A massage pillow is a device in the form of a pillow, inside of which there are elements that have a massaging effect on certain areas. So, if you want to get a relaxation session, after which you can significantly improve sleep, as well as take off tension from stiff limbs, then a massage pillow - this is exactly the device that is definitely worth it to get.
Content:
- What is this pillow?
- Device classifications
- Pillow Materials
- Additional functions
- Selection options
- Pillow manufacturers
- Model Reviews
- Contraindications
- Video: how to apply a massage pillow?
What is this pillow?
The main purpose of this device is massage of various parts of the body, namely: neck, shoulders, back, legs and arms. With one session, it will be possible to relax tense muscles, and regardless of what position the person is in during the massage - horizontal (lying on the couch) or vertical (sitting on the driver's seat in the car or behind computer).
As a rule, massage pillows are based on the Japanese Shiatsu massage technique. It involves a point effect on certain parts of the body, whereby the excretion of lactic acid from the muscles is accelerated. In turn, this helps not only to relieve fatigue and pain from the massaged area, but also helps to more actively restore the functionality of the body.
Thanks to the Shiatsu technique, massage pillows strengthen the body, help cope with stress and insomnia, have a positive effect on the nervous system, thereby raising the mood and enhancing working capacity.
Device classifications
Massage pillows can differ both in the design of the massage elements and in the way of nutrition. We consider each parameter separately.
By design
The design features of the pillow determine how it affects the body. According to these characteristics, pillows are divided into two main types:
- Vibrating. The design consists of a vibration device, which is lined with foam. A cover is put on top of it. The impact is produced by shaking the massaged area, which allows you to relieve stress and fatigue. The massage is shallow and depends on the operating modes of the apparatus. The lower the intensity, the easier the massage. In this case, it helps to increase the sensitivity of nerve endings, stimulate blood flow and prepare the muscles for further work. High intensity, on the contrary, reduces the sensitivity of nerve endings, and through strong vibration and large amplitude massage helps increase blood flow, relax muscles and start processes in them recovery.
- Roller. The most common types of pillows. The action is due to the rotating balls, which when exposed to the body create a promising effect, something similar to a manual massage or Shiatsu massage. The number of clips can be from four to eight. The larger the balls, the stronger their impact. They rotate counterclockwise or along it. It should be noted that a pillow with 4 rollers can provide shock or tapping massage. In this case, the balls do not rotate, but make rather sharp oscillatory movements in the form of taps. This is the best massage to relieve muscle cramps, swelling and stagnation of lymphatic fluid.
To understand the pros and cons of each type, you should pay attention to the following table:
Design |
pros | Minuses |
Roller |
makes deep kneading massage using Japanese Shiatsu technique | produces a fairly “hard” massage, which not everyone can like |
| allows you to adjust the intensity of exposure and has 2 modes of operation | has a greater cost than vibratory massagers | |
Vibro massage |
has a more gentle effect than rollers | renders massage less effective than a roller pillow |
| performs gentle superficial massage | prolonged vibration over time may seem unpleasant and adversely affect the body | |
| allows you to adjust the frequency and amplitude of vibration | ||
| has a more affordable cost |
By type of food
A massage pillow is an electric device that can be of two types according to the type of food:
- Off network. As a rule, they are universal household, that is, they consume current with a voltage of 220 watts. There are car, powered by a cigarette lighter (12 watts).
- Rechargeable (portable). They operate either on battery power or on AA batteries. As a rule, batteries have vibration devices, since they are less powerful.
The vast majority of modern pillows are equipped with an adapter, so they can also be used in the car.
Pillow Materials
It is required to separately distinguish the materials of two structural elements:
- Balloons. There can be two types - jade or plastic rollers. The mechanical properties of the device depend on the specific material. Plastic balls often wear out with constant rotation, which is why they fall out of their cells. This does not happen with heavy jade rollers, and they are usually fixed more securely. But it is worth considering that jade devices are more expensive, since manufacturers claim that jade is a healing stone that improves the quality of massage.
- Cover (upholstery). The most versatile is vinyl coating, which can withstand frequent use, and heating (and cooling, if you use a pillow in the car). The main thing is that the unpleasant smell of synthetics does not come from the pillow, since it can cause an allergic attack. Visually, the massage surface is presented in the form of a mesh, and the rest is made of fabric or leatherette. The second option will be more expensive, but differs in durability.
Modern massage pillows are characterized by a strong and reliable upholstery, which withstands the regular mechanical impact exerted during the massage.
Additional functions
When choosing a roller or vibration device, it is worth considering that it is equipped with an additional function heating, which is due to infrared light and increases the effectiveness of the massage due to the following reactions:
- accelerates the blood flow in the massaged area, so the tissues are better supplied with oxygen;
- produces an analgesic effect;
- It stimulates intense sweating, due to which toxins are eliminated from the body.
