4D massage chairs have taken the world by storm and are quickly becoming the primary go to setup for massage lovers worldwide. 4D is, as they say, the new 3D, and if you’ve ever tried a 4D massage before, then you’ll already know what the fuss is about.
However, with their new found popularity, more and more people are wondering what exactly 4D chairs are, how they compare to 3D and standard massage chairs and, most importantly, whether they are actually worth their high price. Here in this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about them before you spend a single penny.
What does 4D mean on a massage chair?
If you have recently been looking for a new massage chair, then you will likely be seeing the terms 3D and 4D frequently. Usually we think of these terms in relation to a cinema experience, and the D does indeed stand for “dimension”. But that is pretty much where the similarities end. Let us take a closer look at what dimensional massage chairs really are.
Simply put, the dimensions on a massage chair describe how the massage balls or rollers move. For example, in 3D massage chairs the rollers move in most directions and cover most of the body. 4D chairs differ in that they cover even more of the body than the 3D equivalent, but more on that later. What is also specific to the 4D massage chair is speed. That is to say that the user can control the speed of the rollers, as opposed to just experiencing set patterns programmed by the manufacturer.
So what are the differences between 3D and 4D massage chairs, and are their differences worth the variation in cost?
What is the difference between 3D and 4D massage chairs?
First, let’s start by taking a quick look at 2D massage chairs, which are the most basic of chair.
Simply put, 2D massage chairs are pretty much the industry standard massage chair that we can all picture. The rollers move either up and down or from side to side, i.e. in two dimensions. This is the most basic way in which massage chairs operate these days, even low cost seat pads.
They can provide relatively quick and somewhat efficient, though basic, massages for the money they cost. However, they do lack the human touch element and can only do so much. That’s why the 3D massage chair has become a necessity for so many people.
3D massage chairs can move up and down and side to side, in the same was as 2D massage chairs, but they can also push the rollers forward, providing a deeper massage for the user.
This is what made and still makes 3D massage chairs so popular, as their settings offer massages that are much closer to a “human touch” and are in many ways more efficient than 2D massage chairs.
High-quality 3D massage chairs can even push the rollers up to five inches deeper into the user than 2D massage chairs. However, with that extra power, many people often forget that 3D massage chairs also offer control going the other way. In fact, these chairs can significantly reduce the intensity, making the massage far more gentle.
This is ideal for people who need different kinds of attention for their backs and/or other injured areas and who require daily use. It is also useful for households where multiple people use the massage chair and are therefore likely to use it at different pressures and settings for each individual preference.
So what’s the deal with 4D massage?
Now given the well documented efficiency of the 3D massage chairs, you may be wondering how 4D massage chairs could possibly be better.
Firstly, 4D massage chairs can do absolutely everything that 3D massage chairs can do, and then more. The fourth dimension of these chairs is that they can also control the speed of the rollers.
This ensures that the 4D massage chair is capable of providing an even larger range massage techniques, including those that resemble Shiatsu.
During these types of massage, therapists usually speed up or slow down their movements depending on the specific attention that each area needs. In some cases, they even completely stop the action in order to just simply apply pressure on the specific areas.
In this sense, 4D massage chairs resemble professional massage therapists a lot more closely, making them highly advanced and desirable machines. They can almost perfectly mimic a human touch and are capable of providing specific kinds of massages and massage techniques in order to best serve the user.
Is a 4D massage chair worth it?
Given that 3D and 4D massage chairs are still relatively recent, they do still cost quite a lot.
Although can you easily get a good quality 2D massage chair for a couple of thousand dollars, 3D and 4D massage chairs can cost more, between $5,000 and $10,000.
Of course, the price depends on the make and the model that you choose, as well as any added features (such as a heating system for example); however, 4D massage chairs naturally cost more as they include more useful features.
Given the big differences in price, it is only natural to wonder whether or not 4D massage chairs are actually worth it.
Generally speaking yes, 4D massage chairs are absolutely worth it. Given that they can offer deeper, faster, slower and more precise massages, they can suit anyone’s massage needs and preferences.
Although no massage chair can replace a professional massage therapist, 4D massage chairs come the closest!
That being said, given the investment that they require, it is also important to understand that they are not essential, and 2D and 3D chairs can do the job well enough too.
If you are on a fixed budget, then you can rest easy knowing that a 2D or 3D massage chair can be perfectly acceptable for everyday massage needs. They can offer deep, relaxing and beneficial massages for a fraction of the price of a 4D massage chair.
You will, of course, not be able to control the speed of the rollers; however, as long as you test the massage chair out before using it, you will be able to better ensure that you have a chair with an adequate speed for your needs.
However, should you have the budget and are interested in 4D massage chairs, then there are a few things that you need to do to ensure that it is indeed worth it.
Firstly, take the time to look around at as many massage chairs as possible. Even if a massage chair is a 4D, that does not mean that it is perfect for you. The 4D models range in size, shape, and even other settings depending on the make and model.
In order to ensure that your 4D massage chair is actually worth the money, you first need to ensure that it suits you in every way. That means everything from the style and the fabric to the settings and the size (in height and width). In order for you to feel completely at ease in your massage chair, it needs to fit you perfectly, and it may take a while to find the correct one for you. Trust us that it is worth taking the extra time for the investment you will need to make.
If you are seriously considering purchasing a 4D massage chair, or any other style of massage chair, then take a look at our further guides for more in depth insight into the various brands and models available on the market today.
