The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·98103·Announced 1998-05-04

Conair and Sears Recall Back Massage Cushions Due to Overheating Risk

Conair and Sears are recalling 183,000 back massage cushions because the motors can overheat and burn through the material, posing a burn risk.

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 (burns) where minor injuries have been reported, but no serious injuries or deaths are noted, fitting the 'High' severity criteria for risk-of-harm products.

Plain-English summary

Conair Corp. and Sears Roebuck and Co. are recalling approximately 183,000 back massage cushions in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The affected product is the Sears Health Essentials Back Massaging System with Heat, Model SR4503. This black, padded cushion was sold in Sears stores and catalogs from February 1997 through March 1998 for about $30.

The recall is due to a defect where the motors used in the cushions can stall and overheat. This overheating can cause the motor to burn through the massage cushion. While there have been no reports of fires or serious injuries, CPSC, Conair, and Sears have received 13 reports of damage to upholstered furniture and bedding, as well as two reports of minor burns to consumers.

Consumers should stop using the back massage cushions immediately. They should return the product to any Sears department store to receive a full refund. For more information, consumers can call (800) 456-5010.

The recalled product

Product
Back Massage Cushions Recalled by Conair & Sears Roebuck
Manufacturer
Conair
Category
Consumer Product — Personal Care / Massagers
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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Same hazard · burn injury

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