HoMedics ShiatsuMax 2.0 – Electric Heated Shiatsu Back
HoMedics ShiatsuMax 2.0 – Electric Heated Shiatsu Back Massager with Remote Control, Deep Kneading Massage Chair for Shoulders, Back, Upper Legs, Adjustable Headrest and Cushion Back Flap – Grey
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| Brand: | HoMedics |
| Origin: | China |
Fantastic piece of equipment. I have very tight and painful back muscles, one session on this and I feel much better. The heat is amazing too!
There are two very different levels of pressure massage to chose from and we use both each time. It’s helped with shoulder and back pain as each program can be confined to the area that needs treating. On the gentler setting it is really quite relaxing. We are very pleased with our purchase which we’ve used most days for many months. It seems to be durable but if it fails we’ll buy another one.
Easy to set up and use. Good massage. I use it for neck and shoulder pain, relaxes tight muscles. Can use it whilst watching TV.
Paid 130 in a sale and great value. Feels good quality and sturdy. All the family are using i
Husband loves it, was brought as a Christmas present, works really well
Bought for Xmas & best gift a husband could give his wife
It is infinitely adjustable to guarantee it will hit every muscle in your back and neck with lots of settings for heat and intensity so you can lie back and have a hard massage like an 18 stone wrestler is working on you or a very gentle slow massage.
I paid 177.00 which isnt cheap but its worth every single penny.
Id recommend to everyone from a brick-wall rugby player with major muscle ache to an elderly lady that needs a gentle calming and warming massage.
The pro points were the smooth roller up and down the back that can be adjusted width wise as well as the options for heated and vibrations of the seat.
Hi I brought this item for lower back pain but this one only massage and vibration upper part of the body that’s why I really not get benefits from this product spending that much amou
This thing is fabulous! It gives a deep massage into you back and neck, which i really need. I have fibromyalgia and work long days sitting on an office chair. I feel like my back neck and shoulders and back have turned to concrete most of the time and dream of getting a massage. Managed to get this on the Black Friday sale, so it will pay for itself in a week rather than paying for a massage therapist.
I suffer incredibly with my back, I am 38 and have arthritis in my spine. I brought this chair after a recommendation from a friend and I have to say its amazing! No more 50 for 30 mins with a chiropractor! 15 mins on the chair helps sort my pain out. I wouldn’t recommend more than 15 minutes as it can be painful the next day, but for me its been a life change
The massage chair is very good and working, the packaging is badly damaged. This has been bought as a Christmas present, luckily the recipient has a sense of humour! Quite disappointed with the lack of care from the couriers (DPD).
Over 25% reduction in price due to open / damaged box item. On arrival the box was slightly damaged to one corner but still factory sealed. Massage pad had no damage whatsoever, looks and works as the brand new item it is. Since I only kept the packaging until I had checked out all functions of the item and then broke it down for recycling it was a no brainer. I highly recommend consideration of any open box items you may have the option to purchase.
Don’t wait until you have a spasm or sore bit. Use it every couple of days.
It has a limited range compared to 6000 Japanese massage chairs, but at a fraction of the cost and portability it’s well worth buying. Good length of cable but the remote cable could be a bit longer.
Obviously no one would use this in a way it wasn’t designed by lying it flat and doing the backs of your legs and glutes. If you did, while not approved for that I’ll bet it would be fantastic in getting right into your piriformus muscle (deep upper glutes) which causes lower back pain after running.
Also it would be good for calves. As a runner who is out 5 days a week I would recommend doing that but only if you are able to avoid putting your full weight on when horizontal as it’s not designed for that. So don’t do it! no hesitation to reccommend this.
Bought this a week ago. It’s very good massager but I’m a tall person with very low back and neck pain and it’s not for me…. it doesn’t rich to the spots where my pain is . It’s going back only for this reasons. The delivery was fast but the box came absolutely smashed, I got lucky the chair wasn’t damaged.
To get some pressure on the neck I have to move along my head, which means actually focus on what’s going on rather than just relax and enjoy it, which I find a bit annoying.
Also, it is quite noisy, I’m surprised no one mentions it. I thought mine was defective but after watching a couple of videos I realised that that’s the normal noise it does.
One thing that I would find useful is a pause button on the remote.
