For one, it’s focused only on gifts to help your recipient reduce their spine pain. Secondly, it’s limited to the bigger ticket items; in other words—no stocking stuffers here!
And finally, this guide is great because there are few, if any, actual product recommendations. Instead, you’ll get some practical advice in several gift categories you can use as you compare brands and models.
When your mattress is too firm, you may find yourself dealing with pressure points—not a very comfortable way to try to get a nights sleep!
The question of firm vs soft rages on the topic of mattresses, especially for those people who are concerned about the well being of their spines. If you’re really serious about giving a mattress as a give, you likely need a buying guide dedicated solely to the topic.
Ergonomics and Comfort
Some, but not all, massage chairs come with the claim that they are “zero-gravity.” This basically is a position where the chair is tilted back, allowing your back to fully contact the back of the chair (where the massage is delivered) while your hip and knee joints are resting at an easy-to-maintain angle.
Basically, the zero gravity position is meant for comfort and support, and to enhance the effects of the chair’s massage services. Other than that, despite the reference to weightless astronauts by some manufacturers, there’s no magic to it.
Whether or not your targeted massage chair can put you in the zero gravity position, be sure you feel comfortable in it. Does it feel sturdy enough for your weight? Does it come with good lumbar support? Do you like the feel of the upholstery?
Types of Massages Your Chair Can Give
Massage chairs offer a variety of massage types, from full body to full back to neck and shoulders only. Check your options and compare these between the models you’re considering.
Most chairs deliver a variety of massage techniques, as well. Some are designed specifically as “Shiatsu” chairs, although to be perfectly honest, these mechanical massage moves don’t resemble the ancient art of pressure points in my book. Chairs also offer stretching, compression, Swedish massage techniques, and others.
Other Considerations
Consider the number of motors your intended chair will have. The “Massage Chair Buying Guide” from the ABT store’s website says this is the most important factor of all because those chairs that have independently working motors will deliver stronger massages.
Some chairs have a heat setting which may further the chair’s relaxing effects, while others have the capacity to auto-scan your back to find “points” to target.
A quick second is to have a decent understanding of the chair’s adjustments and how they affect posture. Some of the features to be aware of include: Seat depth, office chair height, and armrest adjustments.
And finally, if the person you’re buying for is over 250 pounds (or getting there quickly) she or he would likely need a “big and tall” version.
