The Osaki OS-PRO Aster vs. the Infinity Prelude
When comparing massage chairs, especially entry-level chairs, some features can make your decision for you. When you look at the Osaki OS-PRO Aster and the Infinity Prelude, the style of massage they provide and the bonus features included differ greatly. Which of these $2,999 massage chairs will provide the massage you want? Which is the right one for you? Well, there is a lot to consider. One of these massage chairs provides an L-Track where one is an S-track. One of these chairs is also space-saving. What makes those features what they are?
Let’s take a look, and start with the most important feature- the massage track.
S-Tracks
In modern massage chairs, you’ll find either an S-Track or an L-Track. The less expensive option is the S-Track, and it was named because it resembles the shape of the human spine, which itself resembles an S. This track’s rollers glide up and down your back and won’t lose contact with you because they follow the curvature of your spine.
An S-Track curves in to hit your neck and lower back and curves out to hit your middle back and tailbone without using too much pressure. This feature allows for the most comfortable, most fruitful massage.
Spines aren’t straight, so your massage track shouldn’t be either.
L-Track
As developments in massage chairs continue, the S-Track was extended into the L-Track. The L-Track was first seen years back and people could see its ability to travel down the spine under the seat to the glutes and hamstrings. That chair was an Inada, the first manufacturer to showcase an L-Track prototype.
Inada took time to perfect their chair, however, and because of this Infinity introduced its Iyashi model, the first commercially available L-Track massage chair.
More and more models have come out since then, and many have started to provide the extended L-Track for greater massage coverage.
S-Track vs. L-Track
When you’re examining each track, think of it this way. The L-Track is an extension of the S-Track that addresses the seat and top of the hamstrings. It can work the glutes, piriformis, and hamstrings just as powerfully as the neck, mid-back, and lower back. In the past when there was no L-Track, these areas could only be reached by airbags.
If you suffer from tight or sore glutes, or if you have sciatica or piriformis syndrome, an L-Track could be a very important feature to you.
And remember, an L-Track massage chair still delivers the benefits of an S-Track chair. After all, the L-Track is just an extension of the S-Track.
Now, let’s take a look at space-saving since that’s another important feature found in the Aster.
What Does Space Saving Mean?
Most massage chairs, particularly those with many features and leg massage ottomans, require a great deal of space in your home. And that’s before you lay back in them.
When you’re reclining in a massage chair, which is every time you use it, you want to be able to do so without making the area impassable. Plus, depending on your home, you may also have a space where reclining a massage chair to its full length is impossible because of how much space that takes up.
That’s where space-saving comes into play.
Who is a Space-Saving Chair Made for?
Space-saving technology was created to shrink the amount of space necessary to fully recline the massage chair. There are various models available at MassageChairPlanet.Com that can recline fully in just a few inches, one of which is the Aster.
This is perfect when you have a smaller room or you simply don’t want your chair to take up so much space when in use. Some massage chairs only require a few inches to recline while some will still need around 12 inches to do so. When you have limited space, this feature is huge. No pun intended.
Now, let’s take a look at what these specific chairs offer.
Osaki OS-PRO Aster
The Osaki OS-PRO Aster has a modern design with sleek lines, a comfortable feel, and a wide range of settings and capabilities. The Aster can massage you from neck to glutes and upper hamstrings with the S/L-Track combination roller. Plus, the Aster has five massage styles: Kneading, Knocking, Tapping, Kneading & Tapping, and Shiatsu. With the Osaki Aster, you’ll get an extremely effective massage on the pelvic area and more with the six auto massage programs.
Features
S/L-Track Massage
The S/L-Track fits the natural curve of the spine to attend to the neck area and lower back then continues down to massage the glutes and upper hamstrings. This L-Track massage leaves little of your spine and body untouched.
Zero Gravity Technology
Inspired by NASA technology, the zero gravity position is ideal for enjoying an effective massage, raising your legs above the level of your heart. When in zero-gravity, your weight is supported by the backrest which maximizes the intensity of your massage and provides spinal decompression.
Space-Saving Technology
Osaki's innovative design team has engineered a space saving technology that slides the chair forward as the chair reclines. As a result, OS-Aster takes only ten inches to get to the fully reclined position.
