In recent years, the role of electronics has quickly increased in our day-to-day lives. Everywhere you look you will see people on their cell phones, tablets, laptops, and now, in electric cars. And these changes are no different when you look at modern furniture, whether it is the latest zero gravity recliners or 3D massage chairs.
One brand that has gotten a lot of attention in recent years is Panasonic. Panasonic has always been reputable in the world of electronics and batteries, but with their newer product lines, they have expanded. As they introduce a variety of massage chairs, we will be looking to provide readers with the best Panasonic massage chair reviews.
Our review will include 6 massage chairs from Panasonic. We will be looking for each massage chairs best features and what stood out about each one. We will also provide a full analysis rating of Panasonics transition into selling massage chairs. This will be an honest evaluation of the company’s ability to provide consumers with quality massage chairs that are technologically sound and durable. Lastly, we will conclude our guide by providing readers with our Panasonic pick!
Best 6 Panasonic Massage Chairs
| Name | Design Rating | Amazon Rating | Dimensions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swede-Atsu Companion Massage Chair: EP1273 | 4.3/5 | 4.5/5 | 52 x 32.7 x 30.7" in | |
| Urban Collection Massage Chair: EP-1285K | 4.5/5 | 4.6/5 | 47 x 43 x 30" in | |
| Real Pro Ultra Massage Chair: EP-MA70 | 4.9/5 | 5/5 | 32.7 x 48 x 45.3 " in | |
| Real Pro Ultra Massage Chair: EP30007 | 4.6/5 | 5/5 | 77 x 33 x 47" in | |
| Prestige Massage Chair: EP-MA73KU | 5/5 | 5/5 | 48 x 32.7 x 45.3" in | |
| Luxury Full Body Massage Chair: EP-MA10KU | 4.8/5 | 3/5 | 40 x 32.3 x 47.2" in |
Panasonic the Brand
Most people know Panasonic as a company that primarily deals with electronics and batteries. They have been one of the leaders in electronic efficiency for many years and have now expanded their expertise into the massage chair industry.
Originally created in 1955, Panasonic’s brand identity was rooted in selling audio speakers. However, since 2019 they have expanded and begun selling many products and services. Panasonic promises that they are committed to bettering the world through the global evolution of society. They intend to keep this promise through electronic efficiency, on a global scale.
One of their main initiatives includes the Corporate Social Responsibility program which is an outreach program created to establish categories of giving and levels of spending. The programs fundamental theme can be seen in Panasonic’s brand message and their product development. In comparison to many massage chair brands, Panasonic has widened their customer reach by including extremely affordable massage chairs.
Panasonic Massage Chair Reviews
1. Swede-Atsu Companion Massage Chair (EP1273)
ACA approved, the Swede-Atsu massage chair is one of the first massage chairs to be approved by the professional association that represents chiropractors. The main reason that the Swede-Atsu massage chair was approved by the ACA was that it provides extensive deep tissue relief and relaxes tense muscles.
Its personalized massage stroke, strength, and width, combined with its ottoman system, create an ideal split between upper and lower body massage. To alleviate aches and stiffness in the hips, thighs, and lower back, Panasonic produced a stretch system. This “stretch system” worked well with Panasonics air system to provide squeeze massages and strong deep-tissue massages to give users a firm and soft option. We found this to be a good pairing because you could get a deep-pressure massage or light-massage for tender areas. This was made possible through Panasonic’s pre-setup programs and 5-stage speed control system.
For us, 4 numbers put the overall image of the Swede-Atsu together. The first being its 27” inch massage stroke. Although this is much smaller than standard chairs, given the size of the Swede-Atsu, it is a fairly decent massage stroke length. Not the highest but not the lowest either. Next, its massage strength goes up to 2.5” inches deep and its width ranges from 2-7” inches. Finally, these features combined with one another, create 80 massage combinations, which demonstrated to us, the versatility of this chair.
Pros
Cons
2. Urban Collection Massage Chair (EP-1285K)
Not all massage chairs combine their features together to complement one another. Brands that do design their chairs with this mindset end up creating a full package. The Urban Collection EP-1285 blends 3 massaging features together that are designed to enhance the user’s experience.
