Homedics SBM-300H Therapist Select Shiatsu PLUS Massaging Cushion with Heat Reviews

• True therapeutic massage

  
  By ARXU3FESTWMJJ on 2007-10-18
  Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R19I5HOSQ73JPY I've used a variety of massage pads in the past and even have a recliner with built-in massage. Most are basically a very comforting vibrating massage with heat that does fairly little to really work out muscle tightness. This cushion truly does give a serious massage. That does mean you should be cautious about using it. It really was a bit too intense for me at first, but using a towel in front to lighten the effect does seem to help, and I expect over time I will be able to use it at full strength. The main negative to this pad for me, is that unlike the vibrating massage pads, you really wouldn't want to sit on a chair with this pad on it unless you intend to use it as the rollers are just too uncomfortable otherwise. So you need either a chair dedicated for massage, or you have to put it on and off all the time.
  
  See my video for photos of it in action and more details.
  
  

• Homedics has hit it out of the park with this one!

  
  By A23ZNGL704AW7O on 2007-11-09
  Since developing a bulging disk (now under control, thankfully) a few years ago, I have gone through two of Homedics' Shiatsu massagers. I wore the first one out, and still have the second. While both of the previous models performed wonderfully where the Shiatsu massage was concerned, I felt that Homedics' missed the boat by not including a heat function in those early versions of the chair massager.
  
  But that was in the past. Homedics has hit the ball out of the park with their new chair massager offerings! Not only do the newer models have a heat function, but the massagers can perform either a Shiatsu massage or a rolling massage. I confess to not being very excited about the rolling massage when I read about it. I was convinced I would test it only for the purpose of reviewing this device, and then stick to the Shiatsu massage. Having tried both, I have to say I am more than impressed with the rolling massage and find myself giving both massage styles equal time. The variety proves even more effective than the strict Shiatsu did before, something I didn't anticipate, but makes sense now.
  
  I said before that my bulging disk issue subsided some time ago, but I still have a flare up with my Sciatic nerve periodically, and I definitely hold a lot of tension in my back. My job in the IT industry as a Systems Engineer has me in front of a computer all day during the work week, and often in server rooms where the keyboard, mouse, and monitor position is decidedly not ergonomic. In fact, I am often standing in front of a rack-mounted server to work, with a keyboard positioned for a man instead of my 5'5" height. Needless to say, the job creates a great bit of tension in my back.
  
  The Homedics massagers serve very well to reduce the tension in my back. The new model, SBM-300H Therapist Select Shiatsu PLUS Massaging Cushion with Heat, shows a vast improvement over a device that already worked very well. The adjustable rollers allow the massager to hit any spot on your back while using the rolling function, whereas previously you had to reposition your body on the massager to accomplish this. The pause feature is another I've wanted for years. This allows you to temporarily pause the massagers to work out a particular spot that needs more attention. The heat function is everything I hoped for - covering the whole of the back, it works better than a standard heating pad does, but with a more gentle heat. Although the temperature is not adjustable, it is set at a level that is both effective and comfortable.
  
  The price on this device is more than fair, considering the benefit received from its numerous functions. Using the Homedics SBM-300H Therapist Select Shiatsu PLUS Massaging Cushion with Heat regularly prevents me needing to visit a professional masseuse frequently, keeping my back more relaxed and agile and maintaining a quality of life and physical comfort that I could not do without.
  
  
  

• THE 300 IS RECOMMENDED OVER THE 200 AND 400 MODELS

  
  By A18NPUB5CNXZOE on 2007-11-24
  I just tried all three, the 200, 300, and 400 models by this company, Homedics. I tried all three and the SBM-300H was better: the massaging mechanism went higher up my back than the 400 and there were more useful settings on the 300 over the 200. I am very particular regarding mechanical massagers so I was pleasantly surprised that I liked any of the above because I usually don't like any mechanical massagers. But, after trying all three of them out and the 300 being out of stock at our local store, I decided to order the SBM-300H from Amazon. Recommended! boland7214@aol
  
  

• Excellent value - this may become a nightly treat

  
  By A3FHSLWEMH7JD8 on 2007-10-18
  Since I long have had constant problems with muscular tension in my back, I could not get this product unwrapped and running quickly enough. Overall, I found it quite effective, and I have no doubt I'll indulge in its use very frequently. The massaging action (confined to the back - there is no leg massage) worked out the knots near the spine very thoroughly.
  
