Anybody here an expert or afficionado on those large massage chairs? My wife and I were thinking of getting one (now that I got my fellowship and rolling in cash 
). I see some at Costco in the $4-8k range, but know nothing about which brands are good, what features to look for, etc. Wirecutter is our normal go-to on stuff like this, but the comments on the massage chair article say their research was very superficial.
Just to clarify . . .
Are you asking about the following type of massage chair:
or more like the following that you’d get from Sharper Image:
I don’t have any knowledge of massage chairs. However, if I were going to buy one I would seek out a showroom with lots of models to try. There is one in my area, so perhaps there is one in yours too.
One strange spot that sells massage chairs: HMart. I noticed a display area when I was there this week where you can try them out. I gather some people must hang out there too long, as there were signs about a time limit to lounge there.
Picture 2, like at Sharper Image
Yeah, we have an HMart too. That’s actually what got us interested - one of the boutique shops inside had a bunch of Osaki’s in the $3k-$9k range that were really comfortable. I’d just like to do a lot more research before making a purchase that big. The problem is that my normal research methods (reddit, amazon, wirecutter, google) don’t have enough data to be credible, for lack of a better description.
We have the one below, it’s a more basic model but has enough options that it’s worked for us. My wife bought it on a whim, it was a demo unit and she got it half off. I figured we’d use it for six months and then try to sell it on Craigslist, but we’ve had it for five years now and it gets weekly use.
So I can’t really comment on features that other models have, but I can confirm that Positive Posture makes a decent chair and it’s been perfectly reliable for us.
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Best (value for money and great features)
FURNIMAT Zero Gravity Massage Chair:
It comes with 8 fixed back rollers, 2 hip rollers, and 4 foot rollers. Due to this, it is able to mimic a shiatsu massage. The 8 airbags provide kneading pressure across shoulders, arms and legs to relax you. The one-touch zero gravity recline and heating functions at the waist and foot area further help in enhancing relaxation and circulation. A smart touchscreen and Bluetooth speakers add to your convenience and comfort. It is suitable for users between 4.9–5.7′.
Best smart & personalized experience
Dr. Hiumi Zero Gravity Massage Chair
This chair stands out with its unique sleep cabin design which creates a shaded, private environment that blocks external light and promotes deeper relaxation. Its smart body scan system detects shoulder height and spinal curvature within seconds and adjusts roller intensity and airbag pressure for a highly personalized massage experience.
It has an extra-long SL track combined with 3D massage hands delivers precise, professional-style kneading from the neck down to the hips. It is designed for users between 59–73 inches, which makes this oversized chair ideal for taller individuals seeking premium comfort at home.
Best tech-integrated option
Real Relax Favor 06 (2026)
The Real Relax Favor 06 (the 2026 upgraded version) massage chair is a feature-rich option designed for users who want a modern, tech-integrated experience. Its 3D SL-track system delivers a continuous massage from the neck down to the legs, offering deeper and more precise coverage compared to traditional fixed rollers. You can also adjust the roller width and intensity across three levels to suit your comfort.
It comes with additional features like foot roller massage, Bluetooth audio, LED ambient lighting, and an upgraded white LCD touchscreen enhance usability and comfort. The included back pad helps fine-tune massage intensity, making it adaptable for different users.
I have referred this from a blog on best zero gravity chairs.
How many rivets does it have?
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That’s the best part - completely free of rivets!
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As far as I know, there are no rivets. And also, they don’t use the rivet count as an official spec. Also, I don’t think that it is worth considering while choosing a massage chair.
Thank All the Gods that someone answered! We have all been waiting three years for this objective “analysis”!!
Now, we can go purchase a massage chair!
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Left the post up but removed the link because….you guys being you guys lol.
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Don’t tell me what’s not important.
Lol
I actually choose my massage chair from here. As far as I know, massage chairs like these don’t have a publicly listed “rivet count,” because that’s not a standardized or advertised spec.
Do they have a booth at the fair?