What makes a good massage chair: 7 things to check

You can recognise a good massage chair by seven things you can check in its specifications: the shape of the track, the type of mechanism, the number of adjustment levels, where the air cells reach, the dimensions and maximum user height, the upholstery, and who services the chair. The number of programmes and the speakers matter far less.

This guide is not about which chair suits your needs; we covered that in How to choose a massage chair. Here the question is quality: how to tell which of two similar chairs is better made. Every figure comes from the specifications of the eleven iRest models we sell.

1. A track that follows the spine

The rollers travel along a track inside the backrest. In cheaper massage recliners the track is straight, so the rollers lose contact with the body where the spine curves. A good massage chair has an SL track: the upper part curves like an S to follow the natural shape of the back, and the lower part continues like an L under the seat to the thighs.

All eleven chairs in our massage chair range have an SL track from neck to thighs. When comparing a chair from another maker, look for the track shape and length in the specifications. If it is missing, the track is often straight. More in our article on the SL track and air cells.

2. The mechanism: 2D, 3D or 4D

The roller mechanism affects the price of a massage chair more than anything else, and it decides how deep the massage reaches.

• 2D: rollers move up, down and sideways at a fixed depth. From €1,470 to €3,470 in our range.
• 3D: rollers also push forward into the muscle, and you set the depth. From €4,470 to €6,970.
• 4D: speed and rhythm change mid-stroke, the closest thing to a hand massage. From €5,270 to €9,470.

A more expensive mechanism is not automatically better for you. It is a good sign, though, when the seller states clearly which mechanism a chair has. See the difference between 2D, 3D and 4D massage.

3. How many adjustment levels the rollers have

Most buyers overlook this, yet it tells you a lot. On a good massage chair you can set roller intensity, width and speed in several steps. Some cheaper models have a single intensity level that you can only soften with a cushion.

An example from our range: the Grandease (A550) has 5 levels each of roller intensity, width and speed, while the Supearl+ (A336) has 1 intensity level and 3 width levels. Both are good chairs, for different people. If your back is sensitive or you share the chair, you will use the intensity levels every day.

4. Where the air cells reach, and whether the feet are massaged

Air cells squeeze the arms, shoulders, hips and legs. Where they sit matters more than how many there are. Our models have between 28 and 40. Check whether they cover the shoulders and hips, and whether the chair massages the feet with rollers. Some models leave foot massage out on purpose: the Supearl Open+ (A336-31) is designed for a massage without taking your shoes off.

5. Dimensions, user height and chair weight

A good massage chair lists three measurements: dimensions upright, dimensions reclined and the minimum door width. For our chairs you need at least 80 cm to carry one in. The specifications should also state the maximum user height, which is 180 to 200 cm for our models. If the user is taller, the rollers will not reach the neck.

Do not forget the weight. Our chairs weigh between 42 and 186.5 kg, which matters on stairs and wooden floors. Models with Zero Wall slide forward as they recline and can stand about 10 cm from the wall. More in How much space does a massage chair need.

6. Upholstery

All iRest chairs are upholstered in eco leather. On well-made upholstery the seams are straight, and the leather does not wrinkle or pull where the chair bends. Care is simple: a soft, slightly damp cloth and no alcohol. We describe it in our article on caring for eco leather.

7. Warranty, servicing and spare parts

A massage chair has motors, an air pump and electronics, so servicing matters as much as the chair itself. Ask three things: how long the warranty lasts, who repairs the chair and where the spare parts come from. A chair from a foreign web shop is sometimes cheaper, but shipping a 100 kg chair abroad for repair can cost more than you saved.

Every chair we sell has a 24-month warranty. We service it ourselves, with genuine iRest spare parts.

A short checklist before you buy

1. Does the chair have an SL track from neck to thighs?
2. Which mechanism does it have: 2D, 3D or 4D?
3. How many levels of roller intensity can you set?
4. Where are the air cells, and does it massage the feet?
5. Does it suit the height of everyone who will use it, and will it fit through your door?
6. What is the upholstery made of?
7. Who services it, and how long is the warranty?

If the product description does not answer one of these, ask before you pay. We are happy to help you choose between our models by phone or email; write to us through the enquiry form.