Buying a Massage Chair? Ask These 3 Questions First

Modern life can be a literal pain in the neck—not to mention the back, the shoulders, and every other body part. The stress of everyday life can take its toll on our muscle tissue at any age. Visiting a massage therapist is a great way to relieve the stress, but it’s not always practical or affordable to keep a regular appointment at the local spa. A massage chair, on the other hand, brings the spa into your home.

With a message chair, you can relieve stress and work out the aches and pains of everyday living in the comfort and convenience of your own home. But with so many options out there, how do you decide which one to purchase?

Before you wade into the market for a massage chair you need three key pieces of information. After you answer these questions, you’ll have a better idea of what to look for and what to ask about as you search for a massage chair.

1. Where will you put your new massage chair?

We’re not going to lie…massage chairs tend to be quite bulky. That’s why they often end up in bedrooms and home offices. Many chairs just aren’t ready to take center stage in the living room. Make sure you talk about your intention to buy a massage chair with the other people that live in your home. They might have some thoughts on where it will fit best, as well.

Sometimes, you just don’t have the space for a bulky new piece of furniture. In that case, consider getting a massage cushion, instead. Although they’re not as feature-rich as full-sized massage chairs, portable massage cushions can be placed on any chair and removed and stored away when not in use.

2. Who will use your new massage chair?

One of the tricks to choosing a massage chair that’s the perfect fit for you and your life is to hit that sweet spot between too big and too small. When it comes to massage chairs, size matters. Most massage chairs are designed for an average height of 5’10”. If you’re significantly taller or shorter than that, the chair may not line up with your features properly. For example, if you are 5’3”, the back rollers will be about seven inches too tall for you, landing somewhere in the middle of your head, rather than your back. Conversely, if you’re over 6’, you may find yourself sitting too close to the ground, which may be uncomfortable.

This doesn’t mean you can’t buy a massage chair if you’re not of average height. Many chairs are adjustable and some are even designed to adjust automatically by sensing the height of their users.

3. How much can you spend on your new massage chair?

Massage chairs usually cost somewhere between $1,100 and $6,000. But, the most expensive chairs are not always the best and the least expensive are not always the worst. Plus, some of the higher-end models may include features you’ll never want or use.

Compare the price of a massage chair to professional massage therapy. A good massage therapist will run you between $50 and $100 per hour. If you get a massage once a week, you’re looking at a bill of around $3,900 for a year—not including tips. That money could get you a pretty decent massage chair—one that will provide comfort, relaxation, and health for years to come.

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