How do I select a great, shiatsu chair without paying thousands?

October 14, 2017 6:50 PM

I want to get my husband a great shiatsu chair for Christmas. We go to the mall to use the ones there, but it's embarrassing to enjoy it toooo much. What should I be looking for? How long do they last? Please share your experiences good and bad.

I would like to spend less than a thousand, unless there's a compelling reason to do so. I would like one that does your legs too.

posted by BarcelonaRed to Home & Garden (2 answers total)

Well, this very much does not come in under your budget but my dad has a panasonic massage chair. It has lasted for over 10 years at this point with AFAIK no maintenance, usage maybe 2-3 times a week, more like 5 times a week back when my dad had a more physically demanding job. I cannot personally attest to its performance (being methodically squeezed by a large piece of a machinery is not my thing) but he seems very happy with it. Considering the cost-per-use, and the fact that a regular ol' La-Z-Boy can be around a thousand bucks already, it might be worth upping your budget, idk.

Two things to consider are a) although it has wheels it is a fucking behemoth to move up and down stairs, and b) if you have long legs you probably won't be able to recline all the way back and straighten your legs out all the way, if that matters to you. Also if the chair is in an open space (e.g your living room) and you have guests over, EVERYONE will want to try it out.
posted by btfreek at 10:34 PM on October 14, 2017

I bought a second hand OSIM brand chair that is now beloved by all of us, especially the cats. If you wait till after major gift holidays, you can get nearly new ones. Mine was $6K reduced to $500 as it had just gone out of warranty and the leather covers were damaged. I have evil cats, so that didn't bother me at all.

I really really recommend the heated foot massager option if you can. The arm massager part doesn't do anything for me, nor the built-in speakers. No one I knew with one had bothered using the warranty, the chairs last 5+ years and 0 are sturdy beasts so I felt confident buying a second hand one in decent condition.
posted by dorothyisunderwood at 9:43 AM on October 15, 2017