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iDeal Massage Chair Review

In Massage Chairs by Consumer FilesLeave a CommentLast Updated: April 21st, 2021

IC-Deal Massage Chair Review

  • Ease of Use
  • Overall Massage Quality
  • Customization Options
  • Value for the Money

Summary

The iDeal massage chair gives you popular features like roller massage, air massage, and leg massage, and is an attractive buy considering its low price. However, its overall massage quality is lacking. And while it does have several customization options, getting fully comfortable in the chair might be difficult for some as the backrest and footrest can't be adjusted individually.

3.4
IC-Deal Massage Chair Beige - Consumer Files

iDeal Massage Chair

Overall Best

Airline Approved Rifle Case Plano Double Scoped Case Small - Consumer Files

Product Name

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More Specifications...

iDeal Massage Chair
VS
Human Touch WholeBody 5.1

COMPARISON CHART

iDeal Massage Chair

IC-Deal Massage Chair Red - Consumer Files

Human Touch WholeBody 5.1

IC-Deal Massage Chair HumanTouch Whole Body - Consumer Files

Four roller massage system

Flexglide rollers

Air massage

Arm air massage

Shoulder air massage

Seat air massage

Leg and calf air massage

Kneading foot balls

Paddle foot massage

Rotating leg ottoman

Body scan system

Zero Gravity

Heat therapy

Vibration massage

Number of massage techniques

3

4

Number of automatic massage programs

4

3

Manual mode controls

iDeal Massage Chair

Human Touch WholeBody 5.1

iDeal Massage Chair Overview

The iDeal massage chair is a low-priced, full-featured chair that consistently receives positive user reviews.

But the thing is...

Very little is known about the manufacturer of the iDeal massage chair. Some distributors in fact name this chair as IC-Deal massage chair, so we'll be using its two names interchangeably here. Since there's always some risk in buying a product from an unknown company, this review covers everything you need to know about the chair to help you make your buying decision.

First, we'll go over all of the chair's components and massage programs to show you it's performance capabilities. Then, we'll give you a side-by-side comparison with a similarly priced massage chair from a well-known brand to illustrate the upsides and downsides of saving money by purchasing from a relatively unknown brand.

Let's get into it...

IC-Deal Massage Chair Features

Four Roller Massage System

Like most massage chairs, the IC-Deal uses a roller system for its primary massage functions. It uses a four roller head system to thoroughly massage the back muscles from the neck to the lower back.

The massage rollers are used in both automatic massage programs and manual mode programs which we'll cover later. When in manual mode, you can adjust the vertical position of the massage rollers to any area of your back. Additionally, the width and speed of the rollers can be changed with three levels of adjustment available.

IC-Deal Massage Chair Side - Consumer Files

S-type Roller Track

The massage roller heads are mounted to an S-Type roller track. Instead of being straight like the tracks of many low-priced massage chairs, the track of the iDeal is "S" shaped, mimicking the natural curve of the human spine.

Automatic Back Scanning

When you power on the IC-Deal massage chair for a massage, the chair initiates an automatic back scan. This procedure measures the exact size and shape of your back in order to adjust the position of the massage rollers throughout the massage. The massage rollers are essentially adapted to the shape of your body for optimal performance and massage benefit.

Air Massage System

In addition to roller massage, the iDeal massage chair features air massage. Throughout the chair, specialized airbags are positioned in key locations to administer compression massage. Unlike roller massage that uses roller heads to rub and knead the muscles, compression massage uses the airbags to squeeze and apply pressure to the muscles. The result is a therapeutic action that helps increase blood flow throughout the body.

IC-Deal Massage Chair Front - Consumer Files

The IC-Deal offers air compression massage in the following areas:

SHOULDER AIR MASSAGE

On the upper portion of the chair's backrest, two sets of four airbags are positioned alongside the shoulders. When activated, these airbags inflate and deflate, squeezing and releasing the shoulders, helping to reduce tension and relieve soreness.

ARM AIR MASSAGE

The armrests of the IC-Deal are equipped with special arm massage slots that feature 24 airbags. The arms slide into the armrests where they are massaged by the airbags.
One unique feature of its arm massage system is that it offers six different air massage combinations and two levels of intensity. Most massage chairs with arm air massage don't offer any variation for arm massage functions, limiting the amount of customization you can have.

SEAT AIR MASSAGE

Four airbags in the seat of the IC-Deal provide air massage for the buttocks and thighs. The massage provided by the seat airbags is less of a squeezing action and more of a direct pressure sensation.

Leg and Foot Massage System

The leg ottoman of the IC-Deal is equipped with a series of airbag massagers that provide compression massage for the calves, ankles, and feet. There are eight airbags in the calf sections and eight airbags in the foot sections.
Additionally, under each foot, there are six kneading balls that stimulate and massage the soles of the feet. The kneading balls are positioned to press key acupressure points. The chair uses a method called "Thenar Massage" to press the feet into the kneading balls.

