Article: Air pressure massage in a massage chair: how the air cushions work
In an air pressure massage, air cushions in the chair fill with air, enclose the arms, shoulders, hips, calves or feet and then release again. It feels like rhythmic squeezing with the hands. The rollers in the back keep massaging at the same time. Depending on the model, NAIPO chairs have between 8 and 40 air cushions.
How air pressure massage works
A small pump sits inside the chair. It blows air into plastic cushions that lie beneath the upholstery. Valves control which cushion fills and empties, and when. This creates a sequence of squeezing and releasing that can move along the arms and legs. The rollers in the backrest work independently of this. In the automatic programmes, both systems usually run together.
Where the air cushions sit
Arms and hands
In the armrests, air cushions enclose the forearms and hands. Many people find this particularly pleasant after a day at the desk.
Shoulders
Cushions at the sides of the shoulders hold the upper body in position and press from the outside while the rollers work from behind.
Hips and seat
Here the cushions provide support and a gentle massage in the seat area.
Calves and feet
The leg rest usually holds the most cushions. They enclose the calves and feet from both sides. Some chairs combine this with foot rollers under the soles. You can read more about this area in Massage chairs with foot reflexology massage.
Air cushions and rollers: the difference
Rollers work on specific points. They knead, tap or press along the spine and reach deeper muscles in the back. Air cushions work across a surface. They enclose a whole arm or calf and press from several sides at once. That is why the two complement each other: the rollers take care of the back, the cushions handle the areas no roller can reach. Which other massage types a chair combines is shown in What massages does a massage chair offer?.
What the number of air cushions tells you
More cushions usually mean that more areas of the body are reached and the massage is more finely graded. The number alone is no seal of quality, though. It also matters where the cushions sit and whether you can adjust the pressure. A chair with fewer cushions in the right places can feel better than one with many small ones.
Air cushions in NAIPO chairs
| Model | Air cushions |
|---|---|
| Model U ClassicSwing | 8 |
| Model P Classic Comfort | 24 |
| SkySuite | 24 |
| Tai Chi Flow | 24 |
| ZenFlow | 28 |
| Space Walk Cycling | 32 |
| Model L Pro | 38 |
| Optimus | 40 |
You will find every model with prices and further details in the overview of all massage chairs.
Setting the intensity correctly
On most chairs, the air pressure can be adjusted in several levels. Start low. The pressure on the calves and arms can feel unusually firm at first. After a few sessions, you will know which level suits you. If you do not like the air massage at all, you can switch it off separately in many programmes and use only the rollers.
When you should be careful
The pressure of the cushions acts directly on the arms and legs. If you have varicose veins, have had a thrombosis, suffer from circulatory problems or are pregnant, talk to a doctor before use. Separate guidance applies to people with a pacemaker, which you will find in Massage chairs and pacemakers.
How air pressure and rollers combine into a full-body massage is explained in How does a massage chair work?.
Frequently asked questions
Is air pressure massage loud?
The pump is audible, especially when many cushions fill at the same time. How loud a chair is overall is described in How loud is a massage chair?.
Can I use only the air cushions, without the rollers?
On many chairs, yes. In manual mode, rollers and air massage can usually be switched on and off separately.
Do the air cushions last long?
Look after the cushions by not putting sharp objects into the armrests or leg rest and keeping the upholstery clean. How long a chair lasts overall is answered in How long does a massage chair last?.
Written by NAIPO Editorial Team · Massage & Product Experts from Hamburg
Product experts, service technicians, and massage enthusiasts at Alsterwell GmbH — specializing in massage technology for over a decade, with our own workshop and showrooms for test sitting.
Fact-checked by David Eberst · Co-founder of NAIPO
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