Review: OSIM uSqueez Warm Pro Leg Massager

When my family checked out foot massagers recently, the OSIM uSqueez Warm made an immediate positive impression. The uSqueez Warm gave a massage that was so enjoyable we were sorry when the 15-minute cycle ended. When it came to soothing our tired feet, it definitely worked as advertised.

When I studied the product flyer, I found that the feel-good massage delivered by the uSqueez is achieved through a combination of four functions:

• Heat. I found the warm heat really making a difference, giving a soothing spa feel to the whole massage experience. On a therapeutic level, the OSIM product flyer states that the heat helps to dilate the blood vessels thus increasing the flow of oxygen and nutrients from the body to the feet. The heat is also supposed to flush out lactic acid.
• Roller Massage. The rollers simulate the technique used by foot reflexologists to stimulate points in the soles. Foot reflexology is believed to promote overall health.
• Squeeze Massage. The calves, ankles and feet are simultaneously squeezed by kneading discs. Users can select one of three programmes: programme I recharges tired feet, programme II stimulates acupressure points for overall wellbeing, and programme III relieves muscle aches.
• Vibration Massage. According to the OSIM product flyer, vibration massage helps to stimulate acupressure points and improve blood circulation and cleanse the body of toxins. Vibration can set to one of three intensities - Auto, High and Low.

These functions can be used separately or in combination to provide up to 25 massage options.

A few tips we gleaned from OSIM staff at one of its retail outlets:

• The seat of your chair should be higher than the top of the leg massager.
• Each program lasts 15 minutes. Since each session is already quite intensive, it is probably not advisable to go for more than two 15-minute sessions per day.
• Have a drink of lukewarm water after the massage, as is usually recommended after any type of massage. It is supposed to help in the flushing of toxins.
• You should rest the machine in between 15-minute cycles to prevent overheating.

• The massager can be turned from an upright position to a reclined or even flat position for different massage angles.
• The fabric covers are detachable, and easily removed by unzipping. Covers should be handwashed.

One factor which may concern some buyers would be the weight of the uSqueez -- 24 kg! It's too heavy for you to easily store away and take out when you want to use it. That means that basically it needs a permanent place next to a suitable chair or sofa. The good news is that the massager can be turned over when not in use to function as a rather good-looking legrest.

When you search for this product on the internet, you may be confused by the names uSqueez Warm and uSqueez Pro. What's the difference? The simple answer is: none. According to a staff member at a Singapore OSIM retail shop, the product was initially marketed as the uSqueez Pro. The name was later changed to communicate one of the unique features of the product - its heat therapy function. A really smart name change, I think (though of course it would have been smarter if they had thought of it before they put the product on the market).