The Takeaway:
1. Our Pick: Inada Sogno Dreamwave Massage Chair
2. Runner-Up: Infinity Imperial Massage Chair
3. Value Pick: Infinity IT 9800 Massage Chair
If you’re taller than the average Joe, you might have some trouble finding a massage chair that doesn’t leave you feeling cramped or uncomfortable. But don’t worry — the perfect massage chair for tall person does exist.
In fact, we found four exceptional massage chair models with certain design aspects aimed at accommodating taller-than-average users. And in this article, we introduce you to each one, highlighting their key features to help you make the best buying decision possible.
But before we dive into our recommendations, let’s take a moment to go over what to look for in a massage chair for big and tall users.
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4.6
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4.7
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Our Verdict:
The overall best massage chair for big and tall users. Advanced features, very sturdy, and the hip and shoulder massagers don’t get in the way.
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Our Verdict:
A top-of-the-line massage chair with an extremely long massage roller track. New legrest design offers a comfortable fit for user’s up to 6’3”.
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Our Verdict:
Without hip, shoulder, or arm air massagers, this chair offers one of the roomiest seats on the market. 27-inch S-Track provides adequate massage coverage, and optical body scan ensures accurate massage.
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Massage Technology:
S-Track (30”)
3D Rollers Full body air massage |
Massage Technology:
L-Track (49”)
Zero-gravity recline Full body air massage Calf and foot rollers |
Massage Technology:
S-Track (27”)
Zero-gravity recline Calf and foot rollers |
- Long massage range
- Foot ottoman extends additional six inches
- Extra neck and shoulder massage feature
- 3D rubber massage rollers
- Very expensive
- No foot rollers
- No Zero Gravity
3D Rollers
Full body air massage
- New legrest design specifically for tall users
- 49-inch L-Track
- Calf and foot rollers in addition to air massage
- Zero Wall space saving technology
- Very expensive
Zero-gravity recline
Full body air massage
Calf and foot rollers
- Open-toed legrest design allows tall users to stretch out their legs
- 27-inch S-Track
- Advanced optical body scan system
- Rocking technology
- No arm massage
- No shoulder massage
Zero-gravity recline
Calf and foot rollers
What to Look for in a Massage Chair for Big and Tall Users
Look for Extendable Leg Ottomans
One of the main issues tall people have when they sit in a massage chair is that their legs feel cramped. Most full-body massage chairs have leg ottomans with slots to place the feet into. If they aren’t adjustable, it leaves the user’s legs in an uncomfortably high position.
So, our first piece of advice when shopping for the best massage chair for tall person is to find a model that features an extendable leg ottoman. This allows you to either manually or automatically move the leg ottoman to a comfortable position, so your legs have plenty of room.
Look for a Long Massage Track
In a massage chair, a massage track is a component located inside the backrest that allows the massage rollers to move up and down the back to administer massage therapy. If the track is on the short side, tall users will find that the massage rollers don’t travel high enough on the back to offer an adequate massage range.
To avoid this issue, look for a massage chair with a massage track that’s at least 27 inches long. Ideally, the massage track should be an “S-Track,” which is a special ergonomic design that keeps the massage rollers in contact with the back muscles throughout the entire range of the track.
Body Scan Technology is a Must for Tall Users
On higher-end massage chairs, body scan technology is a common feature that’s very helpful for tall users. Using either the chair’s rollers or separate infrared sensors, a body scan system measures the user’s height and body shape to customize the massage range and precise location of the massage rollers to fit the unique shape of the individual.
Many lower-end chairs don’t offer body scan systems that accurately measure the user or customize the massage accordingly. It will typically perform the massage according to default settings which are based on average user heights if a chair does not feature a body scan system. And if you’re a tall person, your frame likely exceeds the limits of an “average-sized” user.
The massage chairs that made our list all feature some of the more advanced body scan systems on the market – making them perfect for tall people.
Be Wary of Shoulder Massagers
Many massage chairs that feature full body air massage often have special shoulder massagers that extend from the upper portion of the massage chair. Tall users, especially those with broad shoulders, might find this style of shoulder massager to be too narrow, contributing to an unpleasantly cramped feeling.
However, some of the better massage chairs on the market that have shoulder massagers take the needs of tall people into consideration by making the massagers either plenty wide or adjustable.
Watch Out for Hip Airbags
Similar to shoulder airbag massagers, airbag massagers located next to the seat can leave big and tall users feeling cramped. To stay on the safe side, look for a massage chair that either doesn’t have hip airbag massagers or takes the needs of big and tall users into consideration. An example of this is the first massage chair on our list.
Our Pick: Inada Sogno Dreamwave Massage Chair
Recommendation: It may not be the right choice for some users due to its high price tag and lack of features like foot rollers and zero gravity.
Hailed many times over as the best massage chair in the world, the Inada Sogno Dreamwave won first place in our search for the best massage chair for tall person.
Not only is it built like a tank, but the Inada Sogno Dreamwave also features the most tall person-friendly dimensions of any massage chair available.