  I only withheld a five star rating because, though it is a superb value in this price range, there are some drawbacks which could affect particular customers. The controls are very basic, and do not include any way to adjust intensity. The standard intensity could be excessive for anyone with relatively delicate muscles or skin.
  
  Controls allow for adjustment of width, and for 'spot' massage, but I found the length of the unit to be rather short. I am only 5'2", and the height was perfect for me - but I daresay other customers may have a bit more length to the torso. The unit also is slightly noisy, which some may find bothersome.
  
  I found this to be a very worthwhile product, well suited for relaxing tension in the muscles.
  
  

• Releases Tension - Gotta Try This!

  
  By AWPODHOB4GFWL on 2007-10-25
  Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R19KPT1VUJH0ZH Shaitsu 300 has lots of functions, including Full, Upper or Lower back Shiatsu or Rolling massage. Heated ball rotors are strong and work your back muscles with specific options of choosing one "spot" to massage continuously or another to adjust the width of the total massage. This is no flimsy device. ItHomedics SBM-300H Therapist Select Shiatsu PLUS Massaging Cushion with Heat's durable and works wonders.
  
  
• Feels great, not durable enough to recommend
  By A54EI3SY3L5L0 on 2007-12-21
  The spot massage feature combined with heat make for a vigorous and very satisfying massage. I loved it.
  
  After ten days or so of twice-daily usage, the unit began to stall easily and make grinding noises. I returned it.
  
  Like so many Homedics customers, I'd have to say the concept is great but the execution is flawed. The massagers just aren't dependable enough to recommend.
  
  
  
• Transforms an ordinary chair into massage chair paradise
  By A3FXT4UPI30K7S on 2007-11-01
  It's extremely important to follow simple directions when opening the package for this massage cushion, as failure to remove a simple screw can apparently destroy this elegant mechanical massage device. Once you've taken a few seconds to remove the well-marked screw, it's then extremely easy to just plug the power cord into the wall, set the cushion on your favorite easy chair, and try out the "demo" massage mode, to see how the various settings suit you. I noted that the heavy-duty Shiatsu settings were a bit aggressive for my current massage requirements, so I've subsequently enjoyed utilizing the non-Shiatsu, or "rolling" settings as marked on the handy remote control. The heat setting can be on or off, and I found the heat to be tremendously helpful, especially on my lower back. I love the option to be able to bring the rolling massage knobs closer together or farther apart from my spine, and I also love the ability to just have a lower or upper back massage... or a full massage (rolling). Similar options exist for the Shiatsu massage, and so this is one awesome massage cushion. I find it tremendously useful after having done heavy work in the garden or around the house, and after heavy work-outs... or just while relaxing after having spent hours at the computer. Anyone seeking a way to get a back massage who doesn't have a friend to help them with it will fall in love with this versatile, powerful, and relaxing device.
  
  
• Not For Me
  By A1WEPF2FGRT1SO on 2007-11-10
  Technically, this product does what it's supposed to do. I mean, it's features all function.
  
  However I found that beyond that, I wasn't very impressed. I didn't like the rolling massage at all. I found the shiatsu massage to be so-so, a bit too pressure heavy for my own personal tastes.
  Also, the massager doesn't reach up very far and it didn't reach high up enough on my back to get my most problematic area. Considering how short I am, I imagine taller people will find it even less useful than I did. Unless your problem is really in your lower back, in which case this might well be fine for you.
  
  I also found the piece itself to be far too bulky. Once I put it on my chair there wasn't much room left. This made sitting all the more uncomfortable.
  
  Overall it just wasn't to my tastes personally and if your preferences are similar to mine, it likely won't be to yours, either. Otherwise it's probably a very good piece of equipment.
  
  
• Ahhh! I feel good
  By A2F1P10GGZ7K2T on 2007-10-23
  Familiar with my in-law's $2,000 Sharper Image massage chair, I was skeptical this could possibly be more than a waste of time.
  
  It's better than I thought.
  
