Homedics SP-30H Ultra Plush Shiatsu Massage Pillow

The first time I tried this pillow, I didn't like it at all. I have a sensitive back and the massaging heads rub very forcefully. But for once in my life, I decided to read and follow the instructions, and I gave it another try. After putting a towel between myself and the pillow I discovered it works quite well. The secret for me is to have enough cushion between myself and the pillow so that I don't feel much pressure at the beginning of the massage. After a bit, then, the kneading slowly works out my knots and I move it to the next spot before it gets painful.I love the mobility of the pillow - I have painful muscles from my low back up into my neck, and I can reach every spot with this. I only wish the tab that turns it on and off were differently located, as I often bump it accidentally as I move the pillow up and down behind me. On its own cord, perhaps?I have to have a professional massage every couple of weeks to keep mobile, and if I could afford it I would go more often. This product won't keep me out of the therapist's office, but it certainly makes those two weeks go by a lot easier. Best massager I ever bought.

I bought this for my husband because he has back pain. He uses it once in a while but I use it every week. I like the amount of pressure it puts out, which is not too much but not too little. It heats up, although it is not very hot, it probably can't be hotter because of the internal components. It massages in a round motion and works great on lower back up to neck. It is relatively powerful for it's size. The only down side is it is easy to hit the on/off button when you are just trying to re-adjust and move the pillow, they could have put that in a different spot. All in all, this is a great quality product that we like and use. I have pretty much stolen it from my husband at this point! This is the only one of these I have purchased so I have nothing to compare it to. Highly recommend.

Having never owned any other sort of massage pillow or similar device, I can't speak to how this one compares. What I can say though is that this pillow makes me happy. I have a lot of tension on my neck and shoulders from working a desk job. Coming home to this pillow is like coming home to a happy pet. Only a pet that massages you. Warmly. In 15 minute intervals. My favorite sort of pet.I can't say it works miracles on my back and neck, but it certainly feels good, and alleviates a lot of the "ouch" from a long day's work.The Pros:True HappinessThe Cons:No speed or pattern optionsTurns off automatically after 15 minutes (non-adjustable)

Well made and powerful but 4 out of 5 for 2 minor complaints. The fabric flap that covers the moving massage balls always opens up, I ended up using safety pins to keep it in place. A piece of velcro would have been nice. The unit also has an auto shut off feature, but it's not variable where you can choose 5 or 10 or 15 minutes, you get the time they decided on.

Bought this pillow in order to relieve neck pain. It seems to be working. Like others have said--sometimes it's a bit intense--but I just throw on a sweatshirt (with a hood) and let this little wonder do its job. The button location is a bit awkward--until I got used to it--I inadvertently shut it off a few times. I'm of a smaller build so it works best to let one of the mechanisms massage my neck at a time. If I try to fit between the two I just don't get the desired pressure.

This massage pillow is the real deal. It literally feels like someone large and manly is using their thumbs to massage your shoulders. The heat part of it is nice, but not even a necessity, at least for me. I have had this for almost a year and it is just as powerful as this first time I turned it on. I will say that if you are smaller in stature, or not very tolerant to intense massage, that you start with small increments of time. The intensity left me feeling a bit sore the next day, but in a good way.

I now own three of these. In my experience this is the best massage cushion on the market. I have tried most of the better selling cushions on amazon and this one is "just right." I hope Homedics isn't planning to discontinue this (or maybe they already have) as it is getting hard to find. That's why I just ordered a 3rd one. My fear is, at some point, it will no longer be available. (The first one I bought 3 or 4 years ago at BB&B is still going strong, by the way.)

It's great for that mild relief from all the tension of sitting at the desk and depending on where you place it, it helps on my shoulder and that area right under the back of my head. Unfortunately, it doesn't reach the tension that's also slightly on top of my shoulder but I think I will need a real person for that. Overall, I think it was worth it. A good way to relax after a long day at work.

This cushion is great for concentrated massage in one location at a time. The two massage heads swirl around with intensity similar to knuckles and are positioned so that when the massager is used, the massage heads are on either side of the spine. The intensity of the massage can be adjusted by how hard you lean against it. Intensity can also be lessened if you use the flap over the massage heads or put on a thick sweater. It’s done a good job working out some kinks in my upper back. I’ve also been able to use it successfully on other parts of my body, like my upper thighs and my calves.

I'm happy with this purchase. It did a great job on my shoulders when I had a lot of tension in them. It is much more economical than going to a masseuse. The massage mechanism is under the flap on the pillow. For a gentle massage, you leave the flap down over the pillow (as in the illustration). The flap can be flipped up if you want more pressure applied.

This is the best massage pillow I have had hands down.PROS- its strong and really works your muscles- also heats- lasts a long timeCONS- can't really clean if it gets dirty- vibration doesn't do much- a bit priceyOverall a worthwhile purchase if you suffer from back pain

I had one of these before but it quit after 3 years. I had to get another. I consistently experience lower back pain after working on our hobby farm for the day or at the end of playing a double header in our community ball league. Stretching and drinking lots of water helps me a lot but this pillow helps take the edge off before I start stretching afterwards.My dad, 77 years old, is also experiencing lower back pain. He'd wake up in the middle of the night and move to the couch so not to wake my mom up. You could see him struggling through the day. I gave one of these pillows to him. It's one of the few things that helped minimize his back pain.

I carry a lot of stress in my neck and bought this to help alleviate that. It feels good but I can't really get this in a place that massages the areas where the stress builds up into knots - might be better if you don't really have broad shoulders.