Back and neck pain are two widespread health issues that many of us have experienced. If you have, you know what degree of discomfort and pain that they can cause, which is to the extent that many who have this problem can’t perform day-to-day activities.
There are many solutions out there that claim to help this issue, and many of them work but don’t have a lasting effect on your body. Having a massage cushion is one of the few that achieves lasting results since you can use it as often as possible. That is why we are on a mission to help you find the best massage cushion out there.
Massaging does more than just take care of neck and back pain. It also has the power to prevent and treat many health issues. If you suffer from frequent headaches or migraines, massaging can help the muscles relax, since headaches are caused by severe tension of the muscles in your head and neck.
A massage cushion is also great for those of you that are very active and play sports or exercise. If you are an athlete, you know how easy it is to get an injury and how painful it can be. A pillow like this reduces the buildup of lactic acid, which is what causes prolonged periods of muscle fatigue.
No matter what situation you are in, pain is not a fun experience, and you may wish to try something other than medication. Many of us try to avoid the use of pain relievers because of the side effects that they create and because they may not work for long periods of time.
Having to take high doses after you get used to a type of pain medication means that your body is starting to rely on them, which leads to other problems. It seems like the best way to treat chronic back and neck pain may be through massage therapy, but it can get somewhat pricey and you may not always have an appointment lined up. This is where a massage cushion can help.
These devices enable you to get the full effects of a physical massage in the comfort of your home or car. They are designed to fit perfectly in many different types of office chairs and anywhere that has a power outlet nearby. You can even enjoy this therapeutic experience while watching your favourite shows.
This guide will compare some of the best massage cushions out there with detailed reviews and information on what to look for when you are searching for one. Bear with us to find out which massage cushions are the best on the market and what to look for in the ideal cushion for your needs.
Best Massage Cushions
Winner – Zyllion ZMA14 Shiatsu Neck & Back Massager Cushion
Specifications:
- Equipped with a customizable massage relief system that allows you to position the massage nodes where you need them
- Features an option for neck massaging, if desired, that has a heating option that can be turned off and on separately
- Able to be used in a variety of different chairs, including office chairs and sofas
- Made with plush leather that has a comfortable touch
- Constructed with overheat protection that disables the cushion when outside of the safe temperature range
The Zyllion ZMA14 massage cushion is the best massage seat cushion out there. It enables you to have the perfect spa experience in the comfort of your own home. Perfectly constructed to fit almost any chair that you may have in your home, you can be sure that you will get the treatment you need in the most comfortable way possible.
The ZMA14 has four Shiatsu neck massage nodes that give your neck the best massage available with its customizable features. You can change the direction, pressure, and location of the nodes to help you find the spot that needs attention when you are experiencing neck pain.
This model also does the same with the back massage nodes, and it has four nodes that you can change to target your upper, lower, or full-back and can focus on a specific spot as well. The heating function that is available with this product gives you the chance to not only get a great massage but also soothe your muscles with heat to relieve stress and tension.
Another great aspect of this massage cushion is its overheat protection. This is very important since it is equipped with a heating system, so accidents are bound to happen if there are no measures in place to prevent it.
With this feature, you will not have to worry about this as the seat turns off automatically after 20 minutes and does not operate outside of safe temperatures, which makes this product the best massage cushion with heat out there.
Runner Up – Snailax Shiatsu Massage Cushion
Specifications:
- Has four massage nodes that can massage your upper, lower, or entire back
- Comes with a spot setting that allows you to focus on specific target areas
- Has the ability to vibrate if desired, and has different levels of intensity
- Equipped with a strapping system that will enable you to secure the cushion to any chair that you want
- Comes included with heat therapy that uses heat to soothe your back while it is getting massaged
Another great option out there for those of you that are looking for the best massage cushion is the Snailax Shiatsu model. One feature that sets apart this massage cushion from the rest is that it is one of the best car seat massage cushions out there.
It comes included with a car adapter that allows you to connect the cushion to the power supply in your car. When you are using this massage cushion, you can commute comfortably and you will also be able to get a nice massage right before and after a long day.
One of the best features of this massage cushion is that it has four Shiatsu massage nodes that knead, tap, and press against any part of your back that you need to be soothed for pain relief. You can choose the specific spot that needs attention with the upper, lower, and full-back options on the remote.