  In a straight up position I still feel the rollers as they knead my sore back to a relaxed state. The heat setting is a huge plus that not even the Smarte Image unit has.
  
  My desk chair can lean back, which puts more pressure on the gizmo and increases the intensity.
  
  This thing is very quiet as trucks along giving a deep penetrating feel. If my wife was sleeping, I'm confident I could run this without waking her.
  
  I'm 5'9" so the rollers only extend from my lowerback to lower part of my shoulder blades. It would be nice if it went up higher to tops of my shoulder blades to work the shoulders some, but for the price I can live without that part.
  
  The main unit is 25" tall and the rollers start 6" from the bottom to 6" from the top, covering a one foot length of back.
  Again. . .one foot isn't great, especially if you have a longer torso, so I knocked this down a star rating because of it.
  It does have a velcro, elastic strap to help hold it to the chair.
  
  It comes with a padded bottom that is 16" wide and 15" long. So if you put the unit on a wooden chair it should be comfortable enough for most body sizes.
  
  In Roller mode, it's a fairly gentle up & down movement. For me to get anything out of that setting I add the heat.
  For a bit more "umph!", I run it in Shiatsu mode.
  The heat can get to be bit much after a while, but I'm sure in winter when things cool off the heat will be even more welcome. The unit has a warning sticker to not run it for more than 3 minutes in one spot.
  
  Yes, you can set it in Shiatsu (kneading) or Roller mode (up & down).
  Each mode can be set to Full, which moves up and down a one foot range.
  You can also set it to work the upper back (several inch area towards the top of the unit to mid-back) or lower back (several inch from bottom to mid-back area).
  You can also move the roller to the exact height you want it to be and leave it there.
  
  It has a automatic 15 minute shut off at which point you can turn it back on for another round io need be. It also has an 8' power cord. The controller has a slip case on the side you can store it in. The buttons on the panel are kinda cheap with a plastic overlay. It doesn't feel quality like the rest of the unit, but it works.
  
  I'm letting it run as I write this. For someone like myself who spends 10+ hours a day behind a computer this is a great item. Its light and easily portable so I could in theory take it to and from work.
  
  No car adapter or any other feature to take it on the road while travelling, which would be a nice upgrade. For only $20-$30 more I would imagine the 400 series model with 4 rollers is even better.
  
  Otherwise a great purchase/gift that almost anyone can benefit from. Also, from box to working on your back is less than a five minute process.
  
  
• So far, so great!!!!
  By A39Y9Z48K9EHYU on 2007-12-06
  I purchased the Homedics SBM-300H massage cushion for my wife and I as an early Christmas present for us both. I was concerned about some of the negative reviews about D.O.A. units and units that died shortly after purchase. Well, the cushion worked right out of the box and it looks very well constructed. We've only had it a week, so the jury's still out on its durability. That being said, we couldn't be more pleased with the performance of this massager. It really does give you a great massage, especially in Shiatsu mode. The roller mode works well, too, although it is much less vigorous. The heat isn't intense, but you can tell it is there, so it should provide some therapeutic effect.
  
  The only negative thing I can say so far is something others have pointed out and that is that the massage mechanism doesn't go all the way up the back. I'm a big guy and it reaches my shoulder blades, which is about all I expected. I'm not sure how it could go any higher without adding bulk to the unit. On the other hand, it does go further down my lower back than I expected, which is certainly a positive.
  
  The bottom line is that we are very happy with the massager. If it fails prematurely, I'll certainly update this review. For now, I highly recommend this model.
  
  
• As advertised, relaxing
  By ATJE929ETFFNH on 2007-10-24
  The Homedics SBM-300H was the soul of simplicity to set up. There is a screw on the lower back that requires removal before use and although it was easy to remove with the included hex key, was a bit strange to find; apparently it is there to protect the mechanism during shipping.
  
  One thing to note is that this cushion requires a firm chair; it doesn't really work well on a sofa. The controller is a device connected to the chair by a length of wire and looks like a TV remote control; it can be stored in a pouch sewn into the seat and was extremely simple to figure out as there are really only two modes of operation: one, a "Shiatsu" kneading mode and the other, a linear up and down "Rolling" motion.
  
