In a Nutshell:
The Osaki TP 8500 zero gravity massage chair is a mid-range massage chair packed with commercial quality components and features. With L-track rollers, space-saving technology, foot rollers, and a good number of massage options, it’s totally worth considering if you have the money.
Overall Massage Quality
Customization options
Ease of Use
Value for the Money
Overall Rating
4.5/5
Benefits
Drawbacks
Recommended For: Anyone who has the money for a mid-range massage chair packed with commercial quality components and features
Osaki is one of the top names in the massage chair industry and the company offers a wide range of feature-rich massage chairs at nearly every price point. In terms of price, the Osaki TP 8500 falls in the upper-middle range of Osaki’s massage chair line up. In terms of features, the chair is loaded with technology that delivers a therapeutic full-body massage from your neck to the soles of your feet.
About the Osaki TP 8500
If you’re on the fence about whether the Osaki TP 8500 massage chair is the best choice for you, this article will help you decide. We know that investing in a massage chair is a big deal, so we’ve reviewed every little detail of the Osaki TP 8500 so you know exactly what you’re getting before making your buying decision.
Let’s take a look at the core features and hardware that make the Osaki TP 8500 the great massage chair that it is.
Core Features of the Osaki TP 8500 Zero Gravity Massage Chair
Computer Body Scan Customization
When shopping for a massage chair, one of the most important things to consider is how the chair fits you. Is it comfortable? Do the rollers apply pressure in all the right places?
With the TP 8500, however, you’ll never have to worry about how the massage chair fits you thanks to computer body scan technology. When you sit down in the chair for a therapy session, the massage rollers in the backrest roll up and down, methodically mapping out the unique shape of your back. Then, the chair uses the information from the scan to customize the distance the rollers travel along the roller track. This ensures that the massage rollers contact the correct areas of your body, giving you maximum massage benefits.
And, if you have multiple massage chair users in your household, the computer body scan feature makes it easy for everyone, regardless of size, to enjoy a custom-fit massage without having to change a bunch of settings each time.
S-Track + L-Track Massage Track Design
You might agree that if a massage chair doesn’t give a good back massage, what’s the point? Thanks to a combination S-Track and L-Track massage roller tracks, the TP 8500 has got you covered on all fronts.
The S-Track massage roller track is found in the backrest portion of the chair. S-Track technology is used in the majority of Osaki’s massage chairs and has proven itself to be one of the most reliable and effective massage track systems on the market.
Unlike standard linear massage roller tracks, the S-Track is actually shaped to reflect the unique curved shape of the human spine. This ensures that the massage rollers stay in close contact with your back throughout the entire duration of the massage.
The L-Track massage roller track is connected to the S-Track massage roller and extends down through the seat of the chair to massage your buttocks and thighs. With the S-Track and L-Track combined, you get a whopping 53 inches of massage track coverage — few other massage chairs can match that.
Space Saving Recline Technology
While most massage chairs require several feet of space behind them to fully recline, the TP 8500 can go all the way back with only 3 inches of space. Instead of simply dropping the backrest directly back, the TP 8500 uses a special recline track that simultaneously moves the leg ottoman forward while the chair reclines.
This handy feature allows you to position the massage chair right up against a wall, or tuck it away in a corner to maximize the space of your room.
Zero Gravity Reclining
Speaking of reclining, the Osaki TP 8500 improves upon the massage experience further by using zero gravity recline technology. When you activate zero gravity mode, the chair automatically reclines the backrest while elevating the foot ottoman so that your legs are positioned slightly above the heart. In this position, your body can fully relax and decompress as the majority of your weight is supported by the backrest.
In zero gravity mode, the massage rollers in the backrest can apply more direct pressure to your muscles creating a deep tissue-like massage. Also, with your legs elevated above your heart, tension and pressure are reduced on the muscles and veins in your legs, promoting better circulation and reduced swelling and fatigue.
Air Compression Massage
In addition to the well-designed roller massage system, the TP 8500 features full-body air compression massage. 36 specially designed airbag massagers are strategically positioned throughout the chair and inflate and deflate to gently compress and massage your muscles.
Osaki has recently re-engineered their airbags to operate more efficiently and quietly. They increased the total surface area of each airbag, allowing for fewer airbags to be used throughout the chair without any loss in massage performance. This reduces the number of valves and pumps used in the chair, resulting in a quieter, more serene massage experience while also reducing energy consumption.
Shoulder Air Massage
Located along both sides of the upper portion of the backrest, the Osaki TP 8500 has two airbag shoulder massagers. In manual mode, or during certain preset massage programs, the shoulder air massagers inflate and deflate, giving your shoulders a rejuvenating compression massage.
