Infinity Iyashi vs Riage Massage Chair Review 2024

In this Infinity Iyashi vs Riage review, we’re walking you through of all the features these massage chairs have in common, what sets them apart, and showing you which is the better value for the money. Let’s get started!

But first, who makes Infinity massage chairs?

About Infinite Therapeutics

Infinity Therapeutics is a division of the larger private company, Infinite Creative Enterprises, which is headquartered in New Hampshire.

In 2009, Infinity Therapeutics launched their Infinity massage chair product line. Although relatively young, especially compared to the industry’s oldest companies like Fujiiryoki, Inada, and Panasonic, Infinity massage chairs have quickly gained popularity.

This is due in part to Infinity’s ability to combine some of the most popular features (which are rarely found altogether) while still keeping their massage chairs affordable. In general, Infinity Therapeutics incorporates quality aesthetics and advanced technologies and is considered a reputable brand. Plus, they have a US-based customer service team, which is a big draw for many users.

Although based in the U.S., Infinity massage chairs are manufactured in China or Taiwan, depending on the model. Today, we’re focusing on the Infinity Iyashi and Riage massage chairs, which are both manufactured in China.

Now that we’ve covered the company, let’s get into the features of the Infinity Iyashi and Riage…

Common Features of the Infinity Iyashi and Riage Massage Chairs

The Infinity Iyashi and Riage are very similar. In fact, you can think of the Iyashi as an upgraded version of the Riage. It has all of the same features as the Riage (minus one), plus additional ones. We’ll get into the unique features of each later, but for now, here’s what you’ll find on both chairs.

Quad Rollers with 49-inch L-Track

Perhaps one of the most compelling features of the Iyashi and Riage is the 49-inch L-Track.

You read that right… 49 inches.

Considering most massage chair tracks are 25 to 34 inches long, the additional range on the Iyashi and Riage is staggering. In fact, they’re some of the longest on the market.

But there’s a reason why it’s so long compared to other massage tracks… It’s an L-Track.

So what is an L-Track?

In massage chair terminology, massage chair tracks are the mechanism which the massage rollers move along. Typically, there are three types: straight tracks, S-Tracks, and L-Tracks.

Straight tracks are usually reserved for entry-level, ultra-affordable massage chairs. These tracks are linear from top to bottom, which means they’re prone to having inconsistent contact and pressure across the back. This is because your back is curved. And since it’s curved, it needs a massage track that’s curved too.

Enter the S-Track…

S-Tracks are “S” shaped to replicate the natural shape of the spine. They work with the back and keep consistent pressure across curved areas like the neck and lumbar area. And since they’re superior to straight tracks, they’re the standard on any mid to high-end massage chair.

But, L-Tracks are a different beast altogether. You could call them “additional” tracks. This is because L-Tracks pick up where S-Tracks end — at the lower back or tailbone — and extend into the seat of the chair, adding those crucial additional inches to your massage range.

On the Infinity Iyashi and Riage, the 49-inch L-Track extends from the top of the neck to the glutes on most users.

The rollers are quad which means there are four — two on each side of the spine. The rollers feel like two sets of fingers and two thumbs. And they move in two ways: up and down and side to side, which means they’re 2D. What you need to know about 2D is that it’s not 3D (that’s obvious, we know). But what it means is that there’s no way to adjust the intensity, which is to say there’s no way to change the inward and outward movement of the rollers.

The roller massage will comfortably fit users up to 6’4” and perhaps taller. In fact, they’re the best massage chairs for tall users. But if you’re on the shorter side, don’t worry. Both chairs feature body scan technology, which brings us to our next feature…

Body Scan Technology

You can expect body scan technology to be on any mid- to high-end massage chair because it plays a critical role in customizing your massage.

Here’s how it works:

During the body scan on the Iyashi and Riage, the rollers move up and down your back to determine your height (shoulder position), shape and shiatsu points. Once the scan ends, the rollers automatically adjust their range to fit your height (preventing the rollers from hitting too high or low in relation to your shoulders). But if the scan doesn’t quite find your correct shoulder position the first time, you can manually adjust the rollers using arrows on the remote.

So height and shape are obvious… but what are shiatsu points?

Good question.

