Customer Reviews

HoMedics SBM-500HA-3GB 2-in-1 Back and Shoulders Massager Cushion with Heat

5 star:		(169)
4 star:		(64)
3 star:		(15)
2 star:		(10)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

My wife and I have both suffered with back problems and occasional bouts of sciatica for a number of years. This particular model is capable of reaching down to the lower vertebrae and can be focused on massaging the precise point of discomfort. It is also very useful in relieving tension in the shoulder muscles and can be easily adjusted to concentrate on muscle knots that one may have (and not even be aware of!). The full range of shiatsu massage runs from the very lowest vertebrae all the way up to the shoulders. It also has a roller massage option for the lower/middle back but neither of us have found this function to be of value, although others may have differing views.

I have read elsewhere that the massager is too aggressive. We have found that simply by moving one's back in or out on the seat cushion can easily achieve a comfortable roller pressure. We have also found that the heat option offers a pleasant, soothing sensation.

As this isn't a small, lighweight item, we keep the massager permanently set-up on a dining room chair adjacent to power socket.

Whilst not silent in operation, it certainly insn't obtrusive. We have directly compared this device to one of the hand-held kneeder/masssagers available elsewhere on Amazon and found it significantly quieter.

A final note but worthy of mention is that both of us have noticed that, immediately after using the massager, we feel a lot more supple and generally alert. This could explain why the instructions recommend that it is should not be used immediately before going to bed.

All in all, we find this is a genuine therapeutic aid and we would certainly recommend it to anyone with back problems, but I suggest that one seeks medical advice beforehand.

I tried these at airports, health spas and at the display areas of Debenhams and House of Fraser before deciding we needed one at home. Great decision - it provides great back massages. The lower back shiatsu massage with heat is fantastic. I get lower back ache and the heat makes a big difference so would recommend paying the slight extra for this function. The shoulder massage is OK but not essential - with hindsight we didn't need it and it rarely gets used. It is very hard to get the height of the shoulder massage just right - too high and it does nothing, too low and it is painful. Some people find the feel of the back rollers too hard, but the manufacturers recommend using a folded up towel between your back and the chair for a bit of extra padding if that's the case. You can adjust the width of the back rollers so that the massage is hitting the correct areas no matter what your size, which is one of the reasons it works so well.

Ordered item on Christmas Eve after reading some comments on it. It arrived today and I must say..... its wonderful.
I am writing this review sitting on it while ahhhing and ooohhhing (trying to be quiet) and my only concern is that I may not be able to leave it for the next week or so...
So easy to put together, yet so hard to let go of. Its like having a private massage session at home, without having to endure the messy oil.
My husband and I may have to put together a rota for using it... sorry for going on and on, but this item is a bliss.

On a technical note - so glad we chose this model, as it enables us to adjust both shoulder and width of massage balls individually. My husband is 6'4'' and I am 5'6'' and both feel the back massage cushion meets our needs.

Happy new year!

I decided to buy this after prolonged periods of really bad back pain, particularly in my lower back. I went for this model over the others as I thought it might be worth paying the extra for the shoulder massage. I think if Im honest with myself, the shoulder massager wasn't really worth the extra, at first I found that it was far too high to actually reach my shoulders and Im 5'6. I have now worked out that by sitting on a cushion (or two) it is actually fine, and very nice!
Like others have said it is a very hard massage that this chair gives you, and on my very sore back it can be too much even with a towel, but this should not put you off! Its all about working out when is the best time to use this chair (i.e. when you can bear the intensity - use it! Because what I have found is that it really helps, when im not in extreme pain with my back, to use it for a while. It prevents my back getting to the unbearable stage.
Family and friends have tried out this chair and they think its wonderful! As do I!
The rolling massage sometimes seems a bit pointless, but try out the demo button on the control and you see how nice it is when used in conjunction with the shiatsu massage.
I dont use the heat option all that often as it says it lessens the lifespan of the product, but I have the odd blast now and again and it really helps.
Make sure you have a suitable chair to use it on before you buy it. Mine is on a big armchair, but also sometimes use it on the computer chair.
Whilst I was complaining that it was a real shame I couldn't use it in the car on long car journeys, my Dad pointed out that its really easy to get an adaptor so that I could use it in cars! This is a revelation for me as I really really struggle with long car journeys, and now can't wait to take it on our next long trip with an adaptor (I believe you can buy them easily off the internet and they plug into the cigarette lighter).
Its really transportable - not incredibly heavy, but my husband usually carries it long distances incase it does make my back any worse.
I bought this without trying it beforehand anywhere and was not disappointed. Amazon delivered it quickly, althought the first one I got was a bit defective and kept stopping for some reason. I got in touch with them the same day and they sent me out another brand new one immediately. I didn't need to even go to the post office to send back the defective one - simply call the courier and repack it and they come and collect it from you, really really easy and I was very impressed with the service.
Overall Ive given it 5* although would have given it 4 and a half if it were an option, just because of the shoulder massager being slightly too high for me, and because of the first defective one I got. But all in all I definately think it is worth the investment, and would recommend it to others!

