Brookstone S8 Back Massager For Office Chair [Review + Specs]

Taking advantage of a professional massage doesn't always imply reaching to a massage parlor. After all, you can't always find the time to do it, not to mention the costs that add up overtime. You don't even have to purchase an expensive massage chair, but just find a back massager for office chair, which is basically a top that can go on regular chairs.

This cost efficient option has gained some notoriety lately, so it might feel challenging to decide on the right model. Some products do stand up in the crowd though and that's what you have to focus on. Brookstone S8 Massager is currently a leading massage topper, but what makes it so special?

There are no doubts about it – this massager is built with efficiency and convenience in mind. After all, it's cost efficient and it can go on pretty much any chair. It's portable and easy to use, even if this is the first time you use a massager. Featuring a solid warranty and some interesting bells and whistles, it's easy to tell what makes it so popular. But then, can it reach to your expectations? A little research will give you all the required answers.

Brookstone S8 measures 32.5 x 8.5 x 18 inches. Apart from the actual thickness, it's about the size of a chair. It's soft and flexible. Basically, it has a foldable profile, so you can just fold it and roll it inside your backpack. Take it and use it anywhere – work, home, a friend's house, your holiday or even your car. It barely weighs 15 pounds, so it won't put too much pressure on you anyway.

Storage is just as simple. While the pad doesn't come with its own backpack or carry case, it's compact enough to fit into a standard one.

The way this chair massager pad operates is easy to understand. Its massages are based on deep kneading movements. Practically, once turned on, the kneading movement is so deep that it perfectly imitates a professional's hands and fingers. Close your eyes and imagine you're in a professional parlor while enjoying the comfort of your bedroom. Of course, if you are only looking for a specialized massager just for your hands and fingers, click here.

As a result, muscle tightness is successfully relieved, not to mention soothing aching muscles and improving muscle recovery after an injury or just a long day at work. Kneading movements also improve the blood circulation, which inevitably feeds the muscles and provides more energy.

Apart from the kneading mode, this back massager brings in a series of rolling nodes as well. The nodes are stuck together and roll simultaneously in a reciprocal stimulating movement. It feels different from the classic kneading sensations, but it's just as efficient.

Rollers are fitted throughout the whole back, but they also cover the shoulders. Their main role is to stimulate core muscles. You'll feel the movements on your back, as well as the sides. As a result, muscles won't longer feel stiff, while chronic back pains will slowly disappear.

Last, but not least, vibration settings couldn't be missed from a shiatsu back massager. Vibration movements are classic and better known for the deep relaxation. The vibration mostly affects the seat though. It relaxes the bottom part of your body and even makes a nice relaxing workout.

There are three different levels of intensity to choose from based on how stiff your muscles are. At the same time, it's worth noting that you can use the vibration mode independently or just mix it with other massage functions – totally up to you. Apart from the actual relaxation, vibration massages stimulate fat burning and muscle toning. 

You can check out our reviews on other different types of shiatsu massager like the foot or back massager.

Most massagers come with kneading and vibrating movements, yet this back massager for chair with heat takes this venture a bit further. The dynamic squeezing technology is not new in Brookstone's massagers, yet it has been recently upgraded for even more comfort and efficiency.

The dynamic squeeze feature is only available for the middle part of your body. It makes a good massage for your waist, hips and buttocks. The way it works is self-explanatory. The elements inside the pad gently squeeze your body in the attempt to push tension and pressure away.

The vibration setting is the only one featuring more levels of intensity, so the dynamic squeeze feature will only have a standard speed.

The heating function is common in professional massage chairs. Even so, plenty of manufacturers tend to overlook it.

This function targets the back. Simply put, the massager has a heating element fitted inside it. It helps in multiple ways. For example, it will prepare the back for a further and longer massage. Also, it can ameliorate pain, but treat stomach flu too.

It can also be used in conjunction with any other massage. Since it is a back massager, it only works on the back – no other parts.

At first glance, this back massage chair pad looks like an actual massage chair. However, it doesn't stand by its own and needs some support. It's only a pad, yet it's fitted with the exact same technologies you can find in classic chairs. The only difference is you can fit it on any chair – your office chair or the armchair in your living room.

The pad adapts to pretty much everything and it won't affect its efficiency. It has a few built-in elements that won't adapt to the shape of the chair though, but that's for your own support – such as the pads around the neck.

All in all, in terms of convenience, it's easy to tell what makes the pad so popular – it can turn a boring chair into the most comfortable massage chair. What else can you ask for?