3D and 4D are two of the most common terms that you might have come across if you are looking to buy a massage chair. As the technology evolved, massage chairs and their functionalities also evolved. In the beginning, there were just 2D massage chairs. 3D massage chairs came soon after and became the bestselling type of massage chairs. It was a significant technological leap in the massage chair industry. And now, we have 4D massage chairs that claim to be even better than their predecessors.
Introduction
Let's dissect these massage chairs and see how they are different from each other. Before going to 3D and 4D massage chairs, let's start with the pioneers - 2D massage chairs. It will help us to understand the roots of 3D and 4D better.
What are 2D massage chairs?
2D massage chairs are the oldest form of massage chairs in which the massage rollers move in two dimensions. In a 2D massage chair, the rollers stick to the X and Y plane. They move up and down from the neck to the lower back. They can also move in a sideways fashion but will stick to just two dimensions of the plane.
The 2-dimensional movement of massaging rollers help in toning down the back and lower back pains. They also help in overcoming anxiety and stress. 2D massage chairs are one of the best investments you'll make if you are into medium intensity massages.
If you are looking to buy a good 2D massage chair, get one of those Osaki massage chairs. Osaki OS-PRO Omni Massage Chair is a premium 2D roller chair that'll cost you around $3.5k. This chair is the perfect combination of advanced technology, premium design, and affordable price. Its L-track tech makes the roller go down from the back of your neck to the lower back covering the upper hamstrings.
What are 3D massage chairs?
3D massage chairs have introduced an added dimension to their predecessor. The massage rollers in 3D massage chairs move in X, Y, and Z axes. Not only do they move up and down, side by side, but also back and forth. A 3D massage chair has the facility to move rollers deeper into the back muscle and push the tissues deeper. It helps in pushing the rollers deeper into the spine and retract them further away from the spine.
The 3D massage chair's benefits are manifold. They provide deep tissue massages and give the experience of real human massage therapy. These massage chairs have up to 5 intensity settings for their 3D rollers. That means you can choose the amount of intensity with which you want the rollers to push deeper into the back. You can also pre-set how deep the massage rollers will go into your back muscles.
Osaki OS-PRO Honor 3D Massage Chair is one of the best 3D Osaki massage chairs you can buy for $5k. The massage rollers will expand and retract as per the intensity you set. The 3D+ and 3D- buttons on the remote control can change the settings in real-time. It also has a backrest scanning system that scans your back and helps you get consistent massage pressure depending on your back's curvature. Osaki Massage chair benefits include the zero-gravity mode that aligns your back and thighs relative to each other. In this mode, the backrest supports your back's entire weight, and the blood circulation on your hips gets intensified.
What are 4D massage chairs?
The latest advancement in massage chair technology is the 4D massage chair. A 4D massage chair has all the functions of a 3D massage chair - with an added advantage, 'Speed Adjustment.' A 4D massage roller can go up and down, side by side, back and forth, and their speeds can be adjusted too. These chairs give the most realistic massage experience. More than basic relaxation, they are also known for their ultra-therapeutic properties.
Some of the most critical 4D massage chair benefits are the speed variation of massage rollers and the therapeutic massage experiences. They also come with computer body scanning systems that provide a more personalized way of massaging.
Synca JP1100 Massage Chair is one of the most selling 4D massage chairs that you can purchase for under $9k. It comes with a full-body air massage mechanism and covers more body area than the other massage chairs. Along with the back massage, it also provides different kinds of massages for your outer shoulders, hands & arms, hip, feet, and calves. This premium 4D chair has an automatic reclining function that reclines to a full flatbed position.
3D massage chair vs. 4D massage chair: which one is better?
If you want a massage chair with high-intensity massages for relaxation and stress relieving requirements, you should go for a 3D massage chair. On the other hand, if you want a personalized professional massage therapy experience, you should buy a 4D massage chair.
In a 3D massage chair, the massage rollers move in 3 dimensions - Up & Down, Side by Side, and Back & Forth. In the 4D massage chair, all of the previous four dimensions are included with an added speed and strength variation function.
A 3D massage chair is cheaper than its 4D alternative. It is obvious that by spending more money, you'll get better options in your hand. So, comparing these two types of chairs doesn't make much sense because a 4D massage chair will always come out as the winner.
It would help if you compared them based on your personal requirements. Both of them offer deep tissue massages and zero-gravity massages. The 4D massage chair comes with different pre-set massage variations that will help you get the most optimal massaging experience.
Conclusion
We are sure that you now know which massage chair suits your requirements the most. We have tried our best to include all the massage chair benefits that you should be aware of. Now, we'll leave it to your independent judgment to make the purchase. We wish you all the best for your massage chair shopping!
If you'd like to speak with one of our experts feel free to call (833) 627-7245 or you can Live Chat with us as well.