Wondering what to look for in a portable massage bed? Not sure about which factors you need to prioritise to find the right balance of practicality, quality, and convenience, while ensuring comfortable and happy clients on the table?
Whether you’re working from a busy private practice, constantly on the go, or some mix of the two, having a reliable, good quality portable massage bed is a must-have for most massage therapists these days. And since it’s one of the biggest investments you’ll make in your business, you want to buy wisely to land up with a product that both you and your clients are satisfied with, first-time round.
Fortunately, there’s no need to play guessing games. In this guide, we cover all the tips you need when shopping for a portable massage bed, to avoid disappointment and frustration, and ensure you don’t end up wasting your precious time and money.
How to choose a massage table
There’s no getting around the fact that there are loads of factors to consider when deciding what massage table to buy.
If you’re shopping for your first table and not too sure where to start, or looking for a ‘refresher’ guide to shopping the latest massage tables, check out our comprehensive guide to buying massage beds online.
The first question you’ll need to answer in any event is what kind of massage table—portable or stationary—will best suit your current needs and those of your clients.
If you’re not 100 percent sure yet, let’s help you decide by taking a brief look at the differences and various benefits of portable versus stationary massage beds. (If you’ve already settled on buying a portable massage table, feel free to skip to the next section).
Portable vs Stationary Massage Tables
Stationary massage tables
If you work from a static location like a salon or spa where clients always come to you, a stationary or fixed massage table obviously makes a lot of sense, provided you have the space and budget for it.
The advantages of stationary massage beds include:
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Sturdy construction – since they are built-in or permanently fixed in place, and generally larger than portable tables, stationary tables are sturdier and less prone to getting damaged.
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Built-in storage – this is an option which is not usually available with portable beds. Built-in storage allows you to have everything conveniently on hand but out of sight during treatments.
With their added features and more robust design, and factoring the cost of installation, it won’t come as a surprise that stationary tables generally come with a higher