  The fabric covering both the comfortable seat and back is nice and soft. The light gray middle section is mesh and covers the rollers which do the massaging work. The back of the upright portion has a two-ended Velcro strap that affixes it to a chair securely--it really does stay in place.
  The first thing I tried was the "Demo" mode which moves through all the modes the cushion is capable of. The two individual modes can be further set with buttons for "Full", "Upper", or "Lower" operations. With the Shiatsu mode, it's also able to work on a particular spot by using two "Spot" buttons. I really liked that feature, by the way.
  
  In "Rolling" mode, the rollers' width can be changed. Further, with the "Heat" button, the rollers produce a small amount of heat that's not felt much with a thick shirt.
  
  So, how does it work? Very well. At first, it was strange because the rollers also vibrate. After a few uses, I got quite comfortable. The device operated exactly as I expected: it really did help relax all the tight muscles. As I'm on the bigger side, my poor back actually does quite a bit of work to hold my stomach in place. The only criticism I have is that the rollers did not go high enough to work on my neck muscles. The massaging cushion has a 15-minute cut-off, which is very good because I've already fallen asleep using it!
  
  
• Good Value - but one size does NOT fit all
  By A3TNM3C9ENUCFW on 2007-11-05
  First let's clear up one issue, there is NO product available that can reproduce or compensate for the benefits of a real massage from a professional masseuse.
  That having been said, most of us have neither the time (nor money) to utilize the services of such a professional on a regular basis, and this product (like many others) can provide some daily comfort and relief for not much time or money.
  PROS
  The combined deep tissue and shiatsu features give a full range of good penetration and relaxing muscle manipulation.
  The added heat feature is a nice touch.
  The spot massage (my favorite) allows you to hold the massage motion in one place specific to personal aches or targeted areas.
  The unit is well made, sturdy, foldable (with Velcro strap) reasonably portable and has a pouch to house the remote to prevent damage.
  
  CONS
  One size does NOT fit all, and although this unit is much better than many I have tried, it falls foul of the same problem.
  I am 6'2" and don't consider that to be overly tall, but using the unit in a high back leather office chair (using it on a soft chair is not recommended) the massage action reaches only to about 8 inches below the nape of my neck.
  Laying the pad out flat on a bed is also not effective to move the pad into a better position as it doesn't give enough support, and as good as it is, you don't get even a reasonable "upper back" massage.
  
  All that said, this unit is better than some cheaper models, looks more durable and the heat and spot features make it worth the extra few dollars. The hardest thing about owning this massager is being disciplined enough to take 20-30 minutes a day to pamper yourself.
  
  
  
• Not as good as a human massage, but it's close
  By A1EJ6J6N9I7W35 on 2007-11-14
  I was skeptical that a chair-based massager could actually make much impact on my tight back muscles, but using this unit was a pleasant surprise. After just a couple of massages, my back was noticably looser. A kink under my shoulder blade that had pestered me for weeks was rubbed out after three or four sessions.
  
  I didn't care for the rolling massage, so I just leave the Shiatsu massage setting on. I also noticed that widening the spread on the mechanism gave much better results. The very first massage got too close to my spine for comfort, but widening the spread took care of that immediately.
  
  I like the heat feature, especially for more prolonged sessions.
  
  I keep the unit next to my office chair, and use it after writing sessions at the computer. I've noticed that I don't need as many breaks or ones as long if I use this unit a time or two a day.
  
  If I had to make a criticism, I'd point out that the unit does not extend up high enough to massage the neck on an average person. I'm of average height, and it only gets just above my shoulder blades. But the part that gets massaged is handled almost as nicely as a human massage therapist would do.
  
  
• Homedics massaging cushion
  By A29A1I4JUUDK4D on 2007-12-02
  Works well so far. Only have had it for a couple of weeks. One thing I learned from a previous review is to remove the shipping screw. It has a screw that holds the moving parts during shipping. Damage will be done if you turn it on with the screw in place. In my case the screw was clearly marked with a tag but just in case they aren't all I'm mentioning it. Of course dealing with Amazon is always good.
  
