Sometimes, we find bliss in the least expected of places. The day of the launch of the OSIM uLove 2 (Aug 16) was an impossibly busy day. I had to dash to the CBD for an important appointment first thing in the morning, meet a deadline, pick up my seven-year-old for a playdate at indoor playground Buds, wrangle him off the premises, go home and change, drop the kid off at his grandparents’, then beat rush hour traffic to get to the OSIM headquarters in Ubi for the private preview of the OSIM uLove 2.
It could not have come at a better time. OSIM previews are always meticulously choreographed according to a theme, this one being “Love at First Class by OSIM Airlines”. This time, the receiving area – also termed the Experience Zone – was set up to resemble a first class airport lounge, and each guest was paired to an OSIM staff member who acted as a “steward” or “stewardess”. We were given cute boarding passes with a seat number on it. After hot towel service, guests could help themselves to TWG teabags and cookies from Old Seng Choon.
Then came my most anticipated moment – boarding time! We were each shown to the Lifestyle Zone, where rows of OSIM uLove 2 awaited.
Meeting the OSIM uLove 2 for the first time
I gratefully sank into the plush, quilted leatherette chair, which enveloped my entire body in an indulgent embrace. I’m an XS/S-sized person standing at only 158cm tall, but I felt that the fit of the chair was quite snug, although it could easily accommodate a much larger or taller person. The upper arm side panels can be adjusted to three positions to cater to all physiques.
An entertainment stand held an iPad, which was paired to the inbuilt speakers of the OSIM uLove 2 via Bluetooth. At a glance, this was the most obvious upgrade the uLove 2 sported, but that was not all. A remote control sat in its dock, but Terence, my steward, did not need to use it at all. Instead, he used the iPad, which was installed with the uLove 2 app, to select the massage program for me. The app is updated with new massage programs and has original music for download.
The foot massager is extendible and the headrest can be removed for head and neck massage.
Experiencing the OSIM uLove 2 aka 4手天王
We were going to try two massage programs: The first one for the head and neck, the second one for the back and butt. We were given the option of putting on eye steam masks so we could completely relax, but I wanted to keep my wits about me and chose to go without.
I had earlier been asked for the preferred intensity of my massage, and I chose “strong”. It turns out that the massage chair comes with seven intensity levels!
Once the massage chair started up, the intelligent auto shoulder detection started assessing my build to find out exactly where my head and shoulders were located. Soft, soothing music started playing through the speakers.
Then, this was when we truly experienced the signature difference of the uLove 2: The 4-Hand Massage and the V-Hand Massage with 720 degree roller balls. The 4-Hand Massage technology features four sets of powerful massage rollers that work synchronously to massage one’s upper and lower body concurrently, so you feel that your back is being kneaded concurrently with your thighs and butt.
But the real magic is in the V-Hand Massage. Somehow, the 720 degree roller balls can reach every single contour of my body, even the crooks of my neck and parts where my body naturally curves away from the chair. The rollers reach even the acupressure points all the way on top of my head, which I don’t think many massage chairs do.
For the first head and neck massage program, I would recommend that the massage strength be set to “mild” as the rollers will reach for the acupressure points right behind your ears. I’m a little on the bony side and those two acupressure points, being particularly sensitive, require a lighter touch. I’d suggest that with this massage program, go for Moderate or Mild intensity first, and then increase pressure as preferred.
The second massage program, which made use of the extendible foot massager, was more pleasurable. Although the emphasis was supposed to be on the legs, thigh and butt, the lumbar and shoulders were not neglected as all four sets of rollers set to work.
The back of the chair is self-heating, which really helps to soothe stiff, aching muscles.
The 3D surround sound system of the inbuilt speakers was also put to the test as we were shown a fan-made trailer of Captain Marvel. The speakers are well-balanced and the audio is articulate enough for you to make out dialogue, while the bass sound is not too boomy. The placement of the speakers is clever – not too near the ears. According to the press materials, they’re placed for optimal resonance. I wish that we had put on some opera music to see if the sound quality is up to scratch, but the experiment was good enough to tell me that it’s good enough for casual listening and watching dramas.
I really liked that the OSIM uLove 2 came with an entertainment stand and that it could be paired to the inbuilt speakers via Bluetooth, eliminating the need for headphones. The option of being able to sit up in Sofa mode with your hands out is great for workaholics, who may just want a quick head rub while getting some work done on their tablets.
But what I really loved about the OSIM uLove 2 was the intelligent V-Hand Massage by its 720 degree roller balls, and the fact that it can reach my head. True, the 4-Hand Massage is helpful at condensing the time needed for a full-body treatment, making full use of the 15-minute program to do as much as possible. But it’s the 720 degree roller balls that realistically emulates a masseuse’s grip, which really impresses me. It doesn’t feel mechanical at all, and what’s more, it’s completely quiet. You don’t hear the gears and cogs whirring unlike in other massage chairs. The positioning of the roller balls is accurate and you won’t get pinched.
The side panels offer complete privacy, so if these chairs are placed side by side in say, a salon, the users won’t be able to see each other at all. I really love that, because it means I don’t have to be concerned about dozing off and showing my sleeping face to the rest of the world.
What else you need to know about the OSIM uLove 2
The OSIM uLove 2 is designed by Japanese chiropractic massage expert Sato Tsuyoshi. Please see the following YouTube videos for his thoughts on the massage programs he came up with.
The massage chair comes with a formidable suite of massage programs. Tired after an exhausting ball game? Use the Sports program, which promotes recovery of muscles used in sports. Want a pampering massage to tone and firm your body? Try the Beauty program. Stiff and aching all over? Go for the Stretch mode, designed to loosen muscles and improve flexibility. Need some help to fall asleep? Choose the Sleep mode, which relaxes the body and mind for a good night’s rest.
The massage chair comes in an array of colours: Brown, Green, Purple (my favourite), Blue and Pink. The side panels of the chair are adorned with hand-painted magnolia or peony blooms. Right now, the OSIM uLove 2 is retailing at a special price of $5,499 (UP$6,699), when you use our promo code “Alvinology”.
And oh, Andy Lau is the official endorser of the OSIM uLove 2.
Where to buy
The OSIM uLove 2 (4手天王) is available for trial at all OSIM outlets and roadshows. You can also find out more or purchase the OSIM uLove 2 (4手天王) chair from www.OSIM.com.
#4手天王 #AndyLau #OSIMsg #OSIMuLove2 @OSIM_SG
i am still wondering during massage, do i need to lift up the head cushion? if not i dont feel much massage for the head and neck. but without it, my body posture causes the lumbar massage to be less impactful.