Table of Contents
Medical Breakthrough 6 v4 Massage Chair Review
Pros
- It Can Accommodate A Whopping 4'10-6'5 Ft In Height Range!
- Built In Calf Rollers Are Great At Working Those Pesky Calves!
- The Many World Massage Modes Keep Things Fresh & Exciting!
Cons
- I Cannot Come To Terms With The Exorbitant Pricing!
Who Are These Guys & What’s Their USP?
I review a variety of massage chairs; different brands from Osaki, Titan, Apex, Human Touch, Ogawa, Kahuna, Real Relax and many more.
But for all the chairs I do review, there’s a ton out there I don’t even know exist!
Medical Breakthrough is one such brand. A reader of my posts mentioned to me and asked what I thought about Medical Breakthrough chairs. Truth be told, I don’t know much! Hopefully I’ll know a lot more as I research this chair to write this review.
First things first, who are Medical Breakthrough and what makes them unique from all the other massage chair brands?
Medical Breakthrough are a no nonsense manufacturer and designer of massage chairs with one primary objective: design chairs that can actually relieve pain and improve posture.
Their viewpoint is that most massage chairs available in the market are lacking severely and only provide a massage for relaxation purposes, but do nothing to help with pain relief or posture correction.
They call it Medical Breakthrough because that’s exactly how much effort it required to design the chair after failing time and again with several design concepts!
Medical Breakthrough also claim that their chairs are backed by doctors, engineers, surgeons, and chiropractors. They specifically claim that their chairs are recommended by more than 26 MD’s!
Now I know you’re probably thinking anyone can say anything about their product and make all sorts of claims. Yes I get that, but I also think there is a lot of truth to what Medical Breakthrough claims. I say this because names of Doctors have been provided. Medical Breakthrough have gone to the extent of even providing the list of Doctors who use these chairs. Here’s where you can check it out!
There’s also a ton of reviews and testimonials on their site from engineers, technicians, chiropractors, massage therapists, pain specialists, and surgeons alike.
Why am I telling you all this? Well I think it’s just as important knowing all of this as it is knowing the technical details/specs of a chair. As consumers it gives us an appreciation of the effort that goes into designing these chairs!
This is especially important when you’re making a purchase upwards of a thousand or more dollars. Don’t you care to know how the design came into conception, and how it differs from all the other variations on the market? Don’t you care to know the quality and workmanship details that go into making a superior product? I think it’s very important to consider all of these things before buying!
Okay, now that you have a bit of history about Medical Breakthrough, let’s look at the Medical Breakthrough 6 v4 in greater detail. Let’s look at why MD’s from all around the globe love this thing so much. Let’s look at why Chiropractors are recommending this to their own patients!
6 Features To Know About The Medical Breakthrough 6 v4 Massage Chair!
#1 Its Got 3D Rollers On An Extended L-Track System
I’m just a tad surprised here. Surprised because when I see the price tag for this chair, it doesn’t quite add up as to why this chair only comes with 3D rollers. For how much it costs, there’s no excuse for it to not have 4D rollers.
Anyways, this is not the “cons” section so I won’t rant about it too much more here!
What are 3D rollers and how do they function? In terms of massage chair roller technology, 3D rollers are sandwiched between 2D & 4D. 2D being the oldest technology and the least advanced, and 4D being the newest technology and most advanced.
Before you can understand 3D rollers, you must understand 2D rollers. 2D rollers are the most basic. They function by moving up/down, and side to side. Pretty simple right? 3D is an extension to this with 1 additional dimension. That is, 3D rollers can also protrude in and out of the back.What about L-Track? What in the world does it mean?
L-Track simply describes 2 characteristics of the rollers. It looks at the shape a set of rollers take on as they move from neck to hamstrings (in this case L), and the total distance that is traversed (typically more than 47” for most L-Tracks).
#2 It Can Massage The Entire Body, Or So It Claims….
The more I read about the Medical Breakthrough 6 v4, the more skeptical I become. That’s not because the features that are being presented are too good to be true, but more so because I don’t see how this chair is better than any other of a similar price point.
Medical Breakthrough claims that the 6 v4 has one of the largest coverage maps. That means the chair can massage more areas of the body than competing chairs.