I'm a complementary therapist by trade and a bit skeptical about all these 'massage' type mats etc. However, I was recently in a department store and sat in this massage chair which was on display for customers to try for 10 mins while a friend was shopping. Boy did it hurt! I'd suffered with my back on and off for years and like most people just moaned a bit and got on with life. When I got up I felt very different almost energised a day or so later niggles that you forget are there had eased. So I got one, its brilliant, I use it 2-3 times a week and it works, I absolutly recommend it, money well spent.

Ive been having afew probs with my back&shoulders i was really impressed with this chair didnt expect it to be as good as it was! Id recommend it to anyone well worth the money.

Bought this because I have Arthitis.Used it on arrival and got great relief with the massage and heat.

This was quite an expensive product so it was with some intrepidation that I bought it. However I am quite happy with it. I spent the extra money on the neck massager as I think you can carry a lot of tension in that area. It works well with either shiatsu or rolling massage and you have a choice of lower back, upper back of full back. You can also choose to massage your neck area separately if you wish or together with your back. There is also the option to have a heated massage both for your back and your neck but in the instructions it says that longterm repeated use of the heat function may shorten the life of the product so generally I dont use the heat function unless I have pain in my back or neck. The ordinary massage function is very pleasant even without the heat.

One thing I would say is that I think this product would work best if you have a suitable firm backed and seated chair to put it on. At the moment I have it on a soft armchair and it is not supportive enough for the product. A firm high backed chair, the type that elderly people would often use would be ideal and would give the most satisfying results from this product.

After trying this item out in a local store my wife and I {who both suffer from chronic back pain} decided to buy one.The results are instant ,the heat pads are a bonus and after recieving it from Amazon {making a saving in doing so} with great deliverly service we hav'nt stopped using it and woke up New Years day to have a full massage.
This bit of kit is without doubt the best I have ever bought,I cannot recommend it enough whether it is to relieve a bit of tension or help with real back pain it's simply brilliant,even our friends and family have tried it out and are amazed.
Anyone thinking of buying one .....you won't be dissapointed!
many thanks Amazon

OK, the massage system arrived promptly, in fact 2 days early, even tho' Amazon still thinks it is in transit after being here for 9days!
Anyway,.. the Shiatsu massage type is nice and firm. Not wearing a T-Shirt means more heat and a stronger massage, (which I like).
I have found that sitting "bum-forward" and leaning back allows the top part to massage the lower neck muscles (where I need it too) and by then sitting directly back against the machine and sitting on 2 cushions, gets the machine low enough to massage all the way down to Lumbar5 (where I have had problems). Also sitting on the 2 cushions helps get the top part of the system right down in between the shoulder blades.
I have no complaints about the massage strength and effectiveness. Very happy, and my back seems better and definitely less stiff.
The only gripes are; 1) in the silence of your own home, the whirring of the mechanism is a bit annoying and makes it difficult to 'really relax' because you can try to not hear the whirring, but the tone changes (mechanism moving up & down) keep the noise there in your concentration.:-( 2) the machine is covered with a plasticy, rubbery type material which has a tendency to 'creak' when the massage heads are doing their thing. This again tends to disturb the ability to 'really relax' only because of the noises. This is why I gave it a 4 out of 5 rating; Massage great, noises...hmm?