In addition to being convenient (that’s right: no more having to run to a massage therapist every time you need some relaxation or relief), massage cushions have positive effects on your health. A 2016 study found that massage therapy can greatly help with pain management1, and additional research discovered a correlation between long-term massage therapy and lower blood pressure2. More recent studies have shown chair massages can help reduce stress3. Since finding the right massage cushion may feel like a daunting task, we’ve done the heavy lifting for you. Using expert insight, research, and user feedback, we’ve rounded up the best massage cushions available today. So sit back and take a deep breath—relaxation is in your near future. Often available in portable designs, massage cushions are easy to use while sitting on a chair or couch, or while lying in bed. These device’s massage nodes are meant to mimic a professional massage experience by heating and/or kneading your soft tissues. She also mentions, however, that if you bruise easily, are on blood thinners, are pregnant, or are more prone to muscle strain or joint injuries, you should check in with your doctor before using a massage cushion. “There are likely special precautions that you may need to know about,” she explains. Take special note of any listed precautions before making a massage cushion part of your routine. And as always, when in doubt, consult with your doctor. While these cushions can offer great relief, it’s important not to overdo it. Kevin Cronin, P.T., ATC, JSCC, owner of ARC Physical Therapy, often cautions clients about improper or overuse of massage cushions. “Using massage cushions, even high-quality, expert-recommended models, can lead to injuries like bruising, sore muscles, tenderness, and even nerve damage,” he says. Because of this, he points out that you should never simply turn the cushion on and forget about it. “Look for models that have an off-and-on type of application to avoid injury and limit sessions to 20 to 30 minutes at a time,” he suggests. With this in mind, we prioritized massage cushions that turn off automatically after a certain amount of time. Cronin also advises evaluating how you feel the day after your first use, before starting up the cushion again. “It may feel good when you’re using it, but the next day could be a different story,” he explains. “And as always, if you have any pain, swelling, discomfort, or your ailment gets worse, stop using it and talk to your physician or physical therapist. You can buy the best massage cushion in the world, but if it’s making your pain worse, it’s useless.” This cushion is made from premium synthetic leatherette that’s both durable and easy to clean. Its heating function is also useful for soothing tired muscles. Designed to target your neck, shoulders, back, waist, and thighs, this option is a solid choice for those looking for a multifunctional cushion. Just place it on a couch or chair and feel it do its magic. Clocking in at just three pounds, it’s small but powerful, providing the most bang for your buck. Use it around the house in bed, on the couch, or while sitting at your desk. As expected, customers praise this cushion for its affordable price and high quality design. An active 49-year-old customer who suffers from severe scoliosis says, “So easy to use and instant comfort. I could cry describing how amazing this product is and so affordable. I wish I had done this years ago.” Although there are thousands of glowing reviews, some customers find the massage node pressure to be too intense. Per our expert, give it a test and see how you feel the next day before continued use. One of the standout features is the 3D shiatsu massage technology, which uses circular kneading nodes that move both inward and outward, mimicking the movement of an authentic shiatsu massage to loosen tight muscles. A vibration mode is also available. Users rave that this versatile massage cushion is capable of working out even the trickiest of knots. It’s great for muscle tightness in your neck and shoulders, and digs deep to alleviate pain and knots. A small complaint that some customers have is that the battery doesn’t last a very long time. For reference, 3.5 hours of charging time gives you 1 hour of use. It’s also foldable and portable, making it a good choice for those who want to use it at work, home, or even while traveling. What’s more, massages can be controlled and customized via a remote control. The mesh material is breathable, too, for maximum comfort. Although mostly used for neck and shoulders, customers note that they have used this cushion for their legs, back, and calves, as well. This specific massager comes with a built-in automatic safety timer that shuts the device off after each 15-minute cycle. Be sure to note, however, that the brand specifies that this massager is not a good fit for those with pacemakers, heart disease, cerebral thrombosis, or other major diseases, and those with sensitive bones or muscles. Some people may also find the intensity of its massage nodes too strong, in which case a towel can be added between the massager and your body, for less intensity. The massage cushion is durable and simple to wipe clean, and can be quickly folded up for easy transporting. Each massager has a body scan function that allows you to target tight muscles and problem areas. The neck pillow is a great touch, too. Reviewers on Bed, Bath, & Beyond rave about the wide range of functions this cushion offers, with one even calling it their “new best friend,” describing their initial reaction as a “melting, ‘wow’ feel.” While the majority of feedback is positive, some people wish they had more control over the intensity of the massage nodes. Additionally, consider the product’s size, and confirm it will fit in the place you plan to use it (i.e., your office chair or in the car). “It can be really helpful to check in with a physical therapist as well,” Rawlins says. “They can make a full assessment of your body’s needs and help you find the best option for your money.”
