The best massage chairs: TOP-5

After reading the article, you will learn about the main functions of a massage chair and which one is best to buy for your home.

The massage relieves physical fatigue, reduces joint pain and rebuilds muscles after exercise. Physical relaxation also has a beneficial effect on the emotional state. Therefore, regular massage helps to cope with daily stress and overload, improves sleep quality and mood. When it is difficult to find a couple of hours a day to come to the salon, a massage chair helps out. The best massage chairs for the home mimic the movements of a massage therapist's hands and adapt to your tense areas. Automatic programs, individual settings, touch control and even a built-in stereo system create comfortable conditions for complete relaxation.

The main criteria when choosing a massage chair

Choosing a massage chair begins with setting a goal: relieve fatigue, manage joint pain, or relax your neck and lower back. Different movement mechanisms mimic different massage techniques, from patting to Thai massage, to help boost energy, reduce puffiness, improve joint function and reduce stress.

To understand which massage chair is best, consider the following criteria:

1. Types of exposure.
   The rollers work out the surface of the back and buttocks, imitating hand movements: patting, kneading, circular movements.
   Air compression cushions relax the body and relieve joint pain. It is best when there is a combination of rollers and compression.
2. Impact zones.
   The longer the carriage, the more zones are worked through. The 135 cm carriage massages the entire back surface of the body from the neck to the thighs.
3. 3D or 4D massage technology. Simulates the actions of the hands of a massage therapist with the study of deep muscles.
4. The number of automatic programs.
   The more choice you have, the easier it is for you to find “your” mode for different occasions: fatigue, pain relief, relaxation or good sleep. The very best massage chairs allow you to customize the parameters to achieve the best effect for you.
5. Automatic height adjustment.
   It is important that you sit comfortably in the chair and that the footrest automatically lengthens to accommodate you. This contributes to the correct development of all muscles.

Rating of the best massage chairs

Based on our professional experience, we have compiled a rating of the best massage chairs for the home, which are distinguished by increased comfort and thoughtful design, as well as cope with any task. The selected models belong to the premium segment with a price above 300 thousand rubles.

5th place: Yamaguchi Mercury

Invigorates and relaxes the spine at an affordable price

The massage chair of the Japanese company Yamaguchi relaxes muscles and improves blood circulation in 10 minutes. The main advantage of Yamaguchi is the innovative mechanism of the J-line massage rollers. Four rollers massage the area from the neck to the buttocks, not from the shoulders to the lower back as in the simpler models.

The Mercury massage chair impresses with its functionality and futuristic design. Durable eco-leather withstands 150,000 massage sessions, does not absorb odors and is not afraid of moisture.

Clear program selection

Six automatic programs are suitable for different situations, so you can easily choose the one you want:

• Stretching gently stretches the ligaments of the back, relieving fatigue after a busy day.
• "Recovery" relieves stress after training.
• "Back" and "Lumbar" work purposefully with the selected zones.

Before the session, the chair scans the body to identify the most tense areas and purposefully work out and relax the muscles. The casters are adjustable in width to fully adapt to you.

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Features of the model

One of the technological features of the chair is a twisting massage with air cushions, which is comparable in effect to manual therapy. Eight compression pads are installed for hand massage, which stretch all muscles from the elbow to the fingertips. Two types of rollers work out the foot, relieving all fatigue in a day.

One touch control

A light touch is sufficient to operate the Yamaguchi Mercury chair. On the remote control with touch buttons and a display, the massage program and speed are selected, the music and the timer are turned on. The model is equipped with all the necessary functions, having an ideal price-quality ratio.

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4th place: Ogawa Smart Craft Pro OG 7208

For connoisseurs of acupuncture massage

The "smart" massage chair of the Malaysian company Ogawa combines the practices of oriental medicine and innovative technologies, making it possible to achieve the precision of a professional's hands in the movements of the massage mechanism. 4D massage with heated rollers and intelligent acupuncture point finder are the main advantages of the model. 22 automatic programs and 500 adjustable parameters make it possible to fully customize the chair for yourself.

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Intelligent control

High-speed microprocessor A.R.M provides intelligent control of the mechanism. Sensors scan the body and the system instantly reacts to changes in the state of the muscles, as well as to commands from the remote control. Therefore, the intensity of the massage always matches your condition.

The movements are so elaborated that a full sensation of touching a person's fingers is created. Warming up the rollers further enhances tactile sensations and also improves lymph flow.

