How to Choose a Massage Chair: Buying Guide to Choosing the Right Massage Chair

Choosing the right massage chair is a significant decision. After all, you’re investing in your health and wellness. This is a purchase that impacts your quality of life, and it’s not something to take lightly. 

We’re here to help you avoid expensive, frustrating missteps with our massage chair buying guide.

From decoding the complex technology to matching your unique comfort needs, we’re here to ensure that when you choose one of our top-tier massage chairs, you’re making an informed choice that you’ll be content with for years to come.   

After you learn how to choose a massage chair we’ll introduce you to a few of our personal favorite models for the ultimate in luxury relaxation - without the expensive price tag you may be anticipating. 

The Importance of Choosing the Right Massage Chair

The perfect massage chair in Canada is just a few clicks away at Forward Furniture. But before we can help you find it, let’s touch on why this is such a crucial decision.

Investing in Your Health and Happiness

A massage chair is more than just a piece of luxury furniture - it's an investment in your health and happiness. The right chair provides not just comfort but therapy, offering a range of health benefits from improving circulation to reducing stress and alleviating muscle pain. 

A high-quality massage chair serves as your personal therapist with advanced features such as full-body massage, zero-gravity recline, and heat therapy - except it’s available 24/7 at your convenience.

The impact on mental health cannot be overstated, either. Regular massage sessions have been shown to increase endorphin levels, which can boost mood and create a sense of well-being. 

Taking a moment to unwind with a massage can reset your stress levels and promote relaxation in today's fast-paced world, which, can improve sleep quality and overall life satisfaction as a result.

The Pitfalls of Choosing the Wrong Massage Chair 

Conversely, selecting the wrong massage chair can lead to frustration and wasted investment. 

A mismatched chair might not cater to your specific pain points or could be ill-fitting for your body type, resulting in an uncomfortable experience. 

Features that seem impressive in advertisements may not translate to real-world benefits, leading to underutilization of the chair.

Moreover, poorly designed chairs can pose a risk of injury or aggravate existing conditions. You could risk doing more harm than good by choosing the wrong chair.

For instance, too much pressure in the wrong areas can cause bruising or exacerbate back problems. A lack of proper support during the massage session can also lead to posture issues or even chronic pain.

That being said, you can feel all that stress and uncertainty ease away. We’re here to walk you through how to choose a massage chair that elevates your life in ways you’ve only imagined.  You can feel confident choosing the right massage chair after reading through our massage chair buying guide below!

How to Choose a Massage Chair: Our Massage Chair Buying Guide

While choosing the right massage chair is a multifaceted process, we’ve simplified it below to help you start your search with complete clarity. 

Remember that we’re just a click or call away if you ever want a completely personalized recommendation on the right massage chair for your needs. You can count on Forward Furniture for all your functional, high-quality, affordable furniture needs.

That being said, let’s get into how to choose a massage chair below, starting with the budget side of things.

Determining Your Budget

The first step in choosing the right massage chair is establishing a budget. High-end models can cost several thousand dollars, reflecting the range of massage techniques, build quality, and advanced features they offer. 

However, it’s important to remember that a higher price doesn’t always guarantee a better fit for your personal needs. Determine what you’re willing to invest in a massage chair by considering how much you currently spend on therapeutic services. 

If regular visits to a masseuse are part of your routine, investing in a massage chair could actually be cost-effective over time. If you spend a few hundred dollars every time you get a massage, you’re saving money within the first 6-12 months of owning your chair.

So, set a realistic budget that reflects the value you place on the benefits you'll receive from the chair. Then, look into the types of massage techniques chairs are equipped with and prioritize the style that matters most to you.