Although we cautioned against massage chairs with shoulder and hip massagers as they can make a big and tall user feel cramped, the Inada Sogno Dreamwave is one of the few exceptions.
Even though it has both shoulder and hip airbag massagers, the interior of the chair is roomy enough to accommodate even the largest-framed individuals. And its legrest is fully extendable, making it easy for users with long legs to get comfortable.
For big and tall users, one of the most welcoming qualities about the Inada Sogno Dreamwave is its recommended user height range — 5’0″ to 6’5″. Plus, Inada is so confident in the structural integrity of their chair that they don’t specify a maximum user weight, stating that “If you can sit, you can fit.”
Key Features of the Inada Sogno Dreamwave Massage Chair
Aside from being the overall best massage chair for tall person, the Inada Sogno Dreamwave is one of the most feature-rich and innovative chairs on the market. Let’s take a quick look at what it offers.
As we mentioned, a body scan system is one of the most important features for tall users, and the Inada Sogno Dreamwave has one of the best. Using both the chair’s massage rollers and infrared sensors, the Dreamwave accurately measures your height and body shape and maps your shiatsu points, creating a unique “profile” of your back.
Then, the chair compares your profile to 106 preprogrammed profiles and matches you with the closest one. Your massage session is then customized using this profile to give you the most accurate and therapeutic massage possible.
Although the Inada Sogno Dreamwave isn’t the only chair to offer 3D massage rollers, it is one of the only chairs with soft rubber rollers. These rollers provide a more mild and human-like massage compared to the hard rollers of other chairs.
Perhaps the most defining feature of the Inada Sogno Dreamwave is its air massage system. Comprised of over 100 “air cells” as Inada calls them, practically every area of the body is massaged. This includes the neck and shoulders, arms and hands, hips and buttocks, thighs, and calves and feet.
Instead of typical airbag massagers that only perform compression massage, the air cells of the Dreamwave also conduct trigger point massage, hip and pelvis rotation, neck traction, and stretching.
As the premium offering that it is, the Inada Sogno Dreamwave is also one of the more expensive massage chairs available today. However, it’s also one of the few select massage chairs made entirely in Japan. It means that the quality of components and build far exceeds similar chairs made in other countries like China or Taiwan.
Although this high-priced chair might not be an option for everyone, if you’re a tall person looking for a massage chair that will certainly fit you, the Inada Sogno Dreamwave is by far the best if it’s within your means.
To learn more about the Inada Sogno Dreamwave beyond its tall-person-friendly features, check out our in-depth review on the chair.
Highlights of the Inada Sogno Dreamwave
Runner-Up: Infinity Imperial Massage Chair
Recommended For: Anyone who has the money for one of the most expensive chairs on the market and a supreme spa-like experience.
Another top-shelf offering that is a great option for tall users is the Infinity Imperial massage chair. Although it doesn’t have nearly the level of prestige as the Inada Sogno Dreamwave, the Infinity Imperial is one of the most advanced — and most expensive — chairs on the market.
Besides the fact that the Infinity Imperial is an all-around great chair with an impressive spec sheet, it made our list for two main reasons: a new and improved extendable leg ottoman design and an extremely long L-Track massage track.
The new leg ottoman design of the Infinity Imperial adds an extra 6-inches of extension to the chair, making it perfect for tall users up to 6’3″. It has an L-Track measuring 49-inches long, extending from the upper reaches of the neck, down through the backrest, and into the seat. This is a huge amount of massage coverage and is perfect for tall users.
Of further benefit for big and tall users, the Infinity Imperial is a very sturdy chair, built with the highest quality components. The chair itself weighs 350 pounds — an indication of its heavy-duty build. And although it has Infinity’s standard maximum weight capacity of 285 pounds, it is similar in stature to the Inada Sogno Dreamwave and could likely handle a larger user.
Key Features of the Infinity Imperial
There’s no denying that the Infinity Imperial is one of the most expensive massage chairs on the market. And with that high price tag comes a whole suite of advanced features you won’t find on many other massage chairs.
Topping the list of standout features are the Infinity Imperial’s signature calf massage rollers. That’s right, in addition to the airbag massagers in the chair’s leg ottoman, each leg slot has two roller mechanisms, similar to the main back roller.
The calf rollers are accompanied by mechanical foot rollers in the footwells, all adding up to perhaps the most comprehensive leg and foot massage on the market.
Another unique feature of the Infinity Imperial is a built-in air ionizer. This advanced air purifier is located in the headrest of the chair and provides a steady flow of clean, fresh air similar to what you’d experience in nature.
In terms of massage quality, few chairs can rival the therapeutic action of the Imperial’s 3D massage rollers mounted on a 49-inch L-Track. Two stages of Zero Gravity recline put your body in the perfect position to relax.
A full body air massage system takes the massage to the next level with compression massage as well as stretching and twisting actions.
The Infinity Imperial is another full body massage chair that falls into the “exception” category regarding our warnings about hip and shoulder air massagers. The interior of the chair is wide enough to accommodate big and tall users.
