We have put together this massage chair buyers guide to help you effectively research a robotic massage chair for you. The technology is always changing. New and exciting features continue to be added. There are many choices to make in finding the right massage recliner for your needs. You will also want to consider who else may use the massage chair on a regular basis. Here are some of the important things to keep in mind when researching massage chairs.
Research Massage Chairs: The internet allows you to research massage chairs fairly quickly and conveniently. You can find product review sites or massage chair reviews. Check out the main manufacturers or brands. There are many resellers, but few actual manufacturers. Find the few top brands that are of interest to you and then go to the manufacturer website or call them. Most manufacturers do not sell direct, but they will answer your questions. Request literature and find their specifications and features list. Call some of the brick and mortar retailers or internet retailers and ask them their opinions. Ask your friends or any you know who has a massage chair about their experience.
Buy for the Long Term: Are you looking to get into a massage chair to relieve one symptom you have now? Maybe you want an entry level massage chair that is simple to use and lower in price. Or are you looking for a longer-term solution? You can expect long term performance and many advantageous features with high end loungers. Low end massage chairs have shorter warranties and are built with lower lasting components. High end massage chairs have longer warranties, more features and are built with higher quality components.
treatments. There are chairs with shiatsu, Swedish, deep tissue, sports therapy, Hawaiian and more. It helps to know a little about the more important techniques like shiatsu, Swedish and deep tissue. Each treatment has a particular focus. There are also manual massage techniques. These include kneading, chopping, percussion, tapping, finger press and others. It is good to try different chairs because the same massage technique may be implemented differently.
massage techniques are right for you? What results or benefits do you want from a massage chair? Do you have problems areas? Talk with your medical professional or chiropractor about massage chairs. Do you want a reflexology foot massage? Do you want lower body massage capability? You will want to find a chair that fits best your needs and others who may use it frequently.
Therapeutic Features of Massage Chairs: Massage recliners now come with a variety of therapeutic features. Of course, they have a range of different massage treatments. Massage treatments consist of automatic massages, manual massage techniques and massage courses. You can also get a variety of other features such as stretching, heaters, music players and even foot reflexology massage.
Powered or Manual Recline: Another important consideration is whether you want the chair to be powered or manual. A powered lounger comes with motorized recline. The manual recline is operated with a hydraulic cylinder and also levers. Generally, the more expensive chairs will have power and the less expensive chairs will have manual levers.
Upholstery Options: You get a variety of different upholstery options with massage chairs. You can find recliners with leather, faux suede and synthetic leather. Leather is a bit higher maintenance but is very wear resistant. Its use is limited because it does not hold up well to heat. Massage chairs with heating elements must use alternative materials. Synthetic leather has improved dramatically over the years. It is easy to clean up and comes in a variety of very soft and wear resistant materials. Faux suede offers a variety of fashionable colors. Its only drawback is keeping it clean.
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 Support & Warranty Coverage: Warranty coverage is about parts, labor, shipping and in-home service. Some manufacturers cover only the main mechanical or electrical parts. Most do not cover the upholstery or accessories. Labor may be included, but may only apply to labor at the manufacturer and not include in home technician service. Shipping parts or the chair for that matter is sometimes covered during the warranty period. If parts or your chair needs to be shipped, you want to know who covers it. In home technician service is a value added service. The major brands will offer it which gives you much more peace of mind. Get the peace of mind of in-home technician service. Make sure you get this as having to have to move your massage chair and take it to a service center can be a real pain.
Shipping Options: Find out if your retailer offers free shipping. Also check that it includes where you live. Some regions like Alaska and Hawaii may be excluded, or at supplemental charges. If you are in a metro area, most likely you can get shipping included. Do you need help unpacking and setting up your massage chair? They weigh 100 to 250 lbs. You can usually get White Glove Delivery which is a two person delivery. They bring in the chair, unpack it and set it up. They will bring it in to the location of your choice and locate the chair. They also will take away the packaging material. Someone needs to be at home for delivery as a signature is required by all shipping carriers.
Try Out Massage Chairs: Many malls have stores that carry massage chairs. Go and try them. You can also go to home shows or county fairs which may have some massage chairs as well. You will want to sit in them and see how they feel for you. While you are trying them, check out their prices, delivery and tax. Most store malls will carry slightly different models than what you find on the internet. Remember that a store has to cover more overhead than an internet site, so they will generally be more expensive at the mall. However, you will at least get to try it before you buy it.
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.
Decide On Your Massage Chair: at this point, you have evaluated and assessed both your needs and the models of chairs that interest you. You have to narrow down your list and make your choice. You may want to shop around to find the best deal. Your local retailer may provide free delivery but must charge you state sales tax. An Internet dealer may provide the same model and offer free shipping and no state sales tax. It is important to call Internet dealers as many are not able to advertise below certain levels. However, they may cut you a deal on the side.
Peruse the Massage Chair 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 can last you for many years. It will provide you with reliable massage therapy for a variety of different issues. Make sure you take your time to find a recliner that best fits the needs of you and others. Make sure you evaluate the different warranties, features and other aspects of the chair. You should shop around and find the best deal for your favorite model. |