From the point of view of exposure, the thermal effect is the most appropriate approach, since heated muscles relax better and cramps go away from them more easily.
Among other functions, it is desirable that the pillow has an automatic shutdown and a heating controller, with which you can maintain the temperature of the device in a given mode.
Selection options
In addition to the functional characteristics, when buying a pillow, you should pay attention to a number of parameters:
- Weight. Pillows of small weight are suitable for the car, as well as for frequent transfers, for example, in the case of regular trips. Such devices weigh no more than 1.5 kg. There are heavier models - weighing up to 3-4 kg. They are stationary and more suitable for home or office.
- Number of massage heads. Pillows with 4 heads are optimal, but if you want to increase the effect on the muscles, you can choose a device with 7-8 heads.
- The size of the massage heads. Pillows with large massage heads are worth choosing, because they better affect muscles and do not cause uncomfortable sensations.
- Work speed adjustment. This is a prerequisite, since the massage session itself needs to start at low speeds (3-4 minutes), and then gradually move on to more intensive body massage.
- Massage intensity adjustment. As a rule, for this function, a special soft cape comes with a pillow, under which there is a more rigid fabric.
- Remote control. Significantly simplifies pillow management. With it, you can change modes and set the operating time, turn on / off the device.
When buying a massage pillow, attention should be paid to the presence of additional accessories in the form of a carrying bag and a cigarette lighter for the car.
Pillow manufacturers
Russia does not have its own production of massage pillows, so its attention should be directed to imported manufacturers:
- Casada. This is a German company whose products in Russia are recognized as the sales leader. The manufacturer offers a wide range of compact size models that are virtually silent and have several modes of operation. This is due to the high cost of Casada pillows - from 3000 rubles.
- Zenet. The company produces a variety of health products, including universal car cushions.
- Beurer. The most popular pillows with Shiatsu massage technique are produced by this company. Rotating rollers are located at the anatomically correct distance from each other and act directly on the biologically active points of the body.
- Massage relax. The company produces electric pillows with rollers and an original design, which are often purchased as a gift.
- IREST. This is a Chinese manufacturer that produces a wide range of pillows at the most affordable prices.
The price of the device depends on the country of manufacture - Chinese models are the cheapest, but they are short-lived, but German products are the most reliable, although they cost much more.
Model Reviews
Popular massage pillows can be found in the table below:
Model |
pros | Minuses |
uShiatsu GESS-129 (China) |
Small size and weight - convenient to take with you on the road. There is heating, which is good for clogged muscles. Auto power off after 20 minutes. It works the body deep, and can be used to massage the back and limbs. |
Due to the strong and sufficiently hard kneading, it is necessary to lay fabric between the body and the massager. For the same reason, the device cannot be used to massage the neck. It is also contraindicated in a tendency to high blood pressure. There is no car charge. |
Travola AH8661A (China) |
Low price (2500 rubles), small size and weight. It works well on the collar zone - softly, but energetically. There is a car adapter. | Short power cord. Warranty - up to a year. |
MEDISANA Ecomed MC-81E (Germany) |
Light weight and attractive design. Work in two modes - Shiatsu massage and heating. The device is equipped with 4 massage heads that rotate in opposite directions. Warranty - 2 years. | Rubber belts are weak. It works from the network, and the cord length is 175 cm, so it is often necessary to carry or an outlet nearby. |
Miniwell Twist Black (Casada, Germany) |
The pillow is made in a curved shape, so it perfectly fits all parts of the body. Suitable for massage the neck, back, hips, calves, feet. The device is equipped with a heating function and a timer, has a convenient remote control. You can safely take in the car. | It has only one massage mode - roller. |
GEZAtone AMG394 (France) |
This is a wireless roller cushion that charges both from the battery and from the network. Charging is enough for 3 hours. It has a heater and a timer. Great for car. Used for kneading, back, abdomen, legs. A massage session is designed for 15 minutes. | All control is performed with just one button, which is not very convenient. The price is about 5000 rubles. |
Contraindications
It is forbidden to use a massage pillow if there are such indications:
- elevated body temperature and especially the febrile condition of any origin;
- exacerbation of chronic diseases (initially acute pain should be removed, and then massage);
- inflammation of the blood and lymph vessels;
- thrombosis in any part of the body (the use of a pillow with heating is especially dangerous);
- increased nervous irritability;
- problems with the respiratory system - pulmonary failure;
- vascular sclerosis;
- pregnancy;
- oncological diseases (there are both benign and malignant neoplasms at any stage).
You can use a massage pillow only in the absence of medical prohibitions on such a procedure.
Video: how to apply a massage pillow?
On how to properly and profitably relax with a massage pillow, see below:
If you decide to purchase a massage pillow, study all the models in more detail, think about how and where you will use it, consult a doctor about contraindications. After that, purchase such a useful device and enjoy the relaxing effect of massage, but remember that you should not use this pillow during sleep.
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