The Best Massage Chair Pads: Ultimate Guide to the Best Cushions in 2020

Looking for an affordable but efficient way to massage your back, neck and shoulders, relieve the tension and ease the muscle and back pain? You’ve found it – it’s the massage chair pad. Massage chair pads have it all: they offer a variety of massage programs, they’re easy to use, portable, and cost a fraction of what full-size massage chairs cost. To help you find the best rated massage chair pad, we’ve compiled a list of 10 best massage chair pads on the market.

Contents

1 BEST MASSAGE CHAIR PADS
2 BEST MASSAGE CHAIR PADS BUYING GUIDE & FAQ
3 WHAT IS A MASSAGE CHAIR PAD?
4 WHY USE MASSAGE PADS?
5 FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN SELECTING MASSAGE CHAIR PADS
6 MASSAGE CHAIR PADS VS. MASSAGE CHAIRS

BEST MASSAGE CHAIR PADS

FIVE STAR FS8812 10-MOTOR MASSAGE SEAT CUSHION

The Five Star FS8812 is a vibrating massage chair pad with 10 vibration motors that provide a deep, invigorating massage for the back, neck, shoulders and thighs. Best of all, it’s entirely customizable pad, meaning the user can personalize his or her massages with 4 massage programs, 3 speeds, 4 ways of varying the speeds, and of course, by changing the massage zones. There are 4 of those zones: M1, which is the neck, shoulder and upper back zone; M2, which is the middle back zone; M3, which is the lumbar and lower back zone; M4, which includes the thighs. This affordable massage chair pad also includes a heat function for the lower back area, which is a great therapy for those struggling with stiff back and lower back pains.

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GIDEON SEAT CUSHION VIBRATING MASSAGER

The Gideon vibrating seat massage cushion for back, shoulders and thighs features 10 vibrating points that provide deep, pain-relieving massages for the most important body areas. With functions such as Precise Spot Massage that lets the user choose the exact massaging points, including the upper back, lower back, hips and thighs, Gideon seat cushion massager provides invigorating massages for muscle pain relief, and relaxing massages for stress relief. There are 4 massage modes, including Pulsate, Tapping, Rolling and Kneading, along with 4 intensity settings that can be adjusted according to the user’s needs and desires. This convenient massage cushion is easy to use and comes with a strapping system that allows effortless attachment to any chair, making it perfect for use at home, office or in car.

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ZYLLION ZMA-14-BK SHIATSU MASSAGER CUSHION

One of the best rated massage chair pads on the market, Zyllion 14-BK boasts 4 fully customizable deep-kneading shiatsu neck massage nodes, as well as 4 deep-kneading shiatsu back massage nodes, rolling back massage, a seat vibration, and a heating function. Basically, this is the closest you can get to a full-body massage without actually buying the massage chair. With its kneading and rolling massages, this pad promises to relieve tension and muscle pain and improve blood circulation. The heating function aids in full-body relaxation, making this massage cushion perfect for de-stressing after a long day of work. Of course, Zyllion ZMA-14-BK comes with an adjustable back strap, making it easy to attach it to any chair of your choice. There is also a remote controller that allows the user to easily customize his or her massage experience.

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RELAXZEN 10-MOTOR MASSAGE SEAT CUSHION

This super affordable massage chair pad is a vibration-only cushion with 10 powerful massage motors that target different important body areas, including upper back, mid back, lower back and thighs. With 50% extra foam seat, 5 massage modes and 8 intensity levels, Relaxzen provides both relaxing, de-stressing massages, and powerful stimulating massages. Although this is a vibration-only kind of a massage mat, the user can choose between the pulse or vibration massage. There are also variable speed settings so the intensity of the massage is entirely customizable. Relaxzen comes with a handy simple controller that allows the user to personalize their massage experience without leaving the chair.

