At the end of a long, hard day there is nothing more rejuvenating than a relaxing massage. It can bring fatigued muscles to life, bring relief to pain points and generally make you feel great again. Few of us, though, have the money or the time to visit a massage therapist on a daily basis. With a massage chair waiting in your lounge room, however, you don’t have to.
In this article, we focus on the world’s leading supplier of massage chairs, Human Touch. We’ll discover how a massage chair will improve your life and why Human Touch is the only supplier you should consider. We’ll also provide an in-depth review of Human Touch’s top seven chairs, along with a comprehensive Human Touch FAQ.
Why Buy a Massage Chair?
There are three compelling reasons as to why a massage chair represents a smart investment:
It Saves Money
Every time you have a massage, you pay a considerable amount of money. The nature of muscle pain is that you’ll need repeat sessions in order to bring relief. That can easily add up to many thousands of dollars every single year. A one-time investment of a massage chair will pay for itself many times over in terms of saving massage therapy costs.
Massage Whenever You Want
It’s not easy fitting a massage appointment into a busy schedule. Imagine the luxury, though, of being able to sink into a sumptuous massage chair any time you want, day or night.
Improved Sleep
When you come home at the end of the day with fatigued, wound up muscles, you are inevitably going to have difficulty getting to sleep. Spending some time in a massage chair before hitting the sack will loosen up the muscles and release dopamine into your system. As a result, you will fall asleep much more easily. You’ll wake up with more energy, too!
About Human Touch
For more than 40 years, Human Touch has been producing high-end massage chairs. They are now acknowledged as the leading supplier of massage chairs in the United States. All of their chairs are designed in the US. In addition to massage chairs, they also produce zero gravity recliners, along with targeted massage products to bring relief to different parts of the body.
In order to produce the best massage chairs possible, Human Touch brings together top engineers, medical practitioners, world-class athletes, and award-winning design teams. Over their 40 years, Human Touch has developed a number of multi-patented proprietary systems that closely replicate the massage methods used by professional massage therapists. These innovative technologies include:
- CirOlation
- Figure-Eight
- Robotic Massage
Human Touch Massage chairs are on the only chairs recognized by the World Federation of Chiropractic as a valid supplement to back care therapies. The company is constantly consulting with medical professionals in order to ensure that their massage chairs are as effective as they can be.
As well as selling their massage chairs to home users, Human Touch also supplies them to professional athletes and chiropractors, who integrate them into their professional practice.
Finding the best massage chair for you and your budget can be difficult. In the following section, we zoom in on the best of the Human Touch range of massage chairs to help you to negotiate that process.
The Human Touch Product Range
The Human Touch website offers a range of 10 massage chairs. In this article, we go in-depth on the seven top-selling chairs within that range.
Before we look at the individual models, we should acknowledge three issues regarding the Human Touch range of massage chairs:
- Typically, Human Touch chairs are more expensive than other massage chairs; however, they are also of higher quality
- Some models only come in one color
- Some users have reported that Human Touch’s customer support is not always the best and some users have to pay to have their chair shipped back for service.
The massage chairs in the Human Touch range encompass the following models:
- Super Novo
- Novo
- Gravis
- ZeroG
- WholeBody
- IJoy
Our Top Picks
1. Human Touch Novo XT2 Massage Chair
Key Specs:
- Dimensions: 63” x 31” x 43”
- Weight 294 pounds
- Max supported weight 285 pounds
- Recommended height range: 5’ – 6’9”
- Massage Track: L-Track (50 inches)
- Roller Tech: 3D Quad Rollers
PROS:
CONS:
Quad Rollers
The XT2 Novo makes use of quad rollers along with 3D technology. This allows the rollers to move up to 3 inches away from the 50-inch massage track. This combination delivers a great massage experience.
