Airbag massage in a massage chair is an extremely important and enjoyable complement to the work of the massage arms. This system was first used in massage chairs in 1995 and has been extremely popular ever since. But how does it work, what does it affect and why is virtually every massage chair nowadays equipped with airbags? Find the answers to these questions in the article below.
Let’s start with a vlog in which Paweł briefly introduces you to the topic of airbags in massage chairs.
The airbag – how does it massage?
On the technical side, it looks as follows: a massage chair with airbags has a built-in compressor that creates pressure and distributes air via electro-valves to the individual cushions, which are arranged in precisely thought-out zones of the chair. The 4 main airbag massage techniques that we distinguish are holding, kneading, pulsing and alternating techniques. Specific sequences of pumping and releasing air from the cushions using the given techniques create automatic programmes. Holding is primarily used during stretching programmes and pressing the feet against the massage rollers. Kneading is the most common technique found in virtually every chair and its name speaks for itself. Pulse massage, on the other hand, is characterised by a higher frequency of pumping and deflating and can be found in more advanced models of massage chairs. Similarly, the alternating technique which stimulates blood and lymph circulation like no other. This technique most often occurs during hand massage, when the airbags alternate pumping in the area of the hands and forearms, or alternate between one hand and the other (sometimes we then hear from people who are getting their first massage in a massage chair that the chair is broken because it only squeezes one hand… rest assured, there will soon be the second).
Without the airbags in the massage chair, stretching or acupressure massage, for example, would be impossible. In addition, a roller foot massage would not be as precise. Interestingly, the Fujiiryoki JP4000 even features a dedicated Mindfulness programme based on the concept of meditation, performed only with the help of the airbags.
Does the number of airbags in a massage chair make a difference?
The number of airbags varies depending on the massage chair variant. The more advanced models, which wrap almost the entire body of the user in airbags, usually have the most. In our range, the number 1 in this case, is the Bodyfriend Phantom Rovo, which has as many as 87 of them, making it possible to create very sophisticated and precise automatic programmes. However, it should be emphasised that the number or size of the airbags alone does not determine the quality of the massage. The key issue is their arrangement, which affects the number of body parts covered by this type of massage, as well as the possibility to adjust the intensity with which it is performed. But more on this below.
Interesting fact: There can be only in foot massagers more than 20 airbags!
Adjusting the intensity and zones of airbag massage
It is natural that the more advanced the massage chair model, the greater airbag massage options. In compact chairs such as the Massaggio Bello 2 or the iRest QL (A185), the strength of the airbag massage can be adjusted in 2 stages, and in the most advanced models, such as the Fujiiryoki JP4000, in as many as 7 stages.
And the massage zones? The simplest models have no zoning – you simply turn the airbags on, and off and adjust the intensity for the whole system. More advanced models allow you to adjust the airbags for the upper and lower body. Full, extremely precise adjustment is possible on Bodyfriend and Fujiiryoki seats. The most advanced massage chairs (in this case) in our range – Bodyfriend Phantom Rovo and Quantum — offer the possibility to independently adjust the massage in as many as 9 separate zones: shoulders, arms (forearms + hands), back + waist, hips, thighs + buttocks, pelvis, calves, foot arch, heel.
Why? For example: the leg massage can have a different intensity than the massage with the airbags placed in the seat of the chair, or we can turn off the foot massage altogether leaving only the hand massage.
The intensity adjustment is especially helpful at the beginning of the massage chair adventure. When your muscles are not yet massaged, it is a good idea to start with the lowest intensity. Over time, of course, once the body has become accustomed to the pressure, this intensity can be increased. In this way, the massage strength can be perfectly adapted to one’s own needs for extraordinary pleasure, comfort and relaxation.
In the simplest massage chair models, where massage is concentrated on the back, the airbags at the hips are a nice addition to stimulate circulation around the middle of our body. In the most advanced models, on the other hand, the airbags wrap around almost the entire body and are an integral part of most automatic programmes.
