Efficiency underscored in latest massage chairs

	This massage chair from Shanghai Rongtai is fitted with optical sensors and an extendable footrest.

China suppliers of massage chairs are improving performance and user comfort in upcoming selections. Under this measure, new technologies and components are being integrated to enhance precision in new releases. Makers are also offering more choices in terms of massage modes.

At many businesses, efforts to enhance product capability have yielded several models with a 3D massage function. Such designs are fitted with sensors that determine the position of a person’s shoulder and other body parts, enabling the rollers to adjust their movement accordingly. Shanghai Rongtai Fitness Tech Development Co. Ltd employs optical sensors in its latest releases as the components detect the neck more accurately than conventional piezoelectric types.

Makers are also incorporating a greater number of airbags in their massage chairs to target additional areas. Zhejiang Haozhonghao Health Product Co. Ltd has models fitted with up to 92 airbags, significantly greater than traditional versions that have 10 to 20 for the buttocks, legs and feet. Shanghai Rongtai offers units with at least 30 bags.

To provide users with a more relaxing experience, some manufacturers are offering zero-gravity designs, which can be reclined to imitate the position of an astronaut’s seat during liftoff. The configuration distributes the weight of a person across the chair and reduces pressure on the spine.

Another major trend in the industry centers on enhancing aesthetic value. Besides the traditional black, many suppliers are offering versions using a combination of colors. Adoption of patterned upholstery is growing as well.

In terms of physical construction, simple and lightweight designs are gaining traction. The RT6001 model from Shanghai Rongtai measures only 87x76x77cm, making it suitable for small bedrooms and living rooms. At Zhejiang Haozhonghao, foldable, one-piece variants are on hand.

To support upgrades, companies have increased capital expenditure in the past few months. Efforts have also included hiring top engineers and other specialists. Shanghai Rongtai counts among its employees people who have worked on aerospace products.

Several are applying for additional certificates and setting up in-house testing centers. The facility of Xiamen Comfort Science & Technology Group Co. Ltd was recognized as one of the key massager laboratories in Xiamen, Fujian province.

Zhejiang Haozhonghao developed a program to measure scientifically how comfortable a massage chair is before and during use. Part of a project launched by theWenzhou Municipal Science & Technology Bureau in 2008, the system passed the examination conducted by a group of experts from the department this year.

The software evaluates technical specifications that relate to user comfort, including gravity distribution, body contact and overall construction. By analyzing these parameters, it can provide the optimal angles and curves for the backrest, seat and leg areas.

Massage chairs for various segments
Product gallery

	The A27(H300) model from Zhejiang Haozhonghao features an FIR heating function.

There are about 100 suppliers of massage chairs in China. Most are located in the provinces of Fujian and Zhejiang.

Models adopt steel frames for the body, while armrests are in wood or plastic. The upholstery options include PE, and genuine and PU leather.

Quotes start below $200 and increase to $2,000 depending on the features of the product. Units at the lower end of the price spectrum have fixed massage heads or a wheel-driven mechanism. In midrange and high-end versions, the latter is the norm.

Standard actions include kneading, flapping, knocking, shiatsu and vibration modes. Midpriced and upscale variants can perform two types simultaneously, and several have a 3D massage option as well.

Airbags, meanwhile, are commonly installed in the seat, leg and feet areas. Some high-end versions also have such components in the arms, neck and back. Rollers for massaging the soles of the feet are likewise present.

Besides offering multiple massage options, select models come with heating and MP3 playback functions, magnets and other systems for different types of therapy. Zhejiang Haozhonghao’s A33 and A08-2L models have an FIR heating function that reaches 50 C.

Shanghai Rongtai Fitness Tech Development Co. Ltd

Model: RT6150
Delivery: 25 days
Description: Genuine or PU leather exterior; 6-wheel mechanism; silicon rubber wheels; three motors; up and down kneading, tapping, pummeling, wavelet and shiatsu massage

Shanghai Rongtai Fitness Tech Development Co. Ltd

Model: RT6291
Delivery: 25 days
Description: Genuine or PU leather exterior; 6-wheel mechanism; kneading, tapping, pummeling, wavelet and shiatsu massage; five speeds except for shiatsu; extendable footrest; heating function

Xiamen Comfort Science & Technology Group Co. Ltd

Model: EC-357
MOQ: TEU
Delivery: 35 days
Description: 4-wheel mechanism; programmable settings; airbags; foot spa basin; for salons

Xiamen Comfort Science & Technology Group Co. Ltd

Model: EC-380D
MOQ: TEU
Delivery: 35 days
Description: S-track mechanism; zero-gravity design; 50 airbags; automatic leg stretching system

Xiamen Comfort Science & Technology Group Co. Ltd

Model: EC-386
MOQ: TEU
Delivery: 35 days
Description: S-track mechanism; zero-gravity design; 50 airbags; adjustable armrests

Zhejiang Haozhonghao Health Product Co. Ltd

Model: H500(A08-2L)
MOQ: TEU
Delivery: 30 days
Description: Wheel-driven mechanism; airbags in arms, seat, legs and feet; seat vibration; leg stretching system; feet rollers; FIR heating function; MP3 player; VFD

Zhejiang Haozhonghao Health Product Co. Ltd

Model: H200(A18-Q1)
MOQ: TEU
Delivery: 30 days
Description: Wheel-driven mechanism; airbags in arms, seat, legs and feet; lumbar stretching system; feet massagers; FIR heating function; magnetic and music therapy systems; MP3 player; VFD