The Good Body
There is a lot of choice out there in the marketplace when it comes to choosing the best massage cushion.
Do you go for a chair pad that you can use at home or something smaller that you can pop in your bag to use whenever you need it?
You want to make the right decision and invest your money wisely so take a look at our handy massage cushion reviews for 2018!
Table of contents
Table of contents
Massage Cushions
Gideon Luxury Six-Program Fully Customizable Back and Neck Massaging Cushion with Heat
We’re really impressed with the Gideon six-program chair pad that delivers an intense massage through four shiatsu massage nodes that move up and down your back, combined with various vibration and heat settings.
This luxury product gives you full coverage as well as providing adjustable spot focus settings so you can precisely and effectively target the source of your pain.
Those who purchased the product felt it really delivered the deep and intense massage they were yearning for, particularly when used on the shoulders.
Some users did feel that the lack of intensity adjustment was frustrating and at times made the massage feel a little too strong, however if you’re looking for a deep massage then this could be the one for you!
HoMedics MCS-750H Quad Shiatsu Massage Cushion with Heat
If you’re looking for a massage seat cushion that delivers different styles of massage then the HoMedics MCS-750H Quad Shiatsu Massage Cushion is a great option.
You can choose from percussion, kneading and rolling depending on your pain, and add soothing heat to help you to relax those tight muscles.
The HoMedics massage cushion looks good too and has integrated straps so it will blend in to your home a little more.
Consumers felt that though the heat function was less powerful than they’d hoped, it was great for daily use and that the massage got better with time as they got to grips with the different controls and functions.
Zyllion ZMA13BK Shiatsu Pillow Massager with Heat
We love how the Zyllion ZMA13BK pillow massager is a handy size, taking up just 6cm of space, so the top massage cushion for dropping in your bag for the office or for vacation.
It can then be easily attached to a chair so you can feel like you have a massaging chair with you on the go.
The small size doesn’t mean less power though! The Zyllion pillow massager has shiatsu massage nodes that deliver an intense massage, changing direction every minute in the same way a masseuse would.
Reviewers with a sensitive neck found it a bit too powerful and wished they had the option to change the speed, however those who wanted a deep and satisfying massage loved the product!
Adako Anywhere Seat Topper
If you want to invest your dollars in a massager with every possible feature then take a look at the Adako Anywhere Seat Topper – a brilliant massage cushion for a chair.
It’s almost like a traveling massage chair! It fits easily on to any chair and is more than just a simple massager. The shiatsu and rolling nodes travel the full length of your back and can be programmed to target specific areas.
Unlike a lot of other massage chair pads available, the Adako chair massager pad also includes air chambers which expand and contract by your hips and waist to mimic the way a masseuse would gently squeeze your sides for added pain relief.
Those looking for a portable but effective massage seat topper are sure to be fans of the Adako, however it is a little pricier than simple massage chair pads due to the vast number of different features it includes.
Naipo Shiatsu Back Massager Cushion
The Naipo Shiatsu Back Massager Cushion is a top-rated massage cushion that offers a lot of features for an affordable price!
It includes eight massage nodes that promise a vigorous massage as well as heat to soothe tight muscles.
The shape of the massager is great too, fitting neatly on a chair and snug in to your back. The handle also means it’s easy to use on other parts of our body, such as your feet or thighs.
Some users complained of a squeaking noise from the Naipo chair cushion, however overall consumers felt the design made it ideal for the lower back and raved about how good the product was for long car journeys.
Cincom Luxury Back Massage Cushion
We’re big fans of the Cincom Luxury Back Massage Cushion as you can use it on your comfiest arm chair! It’s essentially a cross between a massage cushion and a massage pad for a chair.
The Cincom massage cushion has shiatsu kneading massage nodes that move across the full back, delivering heat too.
Like with the Naipo cushion, those who purchased the product loved how it could be used in the car for long journeys, and how comfortable the design was.
Intensity is always a case of personal taste, and for some this one felt a little too intense, so it’s worth considering the level of intensity that you need.
Zyllion ZMA14 Shiatsu Neck & Back Massager Cushion
If you want a chair pad where you’re really in control then we like the Zyllion ZMA14 massager cushion.
Whether you want a rolling motion or are in the mood for rotating nodes to perform a shiatsu style massage, this chair pad can deliver both as well as a heat and vibration functions.