3D Bodyscan
The 3D body scan technology that is built into this chair provides you with nine pre-sets on the remote control. You select the one that you think will most closely match your body and can then tweak it be more precise. This is different from an actual body scan which does a full body scan when you sit in the chair. It then makes minute changes to meet your specific body needs. This is more user-friendly technology than you get with this massage chair.
Zero Gravity Seating
This technology was inspired by NASA. It allows the chair to recline to a position where the knees are higher than the heart. This brings on a feeling of weightlessness. This position has been shown by science to have a number of health benefits, including circulation, lowered blood pressure and even improve post-surgery recovery time. It also improves the overall massage experience.
Zero Gravity provides from 1 to 3 position options. The XT2 Novo offers two positions. We would have liked to have seen all 3 options, especially considering the price of this chair.
Space-Saving Design
The XT2 Novo is a bulky chair, but it is not as bulky as it could be thanks to the space saver technology that has been incorporated into the design. Among other things, it means that the extra space required for the recline function to operate has been reduced from a couple of feet to just five inches!
Air Massage & Lumbar Heat
This chair provides you with four ergonomically placed air massage bags to provide you with a fantastic air massage that can be graduated through three levels. Airbags can be activated individually to target specific areas of the body.
The chair also incorporates lumbar heat.
Extra Features
The XT2 Novo provides you with an incredible 35 preset massage programs. The programs can be tweaked for your specific needs. This makes it simple to get a fantastic, and slightly different, massage every day of the month.
Here is a sampling of the massage programs available:
- Awake
- Energize
- Performance
- Recovery
- Upper Back
- Lower Back
- Demo
Among the massage techniques that are built into the programs are both Swedish and Thai. This is very unique and puts the XT2 Novo at the top of the class in terms of inbuilt programs.
Other great features that are incorporated in the Novo XT2 include MP3 support, Bluetooth compatibility, and a USB port. There is also an extendable ottoman and calf and foot massager.
What’s Not So Good
The XT2 Novo costs a lot of money, so you expect everything to be top of the line. However, there are a few areas that do not match up to expectations. These include the fact that there is no temperature adjustment on the lumbar heat, no heat in the footwells and that it does not provide a true body scan.
These shortcomings, however, are not major issues and do not prevent us from rating the Novo XT2 as our favorite.
2. Human Touch Gravis ZG Chair
Key Specs:
- Dimensions (Reclined): 67” x 30” x 31”
- Weight 122 pounds
- Max supported weight 400 pounds
- Recommended height range: 5’ – 6’2”
- Massage Robot: Air Massage Technology
- 3 Year Limited Warranty
PROS:
CONS:
Zero Gravity
The Human Touch Gravis ZG Chair has a Zero Gravity feature which allows you to recline with your feet above your heart for maximum cardiovascular benefits. Pushing the zero-gravity button will activate this feature. Pushing it again will hold your position anywhere between upright and zero gravity that you choose. You can also tweak the footrest, back or headrest in any position.
Air Massage Technology
The Gravis ZG has air massage and air stretch programs built into it. These are built into the back and set area to reduce stress, enhance comfort and enhance the luxury massage experience.
3-Zone Heat
The Gravis ZG chair provides you with heat in three zones to provide heat in the back, seat, and legs. You can turn all 3 heat zones on at the same time or use them independently.
Gravis App
The Gravis ZG pairs with the Gravis App, which gives you three preset positions:
- TV
- Nap
- Zero Gravity
There are also nine other positions that you can program in and save to the memory bank. You can also program a ‘smart sitting’ function which will wake you up after a set period of time by slowly bringing you up to an upright position.
The app also allows you to choose between low and high heat intensity. You can also choose a range of languages on the app.
What’s Not So Good
The Zero-G Gravis chair features a couple of adjustment buttons on the side that is a little bit awkward to reach. There is also no temperature adjustment on the remote control (though you can choose between high and low heat on the app). There are also limited pre-set programs, with most of them having to programmed by the user. This is also not a chair for taller people, with the max recommended user height being six feet, two inches tall.
