Normatec Recovery Review -
I mainly hear about the Normatec from people with lymphadema and those who ask about them that no longer can jump on a mini trampoline for lymphatic drainage. (I've learned different protocols (release, then remove) or remove the waste and then release 2nd.
Note: the Normatec takes about 2 minutes to do a full cycle. (my 2nd pick for those that can't afford a Normatec is the Recovery Pump that takes only 45 to 60 seconds per cycle.
The Normatec Recovery (cheaper version) has the same power and has the calibrating system that the pro model has that is double the price. I only recommend the pro for certain people. 90% of the people I would recommend the cheaper model but the other people may need a longer cycle with less pressure due to severe swelling. Usually athletes prefer the more expensive model. If someone has really sore legs but they can handle 110mmgh in their arms, this is when a more customized session is worth the money. The cheaper model is pre-programed.
I would not do an hour Normatec session if I am not doing lipolysis. So many people do longer than normal sessions but are not releasing. They are trying to "remove" what has not been lipolized. People that get lipo laser treatment are always recommended to stand on a vibration machine or do compression therapy afterwards. I heat up my core temperature and then do compression. (note: if my legs are sweaty I have soy based waterproof wraps I put my legs in first. I want to keep my legs warm during the compression session too. Same principle as using my Biomat before I get a massage. (my other site for those that want to learn about lipolysis is BiomatHealthCoach.com. I am the girl in the videos.
The Normatec is the 2nd most intense machine I have reviewed (BOA Max 2 is the most powerful). I've used it at 140mmhg and it feels like a freakin python is wrapped around me legs. The Normatec goes up to 110mmhg. Every other brand I have tested goes up to 100. That difference between 100 and 110 is exponential. Most people can't handle even 100. Athletes who are super muscular can usually handle long sessions at that level. At 140 on the BAO I can't handle it for but a few cycles. I'd rather lose playing mercy than stay at 140. Well, not that intense but you get my point.
The BAO is the compression machine that I always compare to the Normatec. Both of these have the calibration that takes place in the beginning. Normatec takes about 90 seconds when you first start it. I haven't seen any brands that do this except Normatec and BAO. They just start pumping the second you turn it on. That's ok for some people but those with severe swelling that need this calibration can make the difference between a feel good session and can't wait for the session to be over with. This is probably the biggest feature of the Normatec. It does cost about 500 dollars more than the 2nd best one after this one. It also has that pause that most don't have. After each cycle it rests about 15 seconds. I don't like when it immediately starts the cycle over again without any rest.
I had to justify the price of 1500 for their compression boots and controller for those that want to know if spending more (like a 1000 dollars more) is worth it. This is based on my review and comparison against the others to see how it is any different. Most of the things I found were not on the manufacturer's website. These were things I found on my own that may or may not be important to people.
1. No off gassing (many people have chemical sensitivies and can't tolerate any smells or petrochemical off gassing.
2. Their massage technique is the original technology that they have a patent on that no one can copy. The 3rd generation Normatec (the 3000 dollar pro model) still has the same technique as the 2008 original model but has been improved since the first gen model). Note: both the $1500 dollar model and the $3000 pro model have the same power and techniques, its just the customization that costs double the price.
3 Noise levels - Normatec is the quietest machine out of all the machines I tested. Recovery Pump was #2.
4. Their calibration - Due to the 90 second beginning calibration test, this is the only brand that doesn't cut off my circulation. I used different brands at the same mmhg level and it cut off my circulation. This has to do with distal release and their gradient hold. If it is not calibrated and it is holding 3 zones while the last 4th one is pumping, it can be too loose so that their is back flow or too tight. The Normatec doesn't have this problem when I go through that 90 second calibration.
5. Zippers - their zippers do not have to be oiled. Also the material under the zipper doesn't have to be massaged. You can zip it right up without spending extra time adjusting it. The real thick plastic made boots when they get a wrinkle will feel very uncomfortable when inflated at top pressures. On some the zipper has to be oiled after every 50 or so sessions. But they don't tell you this stuff until you find out when you have to call in and complain. If you examine the Normatec zipper to the cheaper types, notice that the Normatec has a higher tooth count and their catch buckle is better. I am so tired of seeing shortcuts.
There are so many brands out there and so many are trying to make similar compression machines to Normatec but they all still don't have what the Normatec is patented for. Even BAO the most expensive one has it's own features but still doesn't do what the Normatec does. No company wants to get sued and shut down by copying someone's patent.
