I understand the struggle of finding a massage chair with a great set of features and therapeutic benefits.
When you have a set budget, a good massage chair with specific features is not easy to find.
Many brands and chairs offer very similar features and very few come as a whole package.
The Infinity is one of the top massage chair brands worth considering (there are only a few brands worth talking about, to begin with).
The IT-8500 massage chair may not be the most expensive chair, but it manages to pack some great functions that you can find exclusively in the most expensive and best massage chairs.
All of us with chronic pain may find this product to be a beneficial investment. Not without some negatives, of course.
While the chair comes with a few drawbacks, its numerous functions may still persuade you.
Maybe not...
Let's have a closer look at what we discovered.
Infinity IT-8500 Massage Chair Review
The Infinity massage chair is considered to be a premium chair with advanced features that are not at all that common in a massage chair of this price range.
Body stretch function, zero-gravity recline, and many massage programs may convince you right from the start.
But let’s have a look at what you get for the price.
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General Features of IT-8500 Zero Gravity
S-Track Design
It comes with an S-track design with quad rollers.
Other models have tri massage rollers instead of the quad, which is a nice and welcoming upgrade for this model.
Body Scan
A body scanning is an important feature because it locates the user’s pressure points and enables a more thorough massage.
The IT-8500 also comes with a remote, which can be used to locate any missing massage points.
This is an advanced feature that definitely improves the massage quality.
Zero-Gravity Recline Feature
The two-level zero gravity feature is a popular one and available in even those massage chairs in the lower price range.
The zero gravity positions, to which the chair reclines you, enable for a more thorough massage, as your body is pressing down against the massage rollers.
Different Massage Techniques
This Infinity massage chair is a rare gem among its competitors. It is quite extensive in what it offers:
There are 6 different massage techniques available: kneading, tapping, a combo of kneading and tapping, shiatsu, knocking, and dual-action.
Apart from these, there are also 4 pre-programmed massages:
- Recover
- Refresh
- Extend
- Relax
You can adjust the speed of the rollers, but the downside is that there is no way to adjust the intensity levels, which may be disappointing for some users.
Also, the deep tissue massage is meant for those with back pain, and it actually does it well, according to many IT-8500 reviews.
At the same time, it may be too intense and strong for all the casual users.
Spot massage function is another feature that’s quite impressive and quite rare.
When you press the button for the spot massage, the IT-8500 rollers stay in one place (with a 6-inch variation).
This makes for a more thorough massage and is a welcome feature for anyone who wants additional relief from their sore spots.
Another upgrade with this massage chair is that you don’t have to go for the whole body massage at all times.
You have an option to choose a partial massage mode, and the rollers focus only on a certain area.
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Air Massage Function
There are 38 airbags strategically placed around the massage chair with 5 different intensity levels. You can regulate these with the remote.
The users can choose between a full-body air massage or a more specific massage.
By selecting a certain area of the body and you can activate only the desired airbags: Arms and Shoulders (shoulder airbags), Upper Body (neck, head, and shoulders), and Legs and Feet.
Heat Therapy
Heat therapy is a quite common feature in a lot of massage chairs.
The infinity massage chair also provides lumbar heat, which is beneficial and therapeutic for those suffering from chronic lower back pain.
This feature is far from advanced; it cannot be regulated.
It’s either on or off. Another downside is that the lumbar heat takes a while to start working; you’ll find yourself waiting for about 5 minutes.
Body Stretch And Twist
IT-8500 offers a body stretch program which is not too common for lower price massage chairs. There are claims that this chair offers one of the best body stretches, right after the Kahuna massage chair. Waist Twist: The seat swivels your hips from side to side in a twisting motion in an effort to stretch the lower back and hip muscles.
Body stretching is very beneficial; it relieves the pain in your back, taking the pressure off the spine. The function is quite strong. You may need some time to get used to it.
In case you’re not in for the strong and firm stretch, the IT-8500 has an alternative for you. You can choose the twist function instead. A milder form of the body stretch, the twist enables you to adjust the action by three levels.
This seat swivel feature is very similar to that of Inada’s Dreamwave. This feature actually provides relief to the hip area by deflating and inflating airbags that push the seat from side to side.
It provides a spinal correction which results in a soothing massage. These two functions are a generous and important addition to the chair.
Inversion Therapy
A rare feature even in massage chairs of the slightly higher price range, the inversion therapy is another surprise from the Infinity chairs.
This form of therapy is very therapeutic; it helps to boost the circulation in your body, including the circulation of the lymphatic system.
