The Sharper Image Powerboost compression sleeves utilize air pressure to massage the legs and feet, aiding in workout recovery and relief from discomfort. The set has five different selectable massage modes, which includes two user-customizable options. Some modes squeeze the legs so tightly that I can feel the pulse in my legs quite strongly with the sleeves fully inflated. The set includes an air pumping control unit, a sleeve extension connector with dual-output heads, and two zippered leg sleeves.
The sleeves are easy to put onto the legs and use. Air pressure is consistently strong throughout the entire sleeve, from the feet through the thighs. Noise is moderate and noticeable, but not overly loud during use. It is tolerable if trying to watch TV or listen to music during use.
The sleeves can be used as a pair or solo. To use as a pair, I first connect the extension cable to the control unit and then connect both sleeves to the extension cable. To use a sleeve solo, a single sleeve can be connected directly to the control unit instead of using the extension. The other option is to connect the extension line to the control unit and then connect one sleeve to the extension, and plug the other empty output with the included rubber plug tethered to the extension hose head.
Run time per session can last from ten to thirty minutes and can be increased or decreased in ten-minute increments. Air pressure can also be adjusted on the fly. The five treatment modes include the following:
Pulse: inflates and deflates all regions simultaneously for a continuous full leg massage. This feels like the most aggressive of the modes and applies strong compression pressure throughout the legs and feet. It is also the most preferred and effective mode in our household. It repeatedly loosens and tightens during therapy to massage the legs and feet.
Gradual: similar to Pulse but the sleeves inflate gradually rather than simultaneously, as the name suggests. It too has tight compression at max inflation and also loosens and tightens repeatedly to massage.
Sequence: different sections fill with alternating pressure working its way up through different zones from feet to thighs. This mode doesn’t seem to squeeze the legs quite as tightly as the first two due to the individual zones being inflated alternately rather than all at once or gradually.
Zone: the user selects up to five treatment areas for a pulse massage.
Manual: user selects up to five treatment zones and adjusts the air pressure to the desired setting.
The last two modes offer more customized massages. However, we seldom use them due to the convenience and good results we see from the automated modes. They work fine for our needs at the moment. If I start to feel like the treatment hits a plateau or becomes less effective, I may mix in the zone or manual mode. Otherwise, the first three automated modes are sufficient.
The pump deflates the sleeves automatically at the end of a session, allowing them to be easily removed. The feature works fine if we allow the session to end on its own, but as everyone knows, that’s not always possible. For such instances, the user guide says quickly pressing the power button during use is supposed to deflate the sleeves and power off the control unit within three minutes. However, this quick stop feature never seems to work when we try it. The pump turns off, but the sleeve(s) remain inflated.
My son is a distance runner who medaled in cross country in both high school and college. He regularly still runs 4 to 8 miles daily. I used to run 3-5 miles daily myself at his age, but no longer do so due to joint pain. I still work out my legs rigorously during the week through aerobic exercise, power walking, hiking, and strength training. I find the sleeves helpful for muscle soreness, joint pain, and cramping after strenuous leg activity. My son advised me that using the sleeves help make his legs feel more loose and agile after long runs and help him experience quicker, easier recovery times. He also uses them after strength training and feels they are helpful with quicker, less painful recovery there as well.
The Powerboost compression sleeves are a quick and easy to use self treatment option that work well on sore or over exerted muscles. The air compressor is a bit bulky but manageable. The sleeves themselves don’t contain any heavy components, which is a plus, and the entire set is easy to disassemble and store away when not in use. Overall, it’s a good set for the price and it provides a solid and effective leg massage.