Greetings to all of you, dear friends! We drivers, while driving a vehicle, sometimes spend hours “steering” here and there, without changing the position of our body. This is the main inconvenience for the “operator” of any vehicle. Well, this is how the human body works, sitting in one place certainly causes us discomfort and nothing can be done about it. Although, you can still come up with something, because we people are the smartest organisms on planet Earth. Or rather, even so - everything has already been invented before us. To prevent lower back pain and back stiffness, our grandfathers used a regular wooden seat cover. You've definitely come across it, from such round videos. So, despite the emergence of ultra-modern massager seats, as well as various electric analogues, in the countries of the former USSR it is the wooden cover on a car seat that is still relevant to this day. Let's figure out what exactly is the success of this simple creation and whether it is possible to create such an accessory using improvised means.

Features of seat covers

Absolutely all seat covers known to the world are divided into two types:

1. Active;
2. Passive.

The first are the very product of modern technologies; they are powered by a cigarette lighter and massage the car enthusiast’s back with moving elements that are driven by electronics. In principle, I can’t say anything bad about such attributes, only one thing confuses me – the price. But today everything around says that you need to save, so let’s postpone this option until better times.

The wooden cape is part of the group of passive accessories. It consists of two elements:

• Conical or spherical wooden rollers - their number can be measured in hundreds.
• Strong connecting thread - we like to use regular fishing line.

These two parts, when interacting, can really relax the driver’s back, which will allow him to travel hundreds of kilometers without stopping. The procedure is as simple as two: the rollers, in contact with the driver’s body, scroll along their axis in such a way, stretching his back. In addition, thanks to the existing distance between the pieces of wood, a real ventilation branch is formed under you. That is, the likelihood of sweating is minimal.

Only environmentally friendly materials!

It would seem as simple as shelling pears, what other pitfalls could there be? But no, there is one small but! The fact is that some types of wood contain various resins in their structure, which over time will begin to appear on the surface, which means they can easily ruin both new trousers and an expensive seat. To prevent this from happening, before you buy a wooden cape, find out what kind of wood it is made of. Ideally, it should be beech covered with a varnished layer. It is resistant to mechanical damage, does not absorb moisture, and most importantly, it is safe for humans. Of particular value are capes made of bone, which are almost eternal.

Also, when thinking about your health and acquiring such an attribute, you need to consider the following. The wooden cape is used exclusively in the warm season. I know that if it’s hung, it will hang until it’s erased. Well, if you seriously take care of yourself, then in winter it will only make you colder.

Are you weak?

Knowing the mentality of many drivers (maximum independence), I can’t help but suggest one simple and effective way to do something similar with your own hands, and without any financial costs. Of course, you can find special wooden rollers on sale for creating a wooden cape, but tell me how much cheaper this purchase will be. It’s easier then to just buy a ready-made attribute. Agree, the whole problem is in obtaining those ill-fated pieces of wood that are produced on special machines. I’ll say right away that we can do without them altogether. As an alternative, regular champagne corks work great. I understand, your first question is “Where can I get them?” If you have problems with this, postpone the “skillful hands” procedure for several weeks. December, friends, is ahead of the New Year, so this issue should disappear in January. So what we need:

• Small diameter drill;
• Textile;
• File;
• Ordinary nylon threads and needle;
• N is the number of traffic jams;
• Drill or screwdriver.

Agree, similar tools can be found in any owner’s workshop; you don’t need to buy anything. However, the process itself is a little monotonous; it will require attentiveness and patience, but rest assured, the result will be worth the effort.

I will not go into detail and chew on each stage in particular. For what? Below you will find a video in which everything is clearly explained; I am sure you will get an excellent massage cape for the seats of your own “iron horse”. In principle, the final result depends only on you. Turn on your imagination and add individuality to the accessory; no one limits your creative fantasies. That's all for me, leave feedback and stay with us!

Often the pace of modern life that a person is forced to adhere to does not leave room for rest and relaxation. We don't have enough time to stop and listen to our body. After all, taking care of yourself and your health is not on most people’s daily to-do list. But do we think about it?