The remote controller is very easy to use and has all of the cushion’s functions in the palm of your hand. There are also arrows that allow you to position the nodes on any specific spot that needs special attention, such as the sides of your back or any hard to reach places.
There is also a pouch made into the cushion that allows you to conveniently store the remote when not in use so you can know where it is at all times. The Snailax massage cushion automatically turns off after 15 minutes to ensure your safety and has a heating setting that is perfect to use during the wintertime.
Alternative – FIVE S FS8812 Vibration Massage Seat Cushion
Specifications:
- Equipped with a vibration motor to massage the neck, back, shoulders, and thighs
- Heating option for the lower back
- Easy to use hand control unit with four massage programs, three speeds, and an on/off button for heating
- 3-year warranty
- Easy use in your home and car with AC and car adapters for power
The FIVE S FS8812 vibration massage cushion is the perfect choice for everyone that wants a simple massager. Although there are no Shiatsu massage nodes equipped in this product, you will find that it is still enjoyable. This is the best back massage cushion out there for those of you that do not have severe back pain.
Since it only vibrates, it will relieve pain in the back, neck, shoulders, and thighs but will not do so to the extent that other cushions do. This is why this massage cushion is better suited for those of you that are looking for relaxation instead of prolonged pain relief.
There is also a heating feature for the lower back that can be used on its own, making it a great option for when you are cold or want soothing effects to this area without using the massage settings.
This product also has a well thought out control unit that splits the cushion into four zones that can be controlled with ease. M1 is the neck, shoulder, and upper back, M2 is the middle back, M3 is the lower back, and M4 is the thigh area. With each area separated, it is straightforward to control what part of your body you want to pay attention to.
Also, like with any safe massage cushion, there is an automatic switch-off time for the system of thirty minutes to ensure your safety and prevent overheating and accidents.
Since the shut-off time is a little longer than other products, you will want to be cautious of using the lower back heating system for an extended period of time, though it is unlikely that you will face issues.
Alternative – Gideon GD-MSG-CS2 Customizable Massaging Cushion
Specifications:
- Made with four Shiatsu massage nodes that travel in different directions to massage entire back
- Cushion features three vibration settings for versatile intensity
- Nodes can move to the location you desire with the spot focus feature for areas that need special attention
- The rolling balls that it is equipped with give firm, intense massages for an improved effect
The Gideon customizable massage cushion is an excellent alternative for those of you that want to save a bit of money. It has almost all the same features as the best options on the market, so you will likely be highly impressed if you decide to purchase this item.
What separates this massage cushion from the rest is the way that it was constructed. With the use of specially made rolling balls, this massage cushion will feel very similar to the real hands of a massage therapist using technology that penetrates deep into your muscles and tissue.
Because this can be a bit intense, there is a separate feature on the cushion called the rolling massage function that allows you to choose if you want this type of massage or not. Everyone has different levels of back and neck pain, so a heavy massage may not work for those that don’t need it.
You can also do this for the vibration settings as well. If you are not into the kneading part of the massage at the moment you are using it; you can opt for a simple vibrating setting that will help you relax and loosen up your muscles without the nodes. There are different levels of intensity to fit your needs.
Upon purchasing, you receive an AC adapter, car adapter, and owner’s manual, all of which allows you to use this massage cushion in your home or your car for easy commuting.
You won’t have much use for the owner’s manual, however, as the Gideon massage cushion features a more intuitive set of controls when you compare it to the competition. Overall, this is an impressive cushion for the price.
Alternative – NURSAL Back Massager Shiatsu Massage Seat Cushion
Specifications:
- Separate function system for neck massaging
- Comes with a hip vibration option that allows you to relax when massaging is not needed
- Has an automatic shut-off feature that turns off after 15 minutes to keep you safe
- Equipped with a back massage system that allows you to control the type of massage you want and where you want it specifically located on your back
- Made with 3D rolling balls that mimic the work of a real massage therapist
The NURSAL shiatsu massage seat cushion is one of our favourite massage accessories for chairs out there. With its simple design, you will be able to add the NURSAL cushion to any chair that you have in your house without ruining the decor to the extent that some other models will.
