessly scavenging the net comparing one chair to another. Safe to say that all paid off!
Since then my fascination for massage chairs has grown tremendously. I’ve written detailed reviews on 30 odd chairs, and continue to do so as new chairs get released.
The below 6 considerations are what I personally used/followed when I purchased my massage chair. Whenever friends or family ask me “what to look for when buying a massage chair,” these are the points I recommend.
Even though some items on this list may seem subjective, it’s worth paying attention to. Without further ado!
What To Look for When Buying a Massage Chair
#1 Price $$$$$!
Massage chairs aren’t exactly cheap, and even the cheapest of chairs will run you a solid $400-500 easy. The higher end chairs can go up to the $10K mark!
With these kinds of prices, you definitely need to know how to buy a massage chair.
And if you haven’t purchased a chair before or even know what features to look for, you can spend a lot of money on a chair that you don’t really need.
Which is why it’s so important to get a handle on budget!
You must ask yourself the following questions specifically:
- How much am I willing to spend in total? Total means everything i.e., shipping, install fees, taxes etc.
- How do I wish to pay? Typically, you can either finance the chair (most places offer 0% interest) over a period of several months, or you can pay the entire amount in one shot.
It’s important that you have a clear understanding of this before even looking at anything else. If you’re having difficulty coming up with a budget, just remember there’s no right or wrong answer. It’s about what you’re most comfortable spending.
If you’re okay spending $3K, fine. If you’re okay spending $6K, awesome. If you’re okay spending $500, swell!
If you have your budget nailed down, that’s it. Many people tend to budge from their set budget. Don’t be one of those people! Set yourself a budget!
But also, be realistic with what your budget will get you.
A $500 chair is going to have the most basic features. You’ll definitely still have a chair that gives you a nice massage, but don’t expect the same features in a $500 chair you’d find in a $3,000 chair. It's just not going to happen.
Set yourself a budget and tame those expectations if your budget is low.
What Do You Get When You Pay for a High-end Massage Chair?
High-end chairs fall within the $2,500 - $4,000 range, and when you sit in one of the more expensive chairs, you really notice the difference of:
- Smoother massage
- Additional massage functions
- Advanced roller systems
You really need to know what to look for in a massage chair when focusing on the high-end market because they have a ton of additional features, such as lumbar heating, massage programs, leg and foot massage and so much more.
And you’ll find a lot of different roller systems, too.
#2 Roller System: 2D, 3D, or 4D?
Once you’ve determined your budget, next step is to decide on a roller system. As of 2022, there are 3 types of roller technologies to choose from:
2D Rollers
2D rollers are the oldest technology you can find on a massage chair. They move in 2 dimensions i.e., up and down along the length of the back, and side to side across the width of the back.
3D Rollers
Basically, a step up from 2D rollers. In addition to the horizontal and vertical movements, 3D rollers can also protrude in/out. This additional dimension makes 3D rollers capable of performing deep tissue massage.
4D Rollers
The most technologically advanced roller system you can find on a massage chair. 4D rollers are the exact same as 3D, but with one major difference: roller speed control is automatic in a 4D system. In a 3D system, roller speed is something you must manually adjust.
So, does that mean you should only buy a chair with 4D rollers?
Absolutely not! 4D is the best money can buy, no question, but 3D and 2D chairs are not far behind. What’s more is the incredible industry experience around 2D rollers. Because 2D technology has been around for decades, massage chair manufacturers truly understand how to get the most out of this technology.
What’s the catch?
It’s simple. It all boils down to intensity. If you’re specifically looking for a chair capable of massaging at high intensities, consider a 3D or 4D chair. If intensity isn’t a concern for you, pick a 2D chair!
Human Touch Super Novo: Our first 4D chair. The Super Novo offers 3D and 4D massage, fingertip controls, virtual therapist, S- and L-track massage and much more!
Want to learn more about rollers and what you can expect from them? Be sure to read through our in-depth guide on 2D vs 3D vs 4D rollers.
#3 Roller Track
In point #2 we discussed the different roller technologies, that’s only one half of the equation. The other half has to do with roller track. What is roller track anyways?
Roller track talks about the distance a set of rollers will follow.
For example, there are some massage chairs with rollers that can only travel from neck to tailbone (30-32’’), and then there are other chairs whose rollers can travel all the way to the hamstrings (47-52’’).
The longer the track, the better the massage!
If you’re able to afford it, I recommend you always go for a chair with an extended roller track. The extra roller coverage makes a world of difference when it comes to massaging the glutes and hamstrings.
Human Touch iJoy Total Massage: A perfect option for anyone in the under $1,000 massage chair range!
