In this massage chair matchup of the Luraco i7 vs Inada DreamWave, which chair wins the battle? Below is a quick overview of the many similarities as well as the differences between these two high-end massage chairs.
Luraco iRobotics 7 | Luraco iRobotics 7  | Inada Sogno DreamWave  |
3D Massage Roller | ✓ | ✓ |
Adjustable Ottoman | ✓ | ✓ |
Air Massage | ✓ | ✓ |
Air Massage Intensity Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
Arm Air Massage | ✓ | ✓ |
Auto Leg Extension | ✓ | ✓ |
Auto Massage Programs | 9 | 16 |
Auto Recline | ✓ | ✓ |
Body Scan Technology | ✓ | ✓ |
Buttock Air Massage | ✓ | ✓ |
Calf and Foot Air Massage | ✓ | ✓ |
Chromotherapy Lights | ✗ | ✗ |
Foot Acupressure Nodes | ✗ | ✓ |
Foot Rollers | ✓ | ✗ |
Handheld Remote | (Smart, LCD remote) | (Basic screen remote) |
Heat Therapy | (Lower back, Seat, Feet) | (Lower back and Seat) |
Hip Air Massage | ✓ | Treats IT bands |
Lower Back Air Massage | ✓ | ✓ |
Manual Mode | ✓ | ✓ |
Massage Techniques | 7 | 7 |
Memory Feature | ✓ | ✗ |
Multi-level Strength Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
Music System with Speakers | ✓ | ✗ |
Neck Traction Device | ✗ | ✓ |
Number of Airbags | 100 | 100 |
Removable Back Pad and Pillow | ✓ | ✓ |
Roller Track Length | 32" | 28" |
Roller Speed Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
Roller Width Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
Shoulder Air Massage | ✓ | ✓ |
S-Track | ✓ | ✓ |
Stretch Massage | ✓ | ✓ |
Seat Swivel | ✓ | ✓ |
Vibration Massage | ✗ | ✓ |
Zero Gravity | ✓ | ✗ |
Country of Manufacture | USA | Japan |
Luraco iRobotics 7 | Inada Sogno DreamWave |
This review introduces you to the companies, walks you through all the features of each chair, and shows you what is unique to each model. When we’re done, you’ll not only have a solid understanding of what each of these massage chairs offers, we believe you’ll have a better idea of which of these two is the right choice for you. Let’s get started!
About the Companies: Luraco vs Inada
About Luraco Technologies
Luraco Technology is a privately owned and operated engineering and manufacturing company in Arlington, Texas. Although they produce technologies for different market sectors including military and defense, Luraco has found a unique niche in the massage chair industry as the first and only U.S. massage chair manufacturer.
But although the chairs are “American Made,” some of the non-critical components — leather and structural hardware — are made in Taiwan. However, all critical components, including electronic hardware, software, development, engineering, and final assembly occur at the company’s headquarters in Texas.
Luraco’s best-selling massage chair is the iRobotics 7, which has received numerous awards including Best of Show at the CEDIA Expo in 2016, the Best Quality in Home Furnishings by Innovation and Tech Today Magazine in 2016, and the Best Medical Massage Chair at the Consumer Electronics Association Show (CES) in 2015.
The Luraco iRobotics 7 massage chair retails for $8,490. The chair comes with a five-year warranty that includes three years in-house parts and labor coverage and five years parts coverage. Luraco’s customer service team is US-based. And a common sentiment you’ll hear from users is how responsive and helpful they are pre- and post-sales.
About Inada
If you spend much time researching massage chairs, Inada is a brand name that will come up over and over again. The company has been around a long time. In fact, they’re one of the oldest massage chair companies in the World.
Inada was founded in 1962 in Japan by Nichimu Inada, who remains the company’s president to this day. He’s also credited with creating the first ever automatic shiatsu massage chair.
Thanks to over 50 years of business in one of the most competitive massage chair markets, Inada has continuously innovated and evolved to produce some of the most realistic and advanced massage technology in the world. And in no massage chair is that fact more evident than in the company’s flagship model — the Inada DreamWave.
Introduced in 2008, the Inada DreamWave turned the massage chair industry on its head as the first fully-encompassing chair with over 1,200 square inches of massage coverage — the most coverage of any massage chair in the world.Over 10 years later, the Inada DreamWave still remains as one of the best massage chairs on the market.
Common Features on the Luraco i7 vs Inada DreamWave
Body Scan Technology
- 1 About the Companies: Luraco vs Inada
- 2 Common Features on the Luraco i7 vs Inada DreamWave
- 3 Massage Options on the Luraco iRobotics 7 vs Inada DreamWave
- 4 Unique Features on the Luraco iRobotics 7 Massage Chair
- 5 Unique Features on the Inada Dreamwave Massage Chair
- 6 Luraco iRobotics 7 vs Inada Dreamwave Review Final Thoughts
Both the Luraco i7 and the Inada DreamWave feature body scan technology but how they each employ it is different.
The Luraco iRobotics 7 measures your height (shoulder position) and the entire length of your spine. Once the scan is complete, the rollers automatically adjust to give you a custom massage. However, the scan takes about two minutes to perform. That’s about a minute or more than most scans on other massage chairs.
