
Despite not being a completely brand new product (updated in 2008 with additional features), the Panasonic EP30005U massage chair found itself to be a popular product amongst the thousands attending CES for obvious reasons. As we stood around it marveling at high end front projectors and ultra-thin displays, we stood in line to treat ourselves to a demo with a machine capable of relaxing nearly every muscle in the body with a force once unavailable here in the US...

"Make it so, Number One!"
Whether your poison is shiatsu, deep, Swedish, a relaxing stretch or a quick circulatory pep session, the
Panasonic EP30005 Real Pro Ultra Deep Massage Chair seems to have it all (especially compared to an
add-on massage seat unit though we love
our Christmas gift chair). We enjoyed a few minutes in shiatsu heaven, noting the multitude of control options that can be dictated via voice recognition! Other relaxing features include and arm/hand massage sleeve (perfect for us stuck on the computer all day), a foot massage reflexology massage system using air bags to hit all those "ooh" and "ahh" points, 16 customizable programs.

We snapped this photo from an angle to edit out the line of drool escaping this gent's mouth as he relaxed in luxury.
Why is this updated unit labeled as a Ultra Deep model? Previously US bound Panasonic massage chairs came without this feature specifically aimed at the Asian markets, as US customers often found the "ultra deep" massage too forceful. But we guess times have changed, and these new massage chairs bring on the joyous pain (with an option for additional padding for all you pansies).
At nearly $4000, the Panasonic EP30005 Real Pro Ultra Deep Massage Chair is the sort of item we'd love to purchase one day once we win that darn lottery (for our dear mum), but we're convinced it wouldn't be a poor purchase if within your budget. From all the relaxed faces we saw hovering around the Panny booth, including ourselves, we think they might have found some future lottery-winning customers.
I spend about $100 tip for a good, deep, one hour massage where I live, and treat myself to this treat about 4 times a year. My wife does the same, maybe 6 times a year. Tally that up and we end up spending quite a bit at the masseuse.
Yes, $4k is a lot of money, but If I had the space to hide it (it's fugly) and the coin to drop I would get it, especially with a good warranty.
FYI - the best, seriously deep, massage I've ever had was at Qimantra in Singapore.
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