#4 User Flexibility
This is something that often gets overlooked. If people paid more attention to this one thing, they’d end up saving so much time and money!
User flexibility is about how well a massage chair can accommodate users with varying heights and weights.
If you’re buying online, this becomes especially important to consider. If you’re buying offline, it’s still important, but not as much because you would have sat and tried the chair out.
No 2 chairs are the same!
And as such user flexibility can tend to vary from one chair to another. For example, chair X may be designed to fit in small, tight spaces, so as a result, it can only accommodate a height range of 5’0-6’0 ft. Chair Y on the other hand is designed to fit taller folks and has a height range of 5’2-6’4 ft. The same thing applies for weight.
Remember to check the height and weight limits before you buy!
The Novo XT2 is an example of a massage chair that has incredible user flexibility!
#5 Number Of Auto Modes!
Auto modes are preset or preprogrammed massage routines. They’re incredibly important for a few reasons:
- Auto modes take away the guesswork from the user. In other words, the user doesn’t have to mess around with manual settings trying to figure out the optimum parameters for massage.
- They keep things fresh. This is especially true for chairs that have 10+ auto modes! Because you have so many choices, massage is never repetitive and boring.
Most massage chairs generally tend to have on average 5 auto modes. Some of the better ones have 7-10, and some of the high-end ones have 30+!
#6 Massage Technology Other Than Rollers
The main roller system is arguably the most critical component to a massage chair, but it doesn't end there. There are several other components that also play a role in determining how good/bad a chair is. These are the airbags, calf rollers, and foot rollers.
Why are each of these components important?
Airbags and calf/foot rollers are important for 2 reasons:
- They provide a massage technique different from the main roller system. For example, airbags inflate with air to provide a compression style massage.
- They provide a massage to areas of the body where the main roller system can't reach. For example, the feet is one area where the main back rollers cannot reach.
That being said, one should always consider:
- The number of airbags in a chair before buying. Look for a good spread across the chair!
- The presence of calf and foot rollers. Foot rollers are a must have as far as I'm concerned. Calf rollers on the other hand is a feature you won't find in most massage chairs. After a long day, foot massages are pure bliss.
You'll also want to consider the reputation of the seller. Are they a good company that backs their product with a warranty? Is it easy to get a hold of customer support if you need help with anything?
You may never need to use your warranty or reach out to support. However, if you do have an issue with your product, you’ll be happy you researched the company to see how responsive and helpful they are.
Now that you know how to choose a massage chair, the next part is narrowing down the options in your budget range. Human Touch offers a wide range of options that will fit into every realistic price range.
We hope you enjoyed this guest post from our friends at Massagers-And-More!
Lets start out with the chair: it is very solidly built and easy to use. It takes up about the same space as my old recliner. The automatic adjustment (with manual controls too) for shoulder height makes the chair fit my 5' tall wife and my 6'3" height too. In the automatic modes the chair self-adjusts for height (in manual mode you set height yourself). We both use the chair for 20 minutes in the morning and evening.
Why did we get the chair? My wife has sciatica. I have had chronic pain for over 20 years. Initially just hand pain, but in the last 7 years in all joints (osteoarthritis, most noticeable in my ankles, knees, hips, hands, and back). In the past year or so I have also developed some numbness in my feet. My doctors had me take Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs for years, which helped but, I ended up with a bleeding ulcer 4 years ago. Since then I've been taking prescription pain relievers to keep pain levels low enough to allow me to work, and to be able to sleep. I kept up exercise, but over time that too suffered.
Last month my wife and I basically just stumbled on a demo of the [Novo] XT2 at Costco . After a short demo my back pain was reduced, and her sciatica noticeably better. So we ordered it. We figured if all it did was help her sciatica that would be well worth it. The chair arrived (white glove service is great) and we set about understanding how to use it for our best results.
It took about 10 days to figure out what worked best for us, and then things just started getting better. My wife's sciatica pain is largely gone. The pain in my ankles, hips, and back are much better, also almost gone. I am now pain medication free for the first time in years. In fact yesterday I was able to mow my yards for the first time in years without suffering hours of pain.
I think the proper ending for my review is to say ... thank you, Thank You, THANK YOU Human Touch.
- Charles W.
We were pleased to recently receive this customer feedback about one of our Costco Roadshow representatives, and wanted to share his story with you here. Our Costco reps are truly an amazing group of individuals, and an asset to our team here at Human Touch! To learn more about our Costco events, please click here.
