The Sanyo SA-5000 Massage Chair

Product Review Of The Sanyo SA-5000 Massage Chair

by David Brookeview

The mid-range of the massage chair market has many solid models from the main manufacturers. Sanyo has its SA 5000 massage chair. Sanyo takes the strategy of developing a particular technology and then making that available in each of its models. This benefits the entry-level and midrange models from Sanyo. We take a closer look at the SA 5000 massage chair.

When you think of Sanyo, most likely you think of their audio divisions. They are known for high quality acoustics and their audio lines. Sanyo has borrowed some technologies from other divisions to incorporate in the SA 5000. One such technology is the stiffness detection sensor which is based on lie detection technology.

The stiffness detection system uses technology which is the same for lie detection systems. The user must place their bare hand over a mouse-like device. The system then determines where the user has stiff muscles. This information is then fed into the chairs computer and the massage is customized based on these readings.

The areas of stiffness are displayed on the remote controls LCD. As the massage ensues, the LCD will show each area been relieve until the tension is released. Once all areas have been relieved, then the massage will stop.

To complement the relief of stiffness, Sanyo has incorporated its GK roller technology. This technology is able to emulate the grasping and kneading of a master masseuse. These rollers are especially effective for the neck and shoulders.

The GK rollers enable for a gripping massage. The rollers can extend outward and perform a gripping potion. This can be very relieving to a stiff neck or shoulders.

With the SA 5000 massage chair, you can select from 4 different automatic massage programs. You can select relax stiffness, and recovery. Each individual massage program performs a full body massage. Relaxation is at a touch of a button.

There are a number of manual massage techniques to address individual massage needs. You may also select the area to concentrate the massage. There are four different regions in which to choose from. Once selected, then the massage or concentrate in the area.

Sanyo has incorporated and air system in the SA 5000 massage chair. The air system powers air bags located throughout the chair. The airbags delivered deep and penetrating relief and target the feet, calves and the legs. The level of air compression can be either increased or decreased based on your needs.

In the SA 5000 also uses a multipoint shiatsu massage for the lower body. Specially designed nodes are used to penetrate specific areas to provide relief. These nodes are activated during the course of the shiatsu massage.

Sanyo has incorporated the stiffness detection system to the SA 5000. This stiffness detection system works off a devise similar to a computer mouse. You must hold the mouse by cupping your hand over the top. This device is in addition to the remote control.

Sanyo provides the SA 5000 massage chair with a one-year labor parts warranty. They also offer one-year in-home technician service. The roller mechanism of the SA 5000 massage chair is covered for three years. Some dealers offer extended warranties but this is at additional expense.

The SA5000 is a fairly effective massage chair. It is slightly smaller than most models as it was designed specifically for the Japanese market. The stiffness detection system is an interesting feature, but not something that provides therapeutic value. Most people clearly know where they have stiffness. If you are looking for a midrange massage chair, then you should at least check out the SA 5000 from Sanyo.