According to traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine, shiatsu points refer to the points on the body through which life force moves. These points form networks called meridians that correspond to organs in the body. It’s believed that when one of these meridians becomes weak or blocked, an imbalance in the body’s energy system occurs which, if left untreated, can lead to illness. Therapies like shiatsu-style massage and acupuncture work to clear the blocks and strengthen these networks to prevent illness and bring balance back to the body’s systems.

Air Massage

In addition to rollers, the Riage and Iyashi massage chairs each have 38 strategically placed airbags.

Airbags are a common massage chair component because they go where rollers can’t like the outer shoulders and hands. For the most part, the airbags perform compression massage, inflating and deflating to squeeze the muscles. However, some of the airbags on the Iyashi and Riage have a few tricks (techniques) up their sleeves.

Let’s take a closer look at the air massage areas…

• Arms and Hands – Lining the tops and bottoms of arm wells are six airbags that inflate in alternating patterns to compress the area and move blood toward the heart.
• Outer Shoulder – On the outer of the shoulders are multi-layered airbags that squeeze the shoulders and hold the upper body in place during the stretch program.
• Hip and Buttock – Airbags next to the hips and buttock inflate to gently twist the lumbar area and hold the body during the stretch program.
• Calves and Feet – Inside the ottomans are airbags that inflate to compress the calves and feet while also holding the feet down on the rollers.

Remember how we said the airbags have a few tricks up their sleeves? We were talking about the advanced techniques they perform, which include:

Waist Twist

Hip and buttock airbags inflate to twist the waist from side to side while the rollers move up and down the back.

A common question users have is… do the airbags massage the outer thighs or IT bands, too?

The answer is: no.

On the Iyashi and Riage massage chairs, there are no airbags that treat the Iliotibial (IT) bands. So if your must-have massage chair feature list includes that type of massage, the Iyashi and Riage aren’t going to deliver.

Posture Correction

Another advanced technique made possible by the airbags is posture correction.

Here’s how it works:

The outer shoulder airbags inflate to pull and pin your shoulders against the backrest. Since most folks are prone to slouching, this feature is a helpful way to “put your shoulders back” (as we were commonly told to do when growing up) and realign your posture. Some users have even reported feeling taller after experiencing it. As your shoulders are pinned, the rollers move up and down your back to further help your alignment.*

*In other reviews, you may have seen posture correction, “V” stretch, Tru-Grip or other terms mentioned about the Riage and Iyashi. It’s important to point out that these features are built-in technology, not standalone features. So you can’t choose “Posture Correction” on the remote. But you can enjoy the benefits of posture correction technology during some of the auto programs.

Foot Roller Massage

Another popular feature you’ll find on both the Infinity Riage and Iyashi massage chairs is foot rollers. But these aren’t your standard rollers. Instead of having stagnant protruding nodes or a single roller that scrapes the bottoms of the feet, the Riage and Iyashi have true mini-back rollers.

There are three rollers under each foot — six total — that knead and spin to perform a reflexology-style massage. The foot massage has three levels of speed, however, there’s no way to adjust the intensity so a pair of slippers or socks come in handy if you find the pressure a bit too strong. The foot massage can be added to any auto or manual program or turned off altogether.

Zero Gravity

The Infinity Iyashi and Riage both feature Zero Gravity. So what is it really?

Zero Gravity was originally designed by NASA to help astronauts cope with the gravitational stress (a G-force three times the gravity on Earth) of taking off in a rocket. It’s a neutral chair position that shifts the body’s weight so that it’s held by the backrest. At the same time, the legs are elevated at or above the heart. Since the body is reclined and most of its weight shifted to the backrest, vertical pressure is removed from the spine, allowing the vertebrae and muscles to decompress and relax.

Zero Gravity also uses gravity to its advantage as it (and your body’s weight) holds you on top of the rollers for a deeper, more effective massage.

On the Iyashi and Riage, there are two stages of Zero Gravity, each with a different angle of recline. Considering most massage chairs that feature Zero Gravity only have one stage, the second stage is a welcome addition that gives you even more control over your position. On the remote, there’s a “Zero” button that makes getting into the stages as simple as possible, so you won’t have to manually adjust your position.

Lower Back Heat Therapy

Heat has long been used for its therapeutic benefits. Under heat, blood vessels dilate, which increases the flow of blood and, therefore, oxygen and tissue-repairing nutrients. Heat also relaxes the muscles, which allows the rollers to penetrate deeper for a more effective massage. And last but not least, heat has a calming effect that helps lull you into a state of relaxation.