Fortunately, today there are many ways to take care of yourself in the meantime, because where there is demand, there will always be supply. Thus, a massage cape placed on the seat of your car will automatically help you relax, relieve fatigue, and take the load off your spine, while you rush about business without being distracted by extraneous factors. That is why such an attribute is very useful and convenient at the same time.

You need a massage cover for a car seat if:

• you spend a lot of time driving;
• you have a “sedentary” job, during which there is no opportunity to stretch your back;
• you have diseases related to the spine;
• you rarely manage to visit a massage parlor;
• sometimes you have unexplained back pain;
• you are often tired during the day;
• The seats in your car are not very comfortable.

In addition, such a massage cape can give you a lot of pleasant massage sensations and perform additional useful functions. Today, there are many types of massage capes that can be placed in a car: from the most primitive and economical wooden ones, to the miracle of technological progress - vibrating massage capes. Depending on what functions you want to get from the product and what price you expect, you can choose the best option.

Today we will look at such types of massage capes for cars as wooden, vibration massage and thermal massage. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages; moreover, you need to pay attention to the price when choosing a product.

Species

Wooden massage capes for cars

What does a massage cover for a wooden car seat look like? It looks like an unusually shaped rug, which consists of many small wooden balls. It is these balls, due to their ability to move freely to the right and left, as well as rotate around their axis, that create the massage effect. The advantage of having such a thing in the car is that it can serve as a seat cover, which, accordingly, retains its presentation much longer.

What is the benefit of such a massage cape for a person? It performs a number of functions that help the driver and passengers of the car stay in good shape:

• creates the effect of roller and acupressure;
• takes on part of the load of the spine;
• maintains uniform blood circulation along the back;
• relieves fatigue and allows you to feel full of energy for a long time.

Advice! Many car owners who often have to drive praise the wooden cape not for its massage properties, but for the fact that it creates a ventilation effect between the body and the seat of the car, which allows them to sweat less in the summer heat.

Also, a wooden seat cover is the most affordable to purchase. Its prices vary from 300 to 500 rubles, and its useful qualities are undeniable. It is known that the greatest load on the spine occurs just when a person is sitting, and a massage cape made of wood will help make this work easier for him.

Capes with vibration massage effect

What does a massage cape with vibration effect look like? Such devices come in a variety of types and colors. Being well chosen, they can very organically fit into the design of any car, or even diversify and decorate the interior. A classic black cape for all occasions, an elegant white and beige or soft pink for selective women, specially designed devices for tall people and people of small stature... The range is very large and can please anyone, even the most demanding taste.

Modern car capes with vibration effect use three interesting massage techniques:

1. Shiatsu - acupressure (finger) massage. This eastern technique allows you to select the points that most need to relieve tension and work with them more intensively.
2. Roller massage- represents uniform wave movements that run along the entire spine.
3. Vibromassage is the most modern method of massage, which has a positive effect not only on the spine, but also on internal organs and the general condition of the body.

Such devices operate from the network, but often have low energy consumption, because they are designed specifically for cars, with the expectation that it will be convenient for a person to use the product for its intended purpose.

The vibromassage cape has the following functions:

1. Proficient in three different massage techniques.
2. It can massage many different points of the human body: from the neck to the hips.
3. It has many massage programs (their number may vary depending on the cape model).
4. The device has a built-in microcomputer.
5. Has a remote control.
6. Often comes with a 1 year warranty.
7. It has a timer, thanks to which the device can turn on and off automatically when it is convenient for you.
8. Relaxes a person.
9. Helps cure diseases of the spine.
10. Strengthens the body's immunity.

The price for car covers with a vibration massage effect is not as affordable as for similar wood products. But it is quite possible that your costs will be offset by positive changes in your health.

