Jason allows you to connect the blower remotely -- up to 15 feet from the tub, so we could put it in the attic space above the bathroom. It will involve running a hose down the wall, I'm sure. We have access to the attic space there and we have available space right above the tub, but it might not work for everyone. They appear to be of comparable quality. The ones I have seen were in shops that sell Bain, Hydro Systems, Victoria and Albert -- and one of them carries some German and Italian lines that are even more exclusive. They all looked and felt to be of very fine quality and no one steered one one or another on quality -- just size, shape, air choices, etc. I was looking at Victoria and Albert (ruled out because we would like some kind of water movement) and Bain when I went in. The only Jason I was at the store where I first heard of them was a air/whirlpool combination with molded armrests -- very different from the clean line free standing tub I was thinking of. I wasn't too impressed, but I started thinking about the MicroSilk feature they also offered and wanted to find out more. When I researched Jason online, I found out they are the Jacuzzi family. The Jacuzzi name brand was sold some time back (think I had heard that and that Jacuzzi brand wasn't what it used to be). After a while, the family got back into the business under the Jason name (JA for Jacuzzi and son for the sons). They have been making tubs under the Jason name since the 1980s and on another thread some folks who have their soaking tubs (as long as 13 years, I think) have responded about being very happy with them. I can't remember if anyone had air, but no one actually had the Microsilk installed yet. Seems they make very good tubs, but until they released the MicroSilk, they were just another quality tub brand trying to squeeze into the marketplace. I think of them as possibly being like my Perlick refrigerator drawers. I heard of them on the kitchen forum here, but they were pretty much an unknown. They had been in the commercial market for years and make a superior product -- we couldn't be happier with them. We are planning on getting a Jason tub when we figure out what we can do about our shower and are ready to redo our bath,. I'm really looking forward to it.

I *much* prefer jetted over air tubs. I have some major back problems and my DH has minor ones - which is definitely a factor in wanting a firmer, more shi-atsu style massage experience in the tub. We've had a combo tub but simply rarely used the air part. But - we're either soakers or shi-atsu types - whereas others like the more gentle effervescence (I bet I would have too, when I was less prone to muscle cramping). We've recently done the B and B thing where you book a room with an air tub and then one with a jet tub - and then compare ( fun! ). I can see where people would prefer one over the other ( but we still prefer the waterjets, even though the places that have them are less expensive - we need the deep massage). If a person can afford it - get both, otherwise be sure you know which option fits your body/relaxation needs. I joke about the airbaths (just fill your tub up with 7-up - you'll love it) - but that's because my nerve damage makes it less perceptible (damage I didn't know I had until I got into comparing sensations). It's true the air is quieter - which some regard as more relaxing, but I'm prone to playing music while I relax - and well, the volume of the music exceeds the jets and I like it that way. Other times, I just like the roar of the jetted white water. Again, I totally get how some people like effervescence instead of rapids. What do you think you'd really like if you could only have one? Or...could you consider both? (We are about to purchase a jetted tub with the Ozone system, which most good models have - so we're not worried about bacteria, I'd want an ozone unit whether I had air or jet).

TeeBee, so sorry to hear of your issues with your Jason tubb. Was it ordered direct from Jason or a distributor? I would agree your husband would be happier with the 72". It sounds like the supplier/distributor made the error but you're definitely not getting tech support. I don't even know if there is tech support in our area. There are only a couple of vendors who sell it. May be something for others to ask about before purchasing, so good point. Jason has been around a few decades, but the microsilk is a new product for them. I really am hoping yours gets fixed and you can actually enjoy it. Our plumbers were perplexed because it is not a plug and play tub. There are a lot of components with the motors and they had not installed one before, either. Update on actual use for the others inquiring (lascatx, green999, Selena, etc), I used the air on Tues night and could not get the MS to turn on. Now it was tested before the tub deck was laid on the framing so I know it was functioning earlier. You have to the water in the tub at a certain level and not run it with the air. Last night I tried again, after I reset all the breakers just in case. I turned on the MS first instead of the air to see if it was refusing to work the first night because I ran air first. No go. The light came on and a couple of bubbles came out of the port, then nada. So I removed the access panel to see what was going on. Unplugged and replugged and everything looked correct (to me, a non-plumber/electrician). What I suspect is that the plumbers in their final installation screwed the "brain" to the floor and it is not aligned correctly with the MS pump - it has an infrared sensor to talk to the pumps. I moved some wires around and apparently cleared the way for the sensors to talk to one another, because I could then turn on the MS. The air function was re-tested and I could turn it up and down. Tonight I will try this again and see if that was indeed the issue. Regarding therapy, the air masseur is relaxing although you may want to consider remote location for the pump, which can be a few feet away. I do think the MS pump somewhat louder than the air, but the bubble action of the air jets drowns it out a little. The microsilk, you just hear the pump. It doesn't really matter to me because it is going to be loud anyways, and when the tub runs its auto-purge cycle it is loud when the air is pushed through the holes. I can hear it down the hall. Having only used the MS this once, I will have to update you all - but it does appear my skin is softer and I did notice flotsam in the surface of the water before I drained it - looks like little soap flakes or skin flakes. I took a shower before the bath so I was already clean. I have not noticed this with other baths, including the air bath. So there is definitely some sort of deep cleaning action. I suspect removal of soap scum off your skin provides a softening effect right off the bat. You do also feel a fine foam of bubbles along your body while you're in the tub. I still have my wrinkles though ! :-)

The Bain Ultra tubs (and I would think most airbubble tubs) are very low maintenance unlike many whirlpool tubs that need monthly cleansing cycles. Resale-wise I think alot of people are looking for a master bath with a tub that does something therapeutic, so I don't think it matters if it's air or whirlpool. If you're not worried about resale, I would say do what you feel is right for your lifestyle. Having the air gives you the choice of using the tub as a soaker or as a therapeutic option if your back is hurting, you've pulled a muscle, etc. With the soaker, soaking is the only option you have. I personally, like to leave my options open. Just my $0.02.