The Zyllion seat pad comes with an extra set of massage nodes designed for the neck area, which some users felt didn’t quite hit the mark, however others loved the additional feature and felt it gave them more of a full coverage massage.
This chair pad was also rated highly by migraine sufferers.
Tomight Shiatsu Massage Pillow
A quirky little product we really like is the Tomight Shiatsu Massage Pillow. It has a handy carry on design and comes in a number of different colors.
It’s not just about the style though, it includes 12 shiatsu massage nodes, as well as speed and direction options which you can control via the integrated control panel.
The Tomight massage pillow is ideal for traveling, and comes with a car adapter which reviewers of the product really liked, as the lightweight nature of it meant it was perfect for using out and about.
The shape did put some users off the product as they felt it didn’t mould well to their body, however overall it was rated as a strong and affordable massager that really helps to loosen tight muscles.
Gideon Seat Cushion Vibrating Massager
If you’re looking for a discreet massage seat pad for an office chair that will fit seamlessly in to your office then the Gideon Seat Cushion Vibrating Massager is one of the best massage cushions.
It comes with 10 vibrating points, four massaging nodes and heat so you can select from a number of different styles of massage such as tapping and rolling.
Some users found the Gideon chair pad more of a vibration than a true massage, however for others they found that the strong vibration feature offered real relief from their pain.
Consumers also enjoyed the level of control with a number of different settings so they had real control over their massage.
Naipo Shiatsu Cordless Pillow Massager
The Naipo Shiatsu Cordless Pillow Massager is the best massage cushion if you truly want your massager to be discreet within your home.
It’s made from some of the best memory foam material which hides four massager balls as well as a heat function.
Purchasers of the Naipo Pillow Massager loved how the pillow blended in with their decor and felt it was effective for use all over the body.
Of course it doesn’t have the coverage of a chair pad and some consumers were a little frustrated having to move it to the right spot.
Types of Massage Cushions
There are two main types of massage cushion:
Massage Chair Pad
A massage chair pad is a massage device that is strapped on to a chair to deliver a full back massage. Massage chair pads often use either rollers, nodes or air chambers, or a combination of all of them.
Massage Pillow / Cushion
A massage pillow or a massage cushion is a device available in various shapes and sizes that includes massage nodes or vibration points. It can be placed at the site of the pain to provide relief.
Features of Massage Cushions
Design and Dimensions
Shape
Chair pads tend to come in a standard shape to fit any chair however the shape of massage cushions varies widely so it’s worth considering how you’ll use it to find the right shape for you.
Size
You also need to consider the size, will it give your neck good coverage? Is it too large to be portable? All should be considerations to make the right choice.
Weight
If you want a massage cushion you can travel with day to day then consider the weight of the device when making your selection.
Design
Some massage cushions are specifically designed to blend in with a home or office environment, perhaps by being disguised as furniture or a chair pad being so slim it fits seamlessly in to an office chair.
Style of Massage
Air Bags / Pockets
Some chair massaging pads come with air bags or air pockets which are essentially air bags that inflate / deflate to gently squeeze the body, mimicking the hands of a masseuse.
Nodes
The number of massage nodes that the device offers may be important to you if you’re looking for a deep and intense massage.
Percussion
Percussion is a style of massage and users have described this technique as “thundering on your back”, so perfect if you want a deep tissue massage perhaps not ideal if you’re looking for something a little less intense.
Shiatsu
Look for this feature, a Japanese massage technique, if you want to replicate the hands of a masseuse as closely as possible! Some massagers include an optional direction mode so the nodes can change direction for a more satisfying massage.
Kneading
If you have knots and want a massage that is really going to work them out then you might want to look out for the kneading function.
Intensity Settings
If you have good days and bad days and want a massage that can flex with you then you want to look for a massager with a selection of intensity settings. Some devices only come with one setting so make sure you choose what is right for you.
Speed Settings
As well as intensity settings you need to look at what speed settings are offered if you want something fast and rigorous or if you’re looking for something slow and gentle.
Extra Features
Vibration
Some products offer an additional vibration function which might be something you want to consider for that added extra relief.
Heat
Heat can offer comforting relief from pain as it heats the skin which stimulates the sensors and blocks the pain signals being sent to the brain, many different massagers include this option so it’s worth looking out for. Infrared heat is also a feature offered by some devices.
