Key Takeaways: Face cradles, also known as headrests, and face pillows play a big role in client comfort during massage treatment. Choosing the best options for your clients and your services is key to facilitating a positive experience.
When equipping your massage table for functionality and client comfort, there are a few attachments that are absolutely essential. Face cradles, which are designed to support your client’s head during a treatment session, are a great example of this principle.
Choosing the right option can facilitate an exceptional experience for your clients and vice versa. With a variety of types, styles, and materials, it can be challenging to sort through the options and select the best one for your needs. Throw in a spectrum of face pillows that accompany face cradles, and you’re guaranteed a wide range of suitable options.
Picking Face Cradles and Face Pillows
Equipping your massage table with a face cradle and accompanying pillow is among the most important decisions you can make to enhance a client’s comfort and experience.
Thankfully, sorting through the various brands, styles and combinations doesn’t have to be difficult—you just have to know what to look for.
Choosing the Right Headrest
While the job of a headrest is simple—supporting a client’s head while they lie on their stomach during treatment—having the right equipment is crucial.
There are several factors to consider when searching for the perfect fit.
Doing your research upfront and selecting the ideal face cradle the first time can save you trouble in the long run and ensure your clients are as happy as possible.
The design of the face cradle platform is the first thing to note. Most are U-shaped with matching pillows, but the base material is different. Flat, stiff platforms do not conform to your client’s face as much as flexible ones made out of bendable rubber-like material. Suspending the most are face cradles with soft, movable pedals that individually adjust to the contour of your client’s face. Thanks to the way they mold to faces the more “giving” headrests are known to reduce sinus pressure—another benefit that enhances comfort.
Next, you will have to determine whether your headrest needs adjustability or not. As a general rule, adjustable headrests are more comfortable because they can be adapted to different client needs. There are two types of adjustability—height and tilt. A face cradle with both types will offer maximum adjustability to make sure the neck is in the right position and accommodate any client you may have.
Compatibility is the final major consideration when selecting a headrest. Make sure that the face cradle you choose comes with dowels of the correct diameter, length and the right distance between them to fit your massage table. The face pillows for your headrest will also vary depending on compatibility, so be sure to choose cradles and pillows that work together. Often face cradles and pillows have matching velcro to keep the cushion in place.
How to Pick a Face Pillow
Almost always shaped like a U, face pillows are the second piece of the client comfort puzzle. With a variety of materials to choose from, taking your time to choose the optimal materials for your usage is the key consideration when selecting a face pillow to pair with your massage table headrest.
One of the most popular face pillow materials is memory foam. This inner material provides clients with an experience that mimics what they may encounter at a spa. It’s luxurious, molds well to individual features, and is quite comfortable during massage sessions. While there are several different filling materials, memory foam tends to be the top choice.
Of the few downsides of memory foam, temperature regulation stands out. While adaptable and soft, memory foam tends to retain heat. During long sessions, this can be less than ideal. The solution is to choose a face pillow that combines memory foam with other types of foam. This mixture allows the face pillow to provide the benefits of memory foam with the added advantage of being more temperature-controlled.
The thickness of the face pillow is also important. Most range from 3” to 4” thick, with thicker cushions being the most comfortable. Pairing a nice pillow for your face cradle with a quality cover will give your clients the stellar experience they expect and deserve. From wipeable covers made of soft upholstery to washable and disposable covers that can be added on top of the upholstery for added sanity, the route you go will determine whether your face pillow reaches its maximum comfort potential or falls short.
It All Starts with the Right Equipment
By creating a thoughtful pairing of massage table headrests and face pillows, you can craft a memorable experience for your clients. The more comfortable they are, the more likely they are to appreciate your work, return to you in the future, and even recommend your services to others. When it comes to comfort, Earthlite can help.
Investing in quality face cradles and pillows is investing in your clients and in your business, so be sure to research thoroughly, budget wisely, and make a confident choice that will benefit you for years to come.