In a Nutshell:
If it’s an executive-looking massage chair you’re after, the Human Touch HT 275 with its leather-like upholstery and wood detailing fits the bill nicely and could easily complement any office. But if you’re looking for a more comprehensive massage for the money, we suggest one of Human Touch’s other models.
Overall Massage Quality
Customization options
Ease of Use
Value for the Money
Overall Rating
3.8/5
Benefits
Drawbacks
Recommended For: Anyone looking for an executive-looking massage chair. Its leather-like upholstery and wood detailing that could easily complement any office.
Unfortunately, this product has been discontinued. We recommend checking out our Human Touch Wholebody 7.1 and 5.1 massage chairs review.
In this Human Touch HT 275 review, we’re taking an in-depth look at this massage chair to see if it is or isn’t worth the money. To start, we’re giving you a little background information on the Human Touch company. Then, we’re explaining each feature on the HT 275, and finally, showing you what features it’s missing. Let’s get started!
Today, we’re focusing on the Human Touch Thermostretch HT 275 massage chair from the WholeBody Series which costs around $3000.
Features of the Human Touch Thermostretch HT 275 Massage Chairs
Quad Roller Massage
The Human Touch HT 275 features 2D massage technology that uses quad rollers. These are two sets of two roller heads that mimic the feeling of two thumbs and two hands as it massages.
So what is 2D? The “2” in 2D represents the number of dimensions, and the “D” represents dimensions. In terms of massage, 2D explains the number of dimensional movements of the rollers. The massage head rollers on the HT 275 move in two ways: up and down (vertically) and side to side (horizontally).
From top to bottom, the massage track is 27 inches long — shorter compared to other similarly priced chairs like the Osaki OS-4000T and OS-3000 that have 30 and 36-inch tracks, respectively. Although its track length won’t affect the majority of users, taller users might lose some massage coverage high on the neck or down on the tailbone.
Calf and Foot Massager Ottoman
Besides roller massage, the Human Touch HT 275 features a calf and foot massager ottoman. The ottoman is open-toed, so the calf and foot massage isn’t possible. But thanks to a creative solution, you can have this kind of massage. How?
First, deploy the ottoman by pulling the electric footrest lever on the right side on the chair. Once the ottoman is at a comfortable height, pull the rotation release lever on the side on the footrest.
Rotate the ottoman toward the chair to reveal the calf and foot massager. Make sure that it’s enough so it’s facing up, but not so far it “clicks” into place. It should be freely moving. Place your feet into the massager, and you’re ready for a foot massage.
To switch to calf massage, rotate the ottoman until it “clicks” into place. Position your legs into the massager, and now you’re ready for a calf massage.
Retractable and Rotatable Ottoman
As we explained above, the ottoman on the Human Touch HT 275 massage chair is rotatable. It’s also retractable.
In its “natural” position, the ottoman fits flush under the seat. Using the electric footrest lever, you can deploy the ottoman and raise it up or move it back under the seat and out of sight.
There are no ottoman controls on the remote, so all adjustments are made using the levers on the side of the chair. The ottoman has four primary positions: under the seat, as a footrest with a flat cushioned surface, as a calf massager, and as a foot massager.
The retractable and rotatable ottoman enhances the everyday functionality by seamlessly converting the massage chair into a recliner when not in use.
FigureEight CirQlation Massage Technology
Inside the ottoman is Human Touch’s patented FigureEight massage technology. To understand this technology, we first have to understand the massage components at work.
Most massage chairs have airbags in their ottomans. The Human Touch HT 275, however, does not. In fact, Human Touch doesn’t use airbags in their massage chair ottomans at all. Instead, they use paddle massagers molded from a durable, rubber-like material. And without them, FigureEight technology wouldn’t exist.
Paddle massagers and airbags operate from a different set of “rules.” Airbags are reliant on air. They inflate and deflate. Press and release. And although they can inflate and deflate at different intervals — one inflates while another deflates — their movements are fixed. Paddle massagers, however, are not. They can press, release, and have progressive (continuous) movements.
So back to FigureEight technology. FigureEight technology describes the movement of the paddle massagers which is an upward, wave motion. Beginning at the feet, the paddle massagers roll like a wave up the calves directing blood toward the heart. As blood circulates towards the heart, new oxygen and nutrient-rich blood enters the legs.
Since the paddle movement is progressive (always moving), the circulation in the legs is never blocked — even under pressure. On the other hand, since airbags can only squeeze and release, Human Touch claims they can actually prevent circulation.
