Air Compression massage chairs use air cells to squeeze areas all around the body to lessen pain in the joints and muscles. Compression therapy relieves pain because it targets the lymphatic system and this will help increase circulation.
Poor circulation causes swelling which leads to pain in the first place. In a massage chair, in order to reach all of the right places, it is important to have air compression so the body can be held in place to prevent pain or injury.
If it becomes uncomfortable, the air compression airbags can be adjusted or turned off entirely to accommodate everyone. In those great stretches, airbags are there too which push on the hips and shoulders while the rollers knead the back for that stretching effect.