  
• "This Must Be Just Like Livin' In Paradise!!!"
  By A17CP110C6E9KF on 2007-10-18
  All I can say is WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW!!! I sometimes can be a pretty tense & stressed person unfortuantely so I've definately got my fair share of knots & tight muscles all over my back. At first I was initially a little skeptical about this product, as every other massager thingy I've ever used in the past has just wound up being more irritating than soothing. Well let me just say right now that that is absolutely not the case with the Homedics SBM 300H!!! Sitting in this chair makes you feel like you're in heaven. The heated duel massaging rollers go up & down your back rotating (just enough, not to hard) all the way up & down your back. If you've got a tough spot in a certain area of your back you can set the chair to do just that area as well. The chair comes with an easy use, user friendly remote control that's attached to the side of the chair (with a nifty little pouch for storage when not in use) with 6 simple settings. You've got Shiatsu - Full, Upper, & Lower & Rolling - Full, Upper, & Lower. There are also easy to use control settings for roller width & up & down controls for finding that one certain spot. You can also turn off the heat which is nice as I'm sure if you needed to use this thing on a day with 80 degree temperatures the heat wouldn't be warranted. There's also a "Demo" button that does a little of everything so you find just whats right for you. The chair is sturdy & fits just atop almost any chair. The chair isn't battery operated so whereever you may decide to put it it'll need to be within range of an outlet. You're given plenty of length though with the cord so this shouldn't be an issue for most everyone. All though the chair does come with a hefty price tag, it's absolutely worth every single penny for anyone who enjoys a nice message from time to time. I strongly recommend this product to everyone!!!
  
  
• Not Perfect, But a Good Value...
  By AWXE0WM5RIWZW on 2007-11-03
  I recently got this Homedics Shiatsu Massaging Cushion not quite knowing what to expect. I let my friend try it first, during which he screamed in shock: "Ahhh, It's crushing my spine!" I quickly discovered that this chair cushion knows how to give a back massage, and it does it hard.
  
  I live on a college campus, so I was able to get many people's opinions on this chair cushion. One of my friends, who plays on the rugby team and is considerably larger than I, thought it felt wonderful, but complained that the cushion did not go up far enough to reach his neck (he's about average height). Most people I let try it agreed that it was pretty good, but it would be nice if there was a sensitivity control, so it would not massage so rigorously.
  
  There is a heat function, which provided noticeable heat, but wasn't a warm as I expected it to be. The heat comes from the moving rollers and moves with the massage instead of being evenly distributed over the whole chair. However, when the heat is turned on, you can see the rollers glow red through the chair, which looks kind of cool.
  
  The shiatsu massage allows you to vertically position the rollers in a specific spot, so you can work a particular area, which is a nice feature. The rolling massage allows you to position how widely spaced the two rollers are, which is also a nice control. Both types of massages allow you to choose either full, lower, or upper back massages.
  
  The chair is not particularly uncomfortable to sit in, but you can definitely feel the two vertical bars in the back. This means it's probably not a chair you would want to sit in unless you are actually using it for a massage. Fortunately, the cushion is very easy to set up and remove (there's an elastic velcro back strap for attaching the cushion to a chair). The power cord is very long, which is helpful. The chair is noisier than I expected it to be, but not too bad.
  
  Although this may seem like a fairly negative review, I do feel that this chair is a pretty good option for its price, considering how expensive massage chairs can be. Although I think the cushion massages too hard, I am starting to get used to it the more I use it. Also, putting a thick blanket over the cushion really solves this problem. Overall, I believe this to be a pretty good value for a massage chair cushion.
  
  
• Almost Hits All the Right Spots
  By A3FZMYI7RA7E3P on 2007-11-07
  This massaging cushion is a big improvement over previous ones I have tried.
  
  First, it is more substantive and portable. It is firm and can be easily carried from one chair to another, rather than being floppy and cumbersome trying to move or set up. The cords and control are tidy rather than sprawling. These are big improvements over other cushions I have used.
  
  Second, the heat function is quick to come on. In other massage cushions, I waited to see if I could feel the heat kicking in. You kept asking yourself, "Is that it? Do I feel it now?" Not so with this cushion. The heat is almost immediately felt. Another big improvement.
  