To Whom It May Concern,
I have been off work for both my mental and physical health since Jan 23, 2019. I have lived with Bipolar Disorder and Anxiety for twenty years. A recent traumatic experience at work exacerbated both conditions and caused me to seek treatment in a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) starting in late February. Concurrently, I have been focused on caring for my physical health by participating in three physical therapy sessions and two separate sessions with a personal trainer each week. My work related injuries are associated with my right glute, lower and middle back, shoulders, neck and left bicep.
I began physical therapy in February and the initial assessment caused the pain to spread. I had several episodes of bursting into tears during therapy and even forbid the physical therapist from touching me on one day for fear he would cause more pain. My workers comp rep assigned a nurse to work with me to find a new place for treatment.
I was not in a good place mentally or physically when I walked into Costco last Friday. On my walk to the register, I saw the display with your chairs. The salesperson greeted me warmly and set me up in a chair. I didn’t tell her about any of my problems because I was scared she wouldn’t let me try the chair. After the five minute program, she allowed me to try another sequence. I thanked her, grabbed my other purchases and headed for the register. She called after me to let me know that the display would be here all week and I could come back any time.
I went back to Costco six of the next eight days. Angela was there every day and she always seemed excited to see me. I opened up to her about my mental health issues first. She shared that several people in her life had dealt with mental health struggles. That disclosure made me feel like less of a freak and allowed me to trust her. She programmed a thirty minute session for me that day and every day after.
Since the chairs were located next to an area that was under construction, not many people stopped by. This led to Angela being able to provide a listening ear during most of my time spent in your chairs. I shared about my struggles in the PHP and PT programs.
I spent time in all your chairs. My favorite was the one Angela refers to as "The Lexus." I found my experience to be restorative on so many levels. The zero gravity eased my back pain. The foot/calf massage left me feeling fully relaxed. Angela ensured my glutes, shoulders and biceps received treatment daily as well.
I was so touched by Angela’s willingness to help me any way she could. When I told her I performed direct care for the disabled and was making even less now because I was receiving workers comp, she continued to treat me like her best customer.
The sessions in the chair helped my body heal enough to approach physical therapy with a new physical therapist. Christine was very gentle with me and we developed a bond as well. I saw her three times a week for six weeks. At the same time, the YMCA provided a personal trainer, Tanner, for me two times a week. She made me work so hard.
Last week I received medical clearance to return to work on Monday, April 22, 2019. I’m so excited and I hope you can find out how to get in touch with Angela and let her know. I had to return to work by the end of April or I would have been let go from the organization. I just want to thank her because I know she would be proud of how hard I worked to get back to the job I love.
I needed the support of "The Lexus" and your employee to return to work. Thank you providing me with both.
Sincerely,
Dave S.
Well race season is wrapping up and it’s time to review the inner workings of each race and the mechanics of the racecar. But just as important are reviewing films and contracts, team recovery and racecar rebuilding. Not only is the racecar rebuilt but the entire crew needs to take time to rest, refresh and reenergize. It’s during off season that I spend my mornings in the shop, and then head to the office.
In my office I have the iJOY® Massage Chair 2.1 by Human Touch®, and that is where I spend most of my time. This chair is stylish, comfortable and perfect for any space of any size. It is not unusual to see car parts around my office, limiting the amount of room space, plus we also use my office for crew meetings. There is not much room and for that reason the iJOY chair is the perfect size. The iJOY is a smaller portable size massage chair, so it is ideal for my office. The funniest thing about my massage chair is it is NEVER EMPTY! It is not unusual to see my crew fighting over who gets to sit in it.
After getting some heavy work done in the shop, it is nice to have a chair where I can enjoy the benefits of massage. This chair uses long strokes, kneading, compression, vibration and tapping to help relax and energize me while I review race films, post to social media and answer emails. The positive effects of the iJOY massage chair are that it reduces my stress level, back pain and muscle tension.
Outside of the massage effects, the iJOY chair is a comfortable chair. It provides a great place to just sit and relax. I can be found watching TV in it after my workday has ended. The chair has convenient side zippered pockets where I keep the chair remote, tissues and my TV remote. It truly is the perfect chair to unwind.
I have Osteoarthritis in my spine, hips, knees, and ankles. I have had a spinal fusion (ACDF) of C3-C7 in my cervical spine. I am in constant pain in my neck, upper and lower back. I also have pain and muscle spasms in my shoulders and between my shoulder blades. Also, pain in my knees and ankles from the degeneration from osteoarthritis. Very few things decrease that pain. Norco and muscle relaxers help when it’s at its worst, but I don’t take either regularly. I just choose to deal with chronic pain.
