Inflatable, compression or heated: which back support to stock.
Three of our back supports sit at opposite ends of the range — a pump-inflated support, a plain compression belt and a heated belt — and they suit different buyers. This page compares them on the points that decide a purchase order. The rest of the lumbar range, including the M189, the 102 thickened and the 519R heated inflatable belt, is on the product finder.
The three back-worn models compared.
| 102R inflatable | Steel-plate belt | 157Z heated | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How it works | Air bladder inflated by pump | Fixed compression, steel-plate reinforced | Compression plus heat and vibration |
| Power | Manual or electric pump, 5 options | None | Rechargeable, wired remote, power bank |
| Indicative price | $12–18 per set | $10–11 per belt | $27–29 per belt |
| Minimum order | 1 set | 1 belt | 2 belts |
| Sizing | One size, adjustable | M · L · XL | M · L · XL |
| Power source | Manual pump options need none; ask what the electric pump uses | None | Rechargeable, with power bank |
| Packing weight | 610–850 g by pump option | 700 g | 900 g |
| Details | 102R page | Belt page | 157Z page |
Every figure above restates the value published on that model's own page. Confirm the exact configuration on your quotation.
Pick by order profile, not by feature count.
The most expensive model is not automatically the best fit. Minimum order and battery status usually decide this faster than the feature list does.
Testing a market? Start with the steel-plate belt or the inflatable support (Model 102R)
Both have a 1-unit minimum, so a trial order costs very little. The steel-plate belt at $10–11 is the simplest product in the range and carries no battery.
Selling online? The inflatable support (Model 102R) gives you a price ladder
Five pump options across $12–18 per set let you list an entry model and a premium model from one product family, with one belt design behind both.
Want the premium tier? The heated massage belt (Model 157Z), but check the route
The 157Z at $27–29 adds heat and vibration and is listed as rechargeable with a power bank. Shipments containing batteries face destination-specific carrier rules, so confirm the route first.
Not a back product: the heated knee support pair (Model 153)
The 153 heated knee support is a separate category with a 500-pair minimum. It suits a committed volume order rather than a first trial.
What to confirm on any of these.
These points apply to all three models and are not settled by this page.
Fit and materials
Request laid-flat dimensions, adjustment range, contact materials and the size chart per letter size before approving a sample.
Intended use
Medical-device status has not been established for any model in this range. Define intended use and market classification with qualified local advisers.
Power and compliance
For the 157Z, request battery specification, charging time and the documents your destination market requires. For the 102R, ask what powers the pump option you want — the electrical details are not published and must come from a current specification.
Still deciding between two models?
Send your channel, target price point and quantity, and we will set out the trade-off for your case.