Massagers and personal pain relief devices seem harmless, but the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued multiple recalls against popular massager brands for causing fires, electric shocks, and burn injuries. Anyone who uses a massager regularly should check whether their device is subject to a current recall.
Why Massagers Become Dangerous
Massagers that use electrical heating elements or rechargeable lithium-ion batteries can fail in two primary ways. Heating element failures cause wires or internal components to overheat, resulting in burns to the user’s skin or fires that spread to nearby materials. Battery failures cause lithium cells to experience thermal runaway, producing smoke, fire, or explosive ruptures. In both cases the hazard can appear suddenly and without warning during normal use.
Recently Recalled Massager Brands
CPSC has issued recalls against multiple massager brands in recent years for fire, shock, and burn hazards, including:
- HoMedics Handheld Hot and Cold Massagers and Handheld Compact Percussion Massagers (models HHP-250 and PA-MH-THP, sold at Bed Bath and Beyond, Macy’s, Rite-Aid, and Walmart from 2013 through 2017) — exposed wires, sparks, smoking, and flames reported; 15 burn injuries to consumers’ fingers and body. Recalled for electric shock and burn hazards.
- HoMedics Massagers (multiple models, sold at major retailers from 2020 through 2023) — fire and burn hazards from internal component failures; recalled in January 2024.
What You Should Do
- Check SaferProducts.gov to verify whether your massager brand or model has been recalled.
- Stop using any massager that feels unusually hot during use, produces a burning smell, or shows any sign of sparking or smoke.
- Do not use a massager while sleeping or unattended.
- For battery-powered massagers, follow the manufacturer’s charging instructions and never use an aftermarket charger.
- Do not use a massager with a damaged cord, cracked housing, or exposed wiring.
To report a dangerous massager or a product-related injury, visit SaferProducts.gov or call CPSC’s Hotline at 800-638-2772.
Source: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2017/HoMedics-Recalls-Massagers-Due-to-Electric-Shock-and-Burn-Hazards