Calf And Foot Massage
A quite standard feature yet more or less average, the users get their calves massage with the airbags. The foot massage is performed by the mechanical foot rollers.
The intensity of the foot rollers/calf rollers can be regulated to three levels, and the intensity of the airbags to five.
While the feature is average, it still enables more customization than the chairs in the same price range.
Simple Remote Control & MP3 Player and Built-in Sound System
While the remote control is not the simplest ever, the learning curve is minimal, and it’s designed to be more or less straightforward.
The only drawback is that it’s difficult to use it in a dimly lit room.
About the company
The Infinite Therapeutics, which is the company that makes the Infinity massage chairs, is a part of Infinite Creative Enterprises (I.C.E.).
Their office is located in Seabrook, NH but they have distribution centers on the West and the East coast.
This private company has more than 20 years of experience.
The Infinity massage chairs have been available on the market since 2009. On their website, the company claims that they are
“dedicated to increasing the well-being of our clients and to providing the absolute best in customer service”
Apart from the IT-8500, they also offer 13 other massage chairs, the Infinity Iyashi massage chair being one of the most well-known.
The company claims they offer live technical support which is available to all who have problems with using the chair after the installation.
About the chair
The IT-8500 is manufactured in China.
The model comes with a 3-year warranty (limited warranty) for year parts labor.
You can find the full document here. The customers can choose the option of an extended warranty for another year or two.
On the Infinity website, the users have an option to download the IT-8500 user manual as well as the assembly guide.
The chair is delivered in 5 separate boxes. Since the chair is heavy, the customers are better off paying for the white glove delivery as well.
youtube.com/watch?v=Cm7tpnMCBBI
Also, have an extra pair of hands available to help you because doing it all by yourself is too demanding.
This Infinity massage chair is available in three different colors, black, brown, and taupe.
The chair weighs 229 lbs. and it is able to accommodate people up to 325 lbs.
Moreover, the massage chair Infinity IT-8500 also provides massage to those who are wider in the shoulder area (up to 20”).
The benefits
- Different massage programs available
- Varied massage duration
- Relief for chronic back pain
- MP3 support: USB port and speakers installed
- Extendable ottoman (accommodates people up to 6’4”)
- Various color options
The downsides
- No massage intensity settings
- No memory function
- The chair is very heavy
- No 3D roller technology
- Not the best service company
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New Models Infinity 8500 X3 Is Available Now (Differences)
More Pre-Programmed Options
Programs inside Infinity IT-8500 such as Sleep & Rest, Sports Refresh, Working Relief, Extension, & Shoulder & Neck!
The chair is Bluetooth Compatible
Bluetooth compatibility enables you to connect any smartphone to speakers and get your favorite music right from your cellphone.
3D Roller Technology
3D roller technology with a lot of new sets of Automatic Programs. Now you can easily adjust the intensity with the simple button on the remote control. There are five intensity levels for the user.
Neck Auto-Extend Feature
Also, 8500 X3 includes an auto-extend neck feature. Rollers move up the neck, they also can move forward to get deeper into the muscles of your neck. Many chairs lack a vigorous, deep neck massage, but this chair provides one of the best options for massaging your neck.
Why Do You Want This Chair?
Sometimes the cure for our overworked, overextended, and under-appreciated selves is in motion. A good old-fashioned massage can do wonders for anyone, and with the new Infinity IT-8500 massage chair, you can make those life-affirming procedures as easy and breezy as possible. This low-cost, powered device offers support and pressure-specific massages—ideal for anyone with shoulder, neck, back, or lower back issues—with gentle vibrations and rotating head positions. You'll need to pay $1 for each 15-minute session, but, when you consider the savings over a personal masseuse and the value of being able to get your massage anywhere, anywhere, it makes a lot of sense. Infinity IT-8500 ergonomic massage chair compared to the height competition. The IT-8500 comes with free shipping in either wood or chrome finish and it's priced accordingly, between $1,499 and $1,799. That puts it in the same price range as higher-end options such as the $2,300 Therapedic iSite3 and the $2,999 Brookstone CarbonX-6. The latter has options that will allow you to fit the chair to the contours of your body, however, such as reclining options and weight-distribution settings.
Do Massage Chairs Help Circulation?
