Hello, I’m Dr. Alan Weidner from Massage Chair Relief, and welcome to another customer interview. Today, we’re speaking with Mark Pearlman, who purchased an Infinity Riage massage chair from our Arizona showroom. Our manager there, Shawn Kim, assisted Mark throughout the process.

Mark, welcome. It’s great to have you here.

Mark: Good to be here. Thanks for having me.

I appreciate you taking the time to speak with me today. Many people feel a little hesitant about being on video or being recorded, so we appreciate your willingness to share your experience.

Mark: Not a problem.

Tell me a little about your search for a massage chair. Had you owned one before, or was this something new for you?

Mark: We’ve owned a couple of massage chairs over the years—one from Sharper Image and one from Brookstone. The last chair we bought was about 10 years ago, and the remote stopped working properly, so I couldn’t control it the way I wanted to. That’s what started my search for a replacement.

I eventually got as much use out of that chair as I could, but it was time for something new.

What features did you enjoy in your previous chairs, and what were you looking for in a new one?

Mark: Mainly relaxation. But honestly, the old chair doesn’t compare to the newer models. Massage chairs have advanced tremendously over the past 10 years. I came in with an open mind and was excited to see what was available.

Yes, massage chairs have evolved a lot. And with so many chairs in the showroom, it can feel a little overwhelming.

Mark: It definitely was.

How did you find us, and what was your impression of the showroom experience?

Mark: I think I searched “massage chairs near me” on Google. I checked out your website and liked a lot of what I saw. I appreciated that you could spend up to two hours in the showroom with Shawn and there was absolutely no pressure. That really appealed to me. I was excited to try different chairs and find the one that suited me best.

From the time you started researching until you purchased your chair, how long was the process?

Mark: About two weeks.

That’s pretty typical, although some people come back a year or two later when they’re finally ready to buy.

Before we started recording, you mentioned that you’re very active and enjoy hiking. Did you have any specific issues—like back pain, neck pain, or headaches—that motivated you to buy a massage chair?

Mark: Yes—back pain, headaches, hip pain, arthritis, and neuropathy. Other than that, I’m very healthy.

[laughter]

Well, it certainly sounds like you needed a chair.

Mark: Absolutely.

A lot of people think massage chairs are just luxury items or something to show off, but when someone’s chair breaks down, it can feel like a crisis because they rely on it every day.

Mark: I completely understand that.

In fact, I sleep in mine.

Really? That’s great.

Mark: Yes. I hike regularly, and I noticed my legs—especially my lower legs—would swell. Sometimes my hiking shoes felt tight and sometimes they didn’t. I finally realized it was fluid buildup. So at night, I sit in the chair, elevate my legs, and the swelling goes down very quickly.

So the chair helps reduce the fluid buildup in your legs?

Mark: Absolutely.

That’s wonderful. And that’s probably not something you originally expected the chair to help with.

Mark: No, not at all, but I’ve been very pleased with the results.

Have you noticed any other unexpected benefits?

Mark: Not really, since I’ve owned massage chairs before, I already had an idea of what to expect. But this chair has many more features and benefits than my previous ones, and I was excited about that.

Massage chairs really have come a long way. I ask because people often tell us about unexpected benefits—better sleep, fewer headaches, reduced stress, things like that.

How was your shopping experience overall? Did you visit other stores or try other models?

Mark: No. I looked online, and I liked everything about your company—the no-pressure environment, the return policy, and the lifetime labor warranty. It made me feel comfortable enough that I knew I needed to come check it out.

Thank you. And I assume the showroom experience matched what you expected?

Mark: Absolutely. Shawn was fantastic. He answered all my questions, and we tried several different chairs before finding the one that worked best for me.

I understand you initially tried one chair that didn’t quite work out.

Mark: Yes. With all my pain issues, I have to be careful. We returned that chair, and the exchange process was incredibly easy. We came in, selected a new chair, and had the replacement almost immediately. It was a great experience.

That’s great to hear. I always tell people to try chairs before buying and to understand the return policy. Sometimes you realize immediately that a chair isn’t the right fit, and if returns are difficult or expensive, it can become a real problem.

Mark: Exactly. The entire team was wonderful throughout the process.

What advice would you give someone shopping for a massage chair?

Mark: Definitely buy from a company where you can try multiple chairs. Everyone is different, and it’s important to find the chair that fits your needs best.

Why do you think trying chairs in person is so important?

Mark: Because you really don’t know what to expect until you try one. A chair might feel too intense, uncomfortable, or difficult to get in and out of. You had around 20 different chairs in the showroom, ranging from about $4,000 or $5,000 all the way up to $30,000 or more. Your health is important, so finding the right chair matters.

Is there anything you wish massage chairs did differently?

Mark: The airbags can be difficult for me because of my pain syndrome. Even on lower intensity settings, they can feel pretty strong. I still use them occasionally because I know they’re beneficial, but they can be uncomfortable.

I understand. Chronic pain conditions can make compression therapy difficult.

Mark: Yes. Years of sports injuries have taken their toll, and I never really learned to slow down.

I can relate. I’ll probably need a knee replacement myself soon, and getting up off the floor isn’t as easy as it used to be.

How often do you use your chair?

Mark: Every night. I actually sleep in it.

That’s something I heard often when I first started selling massage chairs over 20 years ago. Many people find they sleep better in them.

Mark: Absolutely. When the massage cycle ends, it sometimes wakes me up, but I stay in the reclined position and usually continue sleeping comfortably.

I’m a restless sleeper myself, so I think sleeping in one position would be difficult for me.

Mark: In a massage chair, you really can’t toss and turn. You stay in one position, and fortunately it works well for me.

Does your wife use the chair too?

Mark: Not really. She’s not a fan of massages. I actually have a two-hour massage appointment tomorrow, and my massage therapist joked, “You’re not replacing me with the chair, are you?” I told her, “No, this is just extra.”

That’s true. Massage chairs are something you can benefit from daily. As we age, we accumulate scar tissue, lose mobility, and experience more stiffness. Massage chairs can really help with circulation, flexibility, and relaxation.

You mentioned you’re 82 years old, and honestly, I’m amazed by how active and vibrant you are.

Mark: Thank you. Most people are surprised by my age. My wife and I hike every day in the mountains. She’s actually more adventurous than I am. We usually hike for an hour to an hour and a half every day, and it’s become an important part of our lifestyle.

That’s fantastic. Staying active is such an important part of healthy aging.

One thing I’ve noticed is that many people initially buy the chair for one family member, but eventually everyone in the house ends up using it.

Mark: I can definitely see that happening.

Before we wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to mention about your chair?

Mark: One feature I really love is the foot rollers. Because of my neuropathy, ligament issues, and osteoarthritis in my feet, the foot massage has been incredibly helpful. That’s one of the biggest selling points for me.

That’s wonderful to hear.

Anything else come to mind?

Mark: Just thank you. I’m really glad I visited your showroom. Everything worked out perfectly.

Well, thank you so much, Mark. I don’t get to meet many of our customers personally, so these interviews are always special for me. I appreciate you taking the time to share your experience.

Mark: Thank you, Doctor. Have a great day.

You too, Mark. Take care.

Mark: Bye-bye.