The first is a deep-tissue Shiatsu massage to relax the muscles. Shiatsu massages are softer than regular deep tissue massages and tend to soothe tighter areas with calmer strokes. Panasonic incorporated this with an advanced Swedish massage and its own “Chiro Mode” feature. The end goal creates a massage program that is therapeutic, relaxing, and beneficial for your health. We found that it serves as a good solution to stiffness and extreme fatigue for individuals that work strenuous jobs. Panasonic uses its pre-set massage programs to loosen up the body and rubbing techniques for quick relief. Panasonic was also able to help stretch and relax tired muscles from constant bending and poor posture.
A light-up remote gives users easy access to the 8 massage modes, (Swedish, Compression, Regional roll, Full roll, Tapping, Kneading, Hawaiian, and Soft Shiatsu) that can be tailored for different body proportions and figures. With adjustable options, specific areas can be targeted with kneaders, rollers, and adaptable intensity settings. Largely, the flexibility is what caught our attention. The Urban Collection massage heads create an outstanding 44 massaging techniques. Furthermore, 350 acupoints are stimulated with a height adjustable 5-step shoulder feature, speed control, and 3-stage adjustable width.
To some people, the look of the chair isn’t important as the functionality. Which is true to some degree, who would want a massage chair that looks amazing but doesn’t provide an adequate massage? However, to ignore aesthetics complete would be a mistake. When examining the EP-1285, we were surprised by modern brushed aluminum accents that made the legs and arms look ultra-contemporary. To conclude, we saw detailed stitching that created a luxurious appearance and was completed with top-class black leather.
Pros
Cons
3. Real Pro Ultra Massage Chair (EP-MA70)
Panasonic describes the EP-MA70 as “revolutionary” because of its new heating feature. They boast about its effectiveness, strength, and durability. So much so, it became the main reason we tried out the EP-MA70. After we used the chair, we could see what the hype was about. The chair uses double heated massage rollers to deliver heat massage therapy to tense and tight areas. Panasonic uses built-in thermal massage balls that apply pressure over your entire back to help ease swelling.
Next, we examined the thumb-like massage rollers. These rollers operate through circular movements going as fast as once per second. By using precise 10mm circular movements, the rollers function to work through prolonged stiffness. Panasonic’s 3D massage techniques also do the same by using up, down, right, left, front and back massage movements.
The last components users will be interested in are the body stretching techniques. Panasonic focused on two main techniques, the shoulder blade stretch and pelvis stretch. The former uses airbags on both sides to hold your shoulders in place as massage balls utilize kneading techniques. And the pelvis stretch utilizes airbags on both sides of the pelvic area to perform trunk twisting and therapeutic stretching techniques.
These techniques, along with 6 programmed massages and customization options are savable through memory functions. The chair is able to accommodate a 3-person memory setting for personalized options. The biggest downside we found with this chair was that it didn’t include an arm stretch feature. Although it is not a major issue, it is still something to note.
Pros
Cons
4. Real Pro Ultra Massage Chair (EP30007)
We have seen nothing but positive reviews for the EP-30007 so far. It features clean wood finishing for the armrests and elegant imitation leather upholstery. We found the convenient control center easy to use and the voice prompt to be a pleasant surprise. Panasonic provides users with 5 pre-programmed massages and gives users the ability to create their own manual program. The programs that you create can then be saved with its memory function that accommodates up to 4 users. An interesting component of the memory feature is that it can measure the length of a user’s back and then store that information in its memory settings. This is a great feature to have because it allows you to easily accommodate and store settings for people of different heights and leg lengths.
One of the foundations of the EP-30007 is its pressure sensor technology. The chair creates a virtual map of your entire back and then contours to your spinal curves and height. A body scanning system analyzes you and then massage heads quietly glide over your back to the areas that require the most attention. An improvement that Panasonic needs to look into is creating adjustable armrest positioning. With today’s technology, users above and below the average height would find them enormously beneficial.
A popular integration among users was the quad-style massage technology that helps effectively massage the entire body. The EP-30007 has many different features (like the quad-style massaging technology) and it can take some time to get used to them all. Panasonic provides a DVD that helps new users get accustomed to the chair and understand its functionality. We recommend taking the time to watch the DVD and reading the manual to get the full benefits from your new massage chair.
Pros
Cons
5. Prestige 3D Massage Chair (EP-MA73KU)
Two features that immediately differentiate the EP-MA73 are its 3D massage and heating functionality. In comparison to other Panasonic massage chairs, the EP-MA73 provides modern 3D massaging and heating in the body and foot massage of the chair. Panasonic created it to mimic a professional masseuse that executes Swedish and Shiatsu massaging techniques and hot-stone therapy. The massage targets acupoints and is combined with Panasonic’s 33 air cell massage system. The mindset that Panasonic had was to create a therapeutic method to relax the muscles through soothing, stretching, and restoring tense areas.