One of the most crucial features of this massage cushion is its automatic shut-off timer. After fifteen minutes, the cushion will turn off to prevent overheating.
The purpose of the massage cushion is to make you feel relaxed, and sometimes we get so comfortable that we end up falling asleep. If you were to fall asleep on a massage cushion that did not automatically turn off the heat, you could get severely injured.
The NURSAL cushion also comes with a car adapter, which is excellent for those of you that have a car and has a long commute to work or school every day.
Car use gives you the time to get the message that you need everywhere you go. That is one of the leading benefits of having a massage cushion; it is far more convenient to be able to get a massage wherever you would like.
The rolling massage balls are specially designed to relieve anyone that uses this product on their back, neck, shoulder, and hip pain. Overall, it is likely that this massage cushion will work well for you if you don’t need any deep-tissue massages or other high-intensity routines.
What Features To Look Out For
Number Of Massage Motors And What Regions They Cover
The most important feature to look for when choosing a massage cushion is the number of massage motors and nodes that are included and what they do. Many massage cushions have their own specific regions that they support, so do not expect the same areas to be covered from cushion to cushion.
As you may have seen from the best massage cushion reviews above, many do share the same regions and massage motors, but what you do with it varies from product to product. Some massage cushions allow you to control the massage motors and move them to the specific locations that need special attention while others will only let you select a region.
All massage cushions have support for the regions of the lower, upper, and full back as a requirement. Some may be able to massage other parts of your body such as the shoulders, hips, thighs, and neck.
There are also different types of motors that can perform various kinds of massages. These can range from rolling balls that provide pressure on the intense side, all the way to vibration motors and Shiatsu nodes which will be discussed below.
Massage Programs
Going into further details, you will want to familiarize yourself with all of the different types of massage programs and see what the massage cushion you are interested in has to offer. Going further into what was discussed in the previous section, you have different massage settings that you can choose from in most products of this type.
If you do not have severe pain anywhere and want a system to help you relieve stress and tension in the body, you may be interested in a massage program that provides vibration. This way, you can have the same benefits of a massage without rolling balls or anything similar digging into your back.
Your choice of massage program is a personal matter that will depend on why you want your massage cushion in the first place.
Does It Include Shiatsu Massage?
A Shiatsu massage has many more benefits than any other massage technique out there. So, having it incorporated into your massage cushion is a much-needed bonus when looking for one to buy. Most times, when there are special nodes or rolling balls equipped in the device, it means that they were added to make it feel as close to Shiatsu as possible.
Some of the benefits that you will get from a Shiatsu massage is increased circulation, which can help to improve your heart rate, decreased stress levels, and reduced chances of headaches and migraines. If you have never had one before, a Shiatsu massage will be sure to leave an impression on you.
Heating Function
Another critical feature that you will want to look for in a massage cushion is heating functionality. Besides having a great massage, you will want to have a heating function as it improves the relaxation process and keeps you warm during the colder months of the year.
Unfortunately, as with any product that has heating capabilities, there is a risk of injury, overheating, and fire. If you are looking for a massage cushion, ensure that there is a safety system to prevent this. The massage cushion should have an automatic shutdown option for a set amount of time if you fall asleep or forget to turn it off.
If you want to use your massage cushion safely, you will want a model with this feature. As some massagers will be used to help you relax, it is easier than you may think to fall asleep while using one of these cushions.
Warranty
When purchasing any product, you will want to make sure that it comes included with a long enough warranty. In the event of any malfunction, nobody wants to have to purchase a new model because of poor quality control.
Make sure that the massage cushion you purchase has at least a one-year warranty. This is the absolute least that it should be since there can be many complications that are out of your control in the long run.
There are also some companies that provide their customers with a period of time, usually between 60 to 90 days, where their customers can return their massage cushion for any reason and get their money back. This is great because if a product was not up to your standards or did not work on the first try, you can return it or get an exchange for free.
Conclusion
Having a massage cushion is a great option for anyone that wants added relaxation for their body and mind, or wants to relieve back, neck, or shoulder pain. Frequent massages are an excellent way to improve your overall health.
We hope that this buying guide has taught you everything needed to help you choose the perfect massage cushion. Thanks for reading!
