Buying a Massage Chair: 7 Essential Criteria to Consider

You are considering buying a massage chair, but with so many models and brands on the market, you don’t know where to start. A massage chair is an investment that lasts for years and can provide daily relaxation — that’s why it’s essential to make a well-informed choice. In this guide, we cover the 7 most important criteria to consider before buying a massage chair.

1. First determine your available space

The most common mistake when buying a massage chair? Not considering the required space. A modern massage chair needs more room than you think:

• Length: allow for 180-200 cm when the chair is fully reclined
• Width: on average 70-85 cm, depending on the model
• Wall distance: at least 10-15 cm for optimal functionality

Measure the space where you want to place the chair beforehand. Models like our NOVA are designed with a space-saving mechanism, ideal for smaller living rooms.

2. Which massage techniques do you need?

Not every massage chair offers the same functionality. The three main massage types are:

• Shiatsu: Japanese kneading technique with deep pressure point stimulation
• Kneading: slow, deep movements for tense muscles
• Tapping: rhythmic tapping movements for improved blood circulation

High-quality massage chairs combine multiple techniques in one program. Ask yourself: do you mainly want to treat your back, or are you looking for a full-body experience including feet, calves, and arms?

3. Budget: what should a good massage chair cost?

Prices for a massage chair Netherlands vary widely, from €500 to well over €5,000. We recommend asking yourself these questions:

• How often will you use the chair? For daily use, a premium model is cost-effective
• Which features are essential, which are nice-to-have?
• Do you choose an entry-level model or a future-proof investment?

At AlienComfort we offer three collections: the Quasar (entry-level), Milky Way (mid-range), and Andromeda (premium). View our full collection of massage chairs to see which best fits your budget.

4. Check the warranty and service

A massage chair is a technical product with motors, sensors, and electronics. A solid warranty is therefore not a luxury but a necessity. Pay attention to these points:

• Warranty period: at least 2 years full factory warranty
• What is covered by the warranty: motor, frame, upholstery?
• Service location: is there a Dutch service point?
• Parts delivery time: how quickly are spare parts available?

AlienComfort offers a 2-year warranty on all massage chairs, with a Dutch service team that responds to service requests within 48 hours.

5. Test before you buy: the importance of a showroom visit

You can read a lot online about specifications, but nothing replaces experiencing a massage chair yourself. During a showroom visit you can:

• Test different models side by side
• Experience how the massage feels on your specific body shape
• Ask questions to a product specialist
• See and compare the dimensions in real life

Visit our showroom in The Hague (De Werf 11) to experience all models. Making an appointment is not required but recommended for personalized advice.

6. Special features that make a difference

Modern massage chairs offer extra features that can significantly enhance your experience:

Zero-gravity function

This NASA-inspired feature places your body in a weightless position, reducing pressure on your spine. According to research from the National Center for Biotechnology Information, this posture can help reduce back pain.

Heat function

Built-in heating elements in the back and leg zones help relax muscles and improve circulation.

Body scan technology

Sensors scan your body and automatically adjust the massage to your height and body shape.

7. Material and maintenance

The upholstery of your massage chair not only determines comfort but also durability and ease of maintenance:

• Faux leather: easy to clean, durable, affordable
• Textile: breathable and comfortable, but harder to clean
• Premium leather: luxurious appearance, but requires more maintenance

Ask about the cleaning instructions and any protective products that extend the lifespan of the upholstery when purchasing.

Ready to find your ideal massage chair?

Now that you know what to look for when buying a massage chair, you are ready to make the right choice. Whether you choose the versatile ORION, the compact NOVA, or another model from our collection — at AlienComfort you will find premium massage chairs with a 2-year warranty and free delivery. Plan a visit to our showroom at De Werf 11 in The Hague, or view our complete range of massage chairs online. Your moment of daily relaxation starts here.