If you’re shopping for a massage cushion you’ll quickly realize you have so many options!
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 wherever you need it?
Our Best Buys




In this article:
Massage Cushion Reviews
To help you make your decision, take a look at our list of the best massage cushions for 2023:
How We Review & Rate
Here at The Good Body we’ve spent years rating and reviewing health products, including massage cushions.
In this article we’ve shortlisted 10 of the best products on the market, highlighting key functions and features so you can make the right decision for you.
To come up with a rating we consider a number of different factors, including power, battery life, intensity control, number of massage styles and affordability. We also take into consideration consumer reviews gathered from various websites.
Taking all this information, plus our industry knowledge, allows us to come up with a rating that gives you the best overall view of the massage cushion.
Buying Guide
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the products out there, then take a look at our massage cushion buying guide below.
We’ve explained each of the functions and features you can consider, to help you make the most informed decision!
Types of massage cushions
There are two main types of massage cushion:
Massage Chair Pad
A massage chair pad is a device that is strapped onto a chair to deliver a full back treatment. Chair pads often use either rollers, nodes or air chambers, or a combination of all of them.
Massage Pillow / Cushion
A massage pillow or cushion is a device available in various shapes and sizes that includes = 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?
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 cushions are specifically designed to blend in with a home or office environment, for example a chair pad being so slim that it fits seamlessly into 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 nodes that the device offers may be important to you if you’re looking for a deep and intense treatment.
Percussion
Percussion is a style of massage, with users describing the technique as “thundering on your back”. It’s perfect if you want a deep tissue massage, perhaps not ideal if you’re looking for something a little less intense.
Shiatsu
Look for shiatsu, 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 / Speed Settings
If you have good days and bad days and need a massager that can flex with you, then you want to look for something with a selection of intensity settings (also referred to as speed settings).
Some devices only come with one setting which might be limiting if you’d appreciate being able to switch between rigorous 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[1]. 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.
Bluetooth
Some cushions now offer Bluetooth and pair with an app, meaning you can control your massage from your smartphone.
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 want a massager to take on holiday or use at work, then a portable option might be right for you.
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 device that comes complete with an in car charger.
Instructional Video
Another extra that may be offered 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
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[2], and stimulating the muscles with a massager is believed to provide 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[3], 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.[4]
Arthritis
Massage therapy can be an effective treatment for arthritis. However for certain forms of severe arthritis it 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[5], 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.[6]
Where to Use
There are a number of different places you can use your pain relief tool, 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 your treatment while 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 devices 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
What is a massage cushion?
What does a massage cushion do?
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Interested in exploring more massage products?
We have shortlists of the best back massagers and even mini devices to work on your scalp!
References
- Physio Works (2021). Heat Packs [Online]. Available from: https://physioworks.com.au/faq/heat-packs-why-does-heat-feel-so-good/ [Accessed 14 November 2022]. ↩
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2008). QuickStats: Percentage of Adults Reporting Joint Pain or Stiffness, National Health Interview Survey, United States, 2006 [Online]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5717a9.htm [Accessed 14 November 2022]. ↩
- Health Engine (2004). Neck pain [Online]. Available from: https://healthengine.com.au/info/neck-pain [Accessed 14 November 2022]. ↩
- The Migraine Trust (2021). Tension-type headache [Online]. Available from: https://migrainetrust.org/understand-migraine/types-of-migraine/other-headache-disorders/tension-type-headache/ [Accessed 14 November 2022]. ↩
- Cronkleton, E. (2019). How to Treat and Prevent Muscle Knots [Online]. Healthline. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/muscle-knots [Accessed 14 November 2022]. ↩
- Harvard Health Publishing (2014). Foot massage: The pause that refreshes and is good for you! [Online]. Available from: https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/foot-massage-the-pause-that-refreshes-and-it-good-for-you [Accessed 14 November 2022]. ↩