Purchasing a Massage Bed for Your Salon

Massage beds are important tools for your new salon business. The beds should have good padding for the comfort of your client and provide a stable workstation for your comfort. Chairs should be comfortable and the upholstery should not irritate the skin. Here are some tips to help ensure that your purchases suit your needs.

Size
One of the most important considerations when purchasing a bed is the size of the table. It should be narrow enough that you can comfortably massage but wide enough to accommodate different sized clients. While clients are generally more comfortable on 28-inch beds, if you are short a 25-inch bed would be more beneficial to your back over the course of your career. You should be able to comfortably pivot and square your shoulders to the client’s hips.

Height
The massage bed should have an adjustable height range. Many massage therapists believe that the proper height is measured by your closed fist touching the top of the table while your arms are held down at your sides. While that may be true, it does not take into consideration the size of your client. If the client is large, you may not be able to put enough pressure on their muscles to benefit them. The best choice is an adjustable bed that you can reposition as needed.

Padding
Bed padding ranges in thickness from two to five inches. Clients tend to be more comfortable on soft padding that is at least 2.5 inches thick. The foam should be high density for durability. Lower densities tend to flatten and shorten the life of your bed.

Bed upholstery that covers the padding is generally made of leather or of synthetic materials. Leather is soft, but it is not oil and water-resistant. Vinyl leather may be a better choice because it is strong and durable and easy to clean.

Weight Capacity
Weight capacity is the amount of weight that the bed can support. You should consider the weight of your client and the added pressure that you apply to them when performing a massage. As a general rule, the working weight of a bed should be a minimum of 300 pounds.

Pedicure chairs should be comfortable for the client. You can purchase base models or luxury models. Drainage has been a problem in lower end models with piped tubs. Those types of chairs have been known to build up residue from clients because they do not drain completely. This problem can cause infections in your client’s feet.

There are many decisions to be made regarding proper salon equipment. The tips above are designed to give you an idea of some of the things that you will need to consider.

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Comfort Soul manufactures salon spa furniture, including massage beds and pedicure chairs. To outfit your salon, contact Comfort Soul online.