Nothing relieves stress quite like a good massage. Unfortunately, going to a masseuse on a regular basis can get pretty expensive, and isn't realistic for most people. That’s why you need a massage pillow that you can use at home any time you feel like giving your neck and shoulders a gentle soothing rub.
Massage pillows are actually portable, small, and hardly take up much space. You can even carry one along when travelling. But with so many different massage pillows to choose from, how do you know what to look for?
Don't worry, we have you covered with our complete massage pillow buying guide!
Benefits of Massage Pillows
- Massage pillows are designed to give you a deep-kneading massage. They provide a soothing invigorating heat around the neck, shoulders, and the upper back.
- They provide an affordable alternative to seeing a massage therapist.
- Massage pillows are portable. You can carry one virtually everywhere you go. They come in small sizes that practically fit inside your travelling bag or suitcase.
- The pillow helps in alleviating or managing neck and shoulder pain, especially if you've been injured.
- They help to induce sleep for people with insomnia related problems.
Factors to Consider When Shopping for a Massage Pillow
There are numerous brands and models of massage pillows on the market today, which makes it hard to find the right fit for you if you don’t know what to look for. Here are a few key things you need to consider before you buy a massage pillow.
A car charger
Most people use these pillows at home but it helps to carry them along when travelling along the highway. In such situations you’ll need one that has a car charger.
Massage heads
Get a massage pillow that has many massage heads in its overall design. Massage heads provide the relaxing kneading you get from the pillow so the more heads it has the better. In fact you should aim for a pillow with extra massage heads.
With heat or without heat
There are different types of massage pillows. Some have heat while others don’t. This is a feature that you’ll need to be aware of before you purchase the massage pillow. A large number of massage pillow users prefer one with the heat feature because it helps to melt away tension around the shoulders, neck, and upper back.
Recommended Massage Pillows
Based on the factors discussed above and other considerations such as price and extra features, we have chosen a few of the best massage pillow options on the market to help you make an informed purchasing decision. The products reviewed below come in different styles, designs, and prices to suit every shopper’s taste and budget.
Shiatsu Back Massager
Features:
- Kneading massage pillow that is great for neck, shoulders, and feet massage
- Comes with four massage nodes that deliver deep massage that targets those deep to reach muscles around your neck.
- It is a heated massage pillow with a relaxing warmth capable of loosening your muscles
- It features bio-directional movement that mimics the motions of a real massage therapist
- Fits in multiple positions, a feature which allows you target different parts of the body including the neck, shoulders, waist, and back.
The heated Shiatsu massage pillow, which can also be used as a massage belt, gives you deep muscle relaxation that soothes your neck, waist, back, and shoulders. It uses deep kneading nodes and soothing heat to leave you feeling calm and relaxed.
THE PROS
- It's a heat massage pillow and belt
- Has a multi-use function
- Capable of giving deep tissue massages
- Comes with two power supplies that can be used at home or in your car
- Gives a great neck rub
THE CONS
- Must be plugged into a power source to work
- It's not chargeable and doesn't use batteries
Shiatsu Massage Pillow by Wollin
Features:
- It is a neck, back, and shoulder pulsating pillow massager with heat
- It gives heavenly relaxation by working out your muscles and knots
- It is portable, perfectly sized to fit in your bag
- It has 8 heated kneading rollers
- Comes with a car adapter
- Safe to use, it shuts off automatically after 20 minutes
- It is easy to use. Its elastic Velcro strap fits to chairs easily.
- It is a great pregnancy massage pillow too.
- It is made from high-grade and durable materials.
This is a great massage pillow for those days when you get home feeling incredibly exhausted and craving for a warm soothing massage. It comes with eight heated kneading rollers to work out your muscles and knots.
THE PROS
- It has a versatile design that works your entire body
- Extremely durable
- Auto shutoff feature that makes it safe to use
- The kneading rollers run smooth and quietly
- Its comfortable materials feel soft on your skin
THE CONS
- We haven't seen any cons with this massage pillow so far
Naipo Neck Pillow Massager
Features:
- Comes with 4 deep-kneading Shiatsu massage nodes that mimic the actual motions of the hands of a real massage therapist to leave you relaxed whether at home or in your car.
- It features a perfect massage spot which allows it to massage different parts of your body including the neck, upper and lower back, shoulders, calf, lumbar, and many more.
- It has a heating function that allows the nodes to heat up to 40 degrees centigrade. The heat improves blood circulation without hurting your skin.
- Comes in an ergonomic design that follows your body’s contours perfectly
- Comes with a two year warranty and a 30 day money-back guarantee.
This massage pillow gives you all the benefits of a professional massage from the privacy of your home or even inside your car. It relieves stress, anxiety, fatigue, and improves blood circulation throughout your body. You can use it at home, in your office, and in the car.
THE PROS
- Very effective at relieving neck, shoulder and back pain
- Comes with a car adapter
- Made of high-grade durable materials
- Has a nice ergonomic design that fits well
THE CONS
- Sometimes you have to adjust it to get in a comfortable position
Zillion ZMA-13-BK Shiatsu Pillow Massager With Heat
Features:
- It is comes with 4 Deep Kneading Shiatsu Massager Nodes that help to relieve tight muscles
- It has a heating function that soothes and relaxes aching muscles
- It comes in an ergonomic design perfect for reaching the neck, shoulder, lower and upper back, thighs, abdomen, and calf.
- Its adjustable strap easily secures to a chair
- For added safety it has a 20 minute automatic shut off function
- It comes with a car charger that allows you to use it inside your car too.
One of the best features of this massage pillow is the fact that it can reach every part of your neck to relieve and work out the spasms you may be experiencing after a hard day at work. It has a sleek design that is not bulky at all.
THE PROS
- It's sturdy and quite powerful
- It has a conveniently long cord
- Very easy to use
- Runs very quietly
THE CONS
- A cushion on its bottom's edge would have made it even more comfortable, but otherwise it still feels comfortable the way it is
Mt Universal Face Cushion/Massage Pillow
Features:
- It is made of 5 inch ultra-soft polyurethane molded foam
- It has a harder foam on the bottom that provides consistency and comfort
- It is easy to clean
- It has large cut-outs that ensure your eyes are not pressured
- It is available in several color options
- It is a great accessory for a message table
This is a great face cushion that provides a perfect dream-like massage pillow quality. It is designed using ultra-soft molded polyurethane foam. Its curved shape angular surface is adjustable to fit different faces. It is easy to clean too.
THE PROS
- Its ultra-soft foam feels very comfortable
- Easy to clean
- Its upholstery is water, oil and abrasive resistant
- A perfect accessory for any massage table
THE CONS
- Additional gel core or memory foam would have made this more comfortable
Conclusion
People have varied tastes when it comes to comfort and relaxation products. However, the primary function of a massage pillow is to give you a soothing back and neck rub to relieve stress and fatigue.
The products reviewed above provide exactly that. The differences come in when you consider the extra features each comes with, and of course the price. Find one that suits your unique needs and let us know about it.