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 exhibitors which I found was a Japanese company called Family Inada. Family Inada was displaying the Dream Wave Sogno. The Dream Wave Sogno was the winner of the 2009 CES innovation award. The Sogno is a very advanced chair with some very innovative features.

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 Sogno has an advanced seat that actually rocks in place. The seat will pivot and provide ergonomic support of your back and buttocks. This was a relaxing position for the spine. The look of the Sogno is a little egg-shaped in design which may limit where it can be placed. It was also priced at $6,000 making it a very high end chair.

Another impressive high end massage chair is produced by Fuji Medical. The Fujiiryoki recliner provides a full body massage and a shoulder press. The shoulder press is firm and provides great relief from the sides of the body during the massage therapy. The Fujiiryoki has an FDA device listing and was touted as a medical chair. This advanced therapeutic massage recliner retails for $10,000.

The massage techniques are very invigorating and relieving. The combination of good massage to the back with the rotation of air compression from the feet, calves, shoulders and seat provides for a thorough massage experience. The design of the chair is modern with black and silver colors.

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.

I wanted to try both Sanyo and Panasonic, but they were not displaying massage chairs in their exhibits this year. They did have some fantastic LCD and Plasma screen TVs though. However, my mission was massage chairs, so I was disappointed not to get a chance to try them.

There were an assortment of other massage chairs, but I am a bit wary of these companies as they only sell at shows. Some of these chair companies I have never heard of and they probably wont be there next year. I asked these companies if they had any retailers or other distribution to confirm that they were fly by night companies. I wont bother to mention them here.

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.