Skip to content

Comparing Compression Therapy: Therabody RecoveryAir PRO vs NormaTec 3

Comparing two industry leaders in compression, head-to-head

The pneumatic compression device market has grown substantially over the past few years.

This quickly growing athletic recovery therapy has consistently been lead by two major players, Therabody RecoveryAir PRO and NormaTec 3.

And whether it be compression for your legs, feet, arms, upper torso, or full-body, Therabody RecoveryAir and NormaTec both make a great range of compression therapy garments that will suit anybody’s recovery requirements.

To make choosing just the right product for your athletic recovery super easy, in this post we compare both RecoveryAir and NormaTec products side by side. As well as, highlight some of the awesome benefits of compression therapy and why you should definitely be incorporating this technique into your athletic recovery.

Let’s take a look.

A Recovery Method Backed by Science

The jump in compression therapy popularity is not only due to the fact it produces excellent athletic recovery results but also because this therapeutic treatment is conclusively backed by science.

Research shows intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) therapy not only increases blood flow to treated areas but also assists lymphatic system function and soft tissue healing.

These therapeutic benefits help reduce edema, an accumulation of protein that can lead to the development of scar tissue, stimulates the production of nitric oxide, a beneficial substance produced by endothelial cells that assist with enhanced blood flow, while also reducing inflammation, limiting oxidative tissue damage, and restoring normal capillary blood flow.

RecoveryAir PRO vs NormaTec 3

To administer these amazing therapeutic benefits, RecoveryAir and NormaTec manufacture a variety of different compression sleeves for different areas of the body. So no matter what your sporting discipline, you can rest assured both RecoveryPump and NormaTec make a compression sleeve that best suits your specific athletic needs.

Here are the best Therabody RecoveryAir and NormaTec compression therapy products that we both know and trust.

RecoveryAir PRO System vs NormaTec 3 System

First up, two complete systems by both RecoveryAir PRO and NormaTec. These systems include the inflation control device that is required to control and inflate all corresponding attachments with an included set of leg attachments.

Here’s how they compare to one another:

RecoveryAir PRO System NormaTec 3 System
Adjustable 20-100mmHg pressure range Adjustable 30-100mmHg pressure range
3-5 hours of battery life Up to 3 hours of battery life
Manufactured from durable nylon Made from durable nylon
Integrated treatment timer and continuous therapy modes with hold times of 0,5, and 10 seconds Customizable pressure, time, and zone settings
Compatible with RecoveryAir’s Compression Boots Compatible with NormaTec’s Arm Recovery, Leg and Hip Recovery, Leg and Arm Recovery, and Full Body Recovery
Leg attachments come in three different sizes ensuring a comfortable fit for athletes of any height Leg attachments come in three sizes fitting to fit athletes of all heights
Therabody app available for both Apple iOS and the Google Playstore NormaTec app available for both Apple iOS and the Google Playstore
2-year warranty on all components 2-year warranty on all components




RecoveryAir PRO and NormaTec Pros and Cons

Both RecoveryAir PRO and NormaTec have advantages and disadvantages that may affect your final purchasing decision. Here are the main ones for your reference:

RecoveryAir PRO Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Easy to operate and straightforward to attach different compression garments
  • Five different sizes that suit athletes that are from 5’-6’6” and taller
  • Wide range of pressure from 20-100mmHg
  • Compression flows from extremities towards the heart, filling one chamber at a time
  • Great battery life, between 6-8 hours of operation depending on the chosen pressure setting

Cons:

  • Limited treatment options
  • Slightly loud while under operation

NormaTec 3 Pro and Cons

Pros:

  • Simple to use and super easy to attach different compression garments
  • A wide variation of pressure from 30-100mmHg
  • 3 hours of battery life
  • 5 different overlapping compression zones can be individually filled

Cons:

  • Only three sizing options, suiting athletes between 5’3”-6’4” and taller

Final Thoughts

When choosing the correct compression therapy unit for you, it can be rather confusing and a little daunting at first. But hopefully, this article has brought you that little bit closer to finding just the right one for you.

If you feel RecoveryPump is your best option, check out our awesome Therabody products below.