When I don’t use it I just store it in my closet since it is quite the eyesore and it takes a lot of room on the sofa.
Beside these few things I think it’s a great item and worth the money.
Great massage chair, I bought it for myself, but the rest of the family used it more than I did for the first couple of weeks. My wife who had lower back ache found it excellent. I have mostly upper Bach and neck ache. The chair doesn’t help with the neck, but it never said it would. It has helped around the lower shoulders though, so pleased with it. Plenty of different options on the remote, which seems sturdy. You have to push the buttons quite hard, but this stops you accidentally knocking something on or off. No regrets buying this chair, the whole family love it.
Initially, looked complicated to set up. The plug wire is about 6 feet long, so an extension socket may be necessary. The instructions on paper & remote control seemed complicated & were hard to see, as small text, but the Demo button was really helpful. The seat felt too narrow, & I had to adjust my position to get my lower back snugged in, & my spine in the right place. Once I’d used the Demo button, & adjusted the massage area & my position, it was ace, despite being a bit painful! After a few minutes, I was worried it would end too soon, being restricted to 15 min per session by the instructions & auto-cut-off. It really does feel like someone is professionally giving my back a thorough deep going over, & I realised there were more painful spots than I expected; but the massage gradually diminished the pain, it certainly seems effective.
I’m looking forward to tomorrow’s session already! I bought it on recommendation by my McTimoney chiropractor, & after one try-out, I am very pleased with it. It isn’t comfortable to sit in when not operating, so it’s parked on a spare chair at the moment, in its plastic bag. A suitable storage space is necessary, to avoid wet spills & pet fur etc. The delivery box is too big to use, but the massager was very well packed. Update, 4 days later, I ‘ve noticed I’m finding it a lot easier to bend my back, as in getting under boundary ropes, dressing etc..
It’s well build but I was expecting one that does several types of massages but this only has un-down, and up-down-spinning spheres, there is no “hitting you on the back” type (sorry, don’t know the type of massage) . Heat is a nice thing and you can feel i
My first unit was faulty out of the box. It made a loud clicking sound as the massage balls moved up and down. Within two days it completely broke down.
Got my replacement and it works very well. Both my wife and I are enjoying its use at the moment. My wife is especially pleased as she suffers from lower back pain and this is really helping.
Great way to get a quick massage any time you like.
It has a pretty good ‘5-minute demo mode’ or you can switch to shiatsu or rolling programmes – with the ability to control the speed that the ‘balls’ move.
BUT
The balls can be really hard – even if you add the extra layer of ‘sponge’ – so this is NOT for those with localised pain/injury.
It IS great for stress relief 🙂
I never thought these things would be any good having tried mechanical massage devices in-store but during Covid when everything was shut down and I could not visit my massage therapist, desperate for pain relief I decided to take the risk and bought this HoMedics ShiatsuMax 2.0 back massager. It has proved to be absolutely wonderful at targeting my mid back pain and from using it daily, I now use it several times a week. And whilst I still have some pain the level has decreased enormously. In fact it has been so good that I haven’t (as yet) felt the need to go get a massage (which is just as well as my therapist has moved to a different area).
I was pretty hesitant to buy this as it’s a lot of money to waste on something that might not work however it’s honestly the best purchase I have ever made. I have suffered with crippling back pain for 12 years. After my first use my back felt a million times better. I haven’t took any pain killers since I bought this chair. At first I was using it for half an hour a day but I now use it once or twice a week. The difference it has made to my life has been huge I’m so happy I bought it and would definitely recommend it.
It is no match for a personal massage, however for the price of a couple of those you can get one of these and that’s splendid value
It works well however depending on your need, you may have to figure out a way to increase pressure by pushing your back harder against the massager. I do it by pushing against the wall with my feet. Others may find the pressure perfect
I use it to unravel the knots in my back after work outs and shiatsu is perfect to hit the spots between shoulder blades just right. Only wished there was something as good for shoulders
3 year warrantee is an icing on the cake
This seat cover is big and powerful. The back support is solid and taller then my tall office chair. I am 1.67m tall and this seemed a little bit for me.
This is the second massage seat cover I have tried. The other was the mid priced Snailax, and this was
much better.