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GIDEON GD-MSG-CS2 LUXURY SIX-PROGRAM MASSAGING CUSHION

This Gideon luxury six program massage pad is a fully customizable massaging cushion with 4 shiatsu massage nodes that target different areas of the user’s spine and back: full back, upper back, lower back and the node for precise spot selection. All in all, one of the best massage chair pads for the back that is on the affordable side. Gideon GD-MSG-CS2 allows users to adjust the intensity of their shiatsu massage, and choose between high speed for a more vigorous massage experience, and low speed for a more relaxing and calming massage experience. There is also a vibration setting and a possibility for a vibration massage to be operated in conjunction with the shiatsu massage. But that’s not all – this Gideon model also offers rolling massages, perfect for posture improvement and muscle relaxation, as well as therapeutic heat feature for the ultimate de-stressing massage.

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BELMINT FULL BODY MASSAGER, 10-MOTOR MASSAGE MAT

With its 10 massage motors, the full body massager by Belmint offers an invigorating massage for the whole body, whether the user is sitting up, laying down or laying back. There are 5 pre-programmed modes, 4 controllable zones and 3 vibration intensity levels, making the Belmint one of the best customizable massage mats on the market. Belmint massager hits all the important body areas, including neck and shoulders, upper back, lumbar area, glutes and thighs. There is also the heating function that aids in full body relaxation, that can be switched on or off from the corded handheld controller. Equally important, this massage pad is portable and lightweight, making it perfect for use not only at home, but at office or in car as well.

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SNAILAX SHIATSU MASSAGE CUSHION WITH HEAT

The shiatsu massage cushion by Snailax is currently one of the best massage chair pads for the back on the market. With 4 flexible deep kneading massage nodes that go up and down the entire back area, 3 massage zones, including the full back, upper back and lower back, and the vibration seat massage with 3 adjustable levels of intensity, Snailax offers the ultimate comfort and invigorating massage experience in one. There is also the heat feature that adds warmth to the massages to soothe the aching muscles and improve blood circulation. Snailax also comes with a timer function for safe use, and a convenient remote controller that allows users to customize their massage experience. Importantly, the strapping system allows the cushion to fit most chairs, including recliners, sofa seats, office chairs and car seats.

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GIDEON POWERFUL VIBRATING MASSAGER SEAT CUSHION

Another massager seat by Gideon, but this one is a vibrating back, shoulder and thighs cushion with 8 different vibrating points that ensure every part of the body is thoroughly and deeply massaged. With its customizable pre-programmed massaging patterns, the Gideon vibrating seat massager provides invigorating massages for tight and achy muscles, as well as relaxing massages for relief from stress and tension. There is also a heat feature that generates gentle warmth during a massage for a complete rejuvenating massaging experience. This massage cushion is also convenient and easy to strap on any chair, meaning it’s perfect for use not only at home, but at office and in car. Gideon massager comes with a handy remote controller that allows users to easily customize their massages and control the cushion’s functions.

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HOMEDICS MCS-775H AIR COMPRESSION SHIATSU CUSHION

One of the best massage chair pads currently, Homedics MCS-775H is an air compressor and shiatsu massage cushion in one. With 3 deep kneading shiatsu massage zones, including the full back, upper back and lower back, HoMedics tries to stimulate the true back massage one would get from a professional massage therapist. As for its air compression function, this cushion boasts rhythmic air chambers that gently apply and release pressure to the lower back with three intensities: low, medium and high. There is also the heat feature that gently warms the back during the massage to help relax tense muscles across the entire back, including the shoulders. This massage cushion comes with a remote controller that allows users to customize and control their massage experience.

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NURSAL BACK MASSAGER SHIATSU MASSAGE SEAT CUSHION

Last, but definitely not the least, comes one of the best massage chair pads on the market – NURSAL shiatsu 3D massager. This cushion provides 4 deep-kneading massages for the neck muscles, with two different nodes: clockwise and anticlockwise. As for the back, NURSAL provides shiatsu and rolling massages with different massage nodes that go up and down the user’s entire back for total relaxation. The seat cushion offers the option of adjusting the levels of vibration for hips massage, including the low intensity, medium and high. This massage mat boasts specially designed 3D rotating balls that create massages that penetrate deep into the muscles and surrounding tissues. The cushion comes with a heat function as well, which helps further relax the muscles, relieve tension and promote blood circulation.

