How To Choose Between Air Relax and The Rapid Reboot Sequential Air Compression Systems
For serious athletes or people with a variety of circulatory problems, the use of sequential air compression boots can be extremely helpful. These days there are several popular leg massager brands on the market; however, most are pretty pricey. In this article, we will compare and contrast the two lowest priced options. Read on to learn more.
Air Relax Is a Thrifty Option
Air Relax compression boots are apparently a fairly simple knock-off of costlier styles of compression leg massage recovery systems. The boots offer all the basics, and some features outshine those of more expensive competitors.
The product looks very much like the Rapid Reboot system, except that the boots are a bit puffier looking when in use. Also, the feet appear to have rounded contours as compared with Rapid Reboot’s triangular shape. Pictures of the product indicate that the boots come in more than one color (Rust and Black). The boots have a standard inseam length of 30 inches.
Air Relax does not come with a carrying case. The 60Hz pump is a little larger than that offered by Rapid Reboot and comes with a remote control. The main pump features an anti-scratch casing with a convenient carrying handle. It operates on a standard 110-120V US household outlet. It is compatible with most electrical outlets throughout Canada, the US and Mexico.
Four modes of operation are offered:
A. Peristaltic
B. Sequential
C. Massage
D. Auto Mode
The “D” setting provides alternating peristaltic and sequential treatment. In addition to the 4 settings, you can also select from 4 pressure levels so you have a possibility of 8 different combinations. The unit has a 15-minute shut-off safety feature.
Users who are experienced with other brands say that they appreciate the remote control, which makes changing programs very easy. This allows users to do paperwork, read or just relax while recovering without having to move around to change or adjust settings.
Easy to Use
Use of these compression leg massagers is very simple. You simply put on the boots (making sure you have left and right on correctly), pull up the zippers and adjust fit with the Velcro straps.
Use the remote control to select your settings and relax for 15 minutes. You needn’t worry if you doze off. The automatic shut-off feature will turn the machine off for you. For best and most relaxing results, you should wear lightweight, comfortable clothing while using the Air Relax.
Effective Therapy
In terms of performance, users uniformly say that Air Relax compression leg massager deliver powerful compression and speedy recovery from all levels of athletic pursuit. They are also an excellent therapeutic choice for people suffering from:
- Post-immobilization edema
- Venous insufficiencies
- Primary Lymphedema
- Nerve compression
- Water retention
- Knee problems
- Varicose veins
- Sport recovery
- Sport injuries
- Lymphedema
- Swollen legs
- Swollen legs
- Swollen feet
- Leg cramps
- Tension
The manufacturer says that Air Relax compression boots are in current professional use by chiropractors, physicians and therapists. The product is cleared as a medical grade device by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Even so, the manufacturers warn that Air Relax is NOT intended for use by people who have:
- Blood clots or a risk of blood clots
- Severe peripheral neuropathy
- Ischemic vascular disease
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Heart conditions
- Thrombophlebitis
- Skin conditions
- Pacemaker
- Phlebitis
- Edema
They further warn that you should not use the unit if you are pregnant or have recently undergone surgery. The manufacturer recommends consulting your doctor before use in any case.
These air compression leg massagers receive fairly consistently high ratings for performance and workmanship, but some customers complain that the product is not reliable in the long term. They claim that some settings stop working after only a few months. However, this type of complaint may be down to improper use. Even so, the product comes with a 1 year warranty, and you can purchase a 2 or 3 year extended warranty if you wish to.
Rapid Reboot Is A Crowd Pleaser
Rapid Reboot is a recovery system which is styled and marketed to appeal to serious athletes.
Rapid Reboot is an FDA certified, class II medical device; however, the manufacturers target collegiate, professional and Olympic athletes and focus on the product’s ability to:
- Increase blood circulation to muscles
- Reduce exercise-induced swelling
- Promote consistent recovery
- Metabolize carbon dioxide
- Facilitate protein synthesis
- Alleviate inflammation
- Mobilize metabolites
- Improve circulation
- Flush lactic acid
- Mitigate edema
- Speed healing
Mention of medical uses is secondary and very similar to that described in Air Relax information.
The Rapid Reboot pump is smaller and sleeker than the Air Recovery pump; however, in power usage and requirements, it is identical: 60Hz, 110-120V and compatible with standard electrical outlets in Canada, the US and Mexico.
Choices Abound
You have a few more choices with Rapid Reboot. For example, the automatic safety shut off feature enables you to choose between 10-minute, 20-minute or half-hour sessions.
You can choose between two use modes:
A. Improves venous outflow and arterial inflow.
B. Improves circulation and helps mobilize lymph fluid, lactic acids, metabolites and carbon dioxide.
There are also ten pressure settings to choose from, and you can select which chambers you want to activate. This allows you to focus on areas that need more attention or remove pressure from injured areas if you wish.
Where Air Relax only offers one size boot, which can be adjusted with Velcro straps, Rapid Reboot offers several choices in boot sizes and inseam lengths.
Perks, Quality & Customer Service Are Great!
The product quality is superior as are the special features such as:
- Integrated hoses enter at the feet only. This makes setup easier and is less cumbersome than having hoses attach at several points on the leg (as with Air Relax).
- Foot compartment has a triangular shape, which is more comfortable and provides compression for the soles of the feet rather than the sides.
- Dual track zippers provide a more perfect fit for any circumference leg.
- The fabric is light seamless and easy to clean.
- The product comes with a handy carrying case and a complete user’s manual.
- Customer service is stellar, and the 2-year warranty is iron-clad.
Users of this recovery system tend to be serious, often traveling, athletes who need and appreciate the rugged, lightweight carrying case. They report having consistently superior results and improved performance when using these boots. When problems do arise, customer service is prompt and solutions usually involve quick replacement of damaged components or units.
Your Intended Use Can Determine Your Choice
In the final analysis, both Air Relax and Rapid Reboot leg massagers are good products. Rapid Reboot is a bit slicker and offers a few more features that may be very important for serious and professional athletes. These may not be worth the price difference for casual, everyday exercisers, your average weekend warrior or for a senior citizen dealing with circulation problems.
If you depend on a high level of fitness, travel to competitions frequently and expect to need a high level of customer service response due to your active lifestyle, Rapid Reboot is a good choice for you.
If you go to a gym, exercise at home, want to do home physical therapy or just want to rest and revive your tired legs at the end of a long day, Air Relax will do the job. It is also likely to be sufficient for most fairly serious athletes.
This should not be considered as medical advise. Check with your doctor if you have any health concerns.
Just wondering how you failed to see that air relax offers better pressure giving deeper massage and better lymphatic drainage?
You failed to state how airrelax gives you 3 modes Plus point mode that allows athletes to individualize their recovery better and how the b mode provides a reverse massage allowing oxygenated blood to get back to all muscle groups faster allowing for better recovery.
If you look at both systems at an elite level than air relax offers more modes and 10 different features