A unique spin that Panasonic added was making the massage rollers multi-directional and thermal. We found that this helps loosen tight muscles, especially in the back, neck, and shoulders. Surprisingly, we also found that the rollers extend to reach 4.9 inches, which is great for stiffer areas. Users will be happy to find thermal functionality in the foot massage and arm massage to help reduce tension. Carrying over the effective Junetsu technique, 10 kneading programs are combined, while the multi-directional rollers move horizontally and vertically from the lower back to the neck.
Last but not least, 6 auto-massage programs help create 110 combinations of massage techniques. Using these techniques with body scanning technology, we found the chair easily adjusted to different sized users. This was tremendously beneficial for larger users that wanted to use the airbag massage technology. Accessing these programs was made easy through Panasonic's 7-colored; tethered remote control. It allows for one-touch convenience and easily accessing manual programs, automatic programs, and intensity levels.
Although this massage chair made a good effort to accommodate larger individuals, it did struggle with the width. Readers should be aware that Panasonic chairs have struggled with body width and in this case, shoulder width.
Pros
Cons
6. Luxury Full Body Massage Chair (EP-MA10KU)
Most massage chairs use traditional Japanese methods to design their chairs. However, the EP-MA10KU went a different route and used ancient Chinese spinal massage techniques. These techniques are designed to stimulate the muscles and help reduce tension throughout the entire body. This is accomplished through Panasonic’s adjustability and customizing options. Through automatic height adjustment, each individual will feel the optimal amount of pressure. Panasonic uses its 4 pre-set programs, precision massage heads, and 5 manual programs to provide different massaging options for a diverse amount of needs.
Our stand out massaging technique was the penetrating lower back rubdown. It was able to reduce stiffness and lower back tension without digging into the tailbone or spine. Customizing with the 5 manual programs was our next move. Panasonic states that the 5 modes can pinpoint high tension areas and then use kneading techniques to provide therapeutic effects to stimulate energy flow. We found the rollers slowly worked their way up and down the spine by activating the massage pads. By doing so, our muscles felt lightly stretched and the pressure was reduced.
Lastly, stimulation and massaging of the lower body are primarily performed through Panasonic’s airbag circulation system. It stretches your legs and provides a contoured massage to help improve blood flow to your shins, calves, feet, and legs.
What is the downside?
The one downside we found was that this massage chair didn’t have any memory setting functions. Although the chair has the ability to automatically adjust to different heights, it would be much better if it allowed users to save preferred massage programs and functions.
Pros
Cons
Panasonic's Transition to Massage Chairs
Transitioning into a new line of products can be difficult for a brand. And evaluating that transition can be just as difficult. But, after reviewing the best massage chairs from Panasonic, we believe we have a clearer idea of where Panasonic stands.
Panasonic has been able to produce great massage chairs because of their expertise in the technology sector. With this, they are able to produce chairs that can compete in the market. However, some of their chairs don’t have the extended features that elevate chairs to an elite level. We believe that Panasonic has realized this and reduced the price of their loungers and massage chairs. And that is the main reason Panasonic can compete with other brands.
They have recognized that their massage chairs might not be the most advanced or have the longest massage strokes, but they are still great chairs. They also have one thing that they can give consumers that other brands might not be able to, brand sustainability. Panasonic has proved over the years that they are brand and company that consumers can rely on. Whether you have to reset your chair, call customer service or need repair service for problems, Panasonic has the reputation of being elite. When you buy a massage chair, you are making a big purchase and you don’t want that to be with a non-trustworthy brand. Panasonic gives users the security, expertise, and reliability of quality and service in all situations.
Concluding Thoughts - Our Panasonic Massage Chair Pick!
As we wrap up our Panasonic massage chair reviews guide, we wanted to provide readers with our Panasonic massage chair pick. Although these 6 are the best Panasonic chairs, there can only be one winner. And our pick is the Panasonic Prestige 3D EP-MA73KU Massage Chair! The main reason is that it does such an amazing job combining 3D technology with heating functions. It also has a 33 air cell system, multi-directional rollers, and a clean, elegant, and classy aesthetic appearance. Check it out below!
Leave a Reply