The Inada DreamWave, on the other hand, measures your height, shape, and shiatsu points. The chair then takes your unique data and compares it with 106 other “profiles” stored on the chair. The closest match is selected and the rollers automatically adjust to give you a custom massage. The scan takes about 30 seconds.
Both scans are highly accurate. But if you find that either doesn’t quite find the correct location of your shoulders, both the Luraco iRobotics 7 and the Inada DreamWave allow you to manually adjust the position of the rollers.
3D Roller Technology with S-Track
Once the body scan is complete on each chair, the roller massage begins. The Luraco i7 has dual rollers — two total, while the Inada DreamWave has quad rollers — four total.
Dual rollers produce a more targeted-feeling massage (think two thumbs), while quad rollers produce a more mild-feeling massage (think two thumbs and two hands). The rollers on the Inada DreamWave are also larger than many other massage chair rollers (an elbow compared to a knuckle) which gives them a more gentle feeling.
Both the iRobotics 7 and the Inada DreamWave have 3D rollers, which means they move in three ways: side to side, up and down, and inward. The third movement inward determines how deep the rollers penetrate into your muscles and gives you a lot more control over the intensity of your massage.
The rollers move along an “S” shaped track that’s designed to replicate the natural shape of your spine. S-Tracks are the go-to track for any mid- to high-end massage chair since they are able to keep consistent contact and pressure in curvy areas like your neck.
The S-Track on the Luraco iRobotics 7 is 32 inches long, while the S-Track on the Inada DreamWave is 28 inches long. Although the iRobotics 7 has 4 additional inches of track, it’s not easily detectable — both chairs massage from the neck to the tailbone. But for taller users, the extra 4 inches of track on the iRobotics 7 may make a big difference in terms of coverage.
Air Massage Technology
In addition to their roller massages, both the Luraco iRobotics 7 and the Inada DreamWave feature some of the most comprehensive air massage systems on the market. Each massage chair has 100 airbags. That’s right, 100 airbags. But thanks to their insulation technology, you wouldn’t know it (or at least hear it).
On both massage chairs, the airbags treat the shoulders, neck, arms, hands, hips, seat, calves, and feet. However, the Inada DreamWave has, in our opinion, a more superior air massage system.
Here’s why…
- Its arm coverage is greater than any other massage chair and touches from the shoulders all the way to the fingers.
- Its thigh airbags are powerful enough to compress the iliotibial bands — one of only two chairs that do this effectively (the other is the Panasonic EP-MA73).
- Its seat swivel technology is more nuanced and refined than what you find on the Luraco iRobotics 7.
- Its neck traction device treats the trapezius muscles (an often neglected area), gently tractions the neck, and performs trigger point massage on the tops of the shoulders.
Seat Swivel Technology
Like we touched on above, the Luraco iRobotics 7 and the Inada DreamWave both feature seat swivel, although Inada was the first to introduce the technology. With this technology, the seat of the chair inflates to lift the body and then shifts it from side to side to gently mobilize and stretch the lower back.
Heat Therapy
Heat is often found on massage chairs because it offers two main therapeutic benefits: it increases circulation (the flow of oxygen and vital nutrients); and it relaxes the muscles, allowing the rollers to penetrate deeper.
While many massage chairs offer heat, it’s typically in one area like the shoulders or lower back. The Inada DreamWave and Luraco iRobotics, however, take heat therapy a bit further. The Inada DreamWave offers heat in the lower back and seat of the chair, while the Luraco iRobotics 7 offers heat in the lower back, seat, and under the feet.
Three areas of heat are impressive for any massage chair, but what’s even more compelling is that the heat on the iRobotics 7 is adjustable. There are five levels which means you’ll actually get to feel the heat. And if it gets too warm, you can quickly and easily turn it down.
Now that we’ve covered all the major component these two massage chairs have in common, it’s time to take a look at how they each combine them in their massage programs. Onward!
Massage Options on the Luraco iRobotics 7 vs Inada DreamWave
Massage Techniques on the Luraco iRobotics 7
The Luraco iRobotics 7 performs seven techniques: tapping, kneading, tapping and kneading combo, Swedish, shiatsu, stretch, and rolling.
Luraco iRobotics 7 Massage Programs
The Luraco iRobotics combines roller techniques and air massage to bring you nine different automatic programs. Each program has its own benefit, for example, “Sport” and runs for up to 30 minutes. These fully-automated massage choreographies are you want if you like the idea of hopping in your massage chair and letting it do all the work.
The nine programs are:
- Health
- Soft
- Quick
- Morning
- Night
- Sport
- Shiatsu
- Stretch
- TV Mode
Massage Techniques on the Inada DreamWave Massage Chair
Like the Luraco iRobotics 7, the Inada DreamWave performs seven massage techniques, though many are unique to the DreamWave. They are: kneading, double kneading, kneading and tapping, human hands, shiatsu, and rolling.
Inada DreamWave Massage Programs
At first, it appears the Inada DreamWave only has eight automatic programs. But upon further examination, there are actually 16 programs. This is because each program has two versions — normal and deep relaxation mode. The programs are further divided into two categories: Healthcare and Wellbeing.