Types of Massage Techniques and Their Benefits

Wait - there are different massage techniques you can choose from in your chair? That’s right. And, this is one of the most critical considerations in our massage chair buying guide:

• Shiatsu: A technique from Japan focusing on pressure points to improve energy flow, perfect for those seeking deep tissue relief.
• Swedish: Known for long, flowing strokes, kneading, and vibration, Swedish massage is ideal for relaxation and easing muscle tension.
• Percussion: A rhythmical tapping that mimics the hands of a professional, helping to stimulate and invigorate tired muscles.
• Kneading: Rotational movement that targets deeper tissue structures of the muscle and fascia, aiding in recovery and flexibility.
• Compression: Helps in improving circulation and is suited for those who enjoy a firmer touch that emulates the feeling of hands pressing on the muscles.

Each of these techniques offers distinct benefits, from deep relaxation to targeted muscle therapy, and may be beneficial depending on your daily activities, stress levels, and any chronic pain issues.

Importance of Adjustable Settings and Customization

The ability to adjust settings and customize your massage experience is non-negotiable for a massage chair that truly fits your lifestyle. 

Look for chairs with a wide range of intensities, from light touch to deep pressure, to accommodate different pain thresholds and preferences. 

Customization options can include adjustable roller positions, speed settings, and the ability to target specific areas of the body.

Adjustability also extends to the physical aspects of the chair. Features such as a retractable footrest or an adjustable headrest can make a significant difference in the comfort of users with varying heights and body types. 

The more customizable the settings, the more personalized and beneficial the massage will be. Remember, the goal is to find a chair that feels like it was designed just for you.

The Role of Heat Therapy and Zero-Gravity Features

Heat therapy and zero-gravity reclining are pivotal features that can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your massage chair. 

Heat therapy has been used for centuries to alleviate muscle tension and pain. Strategically placed massage chair heating elements can improve circulation, relax stiff muscles, and promote a deeper sense of relaxation. 

Just be sure that the heating function is adjustable to suit your comfort level and is distributed in areas that align with your needs, such as the lumbar region or the soles of the feet.

The zero-gravity feature takes inspiration from the position astronauts assume during liftoff for minimal stress on the body. A zero-gravity massage chair reclines and elevates your legs to a level above your heart, which can decrease the strain on your spine, enhance relaxation, and improve blood flow. 

It’s a game-changer for those with back issues or circulatory concerns. Make sure the chair's reclining mechanism is smooth and can be locked into different angles to personalize your experience.

Measuring Your Available Space

You need to know a massage chair will fit in your chosen spot before falling in love with it.. Start by measuring the area you have designated for the chair, considering not just the space when the chair is upright but also when it's fully reclined. 

Account for extra room around the chair to ensure it can function without obstruction, and don’t forget to measure doorways and paths leading to the room to confirm the chair can be delivered without difficulty.

Considering the Aesthetics and Design

While function matters more than form when it comes to investing in your health and wellness, you don’t have to compromise on style to get a quality massage chair. The look and design of your massage chair should complement your living space rather than clash with it. 

Gone are the days when massage chairs were bulky eyesores. Today, they come in sleek and stylish designs that can seamlessly blend into or even accentuate your home decor. Just take a look at our selection and see for yourself!

Consider the chair's color, material, and overall shape. High-quality synthetic leathers can offer durability and ease of cleaning, while modern textiles might better match your style. 

A chair that looks like a natural part of your living space will invite you to use it more often, ensuring you get the most out of your investment.

Trying Before Buying: Is It Necessary?

Experiencing the chair firsthand before buying can be invaluable given the investment size and the personal nature of comfort. It allows you to assess the fit, the feel of the materials, the ease of use of the controls, and the specific massage techniques. 

That being said, it may not always be possible, especially when purchasing online. You can try out massage chairs locally but you’ll be way more limited in the variety you can choose from (unless you’re located near our Kelowna storefront). 

You’re better off buying online after doing your due diligence (our massage chair buying guide is a great start!) and looking for a return policy that gives you a chance to try the chair risk-free. This way, you can ensure that the chair meets your expectations without committing outright.

Verifying Reviews to Achieve Peace of Mind

Consumer reviews are a powerful tool for gauging product satisfaction. They can provide insights not covered in product descriptions, such as long-term durability and customer service experiences. This eliminates a lot of the uncertainty you may feel about choosing the right massage chair.