  Third, the shiatsu massage is a deep massage and much better than other cushions I have used that depend on rolling balls and/or simply raining hard blows on my back. It is much more like a real massage.
  
  Fourth, the rolling massage is about the same as other cushions.
  
  The only drawback is that the massage is much more effective on the mid-to-lower back and loses a lot of effectiveness above that. This may be due to body size, though my wife and I both had the same opinion.
  
  A step forward in massage cushions, though the technology is not yet perfect.
  
  
• BUY IT!
  By A36ZMH3TKA3BO1 on 2007-10-12
  I just bought this massager and I just LOVE it, I had a very good sleep last night after using it and woke up with my shoulders relaxed and not as tensed. I love the heat because it helps relax my muscle. You can do a spot massage too if you have a particular spot where you want most, you can adjust the spot so that you can exactly get to where it hurts the most, but hurt in a good way. I bought this from Sams club for $100.
  
  
• Not comfortable and too noisy
  By ADKHI1TUGAX4 on 2007-10-26
  Call me old fashioned but nothing beats receiving a massage from an actual human being. I really wanted to like the Homedics SBM 300H therapist select shiatsu plus massaging cushion with heat but I could not. I ended up being sore for a couple of days after using this piece of garbage. I didn't like the noisiness nor like the alleged massage it gave me. Some things can not be replicated and getting a good massage by a human being is one of those things that can't be duplicated through technology. Sorry but this was a complete waste of my time.
  
  
• Great for the money, great especially for the lower and mid back
  By A1QSK3RF1ZWD2D on 2007-12-23
  I've used $2000 message chairs...they're great, but for $130 this does a very admirable job on the lower and mid back...even upper with some adjustment. This is not like the old, cheap, vibrating messagers...this is rolling, deep message...GREAT!
  
  Firm or soft -- If it's a little too "hard" a message for you, just put a cushion or thick towel between you and the messager.
  
  Upper back -- If your 6' or more and want it to go up higher, just move the back up and stick a small pillow under it (and behind you) to keep it higher. This will get up past your shoulder blades. The other option is add a spot messager (SP-10) to your collection for $40--can use there and on your feet, your calves, etc.
  
  Extreme lower back -- If you want to have the rollers go even lower, just sit on a small pillow, allowing the rollers to access even lower portions of your back.
  
  
  
• Works Good for only 2 months
  By AAUDHIV8I8MDP on 2008-04-15
  My family members really enjoyed using this machine but unfortunately it started making loud noise after about 2 months and I returned it for refund (no shipping charge) but had to pay 25% restocking fee plus the original free shipping charge.
  
  
• Great for when you are tense and stressed out!
  By A1NU8K0Y5J5V3H on 2007-10-17
  I am using this product as I type this review. I can see how after a long stressful day at work a person can sit and get a back massage with two choices of the Shiatsu or Rolling. The cushion isn't heavy but it's not all that light either, so I wouldn't say it's portable that a person can take it back and forth from home to work on a daily basis.
  
  The Shiatsu is a very intense and powerful circular kneading action that digs deep into your back as you sit and relax. The Rolling massage is not as intense or deep as the Shiatsu, but it's good for one of those days you're only interested in a mild massage. This method rolls up and down your back very slowly.
  
  You also have the option of having heat with your massage or using the "spot" massage that will concentrate on one particular area of your back.
  
  Definitely worth the money if you love massages.
  
  
• Good for what it is
  By A268EEWUXYCA8Q on 2007-11-05
  I was a bit skeptical concerning this product when I received it and that skepticism remains, to a certain degree after a few weeks of use. This particular massaging cushion comes with two modes, a rolling massage and a shiatsu massage. To cut to the chase: the shiatsu portion is great; the rolling...not so much.
  
  Not knowing exactly what shiatsu massages were, I went with the rolling to begin with. It basically does what it says it does...it rolls up and down your back. You do have the option to set it to lower, upper or full back and you can also change the width of the massage which is a nice feature. Unfortunately, this mode didn't really do anything for my back. It felt more like a rolling pin was being rolled along my back, as if I were some cookie dough being rolled out. But not as enjoyable (...I think...) and pretty boring, really. Additionally, as I got more use out of the cushion, I found the rolling selection to make an exceedinly annoying noise like it was grinding and/or breaking even at the gentlest touches (placing my hand gently against it caused it do so as well). This is something that showed up with a few weeks of use behind it.
  