Dual Lumbar Heat
Above the ottoman in the lower portion of the backrest are dual heating pads that gently warm and soothe the lower back. The heat is a gentle warmth and takes a few minutes to reach temperature.
But once it does, it will help increase circulation to the area and relax the muscles, which produces a massage-friendly benefit: relaxed muscles allow the rollers to provide a deeper tissue massage.
Removable Padding
Although the Human Touch HT 275 doesn’t offer any manual mode intensity settings, it does have two removable pads. There’s a head pillow that you can flip behind the backrest. And there’s a massage-softening pad inside the backrest pad that can be removed.
To remove the massage-softening pad, flip over the backrest pad and open the zipper. Remove the inside pad and close the zipper. Flip the backrest pad back over, and you’re all set. With each pad removal, the massage gets more intense by putting your body in closer contact with the rollers.
Handheld Remote
All of the massage controls are clearly labeled on the handheld remote. There is no display screen, only buttons and the occasional LED light that indicates which settings are active. Next, there are buttons on both the front and sides of the remote.
At the top is a session timer that counts down the remaining time in an active 15-minute massage preset program. Although not the most technologically advanced remote, it’s easy to see and simple to use. When you’re finished with the remote, store it in the convenient pocket on the side of the chair.
Performance PU Upholstery
On the outside of the Human Touch HT 275 massage chair is performance PU upholstery, a leather-like material created from polyurethane.
Like leather, PU upholstery is soft, comfortable, has a high abrasion resistance, and some breathability. Unlike leather, it’s highly stain-resistant.
The PU upholstery is soft and flexible enough to allow the massage rollers to move freely without limiting their pressure or contact with the body. It’s also what gives the HT 275 its luxury look.
Although considered a durable leather-alternative, some users have reported that the performance PU upholstery doesn’t hold up to years of use. It may peel, flake, and deteriorate with consistent use.
Massage Techniques
The Human Touch HT 275 features five massage techniques, including:
*The massage techniques are “stationary,” which means they are fixed-position massages. But using the up and down “Position” arrows, the rollers can be moved to different locations on your back. You can combine the four stationary massage techniques with the rolling technique. We’ll cover more of the manual mode massage customization options later in the article.
Preset Massage Programs
Using a combination of the massage techniques above, the Human Touch HT 275 features four 15-minute preset massage programs. Human Touch calls them auto-immersion programs, which treat specific areas of the back. The preset programs are:
Full treats the full back, from the neck to the tailbone.
Lower treats the lower back and hips.
Upper treats the neck, shoulders and upper back.
Stretch is a full-body stretching program that uses the calf and foot massager to hold the feet in place as the chair reclines to pull and stretch the body.
Although not technically a preset massage program, it is fully automated. Press the “Stretch” button for up to 15 seconds to start the program (the remote beeps twice when ready).
Manual Mode Options
But if you want a more customized experience, the manual options give you more control. In the settings are massage location, zone, width, and range for the stationary massage techniques.
If you’re keen on making adjustments and like having control over your massage, pay attention to what manual mode options are available. That way, even if you aren’t fond of the preset programs, you can at least customize a massage to fit your needs. Let’s look at what’s available on the HT 275…
1
Range lets you customize the vertical length of any massage program and is perhaps the most important manual mode option.
Since the Human Touch HT 275 lacks any kind of body scanning software, the Range function is critical to positioning the rollers so that they don’t hit too high or too low on the back.
2
Width lets you diffuse or focus massage pressure and has three settings: wide, standard, or narrow. The Width function works with the percussion and rolling massage techniques.
3
Position lets you adjust the location of the rollers during any stationary massage technique.
4
Zone restricts your massage to a 6-inch zone.
5
Stop/Park stops your massage and moves the rollers to the top of the chair.
6
Foot and Calf Width Dial on top of the ottoman lets you adjust the width of the paddle massagers to increase or decrease massage intensity.
7
Foot and Calf lets you add a calf or foot massage to any massage program. There are three speed settings: high, low, and auto which alternates.
Have a sore neck? Here’s how you could use the manual mode options to get targeted treatment:
1. Choose a massage technique: kneading, compression, percussion, or kneading and percussion.
2. Press “Rolling” if you want to combine rolling with your selected stationary massage technique.
3. Use the “Position” arrows to move the rollers to the sore area.
4. Press the “Zone” button for targeted, repetitive massage within a 6-inch zone.
5. Keep making adjustments until you dial-in the settings to your preferences.
Although you have a few customization options to choose from, thanks to its 2D functionality, the Human Touch HT 275 massage chair doesn’t offer any intensity adjustments. So the already-on-the-chair intensity is what you get. However, it is generally considered a mid to strong massage.