Arm Air Massage
The Osaki TP 8500 features armrest massagers that fully encompass the forearms, wrists, and hands. Airbags line the top and bottom of the armrest massager, gently compressing and squeezing your arms throughout your massage session.
Leg and Foot Air Massage
Airbag massagers line the backs and sides of the leg ottoman, giving your calves and feet a therapeutic compression massage.
Reflexology Foot Roller Massage
In addition to leg and foot air massage, the TP 8500 features reflexology massage rollers that massage the bottoms of the feet. The rollers spin and pulsate, stimulating acupressure points while the airbags compress your legs, keeping your feet in the proper position.
Integrated Heat Therapy
In the lower portion of the backrest, there are two heating pads that warm and soothe the lower back. Heat therapy can be used in conjunction with any of the TP 8500’s preset massage programs or in manual mode.
Adjustable Spring-Loaded Leg Ottoman
The Osaki TP 8500 is the perfect massage chair for households with users of different heights. When you sit down in the chair and situate your legs in the ottoman, simply push your legs out and the ottoman will automatically extend to accommodate the length of your legs.
Slim LCD Handheld Remote
The remote included with the TP 8500 is so easy to use that almost anyone can pick it up and put it to use with minimal instruction. All of the buttons are laid out in a way that is intuitive and easy to navigate, giving you full control of the chair’s functions without any hassle.
The LCD screen gives you a visual display of the functions and settings that are active on the chair. The preset massage programs and manual mode controls are very straightforward and eliminate any guesswork to get the chair to do what you want it to do. You can activate zero gravity mode and heat therapy, adjust the angle of recline, adjust the massage intensity, and change the width of the rollers all within a few seconds thanks to the intuitive design.
Quick Controls
Located just below the armrest massagers, the TP 8500 features a panel with quick controls. Using the quick controls, you can adjust the recline of the backrest, raise and lower the leg ottoman, and power the chair on and off.
USB Charging Station
As an added bonus, the Osaki TP 8500 features a USB port that allows you to charge any USB-compatible device such as an MP3 player or smartphone.
Massage Techniques and Preset Massage Programs of the Osaki TP 8500
6 Therapeutic Massage Techniques
The Osaki TP 8500 features six massage techniques, each offering a distinct therapeutic benefit. These massage techniques are performed with the massage rollers and can be activated individually with the manual controls of the chair, or experienced in one of the chair’s preset massage programs. They include:
5 Preset Massage Programs
On the remote of the TP 8500, you’ll find five different preset massage programs. Each massage program takes you through a series of massage techniques.
Back Stretch Mode
Back stretch mode is a special program designed to give you a deep stretch along the entire length of your back. When activated, the airbags in the shoulders, legs, and feet are used to hold the body in place. Then, the chair reclines, gently pulling your body in opposite directions, creating a pleasant stretching sensation throughout the body.
Adjustability of the Osaki TP 8500
Next to how a chair fits you, adjustability is one of the most important factors to consider when shopping for a massage chair. You want to be able to change settings with ease so that the massage is perfectly suited for you. The Osaki TP 8500 has several adjustability features that allow you to do just that.
Intensity Control
Using the LCD remote, you can choose from three levels of massage roller intensity. If you feel that the massage is too weak, simply turn it up to the next level. If it’s creating too much pressure, turn it down.
You can also adjust the intensity of the airbag massagers with five levels of pressure to choose from.
Massage Roller Speed
Similar to roller intensity, you can also change the speed of the massage rollers. The TP 8500 gives you three massage roller speeds to choose from.
Massage Roller Width Adjustment
The massage rollers can be set to three different widths from narrow to wide. This feature allows users of different sizes to enjoy the chair and makes it possible to target different areas on your back.
Osaki TP 8500 Dimensions
| Chair dimensions | 48″L X 30″W X 34″H |
| Recommended maximum user weight | 300 lbs |
| Recommended user height | 5’0″ to 6’0″ |
| Colors | Black, Brown & Cream |
| Chair weight | 300 lbs |
Final Thoughts on Osaki TP 8500 Massage Chair Review
With one of the longest massage roller tracks on the market, full body air massage including shoulders and arms, heat therapy, and a full suite of adjustability features, the Osaki TP 8500 massage chair has a lot going for it. So, what do you think? Is it the right massage chair for you?
References & Resources
- Osaki Massage Chair, Official Brand Website.
- Massage Therapy Styles and Health Benefits, WebMD.
- Foam Rolling: Total Body Benefits, Muscle and Fitness.
- The Benefits of Shiatsu Massage Therapy: Chronic Pain, Acupuncture Massage College.