Normatec uses a super low denier nylon material for their material in their compression boots. The lower the number the lighter the material feels on my legs. Many of the cheaper brands use non ballistic grade heavy plastics to compensate for the air pressure. Most plastic compression cannot sustain over 100mmhg pressures or they can leak over time. The ones that don't leak usually are so thick they don't feel comfortable. Most of the compression boots that the entire system costs around 500 dollars are these types. Also the Normatec is made in the USA and not assembled in China like most of them are.
Normatec VS BAO
Note: people ask if the Normatec is better than the BAO that costs nearly twice as much as the Normatec pro model. The BAO can do more since it's a larger model and more powerful for elite athletes but the Normatec has a patented compression that they made in 2008 that most people that try both of these brands prefer the Normatec but for more commercial settings in clinics the 6500 dollar BAO is more preferred. If using a compression machine daily most people prefer comfort. The overlapping air pockets also make the Normatec different. This is only company I found that does this. Most do not overlap.
Note: Normatec has a 30 day return policy. If you don't like them you can return them. Beware of companies that charge a huge restocking fee to return their compression machines and boots. Normatec is pricey but for those that have every tried a cheaper pair and have compared them know the difference.
Also, some people buy these and after they don't need them anymore I allow buy-backs. Contact me to reserve a pair. Usually those that had an injury that have recovered who don't need them anymore have that option to send them back to me. Since they are used and under full warranty I can discount these. Also, if anyone wants to make sure they are in good working order I can send them back to the manufacturer to certify them and it will cost more for shipping but is good for those who need assurance.
Note: The zippers can also be infused. This is the best way since the infusions can take place up the entire leg.
The Normatec is expensive and I will do what I can to make them more affordable. Take my compression quiz and I will recommend this brand if it fits your answers. Take the compression quiz here.
I review the Normatec the same way I review every compression machine starting with the noise level. It can be disturbing to others always having to listen to my compression machine. Having to listen to someone's compression machine for an hour a day soon becomes very annoying. The Normatec is whisper quiet.
I also compare the zippers. It is easy to tell if a zipper is going to get jammed over time just by the quality of it. Almost all zippers work great when they are new and haven't had any friction yet.
Know before buying
Helpful Information
For lymphadema Click Here
For sports recovery Click Here
For lipolysis after saunas or lipo lasers - Click here
Take the Compression Boot QUIZ
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...because every company said their brand was the best and I got sold a piece of junk
(877) 573-4647
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About Me
Normatec Recovery - Game Ready - Recovery Edge - Elevated Legs - Revita Pump - Recovery Pump - Air Relax - PuraPump
(877) 573-4647
Ask for Sharon
Health Practitioners - We offer wholesale and distributor pricing - Wholesale prices by request only.
LymphaticCompression.com
...because every company said their brand was the best and I got sold a piece of junk
(877) 573-4647
Ask for Jake
About Me
(877) 573-4647
Ask for Sharon
Health Practitioners - with valid resale license and tax ID
We offer wholesale and distributor pricing - Wholesale prices by request only.
Normatec Recovery - Game Ready - Recovery Edge - Elevated Legs - Revita Pump - Recovery Pump - Air Relax - PuraPump
Normatec VS Recovery Pump
See my side by side review
The Normatec is the most advanced peristaltic wave type compression machine and the Recovery Pump is the best built peristaltic wave type. Both brands are tier 1a but are just different. I have compared both so that it is easier to choose which one. I can usually pick which one people will want based on the quiz. I will say that most athletes prefer the Normatec peristaltic type. See my Recovery Pump page to compare both brands before you choose one. If buying both to compare, I will cover the restocking fee if you buy through me.
Normatec Recovery boots - Review in a nutshell
Normatec is the most powerful 4 chamber compression machine that has the nicest material (200 Denier Nylon Oxford, also with 3 mils of polyurethane and is 100% Latex Free. There is no back flow on any of their products and it has a bigger compressor (for those at high altitudes will get an accurate pressure (mmhg) that they set it at. On some brands with smaller compressors if I set it at 100mmhg it can still read on the screen 100mmhg but in reality it is only at 80mmhg pressure. I have to say it its worth paying $500 more than the next best competitor brand that sells for around $1000.
See my full review below.
