Homedics Shiatsu Plus Vibration Massage Pillow

As far as the massage functions in the cushion itself, it is much like many other "shiatsu" massage pillows on the market: there are rotating flat disks (about 1" - 1.5" in diameter) that move in a preset pattern designed to hit all your sore points. The disks (like in other models/makes) are hard, so be prepared to experience a deeper massage, but by no means a painful one. There is also a standard heat function which can be turned off if desired.Where this Homedics model bests its competitors, however, is in a few added perks. Most importantly: the cord is super long (twice as long as other competing pillows I own). This is so great when laying down in bed with the pillow because I am no longer constantly pulling the cord out of the wall! Also, this pillow features an added vibration mode which can be used in conjunction with the massaging disks or alone. The vibration was a lot more effective than I imagined in that it actually works to sort of "deaden" the area being worked on - the vibration/massage together is my favorite setting. Another important plus is the cover of the pillow which is (1) washable, (2) very soft and (3) features a flap which can be pulled down over the pillow in order to soften the massaging disks if they are hitting a little too hard. It is really an ingenious idea that allows the consumer to modestly alter the quality of the massage.As with all of these pillows, it is a little bulky to deal with, but the soft cover on this model makes handling it a little better than others. It is just something that one gets used to maneuvering, but I find this pillow can offer some moderate-major relief to anyone suffering from neck, lower back, hip and/or leg pain.

I had first purchased the newer model of this pillow from Bed Bath and Beyond, but my friend had this one and I liked my her's so much better so I returned that one and purchased this. I like how this one comes with the flap cover so you can fold it back or keep it forward depending on whether or not you need the extra padding. The newer version doesn't have the flap and I needed to place a blanket between myself and the pillow (this was a PITA).Also, this one isn't as heavy as the newer model. The pillow will automatically shut off after a certain amount of time, so I like that the power and heat buttons are on a flap instead of on the pillow (which is where it is on the newer one) as it's easier to locate when you have it situated in the perfect spot and do not want to move to get it started back up again. The heat and massage feel the same on both...so I definitely recommend this one over the newer version that is currently out in stores. And regarding the massage it gives, it's pretty good, especially for the price and the fact that you can move it around is great.The only complaint (but this is a complaint with ALL massagers) is I wish the balls had some kind of light squishy overlay to them...they are all so hard they hurt my bones and makes the massage have a slight hurt/uncomfortableness (if that's a word??) as well as end up making me feel bruised the next day.

I get tension headaches several times a week that radiate from my shoulders, up the back of my neck and around my head. Side effects of a stressful job, I guess. I was popping pain medication way more often than I would like but then discovered a neck massage could alleviate some of the pain without pills. After research, I decided to buy this and am very glad I did. First, the pros:- Motor is strong and I can really lean into it and it keeps going. Under the fabric, are flat round disks that can really dig into knots.- Heat option is great and it goes a long way to relaxing tense muscles. I like that the disks glow red when the heat is on.- I like a hard massage so I use without the padded flap but appreciate that I have an option.- Cord is long enough to move the pillow around without pulling out of the electrical socket.And now, a few cons:- The massage rollers are a little too far apart to reach both sides of my neck at the same time. If you have a thick neck, this shouldn't be a problem, but for me, I have to shift around to get one side then the other.- It's loud. You get used to the grinding noise after a while but it's not the most relaxing sound.- It takes some time to heat up. You won't feel the heat through the padded flap but if you don't cover the rollers you'll start feeling the heat in about 5 min.Overall, the negatives are minor complaints and I'm quite happy with this. The pillow now lives next to my bed where I can get a little massage at the end of a stressful day.

This massage pillow works just okay. Does not get very hot and is a bit loud. To get the right pressure, you have to lift the pillow flap and put the pillow in between yourself and a semi firm surface. Best for lower back and legs. Not suited for neck and shoulders. If I were to order again I'd just pay more and get the HoMedics Neck and Shoulder Massager with Heat. My sister-in-law has it and the shape and function of it is much better.

I had this on my wish list for 4 years before I finally used birthday money to get it. This thing is awesome!You can flip up the cover and it's got a thin piece of material underneath it covering the knobs so 1) you can get a deeper massage and 2) protects you so you don't get hair or anything tangled in it. You can leave the cover down if you need a little more gentle massage.The heat and vibration is just how Goldilocks would like it (just right)!The power is on a tab the side so you can get it adjusted just right where you want it and you don't have to move to turn it on. One click of the power button gets you massage. Two clicks gets you massage and vibration. Three clicks turns it off. The heat has a separate button.I like the deep massage. I use it on my upper back where I carry tension. This can take care of a tension headache when the usual OTC painkillers can't. I also use it on my lower back which seems to help my sciatica.It also has an auto off at 15 minutes. Good for reminding me to stop and switch to icing it when my back is really killing me.