On the Iyashi and Riage, there’s a heating pad located in the lower portion of the backrest that radiates warmth to the lumbar area. There’s no way to adjust the temperature so the out-of-box heat is what you get, though it’s fairly mild. Heat therapy can be added to any massage program or turned off altogether.

Bluetooth Connectivity with Intersound Technology

Another massage-enhancing feature on the Riage and Iyashi massage chairs is a music system. Both chairs come with built-in speakers, which Infinity calls “Intersound Technology.” Intersound simply means that the speakers are positioned within the chair and pointed toward the user. While that might seem like the obvious placed to put them, some of Infinity’s other massage chairs have speakers on the outside of the chair that create a “sound environment” but aren’t pointed directly toward to user.

Both chairs have Bluetooth, which means you can connect your compatible device directly to the speakers without cords or having to import your music with a USB. You turn on the Bluetooth on the massage chair remote and then on your device, and you’re ready to enjoy your favorite sounds. If you’d rather “silently” listen to your music, both chairs have a headphone jack so you can plug in your earbuds.

Handheld LCD Remote

Both the Riage and Iyashi come with a slim handheld remote. At the top is an LCD display screen that shows all of the active functions including the time remaining on the massage programs.

In general, the remotes are very similar, however, the Infinity Riage remote is longer and has a few more buttons on the actual remote, including most of the manual mode options. The Infinity Iyashi, on the other hand, has a shorter remote with fewer buttons because most of its functions are accessed through an on-screen menu (much like an iPhone).

While there’s not a clear winner here, we can see how having the manual mode options (like speed, width, and air intensity) on the remote itself rather than in an on-screen menu could be a positive design as it makes for easy adjustments and saves time.

Overall, both remotes are very simple to use. Each function is clearly labeled, so you won’t have to memorize the user manual to understand what you’re selecting.

iOS and Android Remote Control Apps

But if you want a different remote altogether, say a big tablet one, then you’ll want to get the Infinity Riage and Iyashi apps. That’s right… they’ve got an app for that.

Both the Infinity Iyashi and Riage have iOS and Android apps that let you turn any compatible device into a remote. You can download the Infinity Iyashi app and the Infinity Riage app directly from the App store. But getting a hold of the Android apps isn’t as easy. Since the apps aren’t available on the Google Play store, you have to contact Infinity’s support directly and ask them to email you the downloadable app file. It’s not a terribly painful process, but it’s an extra step you’ll have to take if you want the use the Android app.

The apps are identical to the remote control, so you won’t “unlock” any surprise features if you use the apps. They simply give you another way to control the chairs, which is great if you’d rather a big screen remote.

Massage Techniques and Auto Programs on the Infinity Iyashi vs Riage Massage Chair

Th​e Infinity Iyashi and Riage massage chairs each perform six massage techniques. Let’s take a closer look at each…

These techniques are used in the automatic programs or you can individually select them to build a custom manual massage. We’ll dig into the manual massage options later in the article, but for now, let’s take a look at the auto programs…

Auto Massage Programs

Perhaps some of the most popular features on any massage chair are its automatic programs. After all, you’re not paying thousands of dollars for a “mechanical masseuse” to do everything yourself. The automatic programs use a combination of roller and air massage, and each has its own theme or benefit, for example, “Refresh.” The auto programs have 10, 20 or 30-minute sessions, though 20 minutes is the default time.

Both massage chairs feature six auto programs, and although they perform nearly the same massages, their programs have different names.

Infinity Iyashi massage chair Auto programs

*The Extend massage program is essentially the same style of stretch program as the Riage’s Extension.

Infinity Riage massage chair Auto Programs

Notice any similarities? Although they have different names, the automatic programs on both the Iyashi and the Riage offer the same core massage benefits.

Manual Mode Options on the Infinity Iyashi vs Riage Massage Chair

Alright, so you won’t always want the massage chair to do all the work. And sometimes you’ll need to nudge it in the right direction. Enter the manual mode options. The manual mode options consist of all the settings you need to build a custom massage. Here’s what’s available:

Mode

When you’re ready to customize your own massage, the first step to select the technique you want to be used. Choose from the six techniques mentioned above, including Kneading, Knocking, Tapping, Shiatsu, Music Sync, or Rhythm.

Width

Now that you’ve chosen the massage technique and location, it’s time to get into the customization settings. First up, width. You can choose from three widths: narrow, medium, and wide to focus or diffuse the rollers along your spine.

