Best Massage Cushions to Soothe Aches and Pains
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Whether you lead a busy life that puts physical strain on your body or you struggle with a condition that causes aches and pains, massage is a viable way to offer relief.
However, not all of us are able to attend regular physical therapy appointments and using at-home devices is one of the best alternative treatments. A massage cushion may provide you with the relief you need without having to leave home.
Massage Cushions Comparison Chart
Snailax Shiatsu Massage Cushion with Heat Massage Chair Pad | HoMedics, Shiatsu XL Massage Cushion with Soothing Heat | Comfier Full Body Massage Mat with Heat | Belmint Shiatsu Massage Chair Seat Cushion | Snailax Gel Shiatsu Neck & Back Massager Gel Massage Cushion | |
  |   |   |   |   | |
Massage Styles | Shiatsu | Kneading shiatsu, gentle rolling | Vibration | Kneading shiatsu, gentle rolling | Kneading shiatsu, gentle rolling |
Number of Massage Nodes | 10 | 4 | N/A (10 motors) | 8 | 4 |
Massage Zones | 3 (full back, upper back, lower back) | 3 (full back, upper back, lower back) | 5 (shoulder, back, lumbar, thigh, leg) | 3 (full back, upper back, lower back) | 3 (full back, upper back, lower back) |
Vibration? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Heat? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Cushion Dimensions | 26.4" (L) x 5.5" (W) x 18.1" (H) | 33" (L) x 7.6" (W) x 18" (H) | 67" (L) x 22" (W) x 7" (H) | 25" (L) x 15" (W) x 5.5" (H) | 31.5" (L) x 6.9" (W) x 18.3" (H) |
Product Weight | 5.84 lbs | 14.5 lbs | 4.4 lbs | 8.9 lbs | 16.1 lbs |
Price |
What is a Massage Cushion?
Massage cushions, which are sometimes called massage pads, are small electronic devices that emit therapeutic waves using a series of moving nodes and vibrations. These lightweight and portable pieces of equipment offer a way to receive a massage at your desk, while watching TV and even on the train, if you purchase a cordless model.
The end goal of the massage cushion is to relieve pain and this is done by stimulating the blood flow as well as stimulating muscle movement. Combined, these two things can increase the oxygen levels at the point of pressure or injury, effectively speeding up healing. What’s more, this activity will reduce pain signals to the brain, lessening your discomfort.
Massage cushions come in many forms with each type offering a different sort of massage. Some also benefit from heat therapy which is excellent for reducing stiffness in the muscles and decreasing spasms. However, this type of therapy is not beneficial for new injuries or those that are inflamed as it may exacerbate this.
What are the Benefits of Using a Massage Chair Pad?
One of the greatest benefits that you will achieve by using a massage chair pad is a significant reduction in pain. If you struggle with stiff muscles, a sports injury or a condition that brings on pain, this is likely the main reason you will be looking to purchase one of these devices.
There is significant evidence to suggest that certain types of massage, Shiatsu in particular, are responsible for lessening pain in the lower back, which is one of the most common complaints. Further studies show that massage cushions may be just as effective as physical therapy, without affecting the cost of treatment.
However, there are also many other ways that using a massage cushion can be advantageous which is one of the reasons that they are so popular.
- A key benefit of massage therapy, including the use of massage cushions is that it can improve the user’s circulation. This is owing to the fact that massage will stimulate the blood flow by encouraging it through areas that may be otherwise congested. As a result of this improved circulation, muscles can become more relaxed and less tense, which leads to a reduction in pain.
- Many of us live incredibly busy lives without a moment to spare. This can often lead to much higher stress levels but this can be targeted through the use of a massage cushion. Massage is thought to reduce heart rate, according to one piece of research, and this is a significant contributor to stress. Not only this but when we are massaged, chemicals such as serotonin and endorphins are released by the brain which promotes relaxation.
Massage Cushion Buyer’s Guide
When you are looking to purchase a massage cushion, you might be tempted to go with the first product that you stumble upon. While you may get lucky, in some cases, and find a superior massage cushion, for the most part, doing your research is the best way to ensure the massage chair pad meets your needs. So, before you commit to buying, take a look over the following points.
Type of Massage
There are some massage cushions that offer a selection of different therapies. However, there are also those that feature just one type of massage. When making a decision, it is crucial that you choose a product that uses a type of massage that will be beneficial to you. In the main, these are four massage types as well as an option for a gentler vibration.
- Shiatsu massage is a type of massage commonly performed by physical therapists and masseuses. This form of massage originates from Japan and the word Shiatsu translates into English as meaning ‘finger pressure’. This perfectly explains what to expect from a Shiatsu massage and this is ideal for acupressure as well as relieving pain in the lower back, neck and shoulder in particular.
