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Best Car Seat Massagers Reviews

Joanne Stene
Last Updated on
by Joanne Stene

If you spend a lot of time in your car, you might find yourself battling a lot of aches and pains.

Extended driving can cause a lot of discomfort to the lower back, kidneys, shoulders, and neck.

The best car seat massagers can improve circulation, relieve aches and pains, and prevent soreness after long periods behind the wheel.

Let’s get started.

Best Car Seat Massagers

1. Snailax SL-256

Best Massager
snailax-shiatsu-massage-cushion
The Snailax SL-256 features four Shiatsu nodes for a deep massage. These nodes can be set to travel up and down the length of the seat for a whole back massage or set to stay in one place to massage the upper, middle, or lower back.

Each of the nodes can also release heat into the muscles to aid in relaxation.

The seat features variable vibration with three levels of intensity to help relax the lower extremities. The Snailax also features many different settings options to help you tailor your experience just how you like it.

Constructed from a combination of leather and mesh for maximum breathability and high-class looks, the Snailax is one of the most comfortable seat massagers available. It also features a variable automatic shutoff timer to prevent burns and overheating.

The only real problem with the Snailax SL-256 is that there are no settings for the neck and shoulders. It does feature some extra padding for the headrest, but it could have just as quickly been eliminated to make a less bulky unit.

Pros
  • Comfortable
  • Variable setting options
  • Vibrating seat
Cons
  • No neck massage option

2. Zyllion ZMA14 Shiatsu Neck and Back Massager

zyllion-shiatsu-back-and-neck-massager
The Zillion ZMA14 is an excellent massage option when you need a full body massage.

The Neck area features four nodes that can be set to move in any direction. You can also choose to have the nodes move up and down or to remain at a pre-selected position.

The back part of the chair features another four nodes that you can adjust to massage your entire back, or just the lower or upper portions. You can choose between a rolling massage and a Shiatzu massage. All eight of the nodes can be set to provide heat to the massage area.

There are no nodes in the bottom part of the seat, but it still provides vibration to the waist, thighs, and buttocks and is thin enough to be hardly noticed. The back part of the chair features thick padding that masks the hard nodes when the seat is not in operation and also provides quite a bit of comfort.

The ZIllion ZMA14 also features an emergency shut off that will cut power to the device if it should malfunction and get too hot as well as a twenty-minute auto shut off.

The nodes on this chair mean business, and that can either be a great thing or a terrible thing depending on the kind of massage you like to get. For some, the nodes on the ZMA14 are a tad too rough for their liking.

This seat is also pretty big, and a lot of smaller people might find it a bit cumbersome. The neck nodes will be up too high for shorter people to benefit from them, and the lower back may be out of range of the nodes as well.

Pros
  • Comfortable
  • Heated
  • Multiple massage options
  • Massages a large area of the back and neck
  • Vibration + Shiatzu
Cons
  • Extreme Shiatzu action may not suit some users
  • Very Large


3. Gideon Powerful Vibrating Massager Seat Cushion

gideon-vibrating-massager-seat-cushion
The Gideon vibrating seat cushion is an excellent option for people that don’t like the rough style of the Shiatsu massage nodes.

This seat cushion uses strong vibrations in both the top and bottom parts of the chair to deliver maximum comfort.

Six powerful motors work to deliver powerful vibrations throughout the upper and lower back, along with the waist, buttocks, and thighs. Two heating elements, one in the upper and one in the lower part of the cushion warm the muscles and help to relax you.

A digital controller allows you to change the settings on the Gideon Massage Cushion and also provides for complicated massage sessions.

There is not a lot of padding built into this seat cushion, and that can make it uncomfortable on long drives. There is also no support for the neck, shoulder, and head.

Pros
  • Gentle vibrating massage
  • Dual heating elements
  • Customizable settings
Cons
  • Not enough padding
  • Slightly hard to use digital controller

4. Relief Expert 10-Motor Vibrating Car Seat Back Massager

snailax-cordless-shiatsu-massager-with-heat
The Relief Expert is a potent vibration-only massage seat for your car. It features ten high-quality motors placed to deliver maximum relief to all muscle groups.