Heated capes

Warmth always has a positive effect on human health. It can cure many diseases: from a runny nose to back pain. Thermal wrap for car seats is an ideal option for people suffering from spinal diseases. You will also be glad to have this item in your car when the winter cold sets in. Buy a heated cape and, while driving a car, you will feel as if you moved to live in the tropics. What does such a cape look like? Almost the same as a cape with a vibration massage effect. After all, their main difference is that one of them has a heating function, while the other does not. A thermal cape can almost always perform all the same functions as its vibromassage counterpart. So, when you buy such a product, you simply get one more additional feature.

Important! In summer, you can easily use the heated massage cap, because the heating option can be easily turned off.

Results

All massage capes differ from each other in purpose and function. Wooden version - allows you to protect car covers from abrasion and provides a passive massage. A product with a vibration massage function replaces a paid massage therapist. A thermal cape allows you to keep warm in winter.

Positive effect of car seat covers

In cases where it is not possible to periodically visit a massage room or you do not want to spend money on a full-fledged massage chair, there is an ideal opportunity to maintain health and save money - buy an orthopedic cover for a car seat.

After just a couple of sessions of this massage, users note an improvement in their well-being, the disappearance of headaches and insomnia, a surge of vigor, but most importantly, no back pain. The cape will reduce the risk of occupational diseases among drivers, including one of the most common – osteochondrosis. A good orthopedic car seat has the same effect.

If part of your way to work or home is in traffic jams, then a massage cape will stretch your lower back, shoulders and improve overall muscle tone. Waiting won’t seem so tiring, because massage is a great stress reliever.

Contraindications to the use of capes

Despite the fact that massage covers for car seats have a general strengthening and preventive purpose, they are classified as medical products, which means Before starting use, any driver must consult a doctor. Only he will be able to determine whether a particular patient can use this massager or not. And the specialist’s conclusion will be based on the presence of chronic diseases, injuries or other facts from the medical history of the person being consulted.

The most common types of contraindications include:

• fractures in the ribs, lower back, spine - in places where the massager affects the body;
• burns and open wounds (bleeding), including recent post-operative sutures;
• displacement of vertebral discs, hernial formations;
• hypertension and hypotension;
• oncological diseases, tumors;
• pathologies of internal organs:
• pregnancy;
• elevated temperature.

You need to understand that the cape does not have a selective effect, unlike a massage therapist, who can work on individual areas without affecting areas for which massage is contraindicated.

Types of massage covers for a car seat

On sale you can find a variety of models that differ in certain parameters.

Design

The simplest option is a wooden massage cape on a car seat.. Some motorists have it left over from Soviet times, others acquired it recently. It consists of individual wooden beads, which are fastened into a single fabric. The beads spin, as a result of which it is possible to stretch certain points of the back.

Wooden massage capes are inexpensive, but it is unlikely that you will be able to achieve a full massage from them.

The second option is vibration capes. Inside they have special motors that make the “pillows” of the cape vibrate. With this effect, certain parts of the body relax, blood supply improves, and mood improves. Some manufacturers promise that their devices will even get rid of cellulite.

A huge “plus” of vibrating capes is their elasticity and small thickness, so they can be placed on any chair.

Finally, Roller capes are considered the most effective. Inside the rigid frame there are rollers made of plastic or ceramics, which “work” the entire back, eliminating pain and the first signs of chronic diseases. True, the thickness of such a cape is on average 10 cm greater than that of a vibration cape.

The movement of the rollers inside the frame is determined by the selected program. Some models are available with an additional vibration massage function.

Functions

Various models of capes can perform certain types of massage and also have additional functions.

The program helps determine the type of massage. So, you can choose:

• kneading procedure for muscles and improving blood supply;
• rolling – working out the entire length of the spine with traction, as well as kneading the muscles;
• swing - a wave-like effect on the entire body;
• Shiatsu massage to activate biologically active points and improve the overall tone of the body;
• vibromassage - effects on certain areas of the body (shoulders, back, neck, hips), while experts recommend using it for the prevention of prostatitis and hemorrhoids.

Some models have an infrared function, the inclusion of which allows for a beneficial therapeutic effect on the body.

