Buying a massage table can be huge investment, and the sheer number of models on the market can become confusing. We’ve compiled a list of the most commonly asked questions about massage tables to help you find your way through it!

Q: How do I choose the right massage table?

A: The best way to choose a massage table is to take an honest inventory of your requirements, and to make a budget.Armed with these two things, it’s easier to narrow down your number of options to a few models. If quite a few massage tables meet your requirements, or if you’re hesitating between models that offer different advantages, making a list of priorities and wants can help make your choice clearer. The more precise the list, the better it’ll serve you!

Deciding which aspects of a massage table matter to you, however, can be easier said than done, especially if you’re not familiar with different types of table on the market, or if you’ve primarily worked with only one or two models in the past.

Q: What should be my budget for a massage table?

A: Massage tables vary considerably in price,according to type and model. Higher end tables can cost in the thousands, and the most bare-boned, simple models – without any accessories – can cost just under two hundred dollars. For portable massage tables, generally, beginner’stables should be between 300 and 500$ without shipping and delivery, and more luxurious models, which will also last longer, should be between 700$ up to 1200$. Extremely high end, specialized models can cost more; stationary massage table prices are similar to the ones for high end portable ones. It’s important not to skimp on the price, since a hundred dollars more or less can really make the difference between a massage table that’ll last you decades and one that you’ll want to replace within a few years.

Electric massage tables vary even more considerably. It’s extremely uncommon to find one under a thousand dollars, and simple models tend to start around 1200 to 1500$. Higher end models can easily cost more than 3000$.

Q: How do I choose the width of massage tables?

A: Most standard sized massage tables are 28 to 30” of width; most massage table sheets and accessories are designed to accommodate these sizes. While massage tables under and over these width sexist, they’re uncommon because they do have significant disadvantages, they also have some perks that can make them attractive options to certain types of practitioner.

Wider tables, generally, are less portable,and their extra width means that practitioners will often have to bend over their patients and risk throwing out their backs long term; however, they give practitioners a larger working surface. Narrower tables, on the other hand, are much lighter and give practitioners closer access to their clients’ bodies, but they can also be uncomfortable for clients of different sizes, and they don’tallow them the range of movements offered by a wider table.

At Lierre, we carry tables ranging from 25” to 30”. Our 26”aluminum table and our 25” Lierre Plus A models are particularly popular for their increased portability.

Here are three aspects to consider:

• Your height. Usually, the taller the practitioner, the wider table they can use, as they can reach further.
• Your type of treatment. Very wide tables tend to be inappropriate for very physically involved treatments, since they make it harder to reach different areas on the patient’s body.
• Your patients/customers. The more space your clients need, the wider table you will need. For example,a 28” table will suit a 155-165 cm massage therapist who needs to reach all parts of a medium figure client; for a taller person, or a person treating patients of larger sizes, a 32” may be more comfortable.

For more information on this subject, consult our blog: https://www.lierremedical.com/blog/whats-the-size-of-your-massage-table/

Q: How to choose the height of massage table?

A: The height of the massage table largely depends on the height of practitioner, and the vast majority of massage tables are adjustable, including all of Lierre’s models. Our portable tables have a 23” to 33” adjustable height range, or from around 58cm to 83cm, typically suiting anyone from 5’ to 6’5”. The general rule for adjusting massage table is that the height of the table should be near your hip joint. Following this rule,a 155-165 cm (around 5’ to 5’4”) practitioner will typically find that a massage table set at 65 cm (around 2’1”) will suit them best.

When you finish adjusting your table, do not forget to make sure that the knobs are securely tightened.

For more details about how to adjust the height of massage table, please refer to our blog:

http://www.discoverhealth.ca/which-height-of-the-massage-table-is-the-best-for-me/

Q: What is the weight capacity of massage table?

A: Usually, there are two different types of weight capacities listed in massage description descriptions: working weight and static weight. Here’s a brief explanation of what those two are, and how they can be useful to practitioners.

Working weight: the average dynamic force and pressure that a massage table can withstand without damage, also sometimes called a safe working load (SWL) or a normal working load (NWL). This estimate significantly includes both pressure and weight: though a person up to 300 lbs could theoretically lie down on a table with an equal working capacity and shift around slightly without damaging the table, a very physically involved treatment on such a client could add enough pressure to become dangerous. It’s therefore important not to interpret working weight as the maximum physical weight of a client, and to always leave a generous margin: consider adding 50 to 100 lbs to your clients’ highest weight, depending on the intensity of your treatments.

Most portable massage tables have a working weight between 200 and 350 lbs, and many of Lierre’s tables can withstand up to 450 lbs. Some of Earthlite’s luxury models have working weights of up to 750 lbs,easily accommodating almost every customer, and allowing practitioners to use considerable pressure during treatments without having to worry about safety.

Static weight: Static weight of a massage table is how much weight the table will hold with the weight remaining stationary. The static weight does not mean that you can put that amount of weight on a single spot on the massage table, but rather to the total weight and pressure that can be evenly spread on the surface. Static weight therefore tends to be much higher than working weight, and can range from 1000 lbs to 3000 lbs. It is always proportional to the working weight, though the ratio can vary: tables with a high static weight capacity will tend to also have a higher working weight capacity.

To learn more on this subject, consult our blog:

http://www.discoverhealth.ca/what-is-the-weight-capacity-of-a-massage-table/

Q: How much should a portable massage weigh?

