Product Review of Panasonic EP-3222KU Massage Chair
The subject of this review is the Panasonic Real Pro Elite model EP-3222. This is one of the high end luxury massage loungers in the Panasonic line. Panasonic is one of the leaders in the development of mechanical massage therapies. We will evaluate some of the advanced features and function of the EP 3222. Let us delve into our review of this Panasonic massage chair.
Warranty coverage is an important aspect of purchasing any manufactured product these days. Although quality levels continue to improve and the incidence of breakdown is minimal, you still want to make sure you have protection. Warranty coverage is like obtaining an insurance policy. One you hope to never use, but just in case it is there if you need it.
The EP-3222 Real Pro Elite comes with warranty coverage from Panasonic. Panasonic gives you 3 years parts and 1 year labor on this chair. This coverage is below what other manufacturers give you. Most manufacturers provide in home technician service for at least 90 days and in some cases for up to 1 year. Panasonic does allow you to purchase an extended warranty at additional cost.
Panasonic integrates some fancy technology to truly customize the massage for each user. When starting an automatic program, the massage chair performs a body scan. The EP 3222 makes a virtual map of your back. It locates your acupressure points. This is then inputted into the chair's computer and the program then focuses on stimulating your individual acupressure points during the course of the massage.
Another innovative feature of the EP3222 is the floating massage mechanism. The floating massage mechanism is patterned after the hand movements of a master masseuse. The floating mechanism consists of 2 to 4 firm rubber massage heads. These massage heads can very accurately simulate certain massage movements like pressing with the heal of the hand, stroking with the palm of the hand, thumb-like kneading and thumb-like pressure.
There is no shortage of massage techniques with this massage recliner. Panasonic equips this chair with 11 basic massage modes, 6 automatic programs and memory capability to store your favorite massages. Some of the more important massage techniques include Swedish, Kneading, Compression, Tapping, Shiatsu and Rolling. These massage techniques are effective to relieve aches, relax muscles, increase energy flow and increase blood flow.
This is a full body massage chair and comes with a lower body air massage system. The air massage system comes with 33 airbags that provide a soothing compression style massage. The airbags are inflated which provide a firm squeeze on your buttocks, thighs, calves and feet. You can vary the level of air pressure to find the perfect compression level to provide relief.
The remote control has large format buttons for each of the automatic programs. Just touch the button and the automatic massage starts which will run the entire chair. There are buttons to adjust the chair back and leg ottoman with automatic controls. You can also store or memorize certain massage programs. This is great for setting up a given massage for you that you can later recall on demand. Panasonic also includes a voice guidance system. The voice guidance system can be activated to walk you through the steps of using the remote control.
There is a lower body traction system built into the EP3222. This provides an excellent stretch of the lower body. The leg rest is designed to hold your feet, raise the leg rest and then lower it slowly. This will elongate your muscles and improve your range of motion.
The Panasonic Real Pro Elite series has some other massage functions that we did not review like the Swede-Atsu that provides realistic feeling massage therapy. This is also incorporated in the EP3222 model. The massage therapies are good and the variety will enable you to get practically every type of ache, pain or tension relieved on demand. Our only concern with Panasonic is the short warranty on the labor. Other than that the EP 3222 is a solid massage chair and worthy of your further consideration.