There are several modes to choose from, and each is designed to isolate different groups of back muscles. There are also several intensity levels to select from to help get the best massage possible.

The Relief Expert also features a heating element that provides heat to targeted areas of the back. You can use the heat feature independently of the vibration massage.

There are no Shiatsu massage nodes, so you are limited to the type of massage that you can get from this seat massager. The remote control can also take a little time to get used to for some people, and it might be a bit hard to use while driving.

Pros
  • Ten vibrating motors
  • Lots of settings
  • Independent Heat
Cons
  • Difficult Remote
  • No Shiatsu Nodes

5. Naipo Back Massager

naipo-back-massager-chair
The Naipo Back Massager is a vibration only massager that features eight motors that pin-point specific muscle groups for optimal massage and relaxation.

The chair uses four target zones. These zones include the shoulders and upper back, the lower back and waist, the hips, and the thighs.

The four types of massage delivered by the chair are a pulse, tapping, percussion, and wave mode. There are three speeds to choose from, and the Naipo Back Massager also features two heating elements.

The Naipo Back Massager chair has adapters that allow it to be used in the home or office, as well as in the car.

Some people find the vibrations to be a little intense while others complained that the seat doesn’t have sufficient padding and can feel lumpy on long drives.

Pros
  • Two heating elements
  • Powerful Massage
  • Adaptor for home
Cons
  • No independent heat setting
  • Lumpy

6. TENKER Massage Cushion

tenker-shiatsu-massager
The Tenker Massage Cushion is ready for the home, office, or car. It features four Shiatsu deep kneading massage nodes. These nodes travel up and down the length of the back or target a specific region for maximum relief.

Optional heat therapy relieves fatigue and loosens tired muscles in your back and can help increase blood flow.

The seat part of the cushion features three levels of vibration, and you can choose the intensity of your massage from a soft kneading to intense oscillation.

The Tenker Massage Cushion is designed for comfort and features thick padding and a soft PU leather seat. The back utilizes a breathable mesh fabric designed to reduce wear. High-grade, flexible straps help ensure a snug fit to your chair that won’t slip, slide, or bunch up.

The Shiatzu massage can be a little intense, and the hard plastic nodes can become uncomfortable on extended trips. Some people that are not very tall might find this cushion to stand a bit tall over their heads.

Pros
  • Works anywhere
  • Comfortable Seat with thick padding
  • Easy to use remote
Cons
  • Too big for small people
  • Nodes reduce comfort when not in use

The Difference Between Driving and Sitting

Many people, including many automobile manufacturers, don’t Consider how much different a car seat is then a regular office chair.

An automobile seat needs to take a lot more than comfort and good looks into Consideration.

Many different forces affect the human body while a vehicle is in motion. The human body must withstand accelerations as well as decelerations and swaying from side to side. No matter how smooth the surface is, up and down vibrations will continuously affect the whole body.

Some studies suggest that the low-frequency vibrations created when driving a car can reduce or eliminate the shock absorption properties of the cartilage between our bones, particularly in the lower back.

You also must actively use your feet while driving to control the acceleration, braking, and clutch. This footwork will cause muscle wear and fatigue while preventing you from using your feet to support and stabilize yourself.

Any of these things can easily lead to back pain as well as muscle soreness in different areas of the body.

Reducing the amount of time you drive at once and taking frequent stops to stretch your legs can significantly reduce the amount of soreness that develops over an extended trip.

A car seat massager can also help by loosening and stimulating your back muscles while you drive.

The Ideal Car Seat

Here is a list of things you can look for that will help you get a more comfortable ride next time you buy a car.

Seat Distance

Every car is going to have this adjustment to accommodate drivers with different leg lengths. If you are buying a used car, it might be worth checking that you can adjust the distance and that the tracks allow smooth adjustment.