  However, the saving grace is the shiatsu massage portion of the cushion and it's this that I use every other night or so...that is, after I learned what Shiatsu meant. According to the Japanese medical department of the Ministry of Welfare, the Shiatsu technique refers to "the use of fingers and palm of one's hand to apply pressure to particular sections on the surface of the body for the purpose of correcting the imbalances of the body, and for maintaining and promoting health." Obviously, this cushion doesn't provide the exact same benefits as a licensed purveyor of Shiatsu will, but that doesn't mean it doesn't feel good.
  
  This shiatsu massage basically amounts to three balls that circulate along your spine and the sides and, like the rolling massage, you can set it to massage your lower, upper or entire back. Additionally, you can turn on the heat and focus on a specific area of your back, freezing the rolling balls in a spot for a nice rub. When I first used this, I didn't care for it and my back didn't care for it; but, I kept trying it (mostly for review purposes) and I have to say that my back feels a lot better than before I used it.
  
  That said, I do have a few complaints on top of the rolling massage portion that keep it from being excellent. The first is the length of the cushion. I understand that the cushion is made as a one-size-fits all and we all know that's not the case, but I'm a 5'10" guy and it stops working at my shoulder blades, unless I slouch which kind of defeats the purpose. Figuring in the fact that you can have detrimental effects if Shiatsu is used on someone's neck, I can understand the desire and need to have the device smaller rather than larger, but I feel like I'm missing out.
  
  My second complaint is the noise. Obviously, when you're working with a mechanical device, you have to expect some noise. So, this is really a minor quibble, but it's still kind of noisy, particularly the rolling selection. Overall, though, this is a great, comfortable massager that will never replace an actual massage but is good enough for your home. I'd recommend checking it out.
  
  
• Surprisingly effective and comfortable
  By ACUYXGCMWVF7S on 2007-11-05
  I must say that I have been quite impressed by this product. Homedics makes a whole line of these massage chairs, along with other "personal health and comfort" gadgets. My experience with their products has been mixed. Almost all of their items deliver as promised early on, but most of my Homedics gear (purchased for me or family) has broken relatively quickly. That is the big caveat with this unit, and the reason I am giving it 4 stars- it is impossible to ascertain its durability.
  
  What this unit does, it does surprisingly well. The chair is heavy and rugged, and can comfortably be placed on a couch or office chair. It plugs into a wall outlet (no car adapter possible), and features a handed corded remote. The thing that makes this chair stand out is the effectiveness and strength of the shiatsu massage. I expected a weak, half-baked vibrating chair, but was surprised to find a good, deep back massage. There are two basic functions: shiatsu, and standard up-and-down roller massage. For each, you can specify the width of the rollers (to accommodate different back sizes) or a specific spot you'd like it to work on. There is also a heat function, which takes a while to get going, but does work. One drawback for me (I'm 6ft tall) is that the chair only reaches my shoulder blades, and therefore can't do anything north of that region. For shorter folks, though, this will be a god-send. Assuming this unit is durable, I can do nothing but recommend it.
  
  
• Who needs a masseuse?
  By AGBRTPPIJT6UK on 2007-11-15
  This is a great multifunctional product. Those spas better watch out!!! The therapeutic feeling of the Homedics chair is unparalleled. I have used massage chairs before with little to no fan fair.g extra tunl I work out three to four times a week. My muscles ache and knees are sore. I need something extra, besides the ICY/HOT, to ease the aches and pains. The fact that you have multiple settings, can use the chair anywhere (I currently use it in my car right after I get out of the gym) and you have a built in heat setting, what is there not love! This is a phenomenal product. I enjoy using it and think it can be a therapeutic tool for anyone.
  
  
• Good in theory, but loud and distracting in practice
  By A1ELW55VCZ1BVB on 2008-05-13
  I tested this out at the store before buying it, comparing it with two more expensive models - I chose this one because it had the basic features I wanted and was a good price. However on my chair at work it doesn't quite fit correctly - the back bad is very thick and my chair isn't adjustable enough to account for that. Also, the seat pad gets in the way in my opinion - I currently have it folded up behind the unit against the back of the chair.
  