Okay fair point. Below is the map of all the parts of the body the 6 v4 can massage. Out of everything shown here, the only thing that stands out to me is the finger and reflexology hand massage. Everything else is all pretty standard. I can give examples of chairs that massage all of these areas. In fact, if you find a chair that has an extended SL-Track, your upper/mid body is pretty well covered.
My intent is not to bash Medical Breakthrough! However, I do think it’s important for me as a blogger to identify these differences to you, so you’re able to make a well informed decision. Medical Breakthrough have done well to cover so many areas no doubt about this. Does that make them the only chair to do it? Nope not in my opinion!
If they really wanted to stand out, they should think about developing a massage chair that’s able to cover the front of the body, not just the back.
That means having the ability to massage the chest, inner thighs etc. Now that would be something different!
#3 Reflexology Foot Massage System
The “Reflexology Foot Massage System” is something that Medical Breakthrough really pride themselves on. What does it consist of? Based on my research, it consists of 3 foot rollers rows as well as airbags (air cells) that massage the feet at the bottom, top and sides. Medical Breakthrough also mention something known as the Artificial Human Scraping Therapy Massage which is a system that ensures massage happens from heel to toes.
What do I think about all of this? Well again, I can’t say I’m blown away!
I can show you tons and tons of massage chairs that have an exactly similar configuration of 3 roller rows and airbags to massage the feet. I’m failing to understand what makes the Medical Breakthrough more special than all of these……maybe I’m missing something.
If it’s a software thing with the rollers, then I do think Medical Breakthrough should mention that, but for now I’m failing to see how the 6 v4 is better than any other chair with foot rollers.
#4 Incredible User Flexibility!
I might’ve been a little too critical on a few of the points above, but I will say that one thing I absolutely love about the Medical Breakthrough 6 v4 is its user flexibility. In other words, how well the chair is able to accommodate a variety of heights and weights.
The 6 v4 can fit anyone from 4’10 to 6’5 feet in height! That’s absolutely incredible, so props to Medical Breakthrough for managing this into the design!
It can accommodate a maximum weight of up to 250 lbs.
#5 Calf Rollers To Target Those Pesky Calves!
While there have been several advancements in the world of massage chairs, there are still a number of areas that could use improvement. One such area that’s severely lacking in most chairs I review is massage of the lower extremities from the waist down.
Unless you opt for an L-Track, the majority of the lower body will be painfully squished by intensely pulsating airbags. Not my idea of massage!
This is especially true in places where the rollers can’t reach. I’m talking specifically anything from the knees downward, and this applies even for L-Track chairs. Very few chairs have looked at addressing this issue. I’m glad to see that the Medical Breakthrough 6 v4 is one of them!
How have they done this?
A simple addition: calf rollers. Calf rollers compensate for the lack of massage from the knee downwards. Foot rollers of course take care of the feet. It surprises me that so many other manufacturers don’t take this seriously. All massage chairs should be fitted with calf rollers!
Note: Also another really cool feature added on the 6 v4 calf and foot rollers is heat therapy. That is, the rollers are heated and thereby provide a heated massage as they roll your calves and feet!
#6 World Massage—A Range Of Massages From Around The World!
“World Massage” is Medical Breakthrough’s take on auto massage modes. The idea is this:
Medical Breakthrough wanted to design a chair that can mimic famous massage types from all over the world, and that’s exactly what they’ve done!
The following modes are available on the 6 v4:
- Ancient Roman Therapy
- Turkish Treatment
- Japanese Shiatsu 3D Neck & Shoulder Massage
- Ancient Egyptian Massage
- Indonesian Deep Tissue Therapy
- Greek Stress Relief
- New Delhi Yoga Stretching
- Hawaiian Sleeping Massage
- Swedish Air-Cell Therapy
The above 9 auto modes offer something for everyone. If you’re looking for a low intense session with mild strokes, there is something for you. If you’re looking for deep tissue or stretch modes, there’s something for you also. If you’re just looking for a compression massage, this is also available.
What auto mode should I focus on using?
Try them all out and see which ones you like most. I typically prefer the deep tissue modes and modify them to have a lower airbag intensity setting. To each their own!