What’s Missing on the Human Touch HT 275 Massage Chair
The Human Touch HT 275 has a great selection of features. Even so, it’s missing a few features found on other similarly priced massage chairs, including:
Vibration Massage
Another feature you won’t find on the Human Touch Thermostretch HT 275 massage chair is vibration massage. On other similarly priced Human Touch models — ZeroG 4.0, ZeroG 5.0, etc. — a vibration plate in the calf and foot massager vibrates to stimulate circulation in the legs and feet.
Arm and Hand Massagers
Since Human Touch focuses on designing massage chairs that fit the modern decor, many of their models lack features like arm massagers and airbags. After all, it’s tough to get big, bulky airbags to “blend in.”
On the HT 275, you won’t find any arm massagers or their massage components: airbags. The armrests are padded and upholstered with the same performance PU found on the rest of the chair. If an arm massage is important to you, there are other similarly priced chairs like the Osaki OS 4000 that feature arm and hand massagers, plus loads of other air massage options.
If you want a Human Touch massage chair with arm massagers the most affordable models are the AcuTouch 6.0 and HT Bali which cost around $5000 — $2000 more than the HT 275.
Body Scan Technology
As we touched on in the manual mode section, there is no body scanning software on the HT 275 massage chair.
On other higher-priced Human Touch models, an AcuPoint Detection System (their body scan software) detects your height, position and pressure points before automatically adjusting its rollers to fit your unique body.
Zero Gravity
A popular massage chair feature not found on the HT 275 is Zero Gravity. With Zero Gravity, the body is reclined into a neutral position with the legs slightly elevated above the heart.
In this position, the body’s weight is held by the backrest, reducing vertical stress on the spine, neck, and back, improving circulation, and helping the muscles to relax.
How Does It Compare to Other Massage Chairs?
If you’re going to spend $3000 on a massage chair, you have a lot of options to choose from. So the question is, is the Human Touch HT 275 the best choice?
To answer that question, let’s take a look at the features available on a similarly priced chair: the Human Touch ZeroG 5.0, a full-immersion Zero Gravity massage chair. At a little over $3000, here’s a glance at the features:
The ZeroG 5.0 is only about $300 more than the Human Touch HT 275 but is loaded with additional features. The only caveat is that it looks more like an at-home recliner than an executive chair.
There are no wood details. And, in general, it looks very different. So if you’re looking for a massage chair to use in an office or corporate setting, the HT 275 might be a better fit — even without the additional features.
Human Touch Thermostretch HT 275 Massage Chair Specifications and Dimensions
Chair dimensions (reclined) |
70″L x 28” W x 25″ H |
Chair dimensions (upright) | 47” L x 28” W x 45” H |
Recommended maximum user weight | 285 lbs |
Recommended user height | 5’0″ to 6’4″ |
Required Recline Clearance | 16” |
Power Consumption | 180W |
Chair weight | 163 lbs |
Who Is Human Touch?
Headquartered in Long Beach, California, Human Touch is a massage chair company who has been producing massage chairs for over 35 years with an emphasis on aesthetics — crafting chairs that are both therapeutic and match modern decor.
Their massage chairs have won numerous Design Journal Awards for Design Excellence (ADEX) and are the only ones recognized by the World Federation of Chiropractic as being valid complements to back therapy. Although Human Touch’s engineering, customer service, and design take place in their headquarters, they manufacture their massage chairs in China.
Human Touch HT 275 Review Final Thoughts
The most compelling features on the HT 275 are the executive look and feel — leather-like upholstery and wood detailing — the stretch program, and the five massage techniques. Additionally, the Human Touch Thermostretch HT 275 could easily fit into a corporate or medical office.
However, if you’re looking for a massage chair that offers a little more for the money, we recommend checking out one of Human Touch’s more comprehensive massage chairs like the ZeroG 5.0. We hope our Human Touch HT 275 review helped make your decision process a little easier.
Sources and Official Brand Websites
- Human Touch, Official Brand Website.
- How Can Massage Help My Health and Wellbeing?, Taking Charge.
- What Are the Benefits of Calf Massage, Live Strong.
- Deep Tissue Massage Explained, Very Well.