3. Human Touch ZeroG 5.0 Massage Chair
Key Specs:
- Dimensions (Reclined): 58 x 33.5 x 29
- Weight 160 pounds
- Max supported weight 285 pounds
- Recommended height range: 5’ – 6’4”
- Massage Robot: Air Massage Technology
- 3 Year Limited Warranty
PROS:
CONS:
Six Massage Techniques
Previous versions of the Human Touch Zero G provided you with four massage techniques. This has now been upgraded to six, as follows:
- Compression
- Kneading
- Rolling
- Tapping
- Shiatsu
- Stretching
These methods are incorporated into the following four massage programs:
- Relax
- Refresh
- Retreat
- Sleep
This boosted capability greatly enhances the massage experience.
Hide Away Ottoman
The Human Touch Zero-G 5.0 provides you with a hidden ottoman. This makes the chair less space-consuming and far more aesthetic. At the touch of a button, leg ports come out from the base. These ports can be fully adjusted together for just the right positioning for maximum comfort.
Built into the leg ports are foot and calf massage features.
Adjustable Rollers
The rollers in this massage chair are adjustable from the remote-control unit. This allows you to get the fine-tuned control that is not entirely possible with 3D scanning technology.
User-Friendly Remote
Unlike many massage chair remotes, the one that you get with the Human Touch Zero-G 5.0 is simple to use. This makes it a piece of cake for even newbies to the chair massage world to use it with ease.
3D Roller Technology
3D roller technology allows the rollers to penetrate your muscles for a deep tissue massage experience. The roller intensity can also be adjusted between three levels
What’s Not So Good?
There is no 3D body scanning capability on this chair. Also, there is no MP3 capability with this massage chair.
4. Human Touch WholeBody 7.1 Massage Chair
Key Specs:
- Dimensions (Reclined): 44” x 28” x 40”
- Weight 114 pounds
- Max supported weight 285 pounds
- Recommended height range: 5’ – 6’0”
- 3 Year Limited Warranty
PROS:
CONS:
BodyMap Pro
The BodyMap Pro feature of the WholeBody 7.1 provides you with a map of the human torso divided into body zones. By simply pressing the desired zone, you will get relief in that area.
5 Massage Techniques
The Whole Body 7.1 comes with five built-in massage techniques:
- Kneading
- Compression
- Tapping
- Rolling
- Stretch
There are also five pre-programmed massages with this chair.
S-Track Design
The WholeBody 7.1 massage chair features s-track design, allowing the rollers to follow the natural curvature of the spine.
Zero Gravity Seating
This massage chair provides you with Zero Gravity positioning but only gives you one position. However, having Zero Gravity at all at this price point is a major plus, so we’re not complaining.
Swivel Base
The WholeBody 7.1 provides you with a swivel base for easy body adjustment. You can swivel the chair 55 degrees in either direction.
Auto Recline
The auto recline feature is great for people with chronic lower back pain. The simple act of reaching out to manually adjust the chair can be too much, and with this chair, you don’t have to.
Roll Away Ottoman
The WholeBody 7.1 comes with an ottoman that can be rolled back into the chair. That makes a big difference to the footprint and look of the chair. When rolled out, the leg massage ports also provide you with a foot and calf massage.
Flex Glide Technology
Flex Guide technology allows you to get a great massage experience without the annoying pinching and rubbing that can easily occur when you sit in massage chairs.
Roller Adjustment
In lieu of auto body scan, you have the ability on this chair to adjust the roller positions via the remote-control unit.
What’s Not So Good?
The WholeBody 7.1 is a very good entry-level massage chair. However, there are a few areas where it lets itself down. In the absence of a leg extension feature, its suitability for taller people is limited, so that those who are over 6’2” will need to look elsewhere.
There are no airbags on this chair. This is surprising with most entry-level chairs providing them. You also do not get any 3D scanning technology with this chair. A final omission from the WholeBody 7.1 is that it has no built-in speakers or MP3 support.
