I was lucky enough to take some time to go to Las Vegas for the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show or CES. The CES has every conceivable electronic device imaginable. I was interested in checking out the latest and greatest in the world of massage chairs. I was able to try a number of massage chairs and share my findings here.
One of the more interesting massage chairs at the show was the Dream Wave Sogno. The Dream Wave Sogno was the winner of the CES 2010 Innovation Award for its advanced designed and sophistication. This massage recliner has some amazing technology.
One of the features of the Sogno is its air compression massage system. This massage chair has airbags for the neck, arms, hands and most other parts of the body. The air massage around the neck area is very soothing and relieving. This is perhaps the best air compression design for the neck area on the market today. The arm airbags were less impressive as I did not really receive much effectiveness.
The Dream Wave is named for the advanced seat design which is incorporated into this recliner. The seat pivots to provide ergonomic support for your spine and buttocks. The seat will rock in place in a wave like movement. This helps to reduce the stress built up on the spine and relax the lower torso. This technological marvel comes in an egg-shaped design which is a bit funky for most households. All this technology comes at a price, which for the Sogno was $6,000.
Another high end chair that I got to try was by Fujiiryoki. The Fujiiryoki chair is produced by Fuji Medical and is listed as an FDA device. The Fujiiryoki chair provides full body massage and has a shoulder press. Air compression is used to inflate airbags around the shoulders that give a firm press.
The massage techniques are very invigorating and relieving. The combination of good massage to the back with the rotation of air compression from the feet, calves, shoulders and seat provides for a thorough massage experience. The design of the chair is modern with black and silver colors.
I was able to try the Montage Premier by Omega Massage. This is the high end Omega chair which has full body massage capabilities. The Omega Montage Premier was the only chair with heat therapy and also a music player. The massage capabilities were stronger than both the Sogno and the Fujiroiki chairs.
Trying massage chairs at a tradeshow with a million people around takes you being able to relax and forget your surroundings. This is where the Montage Premier shined. I slipped on the headphones and let the soothing tunes take me away from the crowds. The Montage Premier recliner then warmed me, stretched me and gave me a relieving deep tissue massage. I felt I found the right chair and at $4,500, it was the best deal at the show.
I also surveyed the entire show for Sanyo and Panasonic who have some great massage chairs. Neither of those companies were displaying their massage chairs this year. They did have some impressive Big Screen TV’s with crystal clear images. There were an assortment of other massage chairs, but they were just at the show to sell you a massage chair. I was afraid they may not be at the show next year as they seemed a bit too high pressure to buy.
If you ever go to a show to check out shows, you want to make sure that a company you buy a massage chair from will be there down the road. There are some companies that have great deals one year and then never come back to the show. Of course, there are new companies but you need to have the confidence that they will be there to take care of any warranty issues you might have.
Some of the high end chairs are pretty outstanding and the technology being built into these massage chairs is equally amazing. If you are looking for a really high end chair, then the Sogno, Fujiiryoki and Montage Premier are your best bets. Finding the Sogno and Fujiroiki to try may be difficult, whereas the Montage Premier is in some major retailers. You may need to call the manufacturers to find where they are available to try.
The CES is held every year in Las Vegas in early January. It is the worlds showcase for consumer electronics. The attendance was around 130,000 people with over 2,800 exhibitors. It is so big that it spills over from the main convention center into the Sands and the Hilton Hotels. If you want to see the best massage chairs on the market, then make your plans on attending the 2011 CES show.