I was lucky enough to take some time to go to Las Vegas for the 2009 Consumer Electronics Show or CES. The CES has every conceivable electronic device imaginable. I was interested in checking out the latest and greatest in the world of massage chairs. I was able to try a number of massage chairs and share my findings here.

One of the more interesting massage chairs at the show was the Dream Wave Sogno. The Dream Wave Sogno was the winner of the CES 2009 Innovation Award for its advanced designed and sophistication. This massage recliner has some amazing technology.

The Sogno has more airbags than any massage chair that I have ever tried. There are airbags that surround the neck and also ones that can massage your entire arm. The air massage was impressive around the neck area and was effective in relieving tension in the neck area. The arm massage was not as effective and did not provide the level of compression I was expecting.

The Dream Wave is named for the advanced seat design which is incorporated into this recliner. The seat pivots to provide ergonomic support for your spine and buttocks. The seat will rock in place in a wave like movement. This helps to reduce the stress built up on the spine and relax the lower torso. This technological marvel comes in an egg-shaped design which is a bit funky for most households. All this technology comes at a price, which for the Sogno was $6,000.

I did get to try the most expensive massage chair at the CES Show. The $8,000 Fujiiryoki massage chair was by far the most expensive. The Fujiiryoki massage chair has an FDA device listing and was being billed as a medical chair. This massage recliner comes with a shoulder press massage. The shoulder press is powered by an air compressor which activates airbags to squeeze both shoulders with a compression massage.

The Fujiiryoki recliner provides for a soothing back massage and has some effective techniques. The chair back pads are thick material but a bit hard to the body. The air massage covers the feet, calves, seat, arms and shoulders. The design is fairly contemporary. The shoulder press requires an extra attachment to the sides of the chair and is a tough design element to hide in most houses.

Now, having tried the most expensive chairs at the CES, I was interested in how the Omega Montage Premier would compare. I liked the neck massage of the Sogno and the shoulder compression of the Fujiiryoki. The Montage Premier, however, gave a stronger massage and penetrated deeper. Another note was the supplemental items such as music, full body heat and a traction system which the Montage Premier had but were lacking in the others.

Trying massage chairs at a tradeshow with a million people around takes you being able to relax and forget your surroundings. This is where the Montage Premier shined. I slipped on the headphones and let the soothing tunes take me away from the crowds. The Montage Premier recliner then warmed me, stretched me and gave me a relieving deep tissue massage. I felt I found the right chair and at $4,500, it was the best deal at the show.

There were many massage chair companies spread throughout the CES show. I quickly learned that there were manufacturers and there are importers. I stayed clear from the importers as they seemed to be interested in a quick sale. The manufacturers are the ones that have staying power and will be there to support your warranty down the road.

If you ever go to a show to check out shows, you want to make sure that a company you buy a massage chair from will be there down the road. There are some companies that have great deals one year and then never come back to the show. Of course, there are new companies but you need to have the confidence that they will be there to take care of any warranty issues you might have.

I tell you the CES 2009 was an amazing show with every conceivable and unique electronic devices all under one roof. I was fortunate to try many massage chairs from some great companies. The most impressive were the Montage Premier, Fujiiryoki and the Dream Wave. These are certainly impressive pieces of technology and will provide years of excellent massage therapy at the touch of a button. If you have a chance, check them out and see which is best for you.

You will find the Consumer Electronics show or CES is in early January each year in Las Vegas. This massive show brings you almost 3,000 vendors of every gadget in the electronic world. The technology is amazing as you can find big screens, to cell phones to security systems. The massage chairs are amazing as well. It is something to see and experience the cutting edge of technology.