Science doesn’t know for sure if massaging your shoulders and back could help circulation. But it is safe to say that it is unlikely. According to a study conducted in 2011, "reduction in systolic blood pressure and/or cardiac output, cardiorespiratory fitness, as well as glucose tolerance was observed in healthy subjects during the back and/or shoulder massage The authors, however, could not determine if the findings would be the same with chronic patients. A follow-up study by Trzeciak and colleagues in 2016 was slightly more positive. According to that study, moderate-intensity stimulation of the shoulder and upper back may improve the movement of the arm and elbow joints and improve psychological well-being and perceived stress in patients with chronic lower back pain and major depression.
Meditation and Chairs. Although not everything about meditation is to your liking, most of these tips have much to recommend to them. For beginners, meditation may be a comfortable place to sta How hard you try is up to you after labor day. Then again, for some people meditation is stressful, while others just don’t feel comfortable doing it. The solution could lie in an alternative type of meditation. When you try a new type of meditation you may have to keep trying new things, and that’s where the right sort of chair comes into play. What is the best place to sit while doing meditation? Here are a few steps to finding a chair to suit your needs.
Infinity IT-9800
Not only is this massage chair as comfortable as the jacuzzi you're sitting in, but it's virtually weightless. There's also a zero-gravity recline to boot, and it also delivers 360-degree vibration. The massage function features two settings: 20 minutes of low intensity (for sore muscles) or 30 minutes of high intensity (for back and arm stiffness). Choose a hard-textured massage chair for those sore spots or a soft one to improve your posture and breathing.
Kyoto vs Infinity
Massage chairs are good for giving your body some TLC, but when you need that bodywork done, you don't want to be twisting and contorting your body around in a small office chair or the floor. Enter the Kyoto, the first massage chair to give you the massage without you having to contort your body at all. This massage chair is capable of all the rolling, tilting, and rotating that you would normally do to loosen up and ease stress, while also giving you an easy way to connect to your phone or tablet via Bluetooth and have your music playing.
Designed by Kyosho, the Kyoto can be assembled and adjusted from the seat as well as the legs. The legs come with several different gripping options, including the ability to attach a ball, which can be used to roll your legs. There is a remote control for the Kyoto that allows you to program which functions you want, as well as access other features such as an interior light.
Infinity Massage Chair Problems
When it comes to aches and pains, it seems like a full-body massage chair may be the answer you’ve been looking for. After all, it offers a whole new way to work out your body. But if you decide to purchase one, or have an Infinity Massage Chair installed in your home, it’s likely you’ll come across some issues. And with so many on the market, it’s easy to get confused. Which type of issues is worth worrying about? Which ones are easy to fix?
And most importantly, which ones are worth paying for? If you have a problem with your product or would just like some additional information, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve created a simple guide that will show you exactly what you need to know about the different types of problems and how to fix them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Massage Chair Good for You Everyday?
Using a massage chair every day can have both positive and negative effects on your overall well-being. The appropriateness of daily use depends on several factors, including the individual's health, the duration and intensity of the massage, and personal preferences.
Benefits of Daily Use:
- Stress Relief: Daily massages can help reduce stress and promote relaxation by releasing endorphins, the body's natural feel-good hormones.
- Muscle Tension: Regular use may alleviate muscle tension, aches, and knots, providing relief from chronic pain conditions like back pain or neck pain.
- Improved Circulation: Massage chairs can enhance blood circulation, which may contribute to better overall health by delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues and promoting waste removal.
- Flexibility and Range of Motion: Daily massages can improve flexibility and range of motion by loosening tight muscles and increasing joint mobility.
Potential Drawbacks of Daily Use:
- Overstimulation: Excessive use, especially with high-intensity settings, can lead to overstimulation and discomfort. Users should be cautious not to cause muscle soreness or bruising.
- Skin Sensitivity: Frequent use may cause skin sensitivity or irritation in some individuals, particularly if the chair uses intense rollers or airbags.
- Cost and Time: Massage chairs are a significant investment, and using them daily may not be practical for everyone. Additionally, sessions can be time-consuming.
- Dependence: Some users might become reliant on daily massages for pain relief, potentially neglecting other forms of treatment or exercise.
To determine if daily use of a massage chair is suitable for you, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional or a licensed massage therapist. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific health needs and goals. Additionally, it's essential to use the chair in moderation, adjust the intensity to your comfort level, and listen to your body's signals. By doing so, you can enjoy the potential benefits of daily massage chair use while minimizing any associated risks or drawbacks.
Is it OK to Sleep in a Massage Chair?
