Massage chair pads are great because you can use them in the comfort of your own home, they’re affordable, and you don’t have to even stop working to get the benefits of a massage. But how good of a massage will you really get at home?
The Zyllion ZMA 14 BK heated massage chair pad tries to take the home massage experience to a new level, while helping you stick to your budget. It’s reasonably priced, and while it’s not overloaded with features, it does try to do one thing right – the deep tissue massage to relieve pain.
We’ll take a look at the main features it offers, who it’s good for, who should pass, and what other options are out there.
You can check the table of contents below to skip ahead to your area of interest. Otherwise, let’s take a look at the Zyllion ZMA14 chair massage pad.
The Best Features of the Zyllion ZMA14 Massage Chair Pad
8 Adjustable Massage Nodes
This Zyllion massager has 4 shiatsu massage nodes for the neck, which rotate in and out, as well as travel up and down. There are also 4 shiatsu massage nodes that run the length of the back, targeting both upper and lower back areas.
You can adjust the height and width of the massage nodes with the remote control to focus on specific areas to help relieve muscle tension. Choose a deep kneading massage to really work the muscles or a rolling massage, which sends the massage nodes up and down in a constant motion.
3 Massage Modes
The shiatsu neck mode focuses on the neck and shoulder region only, providing a deep kneading massage, with the rollers rotating in and out as they go up and down your neck.
The shiatsu back mode targets the upper and lower back for a full back deep kneading shiatsu massage, really working out kinks and tightness along the way.
Lastly, this Zyllion ZMA14 massage chair pad features a rolling massage mode, where the rollers roll up and down the length of the back rest. They don’t rotate in and out like in a shiatsu massage.
The conveniently attached remote control adjusts these settings.
That’s the Spot
The Zyllion ZMA14 shiatsu massage cushion has a spot massage feature that allows you to adjust the width of the nodes on the back to find the exact sweet spot you want to target. If you have any back pain or tightness in one area, this will allow extra time in there to relieve that pain, so you don’t have to wait for the rollers to come back around again.
Sweet Heat
This Zyllion ZMA14 massage cushion with heat on the roller balls provides you with immediate relief, helping to speed up your recovery if you’re suffering from any type of pain. The soothing heating function has a 15 minute auto shut off to prevent overheating. This isn’t meant to be a heating pad because you can only use the heat in massage mode, but it does provide some sweet heat to your overstressed back.
Don’t Forget the Seat
This chair massage features a vibration massage on the seat cushion, so your glutes and thighs won’t feel left out. You can control the intensity of the 3 levels of vibration massage, setting it to low, medium, or high intensity. You can’t warm your buns, as the seat doesn’t heat up, but you can massage them.
Light and Stylish
This chair massage with heat weighs only 15 pounds, making it easy to store away or transport to another room. Although there is no weight limit, Zyllion claims the max weight for using this in a recline position is 165 pounds. Bottom line, it’s meant to be used upright, so make sure you fall under this weight if you want to recline.
The Zyllion ZMA14 looks good, wrapped in durable PU leather and a breathable mesh covering for the neck and back massage zones. It also has an integrated back strap to secure it to your seat and a remote control to control the massage and heat.
Zyllion Lifetime Guarantee
Zyllion offers lifetime support for their customers, so even if you’re having a problem past your warranty, they will work with you to figure out a solution. There is a 90 day return window if you try it out and don’t like it, which is great since people are so divided on the intensity of the massage. That includes free shipping.
They also offer a 1 year warranty, which can be extendable up to 2 years after purchase. If anything happens within the first year of your purchase, they will send a replacement to you at no cost, and that includes shipping.
Since the best chair massager for one person will be ineffective for another, it’s nice to have this peace of mind from Zyllion when making your purchase. You never know how it’ll work for you until you actually try it.
The Drawbacks
High Neck Massage
Some users complained that the neck massage was hard to use because you have to recline your head back in order to use it. It’s also a higher seat back, so it may be hard to reach if you’re too short. You can add cushions to prop you up so the massage targets your neck and not the top of your head.
Too Intense
The roller balls can be hard on your back, and with no back flap, you would need to add a blanket or towel to lessen the intensity if it’s too much for you. There’s no option to less the intensity; the only option is high. If you like a firm massage, this won’t be a problem, but otherwise, use caution.
No Seat Heating
Although there is a soothing heat function throughout the back section, it doesn’t extend to the seat cushion. Many massage chair pads don’t have a heated seat, but it’s important to mention if you like toasty buns.
No Car Adapter
Another potential downside is the lack of car adapter. Although you can use massage chair pads in the car, they’re not recommended to use while driving. You could get a car adapter for it, but it isn’t included with your purchase.
Here’s What Customers Have to Say
Tall People, Rejoice!
This chair massager features a tall back pad of 30 inches, so you will need to use it on a high-backed chair to support the neck massager. This makes it good for taller people, whose necks sometimes get left out. If multiple people will be using this at different heights, it could still work. One customer just added pillows to the seat to reach the neck, while her tall husband sat in it comfortably without cushions.
Dig Deep
It’s a firm massage. So if you like firm massages, you will like this. But be warned – the rollers dig deep, really working out those muscles. So if that doesn’t sound like a good time, you may want to pass on this one. Those who loved this Zyllion massager loved the firm massage, and a large majority of those who didn’t care for this chair massager thought the massage was just too firm and the intensity was too much for them.
Customers Matter
The other standout that customers were pleased with was Zyllion’s customer service. If there was a problem, Zyllion would honor the warranty and replace the product, no questions asked. They even pay the return shipping for you.
Who Knew It Was So Versatile?
If you want to work your hamstrings, an area that is often met with stiffness, one user simply adjusted the seat and placed his legs on the neck area for a leg massage.
What’s the Verdict?
If you like a really deep, firm, intense massage, the Zyllion ZMA14 is the shiatsu massager for you. With its wide shiatsu rollers, you’ll really get a good massage, not commonly seen in home massage units. It has a high back, which is perfect for taller users who want to experience a neck massage, and a nice 1 year warranty.
If you’re looking for something a little less intense, take a look at some of the best chair massagers for your money here. Or if you want an office chair with massage built-in, click here.
If you want the same Zyllion guarantee but something a little smaller or even more portable, try this Zyllion shiatsu massage pillow.
A Final Word from Zyllion
To experience the best results from your Zyllion massager, here’s what Zyllion recommends.
- Do not use the massager for longer than 20 minutes at a time.
- To relieve back pain, you can use the massager 2-3 times per day at 5-15 minutes per use.
- The massager will automatically shut off if it overheats. If this happens, unplug the unit and wait at least 15 minutes before using it again, giving it enough time to cool down.
- Drinking a glass of water after use can help enhance your metabolism.