Are you curious which massage chair covers which parts of the body during the airbag massage? The table below compiles the airbag massage zones of all the massage chair models we offer.
| Fujiiryoki JP4000 | shoulders, forearms, hands, back, hips, buttocks, thighs, calves, feet |
| Fujiiryoki JP3000 | shoulders, forearms, hands, back, hips, buttocks, thighs, calves, feet |
| Bodyfriend Davinci | shoulders, forearms, hands, hips, thighs, calves, feet |
| Bodyfriend Quantum | shoulders, forearms, hands, back, waist, hips, buttocks, pelvis, thighs, calves, feet |
| Bodyfriend Phantom Rovo | shoulders, forearms, hands, back, waist, hips, buttocks, pelvis, thighs, calves, feet |
| Bodyfriend Phantom Care | shoulders, forearms, hands, waist, hips, buttocks, thighs, calves, feet |
| iRest Maesthron (A801) | shoulders, forearms, hands, hips, thighs, calves, feet |
| iRest Brillactiq (A665) | shoulders, forearms, hands, calves, feet |
| iRest Grandease (A550) | shoulders, forearms, hands, calves, feet |
| iRest Queentri (A357) | shoulders, forearms, hands, waist, calves, feet |
| iRest Supearl (A336) | shoulders, forearms, hands, calves, feet |
| iRest Supearl Open (A336-31) | shoulders, forearms, hands, calves |
| iRest Chillin (A360) | forearms, hands, calves, feet |
| iRest Chillin Open (A360-31) | forearms, hands, calves |
| iRest Easyq (A166) | hips, calves, feet |
| iRest QL (A185) | hips |
| Massaggio Stravagante 2 | shoulders, forearms, hands, waist, hips, thighs, calves, feet |
| Massaggio Esclusivo 2 | shoulders, forearms, hands, calves, feet |
| Massaggio Eccellente 2 PRO | shoulders, forearms, hands, calves, feet |
| Massaggio Eccellente 2 | shoulders, forearms, hands, calves |
| Massaggio Bello 2 | hips, calves |
| Keyton H10 | none |
Benefits of airbag massage
The airbags in the massage chairs, through contraction-diastole, perform their most important task, namely to stimulate lymph flow and improve blood circulation. Muscles are better oxygenated and recover more quickly (especially after physical exertion), and blood pressure in the body is lowered. As a result, the detoxification process, i.e. the cleansing of the body of accumulated toxins, is assisted.
Based on experience and observation, we can say that airbag massage is appreciated especially by women who often walk in heels. The airbags in the massage chair pleasantly de-stress tense leg muscles, relieving them of unnecessary weight and increasing comfort during the massage.
Airbag massage has become an indispensable function that influences the effectiveness of the massage chair, increases the feeling of relaxation and relaxes the muscles. The first effects can be felt after just the first 20 minutes of massage, and its regular use brings not only quick relief but also long-lasting effects that translate into quality of life. In addition, the air cushion system in the massage chairs, as we mentioned earlier, makes it possible to perform certain massage programmes, such as stretching or acupressure massage, and also increases the precision of the rollers during a foot massage.
In conclusion, today it is difficult to imagine a massage chair without airbags, as the airbag massage system is the second most important system in a massage chair. When choosing a chair, it is therefore worth trying out several models, paying attention to whether the airbag massage range meets our expectations. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us – we will be happy to help you find the chair that is right for you.
Transcription
Paul, can air, massage my body?
You could say that, in fact there is an entire air massage system inside all massage chairs.
An air massage system is one of the main mechanisms. By pressing and releasing the muscles, the airbags massage our body, regulating lymph flow and improving blood circulation.
Which muscles can be massaged?
It depends on the model. Basic models offer air massage for the thighs and calves. More advanced models offer massage for the arms, hands and legs, including the feet. The high-end massage chairs have several airbags placed in the backrest to offer a “twist” massage, in the seat to massage the coccyx and there are even airbags for the toes.
Is the number of airbags important?
It is, but not all the time – sometimes the manufacturers use it as a competitive advantage and increase the quantity of airbags to show they have more than others. It is more important to know how many areas they can affect.
Can the strength be adjusted?
You should be able to do this, even in basic models. Premium models use more advanced air pumps and sometimes have more than one. This lets you change the pressure separately in different areas.
After a few minutes on a massage chair, you notice your muscles relaxing, especially after a whole day on your feet. It is particularly helpful in getting rid of the feeling of heavy legs.
