The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·98078·Announced 1998-03-11

JB Research Recalls Relaxor Deep Knead Shiatsu Back Massagers

JB Research is recalling about 15,000 Relaxor Deep Knead Shiatsu back massagers because the motor can jam and overheat, posing a fire hazard.

What this means for you

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a risk-of-harm product (fire hazard) where injury has not yet been reported, which aligns with the High severity criteria.

Plain-English summary

JB Research Inc. is voluntarily recalling approximately 15,000 Relaxor Deep Knead Shiatsu back massagers in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The recall involves massagers sold under the Relaxor and Deep Knead brand names. The hazard exists because the motor for the Deep Knead mechanism can jam and overheat, causing scorching to the foam and fabric on the back of the unit, which presents a potential fire hazard.

The affected massagers are identified by the words "Deep Knead" on the front of the control wand and controller model number JDK46H with serial numbers from 000001 to 020000 on the back of the control wand. These units come in two sizes: a "seat topper" (46 inches long by 20 inches wide) and a "seat lounger" (69 1/4 inches long and 20 1/8 inches wide). They are covered in solid black or gray tweed fabric with "Relaxor" imprinted on the front. The massagers were sold at specialty stores nationwide, including The Sharper Image, Brookstone, and Nordic Track, from October 1997 through December 1997 for approximately $200 to $260.

JB Research Inc. has received 46 reports of units overheating, but no fires or injuries have been reported. Because JB Research Inc. is no longer in business, consumers should stop using the recalled massagers immediately and discard or destroy the products to prevent fires and injuries. No other models of Relaxor massagers are involved in this recall.

The recalled product

Product
Relaxor Deep Knead Shiatsu back massagers
Manufacturer
NordicTrack
Category
Consumer Product — Personal Care / Massagers
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same hazard · fire

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