An ideal option is if it is possible to adjust the intensity of the massage, which helps to customize the procedure to suit your needs.

How to choose a car massage cape

Remember that the more functions a product has, the higher its price, so don’t rush to purchase a “sophisticated” sample. It is quite possible that many of its “bells and whistles” will be useless to you.

• Check whether the cover can be used in a vertical position, as there are models that should only be turned on by spreading them horizontally.
• Don’t forget to compare the parameters of the cover and the car seat, especially when it comes to cover covers.
• See if the product has a timer. This feature is very useful because massagers are not recommended to be used for more than 15-30 minutes.
• Multifunctional products help you alternate between different types of procedures, thereby achieving the best results in shorter periods of time.
• Find out exactly which areas of the body this model massages. The rollers can move along the spine or in a zigzag pattern - this parameter will affect the force of impact in the back area. Does the cover have rollers for massaging the cervical region, thighs and buttocks?
• If you want to create the most comfortable conditions during your trip, we recommend taking a closer look at heated massage capes.
• Make sure that the product has a special adapter for charging in the car.
• If the product has a remote control, be sure to evaluate its ergonomics - whether you can easily control the procedures.
• Naturally, it is better to give preference to well-known brands that provide guarantees for their products. The longer the warranty period, the better the quality of the product..
• It is better to buy capes in a specialized store, where you can try the product in action. This way you can accurately assess the comfort of the procedures.

The choice of color and design is a purely individual matter, and due to the large assortment, you can easily find an option that suits you visually.

A hand-made car seat cover matches the parameters of the seat, emphasizes the aesthetic appeal of the interior and performs a protective function. Let's look at the algorithm for making a seat cover.

The seat cover decorates the interior of the vehicle. This opinion was widespread several years ago.

However, the interior of the car gets dirty very quickly, stains and scuffs appear, dust and various debris collect. To increase the wear resistance of the factory upholstery, drivers began to use special seat protection.

The car seat cover performs the following functions:

1. Protection from mechanical damage and chemical influences.
2. Prevents dust and small debris from collecting in hard-to-reach places.
3. The factory upholstery is in perfect condition.
4. Protection against fading when exposed to UV rays.
5. Creating a cozy and comfortable atmosphere in the salon.
6. The ability to emphasize the aesthetic appeal and decorativeness of the interior.
7. Individual self-expression of the car driver.

Main varieties

As you know, demand creates supply. Today, car dealerships offer a wide selection of seat covers, which differ in appearance, size, functionality, material and manufacturing method.

T-shirt capes

The most common among drivers are seat covers. This model got its name due to its similar style to an undershirt.

The main advantages of a T-shirt cover are functionality, practicality, and ease of use. You can sew a car cape-shirt yourself.

Model

Model covers are made to order in automobile studios and special showrooms. They exactly follow the shape and dimensions of car seats. Removing a model case made of thick fabric or eco-leather will be very problematic.

Knitted

Hand-made products are highly valued by contemporaries. Knitted capes and headrests will make the car interior more comfortable and homely.

If you have crocheting or knitting skills, you can easily cope with this task. The product must be wear-resistant, durable and functional. When choosing yarn for knitting, carefully study the quality characteristics of the threads. The finished product should hold its shape well, not stretch, not curl or float.

You can choose the pattern for the cover at your discretion. However, you should not knit with openwork knitting, which over time loses its strength and density.

Massagers

Some drivers spend a lot of time behind the wheel. Prolonged sitting has a negative impact on human health. To reduce the load on the musculoskeletal system, it is necessary to install massage capes.

Massage covers are mechanical and electric.

The mechanical model is a cap frame made of interconnected wooden elements. Wooden elements cool quickly and are not suitable for use in winter.

As car dealership employees note, electric massagers, which are equipped with a special roller or vibration mechanism, have become in great demand. An electric massage cape not only protects the car interior from mechanical damage, but also helps get rid of problems with the musculoskeletal system.