Medical Breakthrough 6 v4 Massage Chair Specifications
- Medical Breakthrough 6 v4 Specs
- Roller Type: L-Track
- Roller Length: Unknown
- Total Airbags: 167
- Upright Dimensions (Approximate): 30"W x 48"H x 50"D
- Chair Material: Synthetic Leather
- Maximum Height: 6’5 ft
- Maximum Recommended Weight: 250 lbs
Medical Breakthrough 6 v4 Massage Chair Pros & Cons
- User Flexibility Is Top Notch!—Especially when it comes to height, 4’10 to 6’5 is just an insane range. Now I get this probably won’t matter to a lot of people who are in the middle, but for those at the extremes, this is a game changer!
- Design, Quality & Workmanship—One thing that distinguishes Medical Breakthrough massage chairs from all others is that they do all programming, customising, and assembling by hand in the US. Why is this important? It’s important because it ensures a standard of quality is achieved. Interesting to know as well that all the leather used also comes from the US.
- Calf Rollers Have Me Smiling!—I’m all in for enhancements to design. The incorporation of calf rollers do exactly this! What makes it even more sweeter is that the calf and foot rollers are heated, so now you can enjoy a toasty massage on a cold day!
- Auto Modes AKA World Massage—Loving the concept of having massages from all over the world as auto modes. I would have liked to see the Thai massage in there too though!
- The Price Is Sooo Off!—By far the biggest turnoff with this chair is the pricing. I do think the Medical Breakthrough 6 v4 is a good chair, but by no means is it worth what it costs. As much as I try, there is no way I can justify the exorbitant price tag. Let me know if you agree/disagree in the comments!
- There’s A Few Things I Disagree With—For example the foot roller design on this chair is great, but I don’t see how it’s miles better than any other chair with 3 foot roller rows and airbags. Another example is the claim made that the 6 v4 massages the entire body, something that most competing chairs cannot. I disagree with this as well.
How Does The Medical Breakthrough 6 v4 Compare To Other Massage Chairs?
The best way to make an informed buying decision is to compare one product to another. This is no different for massage chairs! To be sure you’re getting the most “bang for your buck”, you better make sure you’ve done all your research and seen what the market has to offer.
If you fail to do this much, you’ll be doing yourself a big disservice!
Now then what should we be comparing the 6 v4 against? Well we could compare it to really any massage chair, but I don’t think that would add much value. If the 6 v4 has you interested then that means you’re probably looking for a chair with similar or better technology.
To ensure we are doing a “fair” comparison we must always compare “apples to apples”.
For this reason we will compare the 6 v4 to 2 similar chairs with 3D rollers packing an extended L-Track. Specifically, we will be comparing it against the Titan Prime 3D & the Osaki Pro Admiral.
A relatively new release from the Osaki/Titan/APEX family. This is a powerful unit packing the latest in massage chair technology. It also comes with calf rollers. As far as pricing, bang for buck all day!
One of my favourite massage chairs on the market. It might not be the cheapest option, but it’s overall performance does make up for the expensive price tag. 16 auto modes is what it comes with!
- Medical Breakthrough 6 v4
- $$$$$
Price - 4’10 – 6’5 ft & 250 lbs.
User Height/Weight - L-Track
Roller Track - 9
Auto Modes - 167
Airbags - 3
Foot Roller Rows - Yes
Calf Rollers - Lower Back, Calves, & Feet
Heating Pads
- Titan Prime 3D
- $$
Price - 5’0 – 6’2 ft & 260 lbs.
User Height/Weight - L-Track
Roller Track - 6
Auto Modes - 12
Airbags - 2
Foot Roller Rows - Yes
Calf Rollers - Lower Back
Heating Pads
- Osaki OS Pro Admiral
- $$$
Price - 5’0 – 6’4 ft & 240 lbs.
User Height/Weight - L-Track
Roller Track - 16
Auto Modes - 24
Airbags - 3
Foot Roller Rows - No
Calf Rollers - Lower Back & Calves
Heating Pads
Does Everything I’ve Said To You Make Sense Now?