Although not directly related to the massage quality of the chair, the Infinity Imperial features “Zero Wall” space saving technology that allows the chair to recline fully while positioned only inches away from the wall.
If you’re in the market for a serious massage chair that will accommodate big and tall users and are willing to pay a premium price, the Infinity Imperial will make an excellent choice. Check out our extended review article to learn more about the chair.
Highlights of the Infinity Imperial
Value Pick: Infinity IT 9800 Massage Chair
Recommended For: Anyone looking for an affordable chair that has rocking technology, inversion therapy, zero gravity, and calf rollers.
If you’re big and tall and are concerned about having enough room in a massage chair, we highly recommend checking out the Infinity IT 9800. While still offering an advanced S-Track roller massage system with quad rollers, the Infinity IT 9800 is completely void of any airbags.
This might seem like a negative at first, but it’s actually one of the most appealing benefits of the chair for big and tall users. Without the extra bulk of airbags in the seat and backrest, the maximum amount of room in the interior is available to accommodate even the largest users.
Another distinct benefit of the Infinity IT 9800 is the open-toe leg ottoman. Unlike most massage chair leg ottomans that have both leg and foot slots, the Infinity IT 9800 only has leg slots — the feet can hang free.
However, this doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy foot massage on the chair. Simply rotating the ottoman allows you to receive roller massage on the soles of the feet.
Offering further benefit for tall users, the leg ottoman of the IT 9800 also extends up to 10 centimeters to achieve a better fit when enjoying foot massage.
Key Features of the Infinity IT 9800
Aside from core massage features of the chair, the IT 9800 features something unique in the world of massage chairs — rocking technology. With three reclining and rocking options to choose from, the IT 9800 rocks back and forth rhythmically to promote deep relaxation while you enjoy the other massage features of the chair.
Like many of Infinity’s high-end massage chair models, the IT 9800 relies on an optical body scan system to ensure accurate massage. This system is similar to that of the Inada Sogno Dreamwave. However, instead of matching you with a pre-programmed profile, the IT 9800 customizes the massage to fit your body shape and size precisely.
The rocking technology of the chair also makes a unique inversion therapy program possible in which the chair is reclined beyond 180 degrees while elevating the legs above the heart. This action applies gentle traction on the spine allowing the vertebrae to decompress and align.
Unlike our first two chairs, the Infinity IT 9800 is much more affordable. And for the price, it’s one of the most well-built chairs you’ll encounter — especially if you’re big and tall.
To learn more about the Infinity IT 9800, check out our in-depth review where we go into greater detail on all the chair’s features.
Highlights of the Infinity IT 9800
Also Great: Cozzia EC363 Massage Chair
Offers S-Track, full-body air massage, two-stage zero gravity, and foot and calf massage. For under $3,000, it’s one of the better massage chairs on the market.
Our final recommendation for the best massage chair for tall person is the most affordable on our list. While the Cozzia EC363 won’t win any awards for innovation or advanced technology, it offers all the massage features you need for a therapeutic massage. Most importantly, this chair is roomy enough for big and tall users.
Key Features of the Cozzia EC363 Massage Chair
With a longer-than-average 30-inch S-Track, the Cozzia EC363 offers the extra massage coverage tall users need. An auto back scan function coupled with manual roller height adjustment makes the roller massage even more efficient.
Although the chair features hip and shoulder massagers, the EC363 is wider than most massage chairs, offering plenty of space for big and tall users. Additionally, the arm massagers feature a very tall design that offers more space than usual for the arms — an important point for tall users with large forearms to consider.
Also, the ergonomic head pillow at the top of the backrest is removable, so if it gets in the way due to your height, it can be easily taken off.
Checking another tall-user massage chair necessity off the list, the Cozzia EC 363 features a leg ottoman that automatically extends to fit long legs. Two-stage Zero Gravity helps you get comfortable with your massage, and extra features like lumbar heat therapy and seat vibration make the experience that much more enjoyable.
If you’re looking for the most affordable massage chair for big and tall users, the Cozzia EC363 is it. To learn more about the chair and all its features, check out our more extensive review article.
Highlights of the Cozzia EC363
Final Thoughts on the Best Massage Chair for Tall Person
Being big and tall has its challenges, but now you know that finding a great massage chair that fits isn’t one of them. If you’re looking for the best massage chair for tall person overall, the Inada Sogno Dreamwave is definitely what you want. But if the Dreamwave is outside your price range, we hope one of our other recommendations will satisfy your needs.
Recommended Reading
Best Massage Chair for Neck and Shoulders
Our analysis highlights the top massage chairs for neck and shoulder relief, featuring our top pick for ultimate relaxation.
Best Massage Chair for the Money Review
Our evaluation centers on five top massage chairs that offer exceptional value for your money, delivering serious bang-for-the-buck.
References & Resources
- Inada, Official Brand Website.
- Infinity, Official Brand Website.
- Cozzia, Official Brand Website.
- The Benefits Of Massage, Massage Therapy.
- Massage Therapy Techniques, Spine-Health.
- 8 Surprising Benefits Of Getting a Massage, Men’s Health.