A vector image of Calf massage system
IC-Deal Massage Chair Foot Massage - Consumer Files

IT WORKS LIKE THIS:
The airbags alongside the feet inflate and deflate in alternating patterns, causing the foot to move from side to side. Simultaneously, the airbags above the foot inflate to press the foot down onto the kneading balls. The side-to-side movement combined with the downward pressure rubs the feet against the kneading balls to stimulate the feet.

This type of massage isn't as thorough or effective as a massage chair with a mechanical foot roller, but for the price, it provides adequate foot massage.

Zero Gravity

One of the key features of the iDeal massage chair is its zero gravity recline functionality. This popular feature helps you relax deeply while enjoying your massage by reclining the body in such a way that the legs and feet are positioned slightly higher than the heart, with the weight of your body distributed evenly across the chair.

The zero gravity recline of the IC-Deal is very similar to what you'd find on a higher-end chair. But, there is one downside to the system which we'll cover next...

IC-Deal Massage Chair Recline - Consumer Files

Powered Backrest and Footrest

Reclining and inclining the IC-Deal is effortless thanks to a fully powered backrest and footrest. The problem is that the footrest and backrest are linked and can only be operated simultaneously. That means when you recline the backrest, the footrest automatically elevates as well.
This becomes a limiting factor when you want to customize the position of the chair for optimal relaxation. Most other massage chairs feature independent backrest and footrest adjustment, so in this way, the IC-Deal comes up short.

Built-in Heating

Inside the backrest of the IC-Deal, a heating pad provides heat therapy to the lumbar region of the back. It takes several minutes for the heating pad to warm up, but when it does, it adds a soothing warmth to any massage.

Seat Vibration

A vibration plate in the seat of the chair provides vibration therapy to the buttocks, thighs, and hips. Vibration is known to dilate the blood vessels, which helps eliminate toxins and impurities in the blood as well as the organs and tissues.

User-friendly Remote

The IC-Deal massage chair features a full-size remote control that sits on a pedestal attached to the armrest of the chair. It can be removed from the pedestal for use in the reclined position. The remote is intended to be very easy to use and intuitive with buttons for all of the chair's features.
A screen on in the middle of the remote displays all of the chair's active functions, along with a body diagram that shows the location of the massage rollers.

IC-Deal Massage Chair Controller - Consumer Files

Dimensions of the IC-Deal Massage Chair

Chair dimensions (upright)

33" W X 49" H X 53" D

Chair dimensions (reclined)

33" W X 31" H X 68" D

Colors

Beige, Black, Dark Brown, Red

Chair weight

200 lbs

Massage Programs of the IC-Deal Massage Chair

Now that we've covered the hardware of the IC-Deal, let's see how it utilizes the components to administer massage therapy.

Automatic Massage Programs

The quickest and easiest way to enjoy a massage in the IC-Deal massage chair is by using one of the chair's automatic massage programs. Each automatic program uses a combination of massage roller techniques and air compression massage to provide comprehensive full body massages.

The IC-Deal features a total of four automatic massage programs. They are called:

  • Activate
  • Relaxation

The duration of the automatic massage programs can be set from 10 to 30 minutes with 5-minute intervals. Simply make your selection, set your desired duration, and the chair runs through the program while you relax.

IC-Deal Massage Chair Black Front - Consumer Files

Manual Massage Mode

If you want more control and flexibility with your massage than what's offered with the automatic programs, the IC-Deal features several manual massage controls to customize the settings.

A manual mode massage is more hands on than an automatic massage program, requiring you to set each function of the chair to suit your needs.

Here are the steps involved in configuring a manual mode massage:

  • Recline the chair into zero gravity position- One of the best ways to get completely relaxed for a massage session is to enter the zero gravity position. Simply press the zero gravity button on the remote and the chair will automatically recline. Of course, you can choose to keep the chair in the upright position.
  • Select the massage roller technique - The IC-Deal features 3 unique massage roller techniques including shiatsu, spinal rolling, and kneading. Each technique moves the rollers in a specific way to massage the muscles of the back.
  • Select the area or position of the massage rollers - The rollers can be set to massage in a fixed location or an area in which they operate. A set of up and down arrows on the remote are used to set the position of both the fixed location and the area. During the massage, the roller position can be moved as often as you'd like.
  • Adjust the roller width and speed - Throughout the massage, you can change the width and speed of the massage rollers. You can widen or narrow the position of the rollers to cover more of your back or to reach a specific sore spot. Changing the speed of the rollers adjusts how rapidly the rollers perform the chosen technique.
  • Select air massage zones and settings - Along with roller massage, air massage can be added to a manual mode massage. Turn on the shoulder airbags, arm airbags, or the calf and feet airbags. You can choose to run any combination of air massage zones simultaneously.
    Once you've selected the air zones, you can adjust the strength of the compression massage. There are three strength levels to choose from soft to hard.
  • Add vibration or heat therapy - After you've made the previous selections, your massage will be under way. At this point, you can turn on the vibration function and/or the heating pads for the lower back.