However, it's essential to approach reviews critically. Look for patterns in feedback across multiple platforms to sift through anomalies and get to the truth of the user experience. 

Pay attention to verified purchase reviews to confirm authenticity, and consider reviews that are detailed and balanced over those that are overly negative or positive without substantiation. 

It’s not a bad idea to look for reviews off of a company’s official website, as you may find more unbiased feedback this way.

Sourcing the Massage Chair: Finding a Reliable Brand You Can Trust

The brand behind the massage chair can tell you much about the quality and reliability of the product. Established brands with a history in the industry often offer better after-sales service, warranties, and customer support. 

Investigate the brand's reputation, how long they've been in business, and their presence in the market. A reliable brand should provide transparent information about their manufacturing processes, material sources, and the technology they use. 

Moreover, consider brands that specialize in health and wellness products, as they are more likely to have invested in research and development to provide therapeutic benefits that stand the test of time.

You Can’t Go Wrong With Forward Furniture No Matter Which Massage Chair You Choose!

Now that you know how to choose a massage chair, it’s time to take what you’ve learned and put it into practice! You can start your search for the perfect massage chair right here at Forward Furniture.

Unlike most Kelowna furniture stores, you’ll experience the best of both worlds when you shop with us: quality and affordability. We don’t force you to take on undue financial stress to invest in your health and happiness.

You can’t go wrong no matter which of our massage chairs you choose. That being said, here are three of our personal favorites that might be just what you’re looking for:

• Our Bliss Leather Heated Massage Chair is a sanctuary of serenity, featuring a heating system that eases tension in your waist, back, and calves. Bluetooth connectivity enriches your relaxation, allowing the soothing sounds of your choice to accompany your massage. And with zero-gravity positioning, this chair cradles you into a state of weightlessness, promoting optimal comfort and reducing spinal pressure.
• The Zenith Leather Massage Chair, in its stunning tan hue, also offers the zero-gravity experience, enhancing your comfort and improving circulation. The comprehensive heating system and the innovative eye and thigh airbags work in concert to provide a full-body relaxation experience that is both deep and gentle.
• The Nirvana Leather Massage Chair is the ultimate in massage innovation. It not only includes the blissful features of its counterparts, such as the heating system, Bluetooth capability, and zero-gravity positioning but also introduces AI voice control for effortless personalization and double-row rollers for an unmatched foot massage.

Every chair in our collection comes with a reassuring 1-year warranty and arrives fully assembled, reflecting our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. They’re equipped with the latest and greatest in technology, features, and materials. 

As we said earlier, our massage chair buying guide covers everything you need to know to feel confident in choosing the right massage chair. 

BUT - we’re eager to talk over your needs and provide you with a personalized recommendation based on our years of experience in this industry. So as we wrap up our conversation on how to choose a massage chair, feel free to reach out and we’ll help you take the first step towards investing in your health and happiness!

Final Thoughts on How to Choose a Massage Chair

There you have it - everything you need to know about how to choose a massage chair. Remember, the key to selecting the right massage chair lies in understanding your needs, exploring innovative features like zero-gravity recline, comprehensive heating systems, and Bluetooth connectivity, and ensuring robust after-sales support with warranties. 

Each chair in our collection is crafted to cater to your relaxation, health, and well-being, making it more than just a purchase - it's an investment in your daily comfort and wellness.

We also have other living room and bedroom furniture in our storefront, ranging from cabinet beds or murphy beds to office desks and sleeper sectionals. You can count on us for all your functional, stylish furniture needs.

You can get your new massage chair in Edmonton, massage chair in Winnipeg, massage chair in Vancouver, massage chair in Toronto, or anywhere else for that matter - we deliver across the country!

That being said, you came here looking for a massage chair buying guide - and your perfect massage chair awaits at Forward Furniture. Shop today and transform your home into a haven of serenity and rejuvenation.