It has a solid build and a robust remote control. The remote has an easy access holder on the side, which was much better than the ones on the seat. The controls were simple and could locate specific parts of the back. The vibrating seat is great and you can’t feel the mechanism in the seat when it is not runing.
I bought this as an open box item. The box was in bad condition but the seat itself was fine.
Not convinced the infra-red heating makes that much difference. But the massage function itself is great.
Bought for dad, but he already had the previous model. Liked this so much we kept it ourselves:
My dad liked his previous model because of the greater reach up to the neck (this one travels up but stops just at the top of my shoulders – I’m 6′). We liked this updated model because of the broader reach to either side of the lumbar region once it reached the bottom of the travel (the previous model just tracks vertically up and down)
Needs to be strapped to a firm chair – for an example can’t use on our softer sofa as the seat sinks in and then when massage nodes move to the bottom of their travel they place undue pressure on the small of my back. The firmer sofa at my dad’s on the other hand was fine.
The Good Points
Heat is strong and relaxing
Demo on remote is useful
action of the massage is very good
Quality of build is good
Comes with a headrest and cover for the back (I don’t use this as it tends to dull the effect.
Adjust stop height. (This was not clear at first but you can set an upper limit at which the unit stops up your back and starts moving back down. This is useful if as when it goes between the shoulders and neck, it’s effectually wasted effect.
You are able to set a point where you want the massage and have the unit stop moving up and down so you can concentrate on a particular spot
The Not so good.
There are side pads at the bottom of the seat, much like a sports seat in a car. I am not a big person at all, in fact I probably more on the skinny side. WHY OH WHY, are they so big? You feel as though you are squeezed in between them. It;s not a showstopper, but either make them wider. softer adjustable.
For me, the seat is too low or the massage effect does do go low enough, depending on how you see it. I have to put a cushion or 2 or on the seat first. This then gives a good massage on the lower back.
Also, in case you are interested, this unit is mains only but does work off a small inverter so you can use it on a 12v supply if required. I tried this for the car but no way is it suitable for that. Gave it a go though!!
Not a negative this but it is quite big so its easy to think about storing somewhere else however, out of sight is out of mind.
All in all, a good purchase, thanks
The feeling is very good and the fact that you can customise to a little extent the reach of the “hands” is great.
Only downside for me is that it does not work so well on the neck, as the natural posture of the body results in a small gap between the massager and the neck area, which means the massager does not work as well there.
You can target upper or lower back areas too and include IR heat or switch it off.
This seat fits me fine but anyone much over 6ft is likely to miss out on the top back area, as it isn’t particularly tall.
Actually, any tension near my neck is generally missed but I have a separate portable shiatsu massager that I tend to use for that anyway.
The one complaint I have is the pointless vibrating base. I never use it, it doesn’t seem to provide much therapeutic relief and just makes the massager less comfortable when place on an a chair as it isn’t very well padded, and also hangs off the end of all but the largest office chairs. I’ve ended up having to thread the base through the gap between the seat and back of my office chair, allowing me the benefits of back massage without the discomfort.
I’d have attempted to cut the base away from the massager by now if it wasn’t wired with vibrating motors, but I don’t want to risk damaging the rest of the product!
Settings to focus in on an area.
Automatic turn off is annoying but i tend to only use it for 30-60min.
Build quality is okay. Not the best, not the worst.
I paid 100 for mine, that’s about what I’m okay with spending on it.
If i consider how much i save from not going to get a massage from a spa/masseuse it’s worth it.
Adjust your angle to adjust pressure. If you’re sat upright (90 degrees) then you have to push back into the chair. If you’re angled so your body “falls” into it slightly (60 degrees) then your gravity pulls you in to chair and the massage rollers push up into your back. Reduce angle to increase the pressure. Obviously if you’re a petite thing but like a lot of pressure you might need someone or something pushing you into the seat more… yay for being big boned!
Original: I bought this as a present for my wife. The whole family have used it and it is great. It actually works like a massage, not just an annoying tickle like you may get in others. There are several different modes and you can limit the massage to a particular area.
The only drawback is where do you keep it? If it is not out in the open then it is rarely used. If it is out in the open it can get in the way. So think about this before buying. It is not fixed in a position like a seat but can lie flat so it is easy enough to place behind a sofa/armchair or under something.
