I have received quite a few HoMedics products over the years and they have worked well. I bought this pillow for a family member for Christmas one year and they liked it a lot. I also have tried it several times and it feels good. I like HoMedics because their massage things are stronger than other ones out there. The shiatsu messages are great. I don't remember getting a ton of heat out of this pillow, but I don't really use it for the heat so that didn't bother me. This massage pillow is very relaxing when just sitting and watching television or reading a book. You can place it in the position you want to make it the most comfortable for you. The little massaging balls are pretty strong and get into your muscles. I find that these products last. I haven't had one break yet and I have massage products from this company for my feet, back and neck. I know that the family member that we bought this for still uses his as well. It's a nice basic color and blends in well. It's a good size to store away in a closet or cupboard. The heat is an added bonus. I like this massaging pillow a lot!

anne2shine

USA

I have always had stiff and aching neck and shoulders. This massaging pillow does a great job. It takes a little getting used to on the stronger massage cycle; however, placing a towel on top of pillow lessens the intensity if one is lying down on it.. The vibration cycle I could lie on forever with the heat on. I adjust my pillows and this massaging pillow on my shoulders and neck and drift to sleep. It shuts off in 20 minutes. It's not good to sleep on all night, but does a great job on tight muscles and relaxes me. It is also great on muscle spasms in the middle and lower back. The heat is a big plus as well. I highly recommend this massaging pillow. It is very versatile.

sag64

Cincinnati, OH

HoMedics is a trusted name in healthcare items. This Shiatsu pillow will not disappoint. I look forward to coming home and resting my neck on this pillow. It massages the days stress away. It's relaxing, quiet, and durable. It is an excellent value for the price.

SDomke1964

USA

I had a lot of lower back pain when I was pregnant, so my father-in-law thoughtfully got me this massaging pillow for Christmas. For some reason, I use it more now than I did when I was pregnant, but it's a great item to own. I used to own a black HoMedics back massaging seat pad that I used for pain due to my scoliosis, but it didn't work. All it did was vibrate, so it was just about useless. I was thinking this massager would probably work as well (poorly), but it doesn't; it actually gives you a good massage! **HoMedics Shiatsu Massaging Pillow **is pillow/cushion that has hard, rotating balls inside that apply a Shiatsu, or a deep, kneading massage when you are leaning against the pillow. My particular model (#SP-10H-1) has heat. There is a soft, plush material on the exterior of the pillow and a flap that you can lift up to have a more intense massage. I find it too intense with the flap up, so my flap is always down. To use it, place the pillow against a couch or seat and lay against it. There's a circular button you press when you want it to start. If you want heat with your massage, press the button twice and then once more to turn it off. I am really impressed with the level of massage this little pillow can put out. The balls inside the pillow are quite intense and provide a deep massage. So deep, I have to adjust the pillow so it doesn't hurt my spine. The ball on bone feeling isn't very nice, so I have to move the pillow around to make sure it's only on muscle. As for the heat, it feels nice, but I'm not sure it really does anything therapeutic. It is nice to have though. Not only did I use my **HoMedics Shiatsu Massaging Pillow **when I was pregnant, but I actually use it now more. My husband loves to use it after a long day, so this bad boy gets used pretty frequently. It's actually plugged into an outlet by our couch so it's always within reach. If you suffer from chronic back pain or would just to relax at the end of a long day, treat yourself to this pillow!

