Why Are Massage Chairs So Expensive?

September 15, 2021
 By Dr. Alan Weidner
September 15, 2021
 By Dr. Alan Weidner

Why Are Massage Chairs So Expensive?

The market for personal health devices keeps expanding as more and more people are taking charge of their own health. These individuals see the value of working out, eating healthy foods, and going to the spa. Of course, even though their benefits are obvious, not everyone has the time to go to the gym or the spa. The solution is to bring these things into their homes.

Massage chairs have become a valuable investment for busy individuals who can only spare a few minutes each day for their personal health. Even though their duties at work and at home take the bulk of their time, they can use a massage chair to provide quick relief during short breaks. 

This reason alone is enough for some consumers to purchase the right massage chair for them. For others, however, the price intimidates them before they get to experience the benefits. If you’re one of these budget-conscious consumers, you may be wondering, “Why is a massage chair so expensive?” This guide will break down some of the contributing factors that cause massage chairs to have a high price. 

Few Manufacturers in the Industry

Unlike other electronic equipment manufacturers, reputable massage chair manufacturers are few and far between. Most of the time, even sellers can name only a dozen or so. 

Some manufacturers have limited market coverage. Because of this, when you purchase their products, it may add international delivery costs to the actual product price. In addition, most massage chair brands are manufactured abroad, and the currency exchange rate can factor into the final price. For example, the massage chairs from JPMedics are made in Japan.

Investment Into Research and Technology

Every manufacturer wants to deliver a product with unique features that capture the needs of their target audience. Some will argue that massage chairs are all the same. However, with a detailed comparison, you’ll discover features that set apart one massage chair from the rest. 

As an example Inner Balance, which is under Johnson Health Technologies, has invested into research and development to create massage chairs that simulate the movement of a human massage therapist. They’re designed for a comfort that soothes both the body and the mind.

Adding these specific features requires research and development, which can often be costly. These costs are inevitably added to the price of the final product so the company can recover its funds and reinvest them into further development.

Long-term Support

Massage recliner manufacturers acknowledge that their products are not cheap investments. They’ve designed these products to last for years and their assurance comes with their brand’s reputation.

As an example of long-term support, Panasonic offers a three-year parts and labor warranty with their Panasonic MAJ7 heated massage chair. Sometimes they will even offer a five-year extended warranty and a lifetime labor warranty. Being a well-known electronic equipment manufacturer, buyers are assured that the manufacturer has service partners and spare parts available to help with any issues that arise.

Advanced Features

Massage chairs are composed of electronic, digital, and mechanical components. How these parts work and what sets them apart from others in the market are the main factors that affect the price of a massage recliner. Some of these features include:

Multiple Auto Programming Options

Massage chair users will want the device ready for use right out of the box. Because of this, it is standard for professional massage chairs to include several auto programming selections for relief in just a few presses on the controller. Along with its unrivaled 58-inch roller track, the Luraco Legend PLUS L-Track gives these easy options. 

Zero Gravity

Zero gravity has become a household term among comfortable chair or recliner features. Originally, though, it referred to the state of weightlessness in space technology. The term is now well-known because furniture and equipment manufacturers used it to describe the reclined position that causes the least stress on the body. Because of this advanced technology, it is easy to understand why massage chairs can be quite expensive.

The most modern massage chairs have embraced this technology, such as the Brookstone Mach IX. This 4D L-Track massage chair also offers a quiet massage robot, Alexa compatibility, a wireless charging port, and chromotherapy to help free your mind of any worries as you operate the recline in this professional massage chair.

Full Body Scanning

Some massage chairs use full body scanning technology to ensure that you get the right type of massage therapy. It will scan your body to determine your body size and will then adjust the settings so that the rollers will reach their target body parts. This type of customization is not available in many massage chairs and the ones that you will find are more expensive than the average.

2D, 3D, and 4D Rollers

Seeing 2D, 3D, and 4D massage chair rollers in the list of features can be confusing for many. To explain it simply, the number indicates the dimensional movements of the rollers. 2D rollers move in vertical and horizontal directions. 3D rollers, on the other hand, add depth. Considered the best among the options, and justifiably more expensive, 4D rollers provide rhythm through alternating speeds, similar to those of a human massage.