  I think this gives good massages, the pressure is good and the heat feels nice. I wish I would have gone with the model that allows for targeted pressure instead of the basic one with just upper and lower back settings. But, that was my choice.
  
  The biggest problem right now is that the rollers squeak loudly as they move up and down. It's very loud and annoys my co-workers, making me self-conscious when I use it. I bought this mainly for work use, so this is a huge bummer.
  
  
• Opinion SBM-300
  By A3VM56GLIZBH0N on 2007-12-26
  I purchased an SMB-200 that I used twice for 15 minutes each time and returned it for credit the next day. I thought it was dangerous and poorly upholstered. After reviewing many positive posts on the SMB-300 I ordered one. The 300 has given me much to be positive about and I use all of its features. I also purchased a BMP-300, locally, which has provided good results using a different method. I alternate their use for 15 munutes daily and am more than satisfied with the results.
  
  NFC
  
  
  
• Caused injury - beware if you have protruding spine
  By A3TMLJGN0DMKRA on 2008-03-07
  I have trouble with lower back tension for which I receive a professional massage once a month. Based on the reviews of this product, I thought it would be a good way to supplement those massages and help me relax at the end of the day.
  
  The first time I used this, I followed the directions exactly. Everything felt great until the dual massage mechanism reached the middle of my back, at which point it clamped my spine from either side and exerted a great deal of pressure directly against the bone, which was extremely painful. I now have a bone bruise that may take months to heal.
  
  My spine does protrude more than most people's because I'm very thin, but there was no warning in the manual about using the device under this condition. I have filed a complaint with the Consumer Product Safety Commission. I would definitely avoid this product if your spine protrudes enough for you to pinch it.
  
  I don't deny the possibility that this injury resulted from user error, but the mere possibility of someone making such a painful mistake after having read the manual and warnings makes this device dangerous.
  
  
• Homedics Massaging cushion
  By A1EPPK0JLWV59U on 2008-06-02
  Works great. At first I thought I wouldn't spend the extra money for the heat. I'm glad I did. It really does relax you after a long day. The heat just adds to the relaxing rollers. The rollers do a good job of running up and down your back, But be ready for a deep massage. This is not a toy. If you push your back into it it will hurt. So just lean back and let the rollers to the rest.
  
  I would recommend this product.
  
  
• A real massage, at your convenience
  By A14638TGYH7GD9 on 2007-10-24
  It is essential to remove a tiny screw from this product before using it. They have enclosed a wee allen wrench for the purpose, and it is not too difficult. However, it is the most difficult thing about using the Homedics Massaging Cushion, so it is best to get it over with right away.
  Once you have done this, it is just a matter of choosing a favorite chair and having your massage. There is a remote control which allows you to choose rotating or rolling massage, to turn the heat feature on and off, and to adjust the width between the rollers.
  It also lets you pick a spot for intense, continued massage,and to tell the robotic masseusse "A little higher, a little lower" until it is just right.
  Another feature of the remote control which I really liked was the "demo" option, which puts the device through its paces so you can decide what sort of massage you would like, without a lot of trial and error.
  This is not a gentle vibrating sort of massage. This is a "take that!" deep tissue massage. I came to it with some soreness from the previous day's lat pulldowns and tension from a day spent at the computer, and I found it extremely relaxing.
  I also thought of several people who would enjoy this as a holiday gift. It is the sort of luxurious item that used to be recommended for "the man who has everything," and now of course we would add "the woman" as well. It is not difficult to use or hard to store. it is attractive and seems sturdy, and comes with a variety of safety features.
  Pretty much a Goldilocks item, in fact -- just right.
  
  

• Homedics Therapist Select SP-10H Shiatsu Pillow, Beige
• HoMedics FM-CR Foot Pleaser Foot Massager
• HoMedics Neck and Shoulder Massager with Heat - Black/ Gray
• Homedics QRM-400H Therapist Select Quad-Roller Massaging Cushion with Heat
• Homedics SBM-200H Therapist Select Shiatsu Massaging Cushion with Heat