But as a massage chair, it is grea
Has 3 shiatsu functions: full shoulders and back, lower back and top of back) and don’t worry if you’re too short (I’m 5ft 3); there’s a button you press which stops when it gets to your neck.
Has 3 functions again which act like hands kneading up your spine.
It also has heat at the same time, if you want – I didn’t think I did but then when I tried it it actually felt good.
The seat is flat – it is small but doesn’t dig in as other reviewers have put as it doesn’t have sides to do so?
The vibration on the seat is a bit gimmicky – not sure it adds anything.
I just used this on my large leather armchair – no way would the straps stretch round it, but I wanted to relax watching a film, glass of vino in hand and it was perfect! It didn’t slip off (as I was sat on it, and my butt isn’t that big!), so again this must depend on your chair (other reviewers state it moves?).
Would highly recommend; I think purchasing something that just does your neck at the same time would be a good move.
I’m using the massage chair as I type this! It’s great to use – so convenient that I can do admin or work at home whilst using it – I struggle to watch TV without turning the TV up a bit as when the massagers are working around your neck it obviously distorts your sound. But if your love ones are happy to speak up and put the volume up for 15 mins then happy days!
I love that the massage position are adjustable width ways for those who want the rollers to go closer to or further from the spine and the heat function is on every time I use it! I also really like the fact that you can lean against it as hard or as softly as you like to get the pressure you need. Don’t be surprised if you wake up the following day sometimes with a sore back after use – all for the greater good!
I read some of the reviews of people saying “It’s too hard”, “It’s awkward to store” etc and it put me off a bit.
However, at the weekend, I went to Costco and they had one set up (a slightly different model but it had the Shiatsu mechanism). I sat in the chair for about 3 minutes – it was comfortable and whilst quite firm, had a noticeable effect on my back.
For the past few years I have had a constant dull ache/pain and stiffness between my left shoulder blade and spine. My GP confirmed it is from poor posture and using a mouse all day.
After the 3 minutes use of this chair, I stood up and my back clicked/cracked so loudly! I could feel that some of the tension around my shoulder blade was gone (not fixed, but noticeably lessened).
After this, I was sold! The unit usually retails on Amazon for under 150. That is essentially the price of 3-4 massages which in my opinion makes this excellent value for money.
I have since used the massager numerous times since and it has has done wonders for my back.
The build quality is quite good for the chair itself. The stitching seems strong and the fabric durable.
The remote is a little lacking in my opinion and feels a little bit flimsy.
One thing to note, the massager needs to be fastened to a chair to use. I am using it on an armchair and dining room chairs. Occasionally I use it on my office chair (Herman Miller Aeron Chair), but the shape of the chair makes it a little awkward and uncomfortable to use.
Overall, if you have back pain or aches and are considering seeing a Masseuse, I would recommend this chair first. It’s more convenient and in the long run better value for money.
**Update – 14th December 2017**
I have now used the chair numerous times and it is still working as expected and has essentially worked miracles. The tension I previously mentioned in between my shoulder blades is practically gone.
Each time I use the chair, I use the ‘spot’ function to focus on areas of tension. After use, I always stand up and stretch and my back ‘cracks’ – it’s so satisfying and I can feel the tension go as my muscles relax.
This chair is a must for anyone who sits at a desk all day and suffers any kind of back pain and stiffness.
Choose from shiatsu circular type massage or rolling type. Different programmes in each – lower back only, upper back only, full back. You can focus on a particular bit within these programmes. In the rolling option you can increase or decrease the width between the massaging ‘prods’ or whatever they are called.
With any of these options you can have the heat on. There is also the option of switching on the little seating pad. This produces a pleasant vibration for your bum and upper thighs.
Initially we found the back massage could be painful in places … it’s quite forceful! And it goes no further up than the base of the nape of your neck (even though height is adjustable). It would be nice if it did the neck as well.
All in all though, we found that this is something you may initially think you won’t use much, but end up using a lot. It may well benefit some with back pain, I’m not qualified to pronounce on that, but after even a short session with it, your back feels looser and more relaxed. I can assure you this is not wishful thinking, it does work in this respect.
It’s too expensive for what it is, I think, but we are both fans of it. No gain without pain … !!