CPSC Recall in 1998: CPSC, Conair Corp. and Sears Roebuck and Co. Announce Recall of Back Massage Cushions

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: 98-103
Date: May 03, 1998
Product Name: Sears Health Essentials Back Massaging System with Heat, Model SR4503
Recall Description:

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Conair Corp., of Stamford, Conn., and Sears Roebuck and Co., of Hoffman Estates, Ill., are recalling about 183,000 back massage cushions. The motors used in these back massage cushions can stall, overheat and possibly burn through the massage cushion. While there have been no reports of fires or serious injury, CPSC, Conair and Sears have received 13 reports of damage to upholstered furniture and bedding, and two reports of minor burns to consumers. The massage cushion, identified as the Sears Health Essentials Back Massaging System with Heat, Model SR4503, is a black, padded cushion approximately 21 inches long and 17 inches wide, and comes with a handheld controller. The handheld controller displays the words, "Health Essentials" on the front panel and the words "Sears SR4503" on the back panel. The back massage cushion, manufactured by Conair, was sold in Sears stores and catalogs from February 1997 through March 1998 for about $30. Consumers should stop using the back massage cushions immediately and return them to any Sears department store for a full refund. For more information, consumers can call (800) 456-5010 anytime.

Hazard Description:

The motors used in these back massage cushions can stall, overheat and possibly burn through the massage cushion.

Consumer Action:

Remedy Type:

Refund

Units: About 183,000
Incidents:

While there have been no reports of fires or serious injury, CPSC, Conair and Sears have received 13 reports of damage to upholstered furniture and bedding, and two reports of minor burns to consumers.

Sold At:

The back massage cushion, manufactured by Conair, was sold in Sears stores and catalogs from February 1997 through March 1998 for about $30.

Manufactured In: