Learning Center - The Difference Between 2D, 3D, & 4D Massage Rollers

massage rollers learning center 2d 3d 4d rollers

What Makes 2D, 3D, & 4D Different?

Massage chair manufacturers are consistently on the lookout for improvements to the depth and accuracy of their massage rollers in order to provide better, more accurate massages. Most of today’s chairs now offer three dimension options- 2D, 3D, and 4D. Each of these roller mechanisms works at different levels and is right for a certain type of person. Check out what makes them different below.

2D Massage Rollers

A casual user or someone who isn’t looking for an exceptionally deep massage would most likely enjoy a massage chair that offers a 2D system. The 2D massage system is the traditional design that’s been around the longest. It works your surface muscles and back without getting deep to the muscles underneath. These rollers are the least intense.

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As you can see this is the simplest, most common massage chair on the market. When massaging, the rollers move up and down and left and right. You can adjust the speed and some allow you to adjust the depth.

Although this is the most basic, these rollers are great at offering a relaxing experience. They are also typically the most affordable type of massage chair.

The next more intense, more expensive option is 3D.

3D Massage Rollers

A 3D massage system takes everything a 2D system offers one step further and is found in the majority of massage chairs being released today. This works deep into your shoulders and back, penetrating into the muscles. This makes it more intense.

These rollers can protrude further out from the track and reach places that are typically neglected by the average chair, including the upper neck and shoulder area.

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The rollers can move left and right and up and down, and in and out. This action helps to mimic the action of human hands. You can adjust the intensity to make the massage as intense or as gentle as you like with some limitations based on the chair itself. This can be a good feature if more than one person will be using the chair.

These chairs are becoming more and more popular, though they are more expensive than 2D chairs. Plus, the adjustability provides more bang for your buck.

The latest release are the 4D massage chairs that take everything mentioned above and add on still more adjustability.

4D Massage Rollers

For the greatest penetration and precision, 4D rollers provide users with a deep tissue massage. These 4D rollers can turn and hit different angles that other rollers can’t.

Additionally, the 4D massage chair often causes the most confusion for consumers. What could have been changed from 3D? Is there really much of a difference? In a 4D massage, the rollers can speed up or slow down automatically to concentrate on tense muscles.

The goal was to make the chair that much more capable of replicating the massage that a therapist can provide. Many of these chairs combine this feature with an L-Track which mean they can attend to your hamstrings, glutes, and go all the way up to the top of your neck.

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These are likely the most expensive massage chairs on the market. Are they actually worth the cost? That really is up to the customer. The chairs can do some things a 3D chair can’t, but they are also quite similar. Most agree that the determining factor is how often you’ll use the chair and what you can afford.


Final Thoughts

So, those are the basic differences between 2D, 3D, and 4D massage chairs as well as the pros and cons.

When you’re in the market for a massage chair this is helpful information. Additionally, check out our Massage Chair Buying Guide to help you take a closer look at all the features to consider when buying a massage chair.

The massage you want can be found right in the comfort of your own home. Let us help you make that dream a reality. Contact us for more information or if you have any questions. We're available through phone or email.

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