Six Auto Massage Programs
The Aster has six different auto massage programs: Comfort: Loosens the muscles, Relax: Deep-tissue massage throughout key acupressure points, Full body: Full body massage to relax sore areas, Neck & Shoulder: Focuses on the neck and shoulder areas, Back & Waist: Focuses on the back-waist area, and Stretch: The footrest and backrest lifting together, combined with air pressure massage to stretch the legs, eliminate fatigue, and recover your body.
Full Body Airbag Massage
There are 18 airbags located throughout the massage chair that provide a full-body compression massage experience. Airbags are in the shoulders, arms, feet, and calf areas. These help to increase circulation to alleviate pain and tension.
Foot Roller Massage
The Aster has two rollers at the bottom of the feet that spin and provide a reflexology, kneading-style massage. They stimulate acupuncture points and the calf airbags push your feet into the rollers for a deeper massage.
Extendable Footrest
The Aster footrest can extend up to 7 inches.
Easy to Use LCD Remote
The Aster remote has an easy view screen that displays any active functions and from there you can select the massage type, speed, and location. You can also operate the functions independently in manual mode.
Five Massage Styles
The Aster comes with manual-mode, so you can pinpoint a desired massage for a specific area on your body. The Aster can perform Kneading, Knocking, Tapping, Kneading & Tapping, and Shiatsu. You can either pinpoint a specific spot on your back for the massage or massage sections of the body.
Arm Massage
Airbags in the armrests offer a compression massage for your hands and forearms.
Manual Massage Setting
You can select from manual control functions, including Mode, Position, Width, Speed, and Back Stretch. Each category offers adjustable options as well. You can also control Air, Foot Rollers, and Timer settings independently.
Adjustable Shoulder & Back-Roller Position
The Aster allows you to adjust the positions of the back and shoulder rollers for a more precise massage, and you can also have it attend to just your shoulders, waist, or your entire back.
Now let’s look at the Prelude.
Infinity Prelude Massage Chair
One of the latest from Infinity, the Prelude massage chair provides a premium massage experience and embraces simplicity. Its intuitive design and sleek style fits well in any home or office.
Features
Zero Gravity
Zero gravity positioning elevates your knees above your heart, allowing the spine to decompress and providing a sense of weightlessness. As you know, this maximizes the effects of your massage.
Decompression Stretch
During this full-body stretch, the chair's airbags grip your shoulders and legs as it reclines to soothe and decompress your spine.
Lumbar Heat
Heating modules in the back of the chair offer a soothing sensation and loosen your muscles to better prepare your body for the massage. This can also help to increase circulation.
Four-Wheel Massage Mechanism
The Prelude provides pressurized massage strokes with four high-tech rollers that methodically knead out muscle tension.
Spinal Correction
The spinal correction feature uses powerful stretching techniques to length and decompress your spine to relieve back pain. This stretching can be very helpful if you’re on your feet a lot or have back issues.
Rolling Foot Massagers
The built-in massage rollers in the footrest replicate the thumb and finger techniques used in reflexology. The rollers work the pressure points connected to health throughout your body and offer an incredible massage to some of the hardest working muscles you use each and every day. With the calf air massage working your lower legs and ankles, this ottoman provides a wonderful experience.
Adjustable Air Massage Intensity
The airbags in the Prelude are strategically placed throughout the chair to offer a compression massage to your hands, arms, legs, shoulders, calves, and feet. The airbag system works together with the back and foot rollers as well. By inflating and deflating in perfect rhythm, the airbags mimic a strong hand massage.
Deciding Factors
When choosing between these two chairs, the main deciding factors will be the type of massage experience you want. Do you want a massage track that can reach your glutes and hamstrings or are you more comfortable with a massage that just reaches your lower back?
Additionally, do you need a chair that frees up space in your home? Because then you’ll need te Aster that provides space-saving technology. Both the chairs offer zero gravity and a good stretch massage, but the Infinity provides heat where the Aster provides an extendable footrest.
What it all comes down to, as it does with most purchases, is your personal preference in a massage Do you want an L-Track or are you comfortable with an S-Track. Do you want heat or is it more important to save space? Which experience are you looking for?
Most customers have begun to lean toward the L-Track for a more full-body experience, and if both chairs are the same price, then why not go for it?
If you have any questions about these massage chairs or any others on our site, you can contact us over the phone or through email at info@massagechairplanet.com. We can also offer you financing options that can make taking home either of the best-sellers much more doable. After all, nothing should stand between you and ultimate relaxation.