Recall: Back Massage Cushions Recalled by Conair & Sears Roebuck

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 4, 1998 Release # 98-103

Company Phone Number: (800) 456-5010 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Mark Ross, (301) 504-7076

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

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.