Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(75)
4 star:		(63)
3 star:		(11)
2 star:		(8)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

Length:: 3:17 Mins

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Length:: 1:28 Mins

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.