After sifting through Amazon’s massive list of massage cushions, ten products–some more popular than others–have proven to be the best in terms of features, ergonomics, warranty, and portability. Among the cream of the crop, Gideon™ massage cushion rises above its competition, thanks to its 3D massage rollers that effectively release tight knots from every corner of the back.
The Gideon massage cushion also comes with seat vibration, spot massage, dual speed setting, tethered remote control, and heat function that doesn’t disappoint.
Although the neck massage it provides is nothing to write home about, everything else in this massage cushion works perfectly to relieve the user’s sore back muscles in one sitting. It’s also the most flexible among the massage cushions we’ve reviewed: You can use it in a car seat or regular chair and enjoy its massage whether you’re sitting or lying down on the floor or bed.
On top of these, Gideon™ Luxury Six-Program Customizable Massaging Cushion With Heat also comes with a 3-year warranty, considered the longest being offered by any massage cushion on the market.
If there’s one thing that might prevent you from choosing Gideon massage cushion, that would be its height restriction. Those who are 5’10” and taller may find it disappointing that its massage rollers barely reach the neck. If you’re one of these taller folks, a better alternative that we recommend is the Relaxzen 60-2970 Full Back, Neck Rolling, and Shiatsu Massager With Heat.
The Relaxzen massage cushion has the highest back among the massage cushions on this list, making it not suitable for those who are 5’6″ or shorter. On the bright side, taller users and those in between will enjoy its powerful rolling and Shiatsu massage that covers the entire back, shoulders, and especially the neck. It also includes seat vibration, heat function, spot massage, and 1-year warranty.
Meanwhile, people who are 5’6″ or shorter will find better relief in Homedics MCS-750H Quad Shiatsu Pro Massage Cushion With Heat. This massage cushion has a Perfect Fit™ technology that makes it possible for shorter and taller users to adjust the massage according to their height, making it the most versatile massage chair pads on the market.
In addition to that, this Homedics massage cushion also features an ergonomic remote control, spot massage, integrated strapping system, 2-year product warranty, and invigorating massage rollers that offer three massage styles–percussion, kneading, and rolling.
On the other hand, if you’re short on cash and want a massage cushion that gives the best value for your money, you should considerBelmint Customizable Shiatsu Neck & Back Massage Cushion. Despite its relatively cheaper price, it has almost all the features of an ideal massage cushion: seat vibration, 8 Shiatsu massage nodes, heat function, car adapter, and much more.
Belmint massage cushion is ideal for those who are between 5’5″ and 6’2″ tall. The only issue we have about this product is its weak heat feature and massage nodes that can be a little aggressive and painful unless you put a blanket over the massage cushion. Other than these, it’s a great product that combines impressive features and customizability with a budget-friendly price.
Massage Cushion Vs Massage Chair: What Is The Difference?
Massage cushions, sometimes referred to as massage chair pads, are simply the more lightweight and affordable alternatives to luxury massage chairs. But what exactly do they offer? When is it more ideal to buy a massage cushion instead of a massage chair?
Massage cushion and massage chair are created to please different markets. It’s not a question of which one is better than the other. It all boils down to what kind of a massager you need at a particular time in your life and whether or not you have the money to afford it.
From a financial standpoint, you can save more money if you choose massage cushion. Even the most expensive one only cost less than $200, making it an ideal choice for the budget-conscious. The cheapest massage chairs, on the other hand, are priced at less than $500–still considered expensive for those who really have a tight budget.
Massage cushions are also more travel-friendly. Unlike their heavier, bulkier cousins, massage cushions can be strapped to a car seat or virtually any kind of chair around your house. It’s like a neck, back, and seat massagers rolled into one portable machine.
However, with its smaller size and lower price tag comes a disadvantage. The features of a massage cushion are extremely limited. Aside from massage nodes, heat, and vibration, most massage cushions on the market offer nothing else. In contrast, massage chairs, even the cheapest ones, are rich in features ranging from zero gravity recline and 3D massage to stretch programs and reflexology-style foot massage.
Is It Safe To Use Massage Cushion While Pregnant?
Pregnancy often takes its toll on women’s back. However, most expectant mothers are hesitant to get massage because of a prevailing myth that any type of massage, especially when done during the first trimester, can lead to miscarriage.
Contrary to popular belief, there’s no solid evidence or research study that can confirm massage is dangerous to pregnant women. It’s perfectly safe to use massage cushion even when you’re pregnant as long as you secure clearance from your doctor first. This is especially true for women who are at high risk of miscarriage, have delicate pregnancies, or experiencing morning sickness.
If you insist on using massage cushion during pregnancy, ensure that you pick one that offers vibration or light massage. Deep tissue massage is not recommended as it may trigger contractions.
Some women are also worried about the heat feature for fear of increasing their core body temperature. However, massage cushions only offer low to moderate heat. As long as you set your massage chair pad in minimum heat and use it not longer than 20 minutes, you don’t have to be scared of having pregnancy miscarriage.
What Are The Benefits Of Using Massage Cushion?
Whether you’re using a massage cushion or massage chair, the benefits are almost the same. But if you think these devices are only designed for stress relief, you’ll be surprised by how effective they are in improving one’s overall health. In fact, there are scientific studies to back them up:
Low back pain relief. In a recent study, a weekly massage for the whole body or specific parts of the back was given to 400 adults suffering from back pain. Compared to the control group, those who received massage reported greater improvement in pain and functioning after 10 weeks.
Improved quality of sleep. Through a combination of massage and heat, massage cushions can significantly relax your muscles and increase the levels of sleep-inducing hormones in the body. It can help not only insomniacs but also people suffering from conditions like fibromyalgia which can interrupt normal sleeping patterns. In a 2010 study, for example, fibromyalgia patients were randomly selected to receive massage. After 20 weeks, they reported that the massage significantly improved their pain, anxiety, and quality of sleep.
Lower blood pressure. Anybody with a sense of responsibility, whether a stay-at-home mom or a busy CEO, is never immune to stress. Although a little bit of anxiety can move us to action, too much of it can literally kill us. In a study conducted by Touch Research Institute, massage is proven to be effective in reducing heart rate which, in turn, also helps in keeping your blood pressure under control.
Aside from those mentioned above, massage–done either through traditional way or a massage cushion–can also help you recover from depression, post-workout muscle fatigue, and pregnancy-related pains, among others.