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BEST MASSAGE CHAIR PADS BUYING GUIDE & FAQ

When looking for the perfect massage chair pad, people usually focus on the best-rated massage chair pads, or the most expensive ones, or the ones with the most massage programs. And while these are the considerations you should take into account, don’t forget that the most important thing to consider when buying a massage chair pad are your own needs.

Do you have back problems? If so, find a massage chair pad that offers multiple massage programs and intensity levels specifically for the back: entire back, upper back, mide back and lower back. Vibration-only cushions are simply not enough for most people with back problems.
Do you often feel stressed and tense? If you do, and all you want is a rejuvenating, de-stressing massage, don’t worry about multiple pre-programmed massage options or extra features – simple vibrating and heating massage mats will do the trick.
Do you want to be able to use your massage mat at the office and in the car? If you do, make sure you choose a lightweight cushion with a flexible strapping system that will allow you to easily place it on any chair and sofa of your choice.
Do you frequently fall asleep during a massage? If you do and you like massages with heating, definitely purchase one with a safety feature. A timer that automatically turns off heating after 15-20 minutes won’t allow overheating and will keep you and your massage chair pad safe.

WHAT IS A MASSAGE CHAIR PAD?

Massage chair pads could be considered the affordable cousins of massage chairs -they are a great way to get a thorough massage and relax without spending a lot of money. With different massage options, such as shiatsu, rolling and vibrating massages, and various intensity and speed levels, massage cushions also offer great versatility – most can be used at home, office and even in car while traveling.

WHY USE MASSAGE PADS?

With so many massage chairs on the market, you may be wondering why even bother with massage pads? For one, they’re really affordable – while most high-quality massage chairs cost anywhere between $1500 and $2000 and over, high-quality massage chair pads can be purchased well below $200.

There’s also the versatility factor – massage cushions are compact, lightweight and highly versatile, meaning they can not only be used at different locations (such as in the office), but can be placed at different body areas as well. For instance, with a simple vibrating back and neck massage chair pad, you can get a great foot massage – just place the cushion under your feet!

Also, massage chair pads offer great health benefits, including:

Relief from muscle pain, stiffness and tension
Relief from back, neck and shoulder pain
Improved blood circulation
Better emotional and mental state
Improved posture
Better sleep.

FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN SELECTING MASSAGE CHAIR PADS

Before you purchase your first massage chair pad, consider the following factors:

The number of massage programs: if all you want is a simple, relaxing massage, vibration-only massage cushions are ok, but if you want more than that, make sure your massage mat provides at least one more massage program.

The number and movement of massage nodes: massage nodes in the massage pad is what provides deep, invigorating back and neck massages. In essence, the more massage nodes, the better, but even 2-3 nodes are enough for most people. Besides the number, you also want to consider the movement of the nodes – if they can move up and down and/or rotate, the massages will be better and deeper. If, on the other hand, they cannot move and are locked in one place, the massages will be simpler and less invigorating.

Massage intensity: it’s always a plus to be able to personalize your massage, so having the option to choose between low, medium and high intensity massage is pretty much a must. Some people like and need more intense and invigorating massages, while others are more sensitive and can only take light, soothing massages.

The heat function: it’s advisable that you choose a massage chair pad with a heat function simply because with it, the cushion provides more relaxing and soothing massages. Also, if you have lower back pain, poor digestive health, menstrual and/or ovarian pain, the heat feature can dramatically help by boosting blood circulation and relieving stiffness and tension.

Safety features: if you’re someone who falls asleep easily and quickly, it’s best to purchase a massage mat that has an overheating safety feature. With this feature, if you turn on the heating function of the cushion and fall asleep during a massage, the pad itself will automatically shut off to prevent overheating.

MASSAGE CHAIR PADS VS. MASSAGE CHAIRS

Similarly to massage chairs, massage cushions usually provide different massage options, intensity levels and extra features, but unlike most massage chairs, they’re actually quite affordable. They’re also easier and more convenient to use – you can use them while laying down and watching TV just the same as while you’re working or even driving. However, unlike massage chairs, massage mats cannot give you that full-body invigorating massage experience. They can also never have the zero gravity feature on their own, or the ultra-customizable features that massage chairs have.

To sum it up, here are the pros and cons of choosing a massage chair pad over a massage chair:

Pros: