Body Scanning Technology: Some massage recliners come with an advanced technology designed to improve the effectiveness of the back massage by scanning an individual’s back and contour to its specific needs. What results is a tailored massage experience.

Back Rollers: Back rollers are the workhorse that powers the back massage in most quality massage recliners. Consumers should aim to find a chair whose back rollers reach the tops of their shoulder/neck to the very end of their back for optimal massage benefits.

Stroke Length: On a given recliner, defines the length of vertical massage coverage by the back rollers. Taller massage recliner users should look for the longest stroke length available so that the back massage reaches all areas of the back and no areas are neglected.

Massage Programs: Many massage recliners come with pre-set programs. The amounts of programs available on a given recliner are variable but the best recliners will have a variety of unique programs designed to target certain areas. The pre-set programs allow you to tailor a massage on a given day to any problem areas you may be having, whether it be lower back or neck or legs, etc.

Intensity Settings: The availability on intensity settings is a very important feature on a massage recliner that will be used by more than one person. Individual people vary in their preferred massage intensity level, and a recliner that has a range of massages will allow the most people satisfaction. It is also a helpful feature if you tend to prefer a variety of massages, a soft massage one day and a deep tissue massage the next, to look for a chair with helpful, adjustable intensity settings.

Motors: Motors are essential to massage recliners as they are what power the unit to perform the massage. Massage recliners on the market today widely range in the number of motors, some have 2, while others offer 12, even 24.

Recline: Massage recliners are very different from the traditional living-room recliner as its main purpose is to deliver a quality massage, not be endlessly comfortable. You may find it a bit shocking that many massage recliners barely recline at all. These are often the cheaper models that try and cut costs in whatever area they can. Look for a chair that does recline, some offer inversion therapy and many recline completely flat.

Reflexology: Japanese massage technique that affects other parts of the body through pressure points. In massage recliners this is often used in the foot massage mechanisms.