Healthcare Auto Programs
- Full Body
- Full Body Air
- Youth
- Quick
Wellbeing Auto Programs
- Morning
- Night
- Stretch
- DreamWave
Unique Features on the Luraco iRobotics 7 Massage Chair
Mechanical Foot Massage
Inside the ottoman on the Luraco iRobotics 7 are mechanical foot rollers. These rollers spin to treat reflexology points on the bottoms of the feet. At the same time, airbags in the ottoman inflate to squeeze and push the feet onto the rollers for a deeper massage.
A common complaint users have is that foot rollers can be too intense. Luraco took this into consideration and has included removable foot pads that are used to dampen the intensity of the foot rollers.
Memory Settings
Another popular feature on the Luraco iRobotics 7 is its user memory function. With “users,” you can save up to five different massage combinations to the chair’s memory, which is like adding five additional automatic programs to the chair. This makes it easy to build a massage to your liking using the manual mode functions without having to reselect the manual settings each time you want to enjoy that particular massage.
Music System
The Luraco iRobotics 7 also comes with a built-in music system. Simply add MP3 files to the SD card that’s included with the chair and insert the card into the remote control. The music will play from a set of speakers located on the back the massage chair. And you can easily control all of the music functions from the remote — much like an iPod.
Optional Omron Blood Pressure Cuff
Luraco has trademarked the term “The World’s #1 Medical Massage Chair,” in reference to the iRobotics 7 and we think this next feature might prove them right...
For an additional fee ($150), you can purchase an Omron blood pressure cuff that connects directly into your Luraco iRobotics 7. The cuff lets you test your heart rate and blood pressure directly from the chair — a great feature for those who need to keep an eye on their blood pressure.
Zero Gravity and Recline Options
Due to popular demand, many massage chairs have incorporated Zero Gravity. The Luraco iRobotics 7 is no exception.
So what is Zero Gravity exactly?
Zero Gravity is a reclined chair position that was originally designed by NASA to help astronauts cope with the gravitational stress of taking off in a rocket. In this position, the body’s weight is held by the backrest, removing vertical pressure from the spine and lower body. At the same time, the legs are elevated at or above the heart to increase circulation in the lower body.
Zero Gravity also offers a massage chair specific benefit: it positions you so your own weight holds you on top of the rollers for a deeper massage.
Smartphone-like Remote
The Luraco iRobotoics 7 comes with one of the easiest to use and most advanced remote controls of any massage chair. In fact, it looks more like a smartphone than a remote. And its programs look more like apps than massage chair functions. There’s even an option to password protect the chair by requiring the user to enter a password before a massage will begin.
At the top of the remote is a bright LCD touchscreen that displays the active functions so you always know what settings are running. There’s even an “Info” section that provides colored diagrams and information about reflexology and acupressure points to help you select a massage that best corresponds to your current health needs.
Overall, the user interface is easy and intuitive — if you can navigate a phone, you can navigate this remote.
Unique Features on the Inada Dreamwave Massage Chair
Neck Traction Device
A unique feature on the Inada DreamWave that not only separates it from the Luraco iRobotics 7 but from massage chairs in general is its neck traction device.
The horseshoe device sits at the top of the backrest. When sitting in the chair, the device wraps around your head and sits flush on top of your shoulders. Airbags inside the device inflate to press the tops of your shoulders downward and away from your head. This gentle elongating action is called traction and it helps to create space between vertebrae to release pinched nerves and relieve neck pain.
On the outside of the airbags are removable rubber acupressure nodes that, when pressed into the tops of your shoulders, perform a trigger point massage.
Thanks to the neck tractioning device, the Inada DreamWave is able to treat the hard-to-reach trapezius muscle which is often neglected on massage chairs. However, if you’d rather forgo neck tractioning, you can remove the device and have a roller massage on your neck.
Back and Seat Vibration Massage
Another therapeutic feature you’ll find on the Inada DreamWave is vibration massage. High-frequency plates in the lower back and seat of the chair vibrate to stimulate the muscles and the removal of stagnant fluids from the areas. Vibration massage can be added to any automatic or manual massage program or turned off altogether.
Acupressure Foot Nodes
A feature lacking on Japanese-made massage chairs including the Inada DreamWave is mechanical foot rollers. Instead, the Inada DreamWave features static removable, rubber acupressure nodes. When airbags in the ottoman inflate, they press your feet onto the nodes, which treats acupressure points.
These static rollers don’t perform as comprehensive of a foot massage as mechanical rollers, which can be a deal breaker for some users.
Luraco iRobotics 7 vs Inada Dreamwave Review Final Thoughts
When comparing the Luraco i7 vs Inada DreamWave, you’re comparing two of the best massage chairs money can buy. There’s a lot these two chairs have in common: superior quality and craftsmanship, 3D rollers, 100 airbags, and both are from reputable brands. However, the Luraco iRobotics 7 has a few additional features users love like Zero Gravity, foot rollers, and memory settings. Regardless of which you choose, you can expect a high-quality massage for many years to come.