By looking at the table above we can see that the Medical Breakthrough 6 v4 is not at all better than most of its competitors. It might have the edge when it comes to some things such as user flexibility and heat therapy, but definitely not other things! (auto modes for example!)
Does that make it a “bad” chair? Nope not at all!
It’s a pretty good massage chair actually. It’s just not very economical, that’s all! Don’t know about you but when I’m spending thousands of dollars, I want to be absolutely certain I’m getting the best deal, and I don’t think the 6 v4 is the best deal currently on the market.
Other chairs like the Pro Admiral can do a fantastic, comparable job at a much lower price!
So what should you buy? My final recommendation is to consider the Pro Admiral instead of the Medical Breakthrough 6 v4. Everyone has their own opinion, and this is mine. I guess I’m not entirely sold on all the features and why I should spend such an exorbitant amount when other chairs are giving me pretty much the same at a lower cost.
Look guys (& gals), the only way you can be sure you’re getting the best deal is to do your research. See what’s out there and filter down your search to a few chairs. Once you have this done, it’s just a matter of finding the best price on the market.
Whoever said buying a massage chair was a simple task is dead wrong! Research, research and more research! Good luck, be happy, be well and be safe! I’ll see you in next week’s post!
Amazing review and Technical Details. Thank You. Do you know the length of L track roller of each one of them. Also why would you pick Admiral over Titan if they dont have have calf roller.
Thanks Satyendra! Hope you’re well. I’m afraid I don’t know the actual length of the L-Track for the Medical Breakthrough 6 v4. When I called them up they didn’t seem to know what is was either, which is a little strange. The Admiral has a 49 inch L-Track, and the Prime 3D has a 48 inch L-Track.
Why do I pick the Admiral over the Prime? A couple reasons. One, it’s got 10 more auto modes which is a lot! Two, it’s got double the airbags. Three, it’s got an extra row of foot rollers. Four, the heating is better on the Admiral than the Prime 3D, and finally the Admiral has better user flexibility. The Admiral is a better chair overall and in terms of functionality, but the Prime 3D is still a great choice if you’re looking at a budget 3D option. Does that answer your question Satyendra? If not, please feel free to reply again. Thanks again and do take care!
One thing that you didn’t mention on the Medical Breakthrough review is that they actually ship to Alaska and Hawaii, and they don’t charge for that shipping. Try to find another company that ships to Alaska for less than $1000…if they will even ship to this state.
Fair point David, I didn’t know that! Thanks for educating me, much appreciated!
Medical Breakthrough 8 Chair
I’ve had this chair for 8 or 9 months now and on the 2nd repair. Their website says “All of our chairs come with a 3 year warranty. If you have any problems with your chair, we will send technicians to come to your home and fix it completely FREE.” First it really hard to reach someone on the support side. If you can get someone to call you back (not easy) they will try to say the warranty is only 1 year and attempt to charge you for shipping the part unless you install it yourself. I’m still waiting for both problems to be fixed and the first one occurred 5-6 months ago.
Paul, I’m so sorry to hear that. If you’re not getting much of a response I suggest you try other avenues such as contacting them by email or even Facebook. I know when I called a few months ago (just for inquiring), I got connected to someone right away. Please try again and keep me updated on how it goes. All the best Paul!
Nothing has changed. If you call in for sales you get right through. But if you call support or shipping it’s a different story. I finally got tired of it and opened a better business bureau case and it seems like there is at least some movement now. But the chair is still broken and after 6 months still not repaired.
Nice to hear again Paul. Thanks for posting and letting us know how it’s been going dealing with them. This might prove to be very useful for anyone who is considering buying a Medical Breakthrough chair. I do hope the better business bureau are able to expedite a response and some sort of resolution for you. Feel free to continue keeping us updated!
I was going to order a MB 6 , but am having second thoughts from your review and the BBB site also.I will be doing more research before buying any massage chair
Great to hear from ya Albert! I’m glad my review proved useful to you. I always say the best thing you can do is research. I might sound like a broken record, but research can save you from serious disappointment. Definitely worth an hour or two (or more!) to truly understand what it is you want, and which chair aligns with that. If you do have any specific questions, or need advice, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Apologies for the delayed response!