Heated

Often, premium and business class cars are equipped with seats with a heating function. You can turn the heating on or off automatically or through the cigarette lighter. There are several heating modes.

Owners of economy class vehicles can buy ready-made covers with a built-in heating function in automobile stores. The seat cover equipped with a heating element is especially useful in cold and damp weather.

Self-production

Sewing a car seat cover does not take much time and does not require any special skills. Let's look at the algorithm for making a car cape with your own hands:

Material selection and tools

The protective cover is used every day, so the fabric must be durable, practical, and wear-resistant. Professional seamstresses recommend polycotton, velor, suede or neoprene, which is characterized by high fire resistance. Synthetic fabrics are easy to use, they get dirty less, and are easy to clean from stains and traces of dirt.

Synthetics can be used in the autumn-winter period. Natural fabrics are suitable for making summer car covers. Fabrics made from natural fibers have excellent air circulation and do not float.

Many drivers prefer seat covers made of genuine leather, eco-leather or fur. Unfortunately, a beautiful case made of genuine leather or fur is not always convenient to use. According to experienced motorists, leather and fur float, do not allow air to pass through, and do not retain moisture well.

List of necessary sewing tools and accessories:

• measuring tape;
• marker for drawing on fabric;
• chalk for making patterns;
• needles with caps, pins;
• stationery knife;
• tailor's scissors;
• graph paper or thick plastic bag;
• suitable thread color;
• sewing machine.

How to take measurements?

In order for the cover to fit perfectly evenly and tightly on the seat, you need to make a pattern. The easiest way: take an old T-shirt cape, open it along the seams, attach it to a piece of fabric and trace the contours.

You can use a large thick plastic bag as a pattern. Wrap the car seat in cellophane, secure the polyethylene with construction tape and outline the seat. Remove the tape carefully so as not to tear the cellophane.

Then take a measuring tape and take measurements from the driver or passenger seat. Measure the width, length and depth of the seat, backrest, and headrest. Transfer the measurements recorded on paper to polyethylene.

Step by step instructions

The car seat cover is sewn based on a pattern. After all the elements of the T-shirt cape have been drawn and cut out, you can begin to work with the fabric.

Transfer each individual element to the fabric. Do not forget to leave 1 - 2 cm of material reserve for connecting seams. Using pins or needles with caps, connect all the elements into a single structure and process it with a hand basting stitch.

Try on the seat cover. If the cape is true to size, finish the seams with a sewing machine. To securely fix the car cover, it is recommended to sew tightening tapes, elastic bands, hooks, and Velcro.

Many people believe that a massager is installed on the seat of a car only as a decorative accessory. However, professional drivers and those who spend a lot of time behind the wheel are familiar with pain in the back, cervical spine and lower back. Poor circulation and increased fatigue are also often consequences of a sedentary lifestyle. Therefore, such car simulators are simply necessary, especially since massage capes can be used not only in the car, but also at home. The main thing is to choose the best model, since today the choice of products is not limited. On sale you can find both cheaper passive type capes and more expensive active massagers.

Passive

Such products were popular among truckers and taxi drivers in the 80s. The seat massagers in this type of car are spherical wooden or bone elements strung on flexible threads. When the driver changes his driving position, these products begin to massage his back. Thus, they act only under the pressure of a person’s body weight. Therefore, we can conclude that such back massagers are ineffective.

However, they have several advantages. Firstly, products of this type are much cheaper. Secondly, they can be used as summer capes. Thanks to the wooden structure, a space is created between the driver's body and the seat where air circulates. Therefore, on a hot summer day, a car owner can make his life easier. In winter, it is better not to use a wooden massager on a seat, as it will freeze very much overnight. As a result, there is a risk of catching a cold in your back. Therefore, it is better to consider more modern products.

Active

Accessories of this type are distinguished by a more complex design, which is driven by miniature electric motors. The massage elements are air bags or rollers made of plastic or jade, creating vibrations of varying intensity. Based on the active elements, these devices come in three types: roller, vibration and orthopedic.