this2shallpass19

Camp Lejeune, NC

I have been searching high and low for the *Homedics Shiatsu Pillow*; a pillow which can withstand me laying down right on it with minimal loss of massaging force. I am glad, however, I didn't buy this for the heating element. The massagers turn red to tell you the heating function is on but you wouldn't know it when using the pillow. The size is great though and I love the fact it doesn't run on batteries! I could do without the noise but if the noise means a stronger massage, I'm sold! Yet, If I use it to long, I do wake up the next day sore.   The power of the massagers may be to much for some. I wouldn't exactly call it relaxing but for me it is just right. I am the type of person where when somebody is massaging my back I am constantly asking them to push harder. The unfortunate massager quickly buckles under the pressure and walks away with sore thumbs and the feeling they may have injured me; I'm left with an unsatisfied tense back and neck.   The heat mechanism was only a plus for me. I don't mind I don't feel the heat because I am to busy enjoying the feel of my tension melting away. I don't recommend this for the warm toasty relaxers out there.   I would say the pillow is about the size of a throw pillow, only in rectangle form. I like being able to adjust it by leaving out one side if I want to use just one massager on one specific spot. I often use only one of the massagers because for my back they aren't place close enough together. If I use both I find one side will be hitting the right spot while the other side is reaming on a boney area.   The pillow is a tad bit to noisey for my liking. I wanted to turn it on the other night while my boyfriend slept but was afraid the sound would wake him. Again, I don't mind the sound because to me it is only a sign that the thing is powerful!   All in all, I give this a 5 star rating for intensity and durability. There is virtually no heat and it is somewhat noisey though. I do feel like I am getting the well needed massage I've always craved when I use it and that is all I need! Worth every penny (at Wal-mart.com I ordered mine for 49.99+tax).

DanaNicole76

Sawyer, MN

oh my goodness .  Most pillows simply vibrate, but this pillow means business when it comes to taking away your stress.  there is nothing else like. it.  My favorite feature is the auto shutoff.   this  can put you right to sleep.. the inventor of this is a genius

jsmwestx

Bellville, OH

I love the other Homedics shiatsu products and have used them for years but I had to return this pillow. It was completely unusable. The pillow is thick and contains some kind of large, hard square item - presumably the motor that runs the rotating balls. I was really hoping this would help with the neck pain I've been experiencing. I tried over and over to use it but because the hard square is in the way, I couldn't get the rollers to actually touch my neck. I don't have a short neck. I tried it upside down and right side up, while sitting and while lying down. No matter what position the rollers couldn't be maneuvered into a place where they reached my neck. Even flexing my head down didn't work, although that position would be impossible when experiencing bad neck pain. It would have been so simple for Homedics to move the hard motor casing to one side or some other position other than centered and right next to the rollers. The rollers apparently work well and the fabric cover is soft. Perhaps if you experience lower back pain this would be usable but I'd suggest the Homedics shiatsu back massaging cushions as a better option.

mooog

Fort Valley, VA

I suffer from frequent Migraine Headaches.  There was a period of time where I would get 2-3 incredibly painful Migraines a week, before my Doctor and I were able to discover why.  We found that I carried a LOT of tension in my neck and shoulders, and this was pinching and damaging nerves in my neck and causing me terrible Migraines.  When I told my Mother what we found, she let me borrow her "Homedics Shiatsu Massage Pillow" to massage away the tension.  The very next day I went out and purchased my own.  The pillow is comfortable, incredibly easy to use, and I love the feature that uses heat to assist in the massage.  The power cord is very long, which means that you can use it almost anywhere.  I have also used this pillow on my lower back, with a SMALL amount of pressure, and it helps there too.   I would definitely recommend this product to family and friends, and even strangers I meet on the street!

cbar86

Norfolk, CT

I sit on a computer all day at work and it really gets to my neck and shoulders. So when I recieved the Homedics Shiatsu Pillow  for christmas I was more than thrilled. It really gets deep into the muscles for a good at home massage. You can use it sitting up or laying down which is great. The heating on it really isn't so great though. You really can't tell a difference whether it's on or off. But the pros defintaly out weigh the cons. All in all i don't know how i ever lived without it! 

lookitgirl

Pasadena, TX

I have 3 herniated discs in my neck that put pressure on nerves that go down my left arm and into my thumb.  My left arm aches constantly and I feel a shooting "charge" down my arm during certain activities or when my neck is in certain positions.  My job is very physical and I've just dealt with this pain for over a year because I don't want surgery (yet?)  Anyway, my cousin and his wife gave me this pillow for Christmas and I have to say it is my favorite and most used gift of the year. The things I like about it are that it doesn't run on batteries, it provides a deep kneading massage instead of annoying vibration, it's very comfortable and easy to position where needed, its very well constructed and stands up to abuse from my two young grandsons.  I don't really feel the heat but that doesn't bother me.  If I'm really uncomfortable, I use my heating pad for about 10 minutes to loosen and relax my muscles, then use the shiatsu pillow. 

Gertrude10

Bartlesville, OK