Thinking About a Massage Chair at Home? Here’s What to Check First
A plain-language look at the Relaxe zero-gravity shiatsu chair with heat: what it does, how much space it takes, and who should skip it or ask a doctor first.
RelaxEaze EditorialAdvertorialUpdated November 20267 min read
Image: Relaxe
Zero gravityOne button, 3 recline positions
Long trackRollers follow the spine past the lower back
Airbags + heatArms, legs and feet; back warmth
No assemblyArrives in one piece; standard outlet
Why people consider one
Massage on your schedule, in your own living room
For a lot of people, the appeal of a home massage chair is simple: a long day ends, and instead of booking an appointment or driving across town, you sit down, recline, and press a button.
Regular massage appointments take time to schedule, and the cost adds up over a year. A chair is a single purchase that the whole household can share, any time of day, for as long or short a session as you like. That convenience is why the category has grown well beyond high-end showrooms.
It is also a big, heavy piece of furniture, and not everyone should use one. So this guide covers both sides: what one popular chair actually does, and what to check before you order.
Think of a massage chair as a comfort appliance for unwinding, not as a treatment.
The chair
The Relaxe zero-gravity shiatsu chair, in brief
Relaxe sells its chairs online and ships them from its own California warehouse, skipping the showroom and dealer. The seller says that is how it keeps prices below many big-brand showroom chairs. It offers three versions: the Standard and roomier Max, both with 3D rollers, and the Pro with 4D rollers. This guide focuses on the Standard and Max, which share the same massage features.
Image: Relaxe
At a glance
Zero gravity, shiatsu rollers and heat
A full-body chair that reclines into zero gravity at the touch of a button, with rollers along a curved track, airbags for the arms, legs and feet, foot rollers, and back heat.
Press the zero-gravity button and the chair tips back until your knees sit above your hips, so your back is no longer holding you upright. From there, rollers travel along an L-shaped track that curves with your spine and continues under the seat, which the seller says lets the massage reach from the neck down to the glutes, where many chairs with shorter, straight tracks stop at the lower back.
The Standard and Max use 3D rollers: they move up and down, side to side, and in and out, so you can choose how deep they press. The seller notes that the rollers can feel firm and recommends turning the intensity down if it is too much.
Features
What the chair does, by the numbers
Figures below are for the Standard and Max (3D) models, as published by the seller.
Zero-gravity reclineOne button tips the chair back until your knees sit above your hips. The seller lists 3 zero-gravity positions.
3D shiatsu rollersRollers move up and down, side to side, and in and out. 5 intensity levels, 5 speeds and 5 widths, per the seller.
Curved SL-trackThe track curves with your back and continues under the seat, so the rollers reach from neck to glutes.
Airbag compressionAirbags squeeze and release around the arms, legs and feet, with 5 air-pressure levels. Foot airbags can be switched off.
Back heatWarmth on the back with 3 heat levels on the Standard and Max. The Pro adds heat for the lower back and feet.
Foot rollersRollers under the feet work the soles, with 3 levels, alongside the foot airbags.
Programs and remote21 automatic programs and 11 manual techniques on a handheld remote with a color screen, plus voice commands.
Saved settingsSaves settings for up to 5 people, plus Bluetooth speakers and a USB charging port.
Specifications and features as stated by Relaxe. Confirm current details on the seller’s product page.
Rollers, armrest controls and remote. Image: Relaxe
A massage chair is a large purchase that is awkward to send back. These are the details worth confirming first.
Room spaceThe seller lists the chair at 61.5 to 69.5 inches long (upright to fully reclined), 30 inches wide and 33 to 44.5 inches high, and says it needs only about 2 inches of clearance from the wall. Measure the spot, and leave room to walk around it when it is reclined.
Doorways and stairsThe chair is listed at 199 pounds and ships in one piece. Check every doorway, hallway and turn on the way to the room; the seller's spec sheet lists a minimum doorway width of 30.7 inches.
Weight and heightThe seller lists a maximum user weight of 330 pounds. It describes the Standard as a fit for most people under 6 feet, and points taller or larger users to the roomier Max. Confirm the range for the model you choose.
Delivery and assemblyThe seller says no assembly is needed: unbox, plug in, and sit down. Standard delivery is typically curbside, so ask about indoor or room-of-choice delivery at checkout if you can't move a heavy box yourself.
Trial, returns and warrantyThe seller advertises a 365-day in-home trial with a refund of the chair price less return shipping, and a lifetime warranty on parts and labor with in-home technicians. Read the written terms, exclusions, and how return shipping is calculated before you order.
PowerThe seller says any normal household wall outlet works. Place the chair near an outlet so the cord does not cross a walkway, and follow the manual's guidance on cords and extension leads.
Seller’s dimension sheet. Image: Relaxe
Dimensions (L × W × H)
61.5–69.5 × 30 × 33–44.5 in
Chair weight
199 lb, with rear wheels
Max user weight
330 lb
Wall clearance
About 2 in, per seller
Assembly
None required
Power
Standard wall outlet
Session length
Up to 40 minutes (Standard and Max)
Ships from
California warehouse
Tip: on the seller’s checkout, check which delivery option is selected and remove any add-ons you don’t want before you pay.
Who it’s not for
Who should skip it, or ask a doctor first
Massage chairs aren’t right for everyone. If any of these apply, talk to your doctor before buying or using one.
PregnancyTalk to your doctor before using any massage chair while pregnant.
Medical devicesIf you have a pacemaker or another implanted device, check with your doctor first. The seller says not to use the chair with a pacemaker.
Recent surgery or injuryWait until your doctor or physical therapist says massage is appropriate.
Medical conditionsOsteoporosis, blood clots, circulation or heart conditions, or any ongoing condition: ask your doctor first. The seller also says not to use it with osteoporosis.
Very tight spacesIf your room, doorways or stairs can't take a 30-inch-wide, 199-pound chair, it isn't a practical fit.
Anyone wanting a feather-light touchThe seller describes the rollers as firm. Intensity can be turned down, but some people will still find it too strong.
FAQ
Common questions
Is a massage chair a medical treatment?
No. A massage chair is a comfort and relaxation appliance. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition, and it does not replace care from a doctor, physical therapist, or licensed massage therapist.
What does zero gravity actually mean?
It is a reclined position that raises your legs so your knees sit roughly level with or above your hips, spreading your weight across the chair. On this chair it is one button, with 3 positions.
What is the difference between the Standard, Max and Pro?
Per the seller, the Standard and Max share 3D rollers, back heat and the same programs; the Max is longer and wider for people over 6 feet or larger builds. The Pro uses 4D rollers, adds heat for the lower back and feet, and has a touchscreen tablet.
Do I need to assemble it?
The seller says no. The chair arrives in one piece; you unbox it and plug it into a normal wall outlet. It is heavy, so plan for help or ask about indoor delivery.
How long does delivery take?
The seller says chairs ship from its California warehouse, typically arriving in about 2 to 7 business days, and the carrier contacts you to schedule a delivery time. Check the current estimate on the seller's site.
What if it doesn't suit me?
The seller advertises a 365-day in-home trial with a refund of the chair price less return shipping. Ask the seller for a return-shipping estimate for your address before ordering.
Where can I see the current price?
Pricing, colors and delivery options are set by the seller and change over time, so we don't list them here. The buttons on this page open the seller's product page.
Next step
See the Relaxe chair on the seller’s site
If the space, weight and health checks above work for you, the seller’s product page has the current details.
Pick your model: Standard, Max for taller users, or Pro
Choose a color and your delivery option
Read the trial and warranty terms before you check out