Working out the whole body

The SL-shaped carriage follows the curve of the spine and massages the entire back surface from the neck to the thighs. Calf compression massage improves the condition of the veins and relieves joint pain.

4D warm up massage

The heated massage rollers protrude 10 cm and move in three planes, working out the deep muscles. The effect is comparable to a four-hand massage. This technology made it possible to add TUI-NA massage (pressure with one hand on the other) and Swedish massage.

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Acupuncture is the main feature of the chair

Applying the ancient oriental techniques of acupuncture massage, the chair instantly relieves pain and improves well-being, healing the entire body. To correct posture, dual pneumatic cushions fix the shoulders and target the Feng Chi and Xinshu points to relieve headaches and muscle stiffness. Impact on the Xinshu point reduces tension and stress. The acupuncture massage program includes points on the palms, feet and lower back to provide a comprehensive effect on the body.

Nice additions

During the session, you can enjoy your favorite music - the stereo system is built into the body. Just connect your smartphone via Bluetooth to the chair and relax. A joystick and a touch screen are installed to control programs and functions.

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3rd place: Aura Casada

Increases productivity and reduces stress

New for 2019, a premium massage chair that relaxes not only the body, but also the mind. Braintronics' built-in system uses sound to stimulate the brain to reduce stress and burnout. The beneficial effect restores energy in just 21 minutes. All types of massage are installed in the massage chair: vibration, compression, kneading, roller, shiatsu. The Aura armchair pays special attention to the massage of the legs and neck.

How a massage chair relieves stress

Scientists have proven that the impact of chronic stress on the body not only worsens mood and reduces productivity, but also causes cardiovascular disease and reduces immunity.

The Casada company uses the technology of influencing different sound frequencies to the state of the brain. This shifts the brain from a state of arousal (beta waves) to a state of deep meditation (delta waves). This is possible thanks to binaural rhythms - the brain perceives frequencies of different values ​​and begins to function at the frequency of their difference. For example, a signal at 120 Hz is sent to the left ear and 110 Hz to the right. The human ear does not hear the 10 Hz difference, only the brain perceives it and calms down.

To experience this effect, simply put on your headphones and turn on the dedicated Braintronics app. The combination of sound therapy with massage movements leads to complete relaxation of the mind and body, relieves tension, improves concentration and memory. The session lasts 21 minutes, and the effect on the body is equal to 3 hours of sleep.

Accurate determination of body parameters

The chair literally adjusts to you, determining height, neck length and shoulder height. Therefore, massage will be effective for people of any height. Thanks to the long SL carriage, during the massage, the body surface is worked out from the neck to the lower thighs, and the movements of the rollers follow the curve of the spine.

Innovative 4D massage

To work out the deep muscles, Casada has added 4D massage to the chair. The rollers protrude 11 cm and move in three planes, completely imitating manual massage. The rhythm, speed and strength of the impact of the rollers varies depending on the user. Additional heating of the rollers creates the effect of a hot stone massage, deeper affecting the muscles and ligaments to further relax the body. Thanks to 4D technology, sensors detect the main clamps in the neck and work the muscles using five types of massage: stretching, kneading, recovery, shiatsu, or warming up.

Weightlessness

Even without switching on the massage program, you will rest in the Aura chair. The Zero Gravity pose creates a zero gravity effect by maximizing muscle and spine relaxation. It was this posture that was created to preserve the health of astronauts: the legs are fixed at an angle of 135 °, and the angle between the body and the hips is 118 °. The Casada Aura chair is ideal for those who want to restore energy and increase productivity in a short break from a busy schedule.

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2nd place: US Medica Jet

Helps with sore knees

The American company US Medica takes massage chairs to a new level. The Jet Premium model combines increased comfort with high massage efficiency. The built-in LED stereo system relaxes and restores mental balance. Simple joystick control allows you to adjust the position of the legs and back or turn on the warm-up without interrupting the session.

For the first time, the American company US Medica has added a knee massage mode to the Jet massage chair and a backlit stereo system that restores mental balance. 60 air compression lymphatic drainage massage cushions work the body to improve the condition of the skin. Simple joystick control allows you to adjust the position of the legs and back or turn on the warm-up without interrupting the session.

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The US Medica Jet massage chair provides all types of massage: 4D with different rotation speeds, roller and compression lymphatic drainage, and an L-shaped carriage extends from the neck to the buttocks. A whole system of air cushions has been developed to massage the arms and legs: 16 in the area of ​​the feet and 26 in the area of ​​the knees and legs. To work out the curves of the foot, two rows of double grooved massage rollers are installed.