Air Massage

Want even more massage coverage? It’s time to add air massage. On the Infinity Iyashi, you can choose from full body, back and waist, legs and feet, arms and shoulders, and buttock. And on the Infinity Riage, from shoulders, calves, and feet, buttock, or full body.

Part

Now that you’ve selected the technique, where do you want the rollers to focus? You can choose from three areas:

Speed

Next, you adjust the speed of the rollers. You can choose from six levels.

Foot Roller Speed

Finally, it’s time to turn on the foot rollers. The rollers come with three levels of speed adjustment.

And that’s it! You’ve just built your own massage program.

Now that we’ve covered what these massage chairs have in common, it’s time to see what sets them apart… Onward!

Unique Features on the Infinity Riage Massage Chair

Rocking Technology

The one feature the Infinity Riage has that the Infinity Iyashi doesn’t is rocking technology.

Rocking technology is just like it sounds… it rocks the chair back and forth — like having a robotic rocking chair. The rocking can be enjoyed during any massage program and adds another dimension of relaxation to your experience.

Unique Features on the Infinity Iyashi Massage Chair

Like we mentioned above, the Infinity Iyashi massage chair has almost all of the same features as the Riage (minus rocking technology), plus these additional ones:

Available From Many Retailers

One of the biggest differences and perhaps selling points for the Infinity Iyashi massage chair is that you can purchase it from many different retailers. The Infinity Riage, however, can only be purchased from one: Brookstone.

While that may not seem like a big deal to some users, especially if you have a Brookstone at your local mall. The fact is that since it’s only available from one retailer you have to pay whatever price they offer. And if it’s out of stock there (as it is on the Brookstone website at the writing of this review), it’s out of stock everywhere.

Since there’s no competition, you the purchaser only have one option. And while that may work for some, it won’t for others. The Infinity Iyashi​, on the other hand, can be purchased from many different retailers all trying to offer the best price and best service, which means you often walk away with a better experience and more chair for your money.

Chromotherapy

The Infinity Iyashi has LED chromotherapy lights on the sides of the chair. Chromotherapy is a form of color therapy that uses different colors to stimulate healing in the mind and body. The lights cycle through colors — blue, indigo, violet, green, and red — and cast soft hues onto the walls surrounding the chair in a dark room. While this feature doesn’t directly affect your massage, it can help create a relaxing spa-like experience.

Space Saving Technology

Another major difference between the Infinity Riage and the Iyashi is space saving technology. Here’s how it works:

When the Iyashi massage chair reclines, it moves forward along a track rather than going directly backward. This drastically reduces the amount of space needed behind the chair to recline. When we say drastically, we mean… the Infinity Iyashi only needs an inch of space behind it to fully recline. Now, compare that to the standard wall clearance of 12 inches or more and that’s a whole lot of space saving.

With this technology, folks who live in apartments or in other locations that are short on space can enjoy the benefits of a large, full-body massage chair without the big footprint.

EXTENDABLE OTTOMAN

Finally, the Infinity Iyashi massage chair features an extendable ottoman. So in addition to being able to adjust the height of the ottoman, on the Iyashi, you can also adjust how far it extends outward. This is great option for users who are both short and tall as it allows you to move the ottoman closer and farther away.

What’s Missing on the Infinity Riage vs Iyashi Massage Chairs

No doubt these chairs have a lot to offer. But there are a few aspects or “pain points” we want to mention…

Bonus! Infinity Riage vs Iyashi vs Infinity IT 8500

If you’ve been researching Infinity massage chairs, chances are you’re already familiar with the IT 8500 so we won’t make this long. But we want to point out some key differences between the models. Who knows? It might just be the information you’ve been looking for.

In a nutshell, the IT 8500 is the best-selling Infinity model. It’s quite similar to the Riage and Iyashi but with two major differences: it has an S-Track and an excellent neck and shoulder massage.

So why do we bring this up?

As like we mentioned above, the neck and upper shoulder massages on the Infinity Iyashi and Riage can both leave users wanting. That’s not to say that they’re bad by any means; it’s just that the rollers are more effective during a manual massage than during automatic programs.

However, a comprehensive neck and shoulder massage is one of the areas where the Infinity IT 8500 excels — in both the manual and automatic programs. So if a powerful neck massage is more important to you than the additional range of an L-Track, you may want to check out the Infinity IT 8500 or read our full review.