That's all there is to it! The beauty of a manual mode massage is that the settings and functions can be changed at any point during your massage. If you find a particularly sore spot on your back, you can move the rollers to target that exact location. If you get tired of arm massage, simply deactivate it. You have full control over your massage.​

How Does it Compare? Ideal Massage Chair vs. Human Touch WholeBody 5.1

As you can see, the IC-Deal offers a significant amount of features for its relatively low price. But as we mentioned, the brand is somewhat unknown. So while you get a massage chair with a lot of features, the chair isn't likely to deliver the same level of quality as a model from a more reputable and well-known brand.

With any major purchase, it's important to understand what you're really getting for the price. One of the best ways to do this is through a side-by-side comparison. We've chosen a massage chair model that is very similar in price to the IC-Deal, but from one of the top brands in the industry: the Human Touch WholeBody 5.1.

Let's take a look at the difference between these two chairs...

Four Roller System vs. Flexglide Orbital Massage Rollers

IC-Deal Massage Chair HumanTouch FlexGlide - Consumer Files

The rollers of the IC-Deal massage chair are very basic — they are what you find on 90% of the massage chairs on the market. The Human Touch WholeBody 5.1, however, offers a more advanced set of rollers called Flexglide.

Flexglide Orbital massage rollers are designed to roll very smoothly over the back. They provide firm massage pressure but have some flexibility that allows them to move free of any resistance.

This is a great example of what you get from a more well-known company. Human Touch has a strong name to uphold and customers expect a high level of quality. The company is known for their technological innovations in the massage chair world, which is something you won't find from an obscure company like Ideal Massage.

Calf and Foot Massage vs. Calf or Foot Massage

The IC-Deal massage chair has a full-sized calf and foot massage system in which both the calves and feet can be massaged simultaneously. The Human Touch WholeBody, however, has a rotating leg rest design that only lets you enjoy calf or foot massage — not both.

Air Foot Massage vs. Paddle Foot Massage

The calf and foot massage system of the Human Touch WholeBody 5.1 also differs greatly from that of the IC-Deal as it uses paddle massagers instead of airbag massagers.

The paddle massagers perform what Human Touch calls "FigureEight CirQlation" massage. The name, although marketing jargon, describes the massage action of the paddle massage rollers — they move in a wave-like figure eight pattern in a continuous motion up the legs. The effect is much different than air compression massage, as it doesn't constrict the muscles in any way, resulting in the potential for better blood flow.

IC-Deal Massage Chair HumanTouch CirQlation - Consumer Files

Arm Massage vs. No Arm Massage

The Human Touch WholeBody 5.1 is designed to look more like a high-end recliner than a robotic massage chair. For this reason, it lacks the bulky arm massagers found on the IC-Deal. So if arm massage is important to you, stick with the IC-Deal.

Roller and Air Massage vs. Only Roller Massage

You won't find any airbags on the Human Touch WholeBody 5.1. All of the chair's massage functions come from the advanced roller systems in the backrest and leg rest. The IC-Deal, on the other hand, is decked out with airbags.

The Real Difference Between the IC-Deal and Human Touch WholeBody 5.1

IC-Deal Massage Chair HumanTouch 5.1 Side - Consumer Files

This brings us to our main point about the difference between these two massage chairs. While costing is the same, the IC-Deal gives you a lot of features but with less advanced technology and lesser overall quality. The Human Touch WholeBody 5.1, on the other hand, gives you fewer features, but those features are more advanced and of higher quality.

It's true that the iDeal massage chair is very popular and well-received among its buyers. But when you really look at it, it's more of a copy-cat massage chair than anything new or original.

By contrast, the Human Touch WholeBody 5.1 is made almost entirely with innovative technologies and is backed by a company with a strong reputation to uphold. While both chairs are roughly the same price, there is a stark difference in what you get for those dollars.

Final Thoughts on iDeal Massage Chair Review

If you're shopping for a bargain and want all the most popular massage chair features — roller massage, air massage, arm massage, foot massage — the iDeal massage chair is definitely worth considering.

Still, although this chair has hundreds of positive reviews on Amazon, it's also important to weigh the risks of buying from a relatively unknown company. If you want the assurance that comes from a well-known brand, check out the Human Touch WholeBody 5.1. It's right at the same price range but does not have as many features as the IC-Deal.​


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iDeal Massage Chair Review was last modified: April 21st, 2021 by Consumer Files