I bought an $11,000 adjustable Tempur-Pedic bed and pillow. This bed took 50% of my pain away when laying in it, which is the best I’ve had since the chronic pain started.
Until...I decided to take the plunge and buy the Perfect Chair PC-LiVE. This chair is now my go-to for pain relief! It takes 75% of my pain away, more than even the medication! When I’m sitting in the chair, my pain melts away. As soon as I get up, it returns, but anyone with chronic pain will know that getting relief for even a temporary period of time, IS WORTH ITS WEIGHT IN GOLD!
With my old recliner I had a neck pillow, lumbar support pillow, a sciatic pillow to sit on, and a heating pad and I was still in pain. With the Perfect Chair, the neck support pillow takes the place of my other neck pillow, the lumbar support works better than the half dome pillow I had, the fluid-filled seat doesn’t need a sciatic pillow, and the jade heat stones work better than the heating pad. Also, the memory foam seating is like sitting on a cloud. It really is a chair that covers EVERY pain issue!
The zero gravity position is awesome. I can fall asleep in that position with no medication, which says a lot. The other great thing about this chair is that the position I sit in to watch TV or read is just as comfortable. I honestly wonder if it’s magic.
I have no complaints about this chair. Not even the price. The leather is premium and in my opinion, nothing is better than sitting in a chair with that amazing smell of high quality leather surrounding you. It is very easy to use, and I appreciate the 5-year full-coverage warranty! Is it an expensive chair? Yes. Is it worth it and more? YES!
I honestly thought that my Tempur-Pedic bed was the best out there to help with my pain, and it is awesome and worth the money, but this chair exceeds it. If I had to choose one, I would pick this chair. I’m blessed to have the best of both worlds with the dream bed and the dream chair. I foresee a lot less pain medication in my future!
If I could kiss the creator of this chair, I would.
-Sheri Zwaanstra
Human Touch was recently able to donate a massage chair to Peyton White, who lives in Texas. Peyton and his mother, Lynne, plan to conduct a study to determine the effects that a massage chair will have on Peyton’s Autism, including regular updates from Peyton where he will discuss the results from his perspective. We are excited to follow along with Peyton on his journey, and invite you to join us with his updates as well! Here is an excerpt from Peyton’s latest post:
A couple weeks ago, I got a new Human Touch massage chair. It helps me reduce anxiety, get rid of muscle soreness and have better sleep at night. When I sleep better, it helps me with my autism, as I don’t stress as much. When I do stress, I sit in the chair, and it helps me calm down. I use the massage chair about 2 or 3 times a day. My favorite parts of the massage chair are using foot and calf and rolling and kneading which really makes me relax to help me become confident. While I’m sitting and relaxing on the massage chair, I can study my notes when I’m worried about a quiz or test so that I’ll do better at it. Whenever I’m stressed or need a better sleep, I sit on the massage chair for 15-25 minutes. I just wanted to tell you how awesome and comfortable my chair is and how much it is already helping me.
Read Peyton’s Full Blog Post Here.
We’re pleased to share this post from Peyton White, who is conducting a research study on the effects that his Human Touch massage chair has on his Autism. This original post can be found on his blog here. Being Autistic sometimes I have trouble sleeping, and that isn’t good. The Reason why sleeping is important is because it helps you be healthier and increase your brain function to positively think and learn. It also helps prevent heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. When having little sleep, people feel less positive and can have a rough day at school or work. Having 2 or 3 hours of sleep is never a good thing to do at night, especially when you have to focus. When having too much sleep, it can also increase the risk of having heart disease, stroke, diabetes and high blood pressure. Having proper sleep actually helps people do well in sports, quizzes, math and music and more. A short period of sleeping is called a nap, many people take something called a “power nap” during the day. Naps also help people become healthy and increase their brain function. The difference between sleep and nap are that sleep is for nighttime and people usually spend 8-11 hours of sleeping and nap is usually for daytime and people spend at least 30-90 minutes of napping. Why am I telling you all of this? Because sleep is very important for me, so I can focus better. When I focus, I learn better and have fewer meltdowns. Every day and night, I sit in my massage chair to help me calm down, it helps me have good sleep at night and do well on my schoolwork. I did very well on my final quizzes after I sat in my massage chair and studied my notes before I took my final tests. When I relax I make better eye contact, speak well and become more aware, as well as get a good night’s sleep. Before I go to bed, I watch something on TV in the media room and sit in my massage chair to relax. I turn on the programs and sometimes have the lights off a bit, turn on the massage chair and relax. This helps me get ready for bed and allows me to sleep sound. I love having this massage chair as it is helping me in so many ways.
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