- Kneading massage is a great technique for people who suffer with tight or stiff muscles. This highly pressured type of massage lifts the muscles and encourages the realignment of collagen fibers allowing for a reduction in tension.
- Percussion massage is an intense treatment that is often used by people with sports injuries that lie much deeper within the muscle tissue. These massage cushions are highly beneficial for removing a build-up of lymphatic fluid as well as reducing inflammation in the muscles.
- Air massage involves a series of air pockets within the massage cushion which inflate and deflate around the affected area, applying and releasing pressure to it. This type of massage is great for stimulating the circulation and offers a gentler alternative to the more intense massage therapies we have already discussed.
Cushion Size
The size of your massage cushion will depend on which part of the body you wish to use it on. If you struggle with pain that radiates around the entire back then you may need something significantly larger than if your pain is located in a more precise location.
It is important to look at what the massage pillow has been designed to do. There are many products that are designed to be used specifically on one area of the body. For example, around the neck and shoulders. They will come with contours that are suited to this body part and are excellent for people with ongoing pain in one area.
Heat Mechanism
The addition of heat to a massage can go a long way in loosening tight muscles and therefore, alleviating some of your pain. However, as we have already discussed, heat is not suitable for use on newer injuries. Typically, physical therapists recommend that you wait at least 48 hours before using heat on a new injury; 72 hours, if possible.
This is because the intense heat could serve to worsen any inflammation which is common during the first few days of an injury and a natural response by the body to protect the area.
If the massage cushion you are choosing does offer the option of heat, it is also important to consider that using this function for long periods could result in burns and is therefore not suitable for people with a loss of sensation.
Massage Speed & Intensity
One of the most important things to consider when choosing your massage chair pad is how intense the massage will be. What will suit you will depend on your condition or injury as well as your personal preference. A lot of massage cushions come with an option to adjust the speed and intensity levels which makes them much more versatile.
The speed of the massage refers to how many movements each node completes in any given timeframe, typically per minute, while the intensity measures how deeply into the muscle the massage will penetrate.
Massage Nodes
The massage nodes are the parts of the cushion that move to provide the feel of a massage. However, each product will be vastly different and you will find that the number of nodes can also vary greatly. Typically, the more nodes that the cushion has, the better as this will provide a more precise and intense massage. You may find massage cushions with as few as two nodes whereas others may have as many as eight.
In addition to how many nodes are present, it is important to look at their movement. The way they move will affect how the massage feels and how suitable it is for your condition. Some will move in and up and down motion whereas others might rotate in both a clockwise and counter-clockwise direction. Again, the effectiveness of the massage will be determined by how varied the movements of the nodes are.
Timer
While massage can be a hugely beneficial treatment, too much of a good thing may have the opposite effect. This is especially true if you are using a heated massage cushion. For this reason, many manufacturers offer their cushions with a timer. You can set this to your preferred length of time and the machine will shut off once this is reached.
Alternatively, a lot of massage cushions will feature an ‘auto shut-off’ function. In this case, the massage pillow will run for a predetermined period of time, typically around 30-60 minutes, and it will then automatically power down. This is great if you feel that there is a risk of you falling asleep while using the device.
Best Massage Cushions
The choice of massage cushions on the market is truly astonishing and so it is little wonder that finding the right one feels like an overwhelming task. But whatever you are looking for, we feel confident that the following massage cushions have everything you would expect.
1. Snailax Shiatsu Massage Cushion with Heat Massage Chair Pad
Best Shiatsu Massage Chair Pad – Snailax Shiatsu Massage Cushion
Anyone who is looking for a massage chair pad that delivers in almost every area will likely be impressed with this versatile cushion from Snailax. The massage cushion offers 4 deep kneading massage modes as well as three massage zones. There is a choice of a full back massage, lower or upper back. In addition to this, users have the option to adjust the intensity thanks to the control flap.
The ten massage nodes are also adjustable in terms of height allowing you to get a massage that meets your needs precisely. There is an additional vibration mode that has a choice of three intensity levels as well as two nodes for the hip and thigh areas.
If your muscles are particularly tight and stiff then the heat setting will bring some welcome relief. This massage pad is covered in a breathable mesh fabric which keeps you from overheating. The device is also fitted with an overheat protection function for much safer use.
Key Specs:
- Massage styles: shiatsu
- Number of massage nodes: 10
- Massage zones: 3 (full back, upper back, lower back)
- Vibration: yes
- Heat: yes
- Cushion dimensions: 26.4″ (L) x 5.5″ (W) x 18.1″ (H)
- Product weight: 5.84 lbs
Pros
Cons
2. HoMedics, Shiatsu XL Massage Cushion with Soothing Heat
Best Vibrating Massage Mat – HoMedics, Shiatsu XL Massage Cushion
If you are looking for an effective massage and one that covers the entire back, then this massage pad will provide you with excellent relief. It offers an extra-large size making it suitable for a range of users and comes with a handy remote control as well as chair straps for security.