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Convenient selection of programs

38 programs for quick selection are divided by topic. After a busy day, help to relax: "Relax", "Stretching", "SPA" or "Thai". You can end an active workout in the fitness club using the Sport, Fitness or Swedish mode. Before the start of the session, sensors scan the body to identify tense areas, and the rollers adjust to the width of the body.

Taking care of your knees

The main feature of the US Medica Jet chair is air compression massage and knee warming. This mode is ideal for those who are on their feet all day or sit a lot. Squeezing and warming up improves blood flow, increases muscle elasticity and relieves knee fatigue.

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Professional massage

The combination of the movements of the rollers in three planes with different force of pressure and speed of movement creates the effect of manual massage. Additional heating of the rollers increases the efficiency of the procedure. The twisting massage program is based on the method of manual therapy, deeply relaxes and heals the body. Of course, the chair also has a Zero-G zero gravity system for maximum spinal relaxation and massage efficiency.

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1st place: Casada Skyliner 2

For those who often change time zones and suffer from lack of sleep

The leader of our rating is the Casada massage chair, which fully adjusts to you, remembers your favorite programs and is able to relax not only the body, but also relieve stress with the Braintronics system. It is enough to put on headphones and the effect of different sound frequencies will put the brain into a state of deep meditation. In 21 minutes you get the same rest as in three hours of sleep. Therefore, a massage chair with the Braintronics system is ideal for those who suffer from lack of sleep and frequent jet lag. After this meditation and physical relaxation, you are full of energy and can concentrate on difficult tasks.

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Remembers settings

Sometimes you don't want to think once again which program to choose or what settings were last time. For this, the massage chair provides recording of three programs with your preferences and for different users. The chair remembers height, weight, backrest angle, pressure level and other details of the massage, so to start a session, just press one button. The massage will begin even without a body scan.

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All types of massage

3D, stretching, kneading, tapping, shiatsu and manual selection are all included in the Skyliner 2. Intelligent scanning detects body position and size, recognizes tense muscles and automatically sets the massage speed and intensity. During the session, you will be able to adjust the parameters yourself, choosing from five levels. Additional heating of the lumbar zone from 40 ° to 50 ° will help to quickly relieve pain. There is also a Zero-G function to be in a state of zero gravity.

23 automatic programs

The menu is categorized so you can easily select the mode you need at the moment: Stress Relief, Chinese and Thai Massages, Health Charge, Lower Back Care, Stretching, Bedtime, or Post-Sports Recovery. For example, for those who are constantly overwhelmed, the Bedtime mode is suitable. During the session, attention is paid to 12 bioactive points that are responsible for relaxation. Therefore, it is easier to fall asleep after the massage. The Energy Mode with a high-intensity massage will wake up the body for a vigorous start to the day.

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Cosmic foot and hand massage

For the first time, the massage cushions move up and down along the calf and lower leg to help you find the best position for you. The calf stretch function mimics a Thai massage and relieves fatigue by relaxing the muscles after a day on the legs. Asynchronous hand massage with 16 compression pillows maximizes muscle relaxation, and a special coating acts on the bioactive points of the palms.

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Fresh air

To enhance the healing effect during the session, an air ionizer is built into the chair. Fresh, purified air, like after a thunderstorm, will energize and improve your mood.

Increased comfort

Speakers with surround sound are integrated into the side walls of the chair. You just need to synchronize your smartphone with the chair via Bluetooth and enjoy your favorite music during the massage. The phone can be put in a pocket with a USB connector for charging.

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Tips for choosing a massage chair

So which massage chair is the best to buy for your home in 2020. Proceed from your goals, because the richest functionality is not always required. As we have seen, massage chairs have now learned to reduce stress at the brain level, and not just provide physical relaxation.

Consider the main functions:

• Air compression massage relaxes the entire body and works the muscles of the arms and legs.
• Warming up the rollers creates a full sensation of the touch of the hands.
• Automatic detection of the position of the neck and shoulders. And also scanning of tense areas.
• The impact on bioactive points is suitable for those who suffer from headaches.

But it is important to remember about contraindications. The massage chair must not be used if you have:

• cardiac diseases;
• malignant tumors;
• sprains of ligaments and tendons.

The main thing is that when choosing a model, be sure to take a "test drive" in order to feel how comfortable you are in the chair and whether the control is clear.