Infinity is considered one of the top massage chair brands, and deservingly so, with its Infinity Genesis Max. It features 4D L-track rollers, airbag kneading, and calf and foot rollers to give you a whole body spa-quality massage at the comfort of your home.

Air Massage Technology

Massage chair airbags provide added compression, kneading, and rolling to your body. They give relief to the neck, arms, waist, and thighs. More expensive massage chairs sport an increased number of airbags. As an example, take a look at the Synca Wellness JP1100. It has 4D rollers and 43 airbags. 

Heated Massage Chair

The application of heat is done in various alternative healing techniques across cultures. Spas have also incorporated this method through saunas, hot towels, and candles. To bring this soothing and revitalizing treatment into your home, the Health Mate HM-5200 uses heated 3D rollers and 54 airbags to give you utmost relaxation during each 30-minute massage session.

Yoga Stretching

Some massage chairs use advanced airbag movements to compress and decompress your body, similar to doing yoga poses, as you are in a reclined position. This promotes better blood circulation, relief of tired muscles, and even better flexibility without the potential strain yoga can bring. Of course, getting the same stretching benefits as yoga without actually doing it adds to the cost of your massage chair.

Space Saving Features

Available space at home or in the office is a common concern before getting an expensive massage chair. Several manufacturers understand this, and responded with the launch of space-saving designs that fit smaller homes. Despite the smaller size profile, they do not compromise on the advanced features users have come to expect from expensive massage chairs. As an example of this, the uKnead Lohas features an L-track massage, leg rollers, an ergonomic zero gravity design, and 48 airbags, all packed in a space-saving design.

Customizable Programming and User Memory

Along with the Ogawa Drive Master AI’s biometrics tracker and pre-programmed options, it also has customizable programming functionality. It stores these settings in its user memory, making your settings ready for the next use. If you get a massage chair that has this feature, you’ll be paying for this extra convenience. 

Benefits of Owning a Massage Chair

Given the large number of features many massage chairs have, it’s easy to see how those features made massage chairs expensive. Let’s look at the benefits that having your home massage chair will provide.

Owning a Massage Chair – Gets Rid of Waiting Time

Going to a massage spa or booking a massage therapist for home service requires you to wait for your slot. Sometimes, it can take hours. Many will agree that these hours are better spent enjoying time with friends or catching up on some sleep, just as a few examples. 

With your own professional massage chair, your massage therapist is available when you need it. A 15-minute massage can do wonders to your body as you try to get rid of the stresses from work and set the mood for evening relaxation.

Personalized Massage – When You Need It Most

Not only will a massage chair give you a massage when you need it, but you will also get the type of massage that you want. While you may be able to do this with your massage therapist through sufficient explanation, it can be difficult to describe your exact preferences aloud. In addition, you can sometimes come off as too demanding if your preferences are very specific. Instead, massage chairs allow you to do this with just the press of a button. And when you’ve found the best type of programming for you, you can have it for as long as you’d like. 

Privacy

Comfort is often a private matter, and this privacy is even more enhanced when you are at home. At a spa, not only will you have to wait for your appointment, you will also lie down on the same massage table that has been used by others. While wellness establishments are expected to disinfect their areas before and after serving each client, some are more germaphobic than others. If this is the case with you, you may not be comforted by this reassurance. 

Owning a massage chair will also save you from having to let a stranger into your home for you to get a massage. Most people will be concerned whether this person is trustworthy, and this diminishes the relaxation benefits that massages are supposed to bring.

Is a Massage Chair Good for Your Health?

Numerous studies have shown that there are a number of health benefits to getting a massage. This age-old holistic treatment can provide immediate relief to back pains and tired muscles. Massage also promotes blood circulation, mind relaxation, and better sleep. Getting a massage while using aromatherapy and chromotherapy multiplies its benefits. Don’t forget to play some natural or classical music to complete the healing ambiance within your home.

To find a massage chair that will suit your needs and your budget, we designed a massage chair comparison chart to give you a quick overview of our bestsellers. You may even qualify for financing options so that you can enjoy your massage chair at home in no time. Contact us today to find out more about our massage chair options.

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