There are four massaging nodes as well as three different zones allowing you to create a massage that suits you. The deep Shiatsu massage will provide relief from aching and stiff muscles while the vibration delivers a soothing and calming effect.
There is the option to use the heat setting should you feel that you need it and with a choice of two massage styles, the versatility of this product keeps getting better and better. To top it off, this massage pad is easy to fold and simple to transport so you can take it wherever you go; business trips, vacation, visiting family, you’ll never be without it.
Key Specs:
- Massage styles: kneading shiatsu, gentle rolling
- Number of massage nodes: 4
- Massage zones: 3 (full back, upper back, lower back)
- Vibration: yes
- Heat: yes
- Cushion dimensions: 33″ (L) x 7.6″ (W) x 18″ (H)
- Product weight: 14.5 lbs
Pros
Cons
3. Comfier Full Body Massage Mat with Heat
Best Full Body Massage Mat – Comfier Full Body Massage Mat
A full body massage certainly has its benefits and being able to target more than one area at once will undoubtedly save you time. This large massage mat features 10 vibration motors running over its length but it is important to keep in mind that it does not offer a Shiatsu massage and so may be unsuitable for those needing something a little more intense.
The massage mat offers various regions allowing you to set the massage to your liking as well as a heat option for sore muscles. With corded operation, you won’t have the worry of the power running out and the 30 minute auto shut off will prevent overuse.
There is a choice of three intensity levels as well as 5 massage modes and the soft, plush fabric feels lovely on the skin, adding comfort to the experience. It is also fitted with a handy strap to prevent it shifting while in use.
Key Specs:
- Massage styles: vibration
- Number of massage nodes: N/A (10 motors)
- Massage zones: 5 (shoulder, back, lumbar, thigh, leg)
- Vibration: yes
- Heat: yes
- Cushion dimensions: 67″ (L) x 22″ (W) x 7″ (H)
- Product weight: 4.4 lbs
Pros
Cons
4. Belmint Shiatsu Massage Chair Seat Cushion
Best Massage Car Seat Cushion – Belmint Shiatsu Massage Chair Seat Cushion
For many people, finding the time to sit back and relax for a nice massage can be terribly difficult. While we would always encourage you to take ten minutes for yourself each day, we also appreciate how difficult this can be. Coupling your massage with driving from A to B is a great way to benefit without interrupting the rest of your day.
This massage cushion offers a full back and neck massage with a choice of either kneading, rolling or Shiatsu massage techniques. There is also a choice of six massage programs designed to meet various needs as well as an option to turn on the vibration function which has three intensities.
This massage cushion has three massage zones and you are free to choose whether to use them all at once or tailor the massage to your needs. If you have intense muscle stiffness, the heat option will be great for relieving this. With its portable and foldable design, taking it anywhere is made easy and with the ability to charge the cushion in the car, you won’t ever need to worry about it running out of power.
Key Specs:
- Massage styles: kneading shiatsu, gentle rolling
- Number of massage nodes: 8
- Massage zones: 3 (full back, upper back, lower back)
- Vibration: yes
- Heat: yes
- Cushion dimensions: 25″ (L) x 15″ (W) x 5.5″ (H)
- Product weight: 8.9 lbs
Pros
Cons
5. Snailax Gel Shiatsu Neck & Back Massager Gel Massage Cushion
Best Shiatsu Gel Massage Cushion for Increased Comfort – Snailax Gel Shiatsu Neck & Back Massager Gel Massage Cushion
Many people are unable to get on board with a massage cushion in the belief that it will not be a true representation of a human massage. However, this gel massage cushion is designed to closely replicate what you would feel if you were visiting a physical therapist. What’s more, it comes with a full back pad to reach all areas of the back and neck.
The massage cushion features height adjustable nodes as well as three massage zones. It also boasts a choice of intensities thanks to the control flap. The pad can be positioned on almost any chair or couch giving it an excellent degree of versatility.
There are also nodes placed on the seat which provide a soothing massage to the hips and thighs. The massage cushion benefits from a remote control and a comfortable material for added relaxation while using. There are three massage modes as well as an optional heat setting which gives you control over the type of massage you receive.
Key Specs:
- Massage styles: kneading shiatsu, gentle rolling
- Number of massage nodes: 4
- Massage zones: 3 (full back, upper back, lower back)
- Vibration: yes
- Heat: yes
- Cushion dimensions: 31.5″ (L) x 6.9″ (W) x 18.3″ (H)
- Product weight: 16.1 lbs