The WholeBody 7.1 is an upgraded version of the WholeBody 5.1, featured below. Both are entry-level massage chairs, with the 7.1 being slightly more expensive, due to its additional features.
5. Human Touch WholeBody 5.1 Massage Chair
Key Specs:
- Dimensions (Reclined): 44” x 28” x 40”
- Weight 107 pounds
- Max supported weight 285 pounds
- Recommended height range: 5’ – 6’2”
- 3 Year Limited Warranty
PROS:
CONS:
3 Programs
The WholeBody 5.1 comes with 3 pre-programmed 15-minute massages to target specific areas of the body. These are:
- Full Back
- Upper Back
- Lower Back
FlexGlide Technology
FlexGlide technology is like having a warm oil massage. It delivers an incredibly smooth massage experience that eliminates all friction.
Swivel Base
The swivel base of this chair allows you to swivel up to 55 degrees in either direction. This makes it easy to get into the ideal position.
Foot & Calf Massager
The WholeBody 5.1 uses patented Figure 8 to provide a complete foot and calf massage experience. You also have the option of flipping the lower leg massager so that it becomes an ottoman. The foot and calf massager is retractable so that it can be rolled back into the base of the chair when not in use.
Zero Gravity Seating Position
The inclusion of zero-gravity seating on an entry model massage chair is quite out of the ordinary. As mentioned in previous reviews above, zero gravity positioning is great for your cardiovascular system and enhances the entire massage experience.
Auto Recline
This massage chair will allow you to automatically sink into the most comfortable recline position without your having to do anything at all!
Roller Position Adjustment
The remote control unit allows you to change the position of the rollers to target specific pain points.
What’s Not So Good?
The WholeBody 5.1 only provides you with four massage techniques, compared with five in the WholeBody 7.1 (the difference being ‘Rolling’). You also get 3 programs, compared with 5 on the 7.1.
The dimensions of this chair are similar to the 7.1, so people over 6 feet, two inches tall will find it too restrictive. There are also no airbags in this model or extra features such as speakers or MP3 capability.
6. Human Touch iJOY 4.0 Massage Chair
Key Specs:
- Dimensions: 40” x 25.5” x 33.5”
- Weight 294 pounds
- Max supported weight 285 pounds
- Recommended height range: 5’ – 6’2”
- Roller Tech: 3D Quad Rollers
- 2 Year Warranty
PROS:
CONS:
Massage Track
The massage track on the iJoy 4.0 Recliner Massage Chair is longer than you’d normally find on an entry-level chair. It is also “l” shaped so that it reaches al the way down your glutes.
Double Quad Rollers
There are two separate sets of quad rollers inside this chair. This gives you double the massage experience that you would expect on a budget-priced chair. The inclusion of FlexGlide 360 technology. This allows you to get two massages to different times of the body at the same time.
Four Programs
The iJoy 4.0 Recliner Massage Chair provides you with four fifteen-minute programs. Two of them make use of the full-length massage rack, while the other two target specific parts of the body.
What’s Not So Good?
The iJoy 4.0 Recliner Massage Chair provides you with only two massage techniques:
- Kneading
- Gliding
You do not have the ability to adjust the timer on the four programs. Neither do you have the ability to adjust the intensity of the rollers on this massage chair? There is also no 3D scanning on this chair.
The iJoy 4.0 is a pretty basic entry-level chair. However, its egg inspired aesthetics look great and it has everything that you need for a decent massage.
7. Human Touch iJOY 2.1 Massage Chair
Key Specs:
- Dimensions: 32” x 27” x 37”
- Weight 60 pounds
- Max supported weight 250 pounds
- Recommended height range: 5’ – 6’2”
- 2 Year Warranty
PROS:
CONS:
FlexGlide Technology
The Human Touch iJoy 2.1 features FlexGlide technology which offers a seamless glide to help you get a friction-free massage experience.