Sleeping in a massage chair is generally not recommended, and it comes with several potential risks and drawbacks. While massage chairs are designed for relaxation and therapeutic purposes, they are not intended for prolonged or unsupervised use, such as sleeping. Here are some reasons why sleeping in a massage chair is not advisable:
Neck and Back Strain: Prolonged use of a massage chair, including sleeping in one, can lead to neck and back strain. The positions and angles in a massage chair are not suitable for extended periods of rest, and maintaining them for a long time can cause discomfort and musculoskeletal issues.
Pressure Sores: Staying in one position for an extended period, as you would when sleeping in a massage chair, can increase the risk of pressure sores or pressure ulcers. These can develop when there is prolonged pressure on specific areas of the body, leading to skin damage and potential infections.
Decreased Blood Circulation: Sleeping in a massage chair may impede proper blood circulation, especially in areas where pressure is applied. This can result in numbness, tingling, or swelling in the affected body parts.
Limited Sleep Quality: Massage chair movements and vibrations, while relaxing, are not conducive to deep and restful sleep. Continuous motion can disrupt your sleep cycle and prevent you from reaching the necessary stages of sleep for full rest and recovery.
Risk of Injury: Falling asleep in a massage chair increases the risk of falling or getting caught in the moving parts, which could lead to injury.
If you find the massage chair's features relaxing and wish to incorporate them into your bedtime routine, it's advisable to limit the use to short sessions before bedtime. However, for a full night's sleep, it's recommended to sleep in a proper bed or mattress that supports your body's natural alignment and promotes optimal sleep quality. Using a massage chair as a substitute for a bed can result in discomfort, potential health issues, and disrupted sleep patterns.
How Long Has Infinity Massage Chairs Been in Business?
Infinity Massage Chairs has been in business for over a decade, with a history dating back to 2009. Established in the United States, Infinity quickly emerged as a prominent player in the massage chair industry, offering innovative and high-quality products designed to promote relaxation, wellness, and therapeutic benefits.
Since its inception, Infinity Massage Chairs has remained committed to advancing technology and enhancing the user experience through continuous research and development efforts. The company has garnered a reputation for delivering cutting-edge massage chairs that combine advanced features, ergonomic design, and therapeutic techniques to provide users with a rejuvenating and immersive massage experience.
Infinity's journey in the massage chair market has been marked by a dedication to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. The company's extensive product lineup encompasses a diverse range of massage chairs tailored to meet varying preferences, needs, and budgets. From luxurious, full-body massage chairs equipped with state-of-the-art features to compact models designed for space-saving convenience, Infinity has strived to cater to a wide audience seeking relaxation and wellness solutions.
Over the years, Infinity Massage Chairs has earned numerous accolades and industry recognition for its exceptional products and commitment to excellence. The company's emphasis on quality craftsmanship, durability, and performance has resonated with consumers, contributing to its sustained success and longevity in the competitive massage chair market.
Infinity's longevity in the industry is further underscored by its robust presence in the market and extensive distribution network. The company's products are widely available through authorized retailers, online platforms, and specialty stores, making them accessible to consumers across various regions.
Moreover, Infinity Massage Chairs maintains a strong focus on customer service, providing comprehensive support, warranty coverage, and post-purchase assistance to ensure a seamless and satisfying ownership experience for its customers.
In summary, Infinity Massage Chairs has been in business for over a decade, showcasing a rich history of innovation, quality, and customer-centricity in the massage chair industry. With a diverse product lineup, commitment to excellence, and dedication to customer satisfaction, Infinity has solidified its position as a trusted leader in providing relaxation and wellness solutions through advanced massage technology.
The Conclusion
While there is always room for improvement, the wide array of options that the model offers is very impressive.
A number of these features are often available only in models of a higher price range.
The IT-8500 model might be too strong for casual users.
However, for anyone suffering from chronic back pain, this is an excellent bargain with upgrades that are not easily found elsewhere.
The fact that there is no way to actually adjust the intensity levels also may be unappealing for some.
But the 45-minute massage programs are a nice welcome for those who feel that 15 minutes is just not enough.
The foot massage is slightly too intense, but the fact that the chair offers natural pain relief, as well as stretching function, is a great addition at this price.
This massage chair may be bulky and heavy but so are other massage chairs.
This model is difficult to beat even among its more expensive competitors.
It may not look too appealing, but the spinal correction feature among many others may play a significant role when making a decision.
Innovative with and an extensive list of features, the Infinity IT-8500 is something you want to consider if you wish to massage experience the therapeutic benefits of a massage chair on a budget.
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