Backrest Angle

The Backrest Angle is another adjustment that every car seat is likely to offer, which allows you to choose how far back you want to recline.

Headrest

The headrest is essential to support the neck and may help prevent whiplash or other severe injuries in the event of a crash. The headrest is usually part of the set, but it is vital to make sure it is adjustable to support your neck.

Seat Height

The Seat Height adjustment is becoming more and more common, especially in newer model cars. As the name suggests, this adjustment allows you to adjust the height of the seat to help you see around your vehicle better.

Seat Tilt

The seat tilt allows you to adjust the angle of the seat, so the front is not pressing against your knees.

Lumbar Support

Lumbar support often comes in the form of an inflatable cushion. Try to find one with adjustments for height as well as depth.

Shock and Struts

The shock absorbers on your car are not part of the seat, but they are responsible for absorbing vibrations and bumps that can cause a lot of strain on the lower back.

Most experts recommend changing them every 50,000 to 100,000 miles but sooner is better if you are experiencing back pain brought on by long drives.

Enter The Car Seat Massager

Car Seat Massager

Car seat massagers help to relax you, and they also boost your circulation, which opens the way for you to be a better and more attentive driver. It can also help boost your mood, which will improve your day.

The seat massager can help alleviate pain and soreness brought on by driving through various means like vibration and heat. The massager will also add extra padding to your seat and help separate your body from road vibrations.

Driving is also a great time to get a back massage. Get a back massage while stuck in traffic for long periods and on your daily commute. For many of us, there isn’t enough time in the day to get a good massage any other way.

Many car seat massagers also feature a heat setting, which means double-duty; acting as a seat warmer during the cold winter months.

What To Look For In A Car Seat Massager

There are a few different things you should be seeking out when you’re in the market for a car seat massager.

Heat

The heat will warm up the muscles and improve circulation.

Of course, you will want to turn off the heat on hot days, and you might find variable heat settings an improvement over just on and off.

Power

Most car seat massagers are powered using a cigarette lighter plug, but these plugs are becoming more uncommon, slowly being replaced by USB plugs.

You will want to make sure that you will be able to power the massager before you commit to any purchases. Also, you might want to take it inside and use it in your office chair. If so, you will want to make sure there is a power adapter that comes with it.

Comfort and Fit

How comfortable it is to sit on the car seat massager is likely to be one of the most significant factors helping you make the decision about which one to buy.

Besides good padding, you also want your car seat massager to be the right size for your body. If it is too tall or too short, you will be unable to get the proper massage. The device could also block your vision and cause a hazard.

Shiatzu

Shiatzu is the name given to the moving balls and rollers in your massage seat. These balls and rollers are supposed to simulate fingers and work into your muscles for a deeper massage.

Many people prefer this option to the vibration alone.

Contact Points

One last thing that we need to look at before purchasing our car seat massager is how many points of contact there are. These contact points need to be placed near the right part of our body to prevent soreness.

A chair with more contact points will have a better chance of massaging the right area.

Concluding Thoughts

The best choice of seat massager is in your hands, as several factors come down to personal decisions.

Whether or not you need a Shiatsu massage is probably the best place to start.

That said, if we’ve got to pick a winner here, it’s got to be the Zillion ZMA14. The size may be a bit on the large size for some, but it gives one of the most complete massages and has the horsepower to really get some of those knots out.

Of course, everyone has personal preferences and what one finds comforting, another may find painful or uncomfortable. Always try before you buy and if that’s not an option, check the warranty and return information to make sure you can get your massager replaced or return it if you’re unhappy for any reason.

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About Joanne Stene
Joanne Stene
Joanne is a mother of 2 young girls and a technical writer with over 20 years of professional experience. She originally got interested in the topic of car seats as her two daughters were born and during the course of research into which seats to buy for her family. That interest has turned into a passion of sharing information on the Elite Car Seats website.
Joanne Stene
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