We tested two types of massage pads in our labs—those featured in this article, which recline fully and can be placed on the floor or your bed, and chair massagers that you attach to your chair so that you can work in comfortable bliss. In addition to lab testing, we brought in a panel of CR testers to try out each pad and provide feedback on how well they accommodated their bodies, how easy it was to use their control pads, noise levels, and, of course, how effectively they massaged our tired backs, legs, shoulders, necks, and even feet.
My colleagues are a busy bunch. But I had so many volunteers that we ended up with a panel whose heights ranged from 4’9” to 6’2”, which really helped inform our decisions about the best and worst massage pads for various body types and needs.
Sneak peek: We mean no disrespect to Paris Hilton, but after trying her brand’s $50 massage pad, our achy backs remained achy. Here are our picks for the best massage mats.