Vibration models have only a point effect. Roller products are more efficient, since they have not only a point effect, but also a wave and linear effect.

Orthopedic capes differ in their shape. However, they are more expensive than all the others. Thanks to this orthopedic back, the human body is in a relaxed state. In this case, minimal stress is placed on the spine. The orthopedic back is considered the most effective. Such products have air chambers that can either vibrate or operate in pulsation mode, relaxing the back and buttock muscles.

The seat covers themselves are connected to the vehicle's power supply via the cigarette lighter. At the same time, they can be equipped with a heating system and other additional options, which should be clarified when choosing a product.

How to choose a massage cape

When choosing a simulator that is installed on a car seat, it is worth considering several nuances:

• Pay attention to the wooden elements of passive massagers. If there are resins in the tree, then when they come into contact with a warm human body, they will emit harmful fumes. It is best to give preference to exercise machines or beech wood. They last longer and do not crack.
• The shape of the active cape should be suitable not only for the car seat, but also for the person himself. The best covers are those equipped with an additional pillow with a massager and side supports.
• The covering of the product must be made of high-quality material. Artificial and fabric bases are low in cost, but genuine leather will last longer.
• Check out the range of electric trainer options. The more functional it is, the more comfortable the driver will feel behind the wheel. Therefore, preference should be given to models that work in the following modes: kneading, patting and working deep muscles. It is better if there are several massage areas.

A control panel and infrared heating, which has not only a general calming but also an anti-inflammatory effect, will not be superfluous. The built-in timer will help avoid overloading the device.

Of course, additional functionality will cost additional money. However, you can find inexpensive but high-quality products.

Best models

It is worth highlighting several massagers that are most popular among drivers.

TL-2005Z-F

A massage cape from the German manufacturer Zenet will cost about 3,000 rubles. The electrical product consumes 20 W and has 10 working elements, which are arranged vertically.

The operating mode of the cape is adjusted using the control panel. In addition, the product is equipped with an infrared heating system. The device perfectly relaxes the cervical vertebrae, lower back and gluteal muscles.

In addition, the healing effect is achieved thanks to 8 built-in magnets that stimulate capillary blood circulation. A special field is created between the magnetic elements, which has a restorative effect on the entire body as a whole.

In addition, the device is equipped with a timer. The model weighs 1.6 kg.

Sanitas SMG151

This budget compact model weighing 0.6 kg costs no more than 1,800 rubles. For this price, the German manufacturer Beurer offers a minimal set of functions, but they are quite enough to ensure that driving a car does not bring fatigue and back pain.

The massager works in 2 modes, relaxing and stimulating the muscles of the neck, back and hips. The engine power of the installation is 16 W.

Unlike the previous model, Sanitas SMG151 massages at the same points, so you won’t be able to choose the treatment zone yourself. There is also no control panel. But there is a heating function.

Quattromed 4-S

A cape from another German manufacturer, Casada, will cost about 30,000 rubles. This cost is due to the fact that jade elements are used as roller massage products. Natural stone gradually heats up and has a positive effect on the human body, in particular, it improves blood circulation and the functioning of the lymphatic system.

In addition to roller massage, the device also operates in shiatsu (kneading) and vibration massager modes. In this case, all operating modes can be combined by additionally enabling heating.

Thanks to the control panel, you can configure the device so that the massager turns on after a certain period of time. In addition, you can disable the automatic operating mode and switch to passive operation. In this case, the rollers will massage the back and neck when changing the driver’s position.

The spine is maintained in an optimal anatomical position due to additional carbon inserts.

The unit weighs 9 kg and power consumption is 25 W. At the same time, the product can work both from a cigarette lighter in a car and as a regular roller massager, so it can be used at home.

In conclusion

Despite the many benefits of these massage products, it is worth considering that they are not recommended for those who suffer from chronic or ongoing skin conditions. In addition, capes should not be used by pregnant women and people with spinal injuries. Kidney disease and inflammatory processes are also incompatible with such massagers.