A: A typical portable massage table weighs between 28 and 35 lbs; while not insignificant, this amount of weight makes them relatively easy to carry from space to space. Factors such as width and foam density will drive up the weight of a table, and often – though not always! – the heavier models will also be the most luxurious. Some practitioners will find that massage tables on the upper end of this range will become too cumbersome to take with them through public areas, or to carry for longer periods of time. For these practitioners, every pound does matter!

Some portable massage table models have been carefully engineered to weigh less than 28 lbs: Lierre offers an extremely lightweight massage table at only 25 lbs. Tables that are this light, however,require different materials, and they’re commonly made of extremely strong,lightweight aluminium.

Q: What’s the difference between a wooden and aluminium frame for aportable massage table? Which is better?

A: Traditionally, aluminium massage tables are lighter than wooden ones; however, the gap between these two types has been closing as wooden tables are made to be lighter and lighter, and aluminium tables have become more luxurious. There is a trade-off: light wooden tables will tend to be narrower and have less foam, while aluminium tables of the same weight will tend to be wider, with more luxurious cushioning. Aluminium tables also tend to be slightly more expensive.

Q:What’s the difference between different kinds of foam?

A: We choose foam according to three different aspects: foam density, thickness and type.

Higher density foam is more durable and provides more support, while lower density foam will make clients feel as though they’re sinking into the table. Lierre’s massage tables all have high density foam.

As for thickness, thicker does not necessarily mean better. If you need more support and do not want to the applied pressure to be absorbed by the table, 2 inch standard thick foam will better suit your requirements than 3 inches of soft foam. If your priority is relaxation, and you do not mind that the table can absorb pressure, you could either go for 2.5 inch or 3 inch foam massage table. Some of our massage tables (Lierre Classic 28”/30”) with 3 inch thick foam are multi-layered, which is more comfortable than standard foam and provides better support: the best of both worlds!

If you want to know more specific models of the table, please read our blog:

http://www.discoverhealth.ca/how-to-choose-the-right-foam/

Q: What materials are generally used for upholstery? How can I tell them apart, andwhich one is better?

A: There are two materials commonly used for massage table upholstery, and both are types of imitation leather: PU leather and PVC.

Polyvinyl chloride, more correctly but unusually poly(vinyl chloride), commonly abbreviated PVC, is the third-most widely produced synthetic plastic polymer, after polyethylene and polypropylene. While extremely versatile, PVC does not make for particularly good imitation leather, and it tends not to feel very pleasant against the skin. As the cheaper of the two options, however, many lower end tables will have PVC covering as a way to cut costs.

PU leather means Polyurethane leather, and it is the costlier, eco-friendly and more luxurious option of the two. Soft and silky, PU lasts longer than PVC, and it is equally easy to clean and maintain.All of Lierre’s tables have PU upholstery.

If you are interested in learning why PU leather will be more suitable for massage table, consult our blog:

http://www.discoverhealth.ca/which-material-is-more-suitable-for-massage-table/

Q: What kind of massage accessories do I need after purchasing massage table?

A: Accessory choices vary widely, but most practitioners prefer having a head rest base and cushion, as well as a carrying case for portable massage tables. Almost all of Lierre’s portable massage tables come with these accessories. To properly protect a massage table,moreover, massage sheets are essential, whether they’re disposable or fabric.

Other accessories can help with more specialized forms of treatment. For example, if you frequently treat pregnant clients, you could purchase a body support cushion. Bolsters are also especially useful for massage and more physically involved treatments, and can greatly boost clients’ comfort.

Lierre offers other massage table accessories such as table extensions, table warmers, arm rests, etc. If you are interested in learning more about our accessories, you can consult our guide:

https://www.lierremedical.com/blog/massage-table-mods-and-supplies/

Q:Should I choose an electric massage table?

A: While a significant investment, electric massage tables provide superior comfort and communicate professionalism. We recommend them for practitioners with a long term clinic space, and especially for those working in industries such as spa work and acupuncture. Lierre offers a wide range of versatile electric massage table for every budget. If you’re hesitating, you could also consider a stationary massage table.

If you want to learn more about electric massage tables, you could read our blog at:

https://www.lierremedical.com/blog/is-an-electric-massage-table-right-for-you/

Q: How do I clean and maintain a massage table? What is the upkeep required?

A: Properly taking care of a massage table is key to its longevity. Though massage tables are relatively low maintenance, it’s important to periodically inspect nuts and bolts, motors if applicable, hinges and other structural aspects of the table to ensure that they’re all stable.

Upholstery is easy to maintain, and both PU and PVC can be washed using warm soapy water and a wet towel after treatments.To truly protect the upholstery, however, it’s best to invest in good massage table sheets. Likewise, it’s important to use a carrying case when transporting portable massage tables.

For more tips on taking care of your massage table, consult our blog:

http://www.discoverhealth.ca/how-to-take-care-of-your-important-massage-partnermassage-table/

Q: How will the massage table packaged and shipped?

A: In order to provide both reasonable shipping times and affordable prices, we use Canada Post for portable massage tables.Electric massage tables are shipped by a private company at a flat rate.*

To learn more about shipping, consult our policy:

https://www.lierremedical.com/delivery-information.html
*Applies only to Canadian orders.

Q: What are the warranties on our tables?

A: All Lierre’s portables massage tables have a one year limited warranty on the frame; as the foam and upholstery need to be actively maintained by the practitioner, damages to them are not covered.Electric massage tables have varying warranties on the motor.

Earthlite provides a life time limited warranty.

Q: Do you rent your massage tables?

A: Yes, we offer massage table rental services.Contact us at info@lierremedical.com for more detailed information.