Zippered Side Pockets
The zippered side pockets allow you to store books, magazines, and even your tablet.
Programs
This entry-level chair provides you with three built-in programs:
- Reflex
- Perform
- Recover
3 Techniques
The iJoy 2.1 provides you with the following three key massage techniques:
- Knead
- Compress
- Glide
Compact Design
The compact design of this chair means it will fit into virtually any living space. It even folds up for even more compact storage.
What’s Not So Good
The Human Touch iJoy 2.1 is the most basic massage chair in terms of features offered by Human Touch. The chair sits low to the floor, which may be uncomfortable for some.
FAQ:
What things could I consider before buying a massage chair?
- Price:
The first thing you should consider, not surprisingly, is the price. Massage chairs can vary widely in price between $400 and $10,000. You need to determine how much you are willing to pay at the outset. This should include shipping, installation fees, and taxes. Also, consider whether you are willing to pay the price with a credit card or with cash.
- Roller System:
The next thing to consider has to do with the roller system of the chair. The options are 2D, 3D, and 4D. 2D is the oldest technology, providing movement in two directions – up and down and side to side.
3D rollers are also able to protrude in and out in order to provide deep tissue massage.
4D rollers offer the same movement as 3D ones but have the additional feature of auto speed adjustment. 3D chairs require manual speed adjustment.
If you require a chair that will massage at high intensity, then you will want to opt for a 3D or 4D mode. However, if the high intensity is not such an issue then you will find that a 2D chair will be perfectly fine.
- Roller Track:
The next consideration is the roller track. This determines the distance that the rollers will follow. On some chairs, the rollers will only run from the neck to the tailbone, whereas others will go down to the hamstrings. The longer the track, the better the massage will be.
- Maximum user weight and height:
Another consideration is the maximum user weight and height. This is especially important if you are buying online.
- Preset and auto programs:
You’ll also need to consider if you will buy a chair with preset or auto programs. Auto mode means that you don’ have to input any settings, just sink back and enjoy the experience. Pre-set programs also keep your massage experience interesting.
Most massage chairs will have at least some pre-set programs. The most expensive models can have as many as 30.
- Airbags, calf rollers or foot rollers:
Other considerations when deciding on the right chair for you are whether you want airbags, calf rollers or foot rollers. You will also want to make sure that your chair has all of the technical capability that you need. This may improve a USB charging port and wireless remote.
Should I pay extra to have my massage chair assembled?
Massage chair assembly can be a tricky business, even when you try to follow the instruction manual. Your chair is a major investment, so it is probably worth your while to pay for a professional to put the chair together for you.
Will my Human Touch chair come with a manual or will I have to download one?
All Human Touch massage chair manuals are downloadable from the Human Touch website and a copy also comes with each chair.
How often should I use a massage chair?
There is no definitive answer to this question. However, some massage chair product manuals will want you not to use the chair for more than 30 minutes at a time. Apart from this, you can safely use the chair as often as you want to. You should, however, limit your use of intense deep tissue massage. Generally, you should listen to your body and allow that to determine your massage chair frequency of use.
Is a massage chair good for back pain?
Yes. In fact, daily use of a massage chair may be one of the most effective and cost-friendly treatments that exist for people with ongoing back pain. Human Touch chairs have been designed to bring quick relief for people with not only back issues but also neck pain and sporting injuries.
What are the most common types of massage technique that are programmed into massage chairs?
The nine most common techniques that are integrated into massage chairs are:
- Tapping
- Rolling
- Kneading
- Shiatsu
- Swedish
- Vibration
- Compression
- Body Stretching
- Reflexology
Final Thoughts
Human Touch has developed a 45-year history of excellence in massage chair design and manufacture. In this review, we’ve taken an in-depth look at their range, providing you with the knowledge you need to select the right massage chair for your body and your budget.