How to Choose the Best Back Scratcher?
Table of Contents
Top Best Back Scratchers Based on Reviews and Price
Why You Need a Back Scratcher?
As the name implies, a back scratcher is a tool used for reaching the itchy areas on your back that your hand cannot easily reach. When we have intolerable back itching due to one reason or another, we need the help of one of the family members to relieve the itchiness.
But, if you do not have anyone around nothing to fret! You have an excellent tool that you can find in different models in the market. This tool will help you relieve the back itchiness without relying on others. But, you might be thinking about the factors to consider in shopping for this tool.
Here are important factors that will help you with the selection of the right tool to relieve your back itching yourself:
Top 10 Factors to Consider When Buying a Back Scratcher
#1 The material of Back Scratcher
The material used on the making of the back scratcher is an essential consideration when you shop for this device. The reason is that the material will decide the effectiveness and also the longevity of the tool as a whole. You will find this tool available in different materials like plastic, wood, and metal. Here are some details to help you decide on the material:
Plastic Back Scratcher
The back scratchers made with plastic would be the affordable option as compared to the ones made using other materials. However, the material will generally be less durable as compared to metal and wood-based back scratchers.
When you choose plastic, you should also ensure that good-quality plastic is used in making the scratcher. The reason is that the one with poor quality might lead to issues with your skin.
Wood Back Scratcher
When you take the case of wood, the scratchers made using this material would look good at the appearance. However, you should ensure that the scratcher made using wood is properly wiped out before storing it after use.
For instance, if you use wood scratcher when you perspire and store it wet, there are chances of fungal growth to happen. Based on the thickness, wood-based back scratchers will last longer as compared to plastic.
Metal Back Scratcher
Metal-based scratchers will cost you more as compared to the other two. Above all, it will be durable as well comparatively. To make metal-based scratchers look good, polishing is used these days by many manufacturers. But, when you choose this material, make sure that the scratching head is soft enough and will not cause any cuts in your skin.
#2 Is the Tool Extendable?
Not all back scratchers come with the ability to extend. It means that when you have itching in your lower back, you should be able to easily reach the lower back with this tool for scratching.
Here, when the tool turns out to be extendable, it will be easy to reach the lower back without straining your hands. So, for comfort and easiness to use, you are recommended to consider this feature. In general, the length of back scratches varies from 12 to 24 inches.
#3 Multiple Heads for Handling Different Levels of Itchiness
At times, you might think about using the back scratcher that will be gentle on your back as the itchiness is mild. On the other hand, at times, you might think about rough scratching as the itching sensation is terrible.
When the tool you buy can handle both these types of itchiness, it will be a comfortable tool. The tool that can handle both these requirements will have double side heads with soft bristles on one side and rough bristles on the other.
This type of back scratcher will help you save on the cost of buying two different scratchers to meet different levels of itchiness.
#4 Consider the Type of Head
Most scratchers will have a palm-like head with finger-like edges to give a feel as if you use your own palm and fingers for scratching. But, you will also come across scratchers with other head-types.
For instance, you will find heads with soft and hard bumpy heads to help with easy scratching. So, considering the head of the scratcher is equally important when you compare different back scratchers.
You should make sure that you choose the one with a comfortable head for your personal use. Even, you will come across scratchers designed like claws and horse hooves.
#5 Width of the Edge as a Consideration
As you can judge, wider the edge, the more comfort the tool will bring when itching as it will be able to cover a wider area on your back. In addition to being broad, the head should be stable on your back. If the head is not wide enough, it will roll and will only connect with a side or corner of the head.
For better stability when scratching, some scratchers have heads that are stabilized with silver, brass or wound copper solder over copper. For better stability, a wider head with better stability is important.
#6 Consider the Durability
Generally, lots of back scratchers are made in such a way that it can easily break. The reason is that they are made out of simple materials like weak metal or plastic. Nevertheless, when you go for a polished one, chances are that it will last for long without breaking.
When you compare different back scratchers make sure to choose the one with a firm and steady head. Of course, you might be interested in ensuring that the heads are flexible. But, the head should not be too flimsy either as it will be ineffective.
#7 Consider the Reason for the Itching
Back scratchers are ideal for everyday itching sensation in places that you cannot reach. However, just in case, you have chickenpox, eczema or other medication conditions that cause itching and discomfort, it would not be safe to use a back scratcher.
The reason is that if the itching is caused by a medical condition, it should be assessed by a medical professional before you choose to self-medicate including using back scratchers.
#8 Consider a Scratcher with a Roller Attached
In some models of back scratchers, you will find that they come with a roller attached to the other end. When the regular end can be used for scratching, you can use the other end in this type of scratcher for massaging purposes. So, if you look for a multi-purpose tool, you can consider this type of back scratcher.
#9 Height of the Edge as a Consideration
Of course, you know that you should consider the width of the scratching head. But, do you know that the height of the edge is the area where many back scratchers fail? The other things might be nice in a scratcher, but just because it does not have sufficient height in the edge of the scratching portion, the scratcher might fail.
To ensure its proper working, the back scratcher must be pressed down. In addition to a long handle, the unit should have a scratcher edge that is considerably above the handle. The greater the height of the edge, the better will be the scratching experience you get from the tool.
If the height of the scratching head is very much shallow, the scratcher will either hit your shoulder or will force you to strain your shoulder. Even, it might extend your elbow backward too much when you try hard to press the scratcher edge down on your back. So, the height of the scratching head is an essential consideration.
#10 Construction
Construction here denotes the overall construction of the back scratcher. The edge of the scratcher should have been firmly attached to the shaft. When the device is a one-piece construction with a back scratcher edge part of the shaft, it would be even more beneficial.
It is better to keep away from the scratchers that have the scratcher edge threaded or glued. The reason is that the connection will be the initial place the device will likely to break or become loose.
You can consider choosing a scratcher with a telescopic shaft. The reason is that they are compact. However, a scratcher with this head tends to bend accidentally.
Takeaway
Not just for using, considering the tips given below will help you with the selection of the right back scratcher as well:
- If you are a person with sensitive skin, it is better to keep away from scratchers with bristles as it can be painful for you.
- To make sure that the scratcher remains free of germs and clean, it would be a good idea to wipe it down after every use, if possible. Otherwise, make it a practice to clean it regularly. For cleaning, you can use white vinegar as it is an excellent all-natural cleaner that will kill nearly 80% of germs.
- Not just for scratching your back, you can also use a back scratcher for other purposes in your home like to reach objects that are kept at a height or distance.
- If you will be using essential oils on your back, it would be a good idea to go for a metal back scratcher. The reason is that wood scratchers can turn slippery when used with oil.
After considering the factors mentioned above, select the right back scratcher that will help you at any time to handle an itchy back.
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