6 Best Zero Gravity Chairs for Back Pain – The Effective Way to Relax Your Back

We’re calling the Medical Breakthrough Recliner Massage Chair our Editor’s Choice because, although it’s pretty pricey, it’s also one of the most effective chairs we found in our research. The manufacturer spent five years studying massage techniques and worked with more than 25 medical professionals, including doctors, pain specialists, and chiropractors to create the perfect chair.

This high-tech chair scans your body then positions the rollers in just the right place to give you the massage you need. The zero-gravity position helps distribute your weight evenly across the chair to make you as comfortable as possible.

One of the most impressive things about it is that it features multiple types of massage, including Japanese Shiatsu 3D neck and shoulder massage, Greek stress relief, and Indonesian Deep Tissue Therapy. You can customize the chair using the adjustable footrest and shoulder pads and use Bluetooth to connect to your phone so you can listen to music.

This chair weighs just over 400 pounds but don’t worry – there are wheels so you can easily move it around after you get it set up. It holds up to 300 pounds but keep in mind it has a bit of a slim fit and might be a bit tight for anyone over 250 pounds.

What are our favorite features?
• Designed with input from more than 25 medical professionals
• Scans the body for the most effective massage
• Multiple types of massages available
• Adjustable footrest and shoulder pads
• Bluetooth connection
• Wheels for easy movement

What could be better?
• Expensive
• Only holds up to 250 pounds comfortably

The Caravan Sports ZGL01151 is our value pick and it’s a great choice for anyone on the heavier side. At 500 pounds, this chair has the highest weight limit of all the options on our list. We also love that this chair is designed to be used outdoors. The iron phosphate powder coating protects the frame against rust and the durable outdoor fabric is designed to last.

This chair features a flip lock that’s located under the armrest and a smooth recline function that makes it easy to get into any position. There’s also an attached headrest for added comfort. All you have to do is lean back until you find the right spot, lock the chair in place, and you’re ready to relax.

One of the things we like the most about this chair is that it’s portable and easily folds up so you can take it with you, wherever you’re going. That said, one of the downsides is that, at 32 pounds, it’s a bit heavy for a portable chair but you’re unlikely to find another zero gravity chair that’s this easy to take with you to the beach or a tailgate.

Technically, this is a love seat which means it was designed for two people. Some people felt that there wasn’t enough support for this.

What stands out?
• Weight limit of 500 pounds
• Can be used as a loveseat for two people
• Suitable for outdoor use
• Powder-coated frame
• Easy to adjust using flip lock
• Portable

What cons did we manage to find?
• A bit heavy for a portable chair
• Not always comfortable when used by two people

If you’re looking for a zero gravity chair to use outside, take a look at the Lafuma LFM3120-6135 Futura. It features a padded Air Comfort seat pad that uses a three-layer system that allows air to flow through. Enjoy lounging in the sun without getting stuck to your seat!

This chair easily adjusts into the zero gravity position which is made even more comfortable by the chair’s padded cushion. It also features a removable head cushion, foot glides, and a protective ring for the footrest.

At only 18.5 pounds, this chair is exceptionally portable. It’s durable, too, with a frame made of sturdy steel tubing that’s resistant to fading. Plus, it’s covered in high-quality fabric that’s UV resistant, so you don’t have to worry about sun damage when you use it outside. That’s not all, you can also easily remove the fabric to give it a good wash at the beginning and end of the season.

One of the things that people commented about is that the fabric doesn’t seem to be as durable as they’d hoped, though this was not a common complaint. Another issue brought up in the reviews is that this chair may fit a tall person more comfortably than someone shorter than, say, five feet seven or so.

Why is it special?
• Designed for outdoor use
• Padded three-layer breathable Air Comfort cushion
• Folds for transport
• Easily portable
• Weighs only 18.5 pounds
• UV resistant fabric is removable for easy washing

What are the flaws?
• Few people mentioned that the fabric did not seem very durable
• Better suited for tall people

Another great option for a zero gravity chair with massage is the Kahuna Massage Chair Superior. This chair features five auto settings (fast recovery, pain relief, yoga stretching, athlete, and relaxation) and four special combinations (office person, senior, golfer, and dynamic sport) so there’s something for everyone.

All these types of massage are done while you’re in a zero-gravity position, increasing the pressure for a relaxing massage. It’s capable of performing the same types of moves as a professional masseur, including tapping, kneading, knocking, and shiatsu.

One of the nice things about this chair is that it uses a mechanism that only requires three inches of space between it and the wall. This is a great feature because it won’t take up as much room when upright and you don’t have to worry about pulling it away from the wall before you use it. That said, it is equipped with wheels so you can easily move it when you have to.

There aren’t a lot of big complaints about this chair. Some people felt that some of the massage techniques were a bit rough and that the chair was a little too wide for an average-sized person. Another issue was that the LCD screen was difficult to read. There is a remote control, but it is somewhat limited.

What makes it special?
• Five auto settings, four special settings
• Only needs 3 inches between it and the wall
• Has wheels for easy movement

What cons did we find?
• Some massage techniques can be rough
• LCD screen can be difficult to read
• Remote control limited

We also recommend the Osaki OS4000TA for a zero gravity massage chair with a lot of impressive options. There are six different massage styles to choose from as well as five intensity levels and an auto timer.

This one also features a computer body scan to make sure you get the precise massage you need. It uses warm air massagers and calf and foot massagers plus shoulder, lumber, and hip squeezes and more to help you relax, all the while in a zero-gravity position.

There are so many features to this chair, it’s hard to name them all. In addition to the things we already mentioned, you also get a foot roller, automatic recline, leg extension, lumbar heat, vibration seat massage, and a wireless controller.

This chair is available in three different colors (black, charcoal, and cream) and comes with a one-year guarantee on labor and two years on parts. It was weight limit tested up to 300 pounds and recommended for people around six feet tall.

There are not many complaints about this chair. Most people are extremely happy with their purchase, even if it is a little pricey. Keep track of the warranty information just in case you have an issue.

What makes it special?
• Six massage settings
• Five intensity levels
• Body scan technology
• Multiple types of massage
• Automatic recline
• Lumbar heat

What cons did we find?
• Little to no complaints from reviewers