CPSC Recall in 1998: CPSC, JB Research Inc. Announce Recall of Back Massagers

Updated on March 25, 2026.

See the recall details below. You can also see similar information for other consumer product recalls in 1998.

Data Source: CPSC.
Recall Number: 98-078
Date: March 10, 1998
Product Name: Relaxor, Deep Knead™ Shiatsu back massager
Recall Description:

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), JB Research Inc., of Bellflower, Calif., had voluntarily recalled about 15,000 back massagers sold under the Relaxor, Deep Knead™ Shiatsu brand name. The motor for the massager's Deep Knead™ mechanism can jam and overheat. This will cause scorching to the foam and fabric on the back of the unit, presenting a potential fire hazard to consumers. JB Research Inc. has received 46 reports of units overheating. No fires or injuries have been reported. To determine if a Relaxor, Deep Knead™ Shiatsu back massager is involved in this recall, check the control wand of the massager. Only massagers that have the words "Deep Knead" on the front of the control wand and the controller model number JDK46H and serial numbers from 000001 to 020000 on the back of the control wand are included in this recall. These massagers come in 2 sizes, a "seat topper" (measuring 46 inches long by 20 inches wide) and a "seat lounger" (measuring 69 1/4 inches long and 20 1/8 inches wide). The massagers are covered in solid black or gray tweed fabric. The word "Relaxor" is imprinted on the front of the unit and elastic straps on the back of the unit attach the massager to a chair. The massager comes with an AC plug-in/auto adapter and the control wand. Specialty stores nationwide, including The Sharper Image, Brookstone and Nordic Track, sold the massagers from October 1997 through December 1997 for about $200 to $260. Consumers should stop using the recalled massagers immediately. Since JB Research Inc. is no longer in business, recalled massagers should be discarded or destroyed to prevent fires and injuries. No other models of Relaxor massagers are involved in this recall.

Hazard Description:

The motor for the massager's Deep Knead™ mechanism can jam and overheat. This will cause scorching to the foam and fabric on the back of the unit, presenting a potential fire hazard to consumers.

Consumer Action:

Remedy Type:

Dispose, No Remedy Available

Units: About 15,000
Incidents:

JB Research Inc. has received 46 reports of units overheating. No fires or injuries have been reported.

Sold At:

Specialty stores nationwide, including The Sharper Image, Brookstone and NordicTrack, sold the massagers from October 1997 through December 1997 for about $200 to $260.

Manufactured In: