How to Choose a Massage Table and Sheets

You have two basic choices in massage tables: portable and stationary electric. Let's look at both options with considerations on how to choose a massage table that's best for you and the sheets to go with it.

How to Choose a Portable Massage Table

A high-quality portable massage table is an important investment for a professional massage therapist. When you buy a table, start by asking these questions:

• How well does it meet your needs in terms of size and features? (Do you want one that you can carry easily and comfortably?)
  
  
• How well designed and constructed is it?
  
  
• How long is the guarantee, and what is does it cover?
  
  
• If the table needs service or repair, what's involved?
  
  
• Is the table easy for you to use and comfortable for your clients?

You get what you pay for. While a cheap massage table may be OK for occasional home use, for the professional massage therapist, a cheap table is a risky choice—if the table breaks with someone on it, you are liable. Save yourself the headache and invest in a quality table that best fits your requirements. Here's what to look for in a portable table.

Foam

While more foam makes the table softer and more comfortable, the type of foam is also  important. For example, a very soft foam contains a lot of air and can settle over time, meaning it’s not very durable. So, consider getting a table that has a layering system with a more durable foam on the top. This information is usually available in the literature of massage table manufacturers.

Durability

You want to know your table will hold up well under severe conditions, including being strong enough to support a heavy person while you use strong pressure or rocking techniques.

What kind of wood is used in the construction? Is it hardwood, like maple or oak? What kind of plywood for the platform? How is the table assembled? Well-built tables can be trusted to give full support and not squeak during use.

How much weight can the table support? Static weight is the amount of weight the table can hold without any movement on the table. You are more interested in working weight, which takes into account the client's weight and any movement of the massage table that occurs during a massage session.

What locking system does the table use? In a cable-lock system (the most common), cables support both sides of the folding table and keep the braces in the open position, automatically securing the braces when you set up the table. With a table that has a locking pin system, you have to secure the braces after you set up the table.

What’s the warranty? Good manufacturers usually offer a lifetime warranty against defects in workmanship and materials. However, read the warranty carefully and understand exactly what it does and does not cover.

Massage Table Dimensions and Weight

The table width you choose will depend on how you plan to use the table. Width is an important consideration for both client and therapist comfort. The most usable all-around width is 29 to 30 inches. However, if you are very short, you may want a narrower table.

If you don’t need to move the table often, then a 32-inch table is more comfortable for clients. However, a wider table is also heavier, making it harder to move, and may not work well if you are short.

The standard length for most tables is 72 or 73 inches.

A larger portable massage table typically weighs more. Consider how important table weight is to you. How do you see yourself using your table? Will you work mostly in one location with an occasional house call, or do you plan to primarily make house calls, where you need a lightweight table you can haul around easily and store in your car? You also need to take into account your size and strength. If you need a super lightweight table, consider one with aluminum legs.

Portable Massage Table Endplates

Endplates are an important structural component of a table. Do you want a table with a standard endplate, which makes getting your legs under the table difficult when you are sitting on a stool? A reiki endplate gives your legs more space. Several other endplate variations are also available.

Portable Tables

Standard Endplate

Reiki Endplate

How to Choose an Electric Massage Table

An electric massage table has advantages if you're working in a situation where a stationary table is practical.

The biggest advantage is you can adjust the table's height during the session to suit your height, body mechanics, and technique. Electric tables are also stronger and sturdier than portable tables and can support more weight. Because you can lower electric lift tables, they're useful for clients who have trouble getting onto and off of a taller table.

The disadvantages of electric tables include their weight, which makes them hard to move, and their higher price. Plus, they are mechanical devices with motors that can break down, requiring repair. So, make sure the table comes with a good warranty and a UL (Underwriter's Lab) approved motor.

Electric Massage Table Features and Buying Tips

Most electric models have foot pedal controls that operate an electrically powered hydraulic lift to raise or lower the table. Hand-operated controls are also available, and some models offer both. Some models also have a non-electric pneumatic-assisted lifting system.

Some electric tables are flat while others, often used in spas, have adjustable sections, sometimes two sections, sometimes three. Some flat tables have a tilt feature.

Here are other questions to ask when you shop for an electric lift table:

• What is the adjustable height range of the table?
• How much noise does the motor make when you are adjusting the table?
• How fast does the table move up and down?
• How much leg room is under the table for your use when you are working while sitting?
• Does the table come with the type of headrest and other accessories (armrests, length extenders, etc.) you want?

You also have some of the same considerations that you have with a portable massage table:

• Choose a type of foam that's durable.
• Choose a table width that best fits you and the type of massage you offer.
• Understand the manufacturer's warranty and what it covers. Make sure you buy from a reputable manufacturer.

One other consideration: If the electric lift massage table you buy meets the requirements of the ADA (American Disability Act) for safe wheelchair transfers, you may be able to take a tax credit.

Electric Tables

How to Buy and Care for Massage Table Sheets

Massage table sheets protect the table from oils and provide a sanitary surface for the client. Most massage therapists want sheets that are easy to care for and comfortable for the client. You can also choose sheets to create atmosphere; for example, sterile-looking white sheets for medical massage or plush flannel sheets for a spa.

Buying massage sheets can be as simple as going to the local department or discount store and buying a standard twin-size sheet set. A twin fitted sheet fits a standard-size massage table, plus you get a flat sheet for draping and a pillowcase to cover the face rest.

You can also buy specially made massage table sheet sets.

Fabric Options

The advantages of 100% cotton sheets are that they feel soft (especially cotton flannel) and release oil more easily than cotton-poly blends. Their disadvantage is they tend to wrinkle easily.

Cotton-poly blends generally wrinkle less and tend to be more durable. Other, less common, fabrics to consider are bamboo and hemp. Another option, though not environmentally friendly, is disposable massage sheets.

Caring for Massage Table Sheets

Here are some tips for caring for your massage sheets:

• When you buy sheets, always wash them before use to remove any unwanted residue from the fabric.

• To more easily remove oils, wash sheets within 24 hours of use. If you can’t wash within 24 hours, store the sheets in a black plastic bag, tied shut, to keep out the air and light that causes oil to turn rancid.

• Use water-dispersible massage oils and creams to make cleaning sheets easier.

• Wash sheets in warm water and rinse them in cold water to both save energy and help sheets last longer. Hot water and a hot dryer will set in oil stains and create smelly sheets.

• Bleaching is not necessary, unless you work in a hospital or similar environment. Warm water and detergent, combined with the heat of the dryer, kill most common germs and bacteria. Bleach does not remove oil stains, shortens the life of fabric, and is harmful to the environment.

• Presoak heavily soiled massage linens before washing. You can use commercially available degreasers, stain removers, borax, or baking soda.

• In consideration of clients with sensitivities, use unscented detergent free of chemical additives. Also, avoid fabric softener, which can cause allergic reactions. Instead, add 1/4 cup of vinegar to the final rinse to eliminate odors, reduce lint, brighten colors, and remove residual detergent.

• If you have sheets with newly set-in oil stains, wash them using automatic dishwasher detergent (not liquid dish soap, which will cause too many suds). Dishwasher detergent is slightly abrasive and made to dissolve grease. This technique works only for newly set stains and also greatly reduces the usable life of sheets.

Tip: If you don’t want to deal with buying and washing massage table sheets, you can use a linen service that supplies the sheets and launders them. However, usually the only type of sheets available are a white cotton/poly blend.

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