One of the questions we get asked frequently is "What is the difference between 2D, 3D and 4D massage chairs?”
Let's start by understanding what the letter "D" stands for. For many years, the letter "D" stood for "Dimensional".
So, 2D or 2-Dimensional means the massage rollers can move up and down and side to side, like on a X and Y-Axis. Next, 3D or 3-Dimensional means that the rollers don't just go up and down or side to side, but it also pushes in and out, like it would on a Z-Axis. 3D allows you to change the intensity of the roller by controlling how much the rollers pushes into your body.
Now that we have talked about 2D and 3D massage chairs, let's talk about 4D massage chairs.
When we are talking about 4D, the letter "D" no longer refers to the "Dimensional", because actual 4th-Dimension refers to TIME based on Albert Einstein's theories. So if you could control the 4th-Dimension, you would basically have a time machine. (Now that would be a really cool massage chair!)
In the massage chair industry, the 4D is a marketing term to indicate that the newer chairs have more capability. But what does that mean? Based on most massage chair companies’ explanation, the term 4D typically refers to the chair's ability to vary the speed of the rollers.
For example, the 4D roller can move slower and faster to give you a more realistic massage experience. But keep in mind that the different massage chair brands deliver the change in roller speed using a variety of different techniques that can be unique to them. So you can argue that most 3D chairs can be also called 4D since most of them are capable of varying their roller speed. This is why 4D is more of a marketing term used to describe their latest models. We assume at some point in the near future, massage chair companies will even call their chairs 5D, 6D, 7D, and more to market their newest models to attract new customers. The higher numerical value makes consumers feel that they are getting a better chair, but it is important to understand that the naming convention such as "4D" or higher is not universally used by all massage chair companies.
For example, many companies use other terminologies to describe their latest massage chair technology. For example:
Panasonic calls their mechanism REAL PRO ULTRA
OHCO M.8 calls their proprietary movements as SENS8
D.Core calls their patented movement as 3D+ TRUE SHIATSU
But regardless of what the massage chair brands call their latest advancements in massage chairs, what's ultimately most important is how the chair feels to you. Finding the right massage chair is a personal journey because everyone is unique. Technical specifications such as number of airbags, L Track/ S Track, Bluetooth speakers and 4D does not matter if it does not fit your needs.
We have the largest variety of global brands known around the world with their own unique proprietary technology and massage feel, all represented in our store. So we are confident that we can help you find your perfect fit.
Our best advice is to not get confused over marketing terms during your online research. We understand that it is easy to get overwhelmed by online research and we are here to answer any of your questions. We also want to remind you that not everything you read online is completely truthful or accurate. Most of what you find online is mostly marketing schemes disguised as informational guides or even disguised as impartial 3rd party product reviews.
We often have customers who spend countless number of hours doing online research prior to visiting our store. After they actually experience our chairs, they understand how unique each chairs can feel to their body and most of what they learned through online research was not very valuable in making their decision.
Even for us who spend hours analyzing various massage chairs, it is challenging to verbally describe how each chair feels. What feels great to us may not always feel great to someone else. It is a very personal experience. Just remember that nothing replaces trying the chairs for yourself.
We are all unique in our bodies and minds, which is why finding the right chair is a journey.
If you are in the DFW area, we would love for you to come in and see us. Our goal is to deliver comfort and healing touch to your home.