Timer
A timer can be handy if it takes you a while to get to the source of your pain, so you can set a period of time and then just sit back and enjoy the relief.
Auto Shut Down
Auto Shut Down can be great as it protects you and the unit from overheating, however if it takes you a while to get to the source of your pain, a short auto shut down could be frustrating.
Rechargeable
Some massagers are rechargeable making them handy to be used in the office or on the go, look closely at the length of time advertised when the product is fully charged.
Speed of Charge
You may also want to consider the speed at which the product goes from flat to fully charged, as that may be something that’s important to you.
Portable
If you’re wanting to take the massager on holiday or use it at work then a portable option might be the one you’re looking for, that is an appropriate size and lightweight.
You can also choose a massager for in the car, however this can only be used when stationary or as a passenger.
Memory / Recall
If your pain is hard to reach and you get the intensity just right it can be frustrating to have to go through the various settings each time. Memory / recall functions remember the intensity, speed and style of massage you enjoy which can be helpful day to day.
Added Extras
Car Charger
Using your device in your car, between meetings for example, might be important to you, so look for a massage cushion that comes complete with an in car charger.
Instructional Video
Another extra that may be offered with your massage cushion is an instructional video. It may sound like just a nice-to-have but if you want to get the most from your product then it can be a handy extra.
Benefits of Massage Cushions
Neck Pain
Massage cushions mimic the hands of a masseuse stimulating the muscles and nerve endings. Research has shown that massage therapy is an effective treatment for chronic neck pain, and a neck massager is essentially simulating this technique.
Shoulder Pain
Massage cushions can also work well for shoulder pain. Shoulder pain is one of the most common pain complaints reported in the US, and by stimulating the muscles with a massager it is believed that this provides relief.
Stiff Neck
Whether you get a stiff neck occasionally or you suffer from chronic daily pain you’ll understand how uncomfortable it can be. It is believed that around 10% of the adult population are suffering from a stiff neck at any one time, with massagers being suggested as a natural way to treat the pain.
Muscle Pain / Tension
Tension in the muscles can also be relieved by a massage cushion whether in your neck, shoulders or back.
Migraine / Headache
Massage as a therapy is used both as a treatment and a preventative method. Tension headaches are the most common type of headache in the world, and often cause both neck and shoulder pain along with pain in the head.
Arthritis
Massage therapy can be an effective treatment for arthritis, however for certain forms of severe arthritis in can have a negative effective so it’s important to consult with your doctor.
Back Pain Relief
You might want to invest in a massage cushion for back pain. It stimulates circulation and relaxes stiff muscles and research proves that massage as a technique is very effective for short term relief from back pain.
Lift Mood
Massage can release endorphins which relaxes the nervous system and create feel good hormones. Back massage in general has been shown to be a successful technique for the treatment of anxiety.
Sciatica
Sciatica is caused by compression of the sciatic nerve, a massage cushion can help to ease this compression. Massage chairs in particular are suggested as an effective treatment for those suffering from sciatica.
Knots
Muscle knots are when the muscle tightens or contracts even when they’re not being used, massage helps to relax the muscle, in turn helping to loosen the knot.
Buttocks / Glutes
Tight glutes can cause back pain, so buttock massage as a therapy can be effective to help relieve those tight muscles.
Feet
A number of massage cushions can be used on other parts of the body including your feet. Regular foot massage has been shown to help improve your circulation and release tense muscles.
Locations to use a massage cushion
There are a number of different places you can use your massage cushion, perhaps even places you hadn’t thought of!
Office
If your back pain gives you difficulty at work then a massage cushion or chair pad attached to your office chair could provide you with real comfort.
Armchair / Couch
If you want to get comfortable there are a number of different massage cushions that will fit comfortably on your armchair and couch, so you can enjoy a massage whilst enjoying your favorite TV series!
Bed
On really bad days when the pain means you struggle to get out of bed, you can use a massage cushion in bed. If you want one particularly for this purpose then look for a massager that is the size and shape that will mould to your body effectively.
Car / Truck
Some massage cushions come with a car adapter allowing you to use your massager while you’re stationary in your car during breaks on a long journey, or mid travel if you’re a passenger.
FAQs
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We hope our roundup and reviews of the best massage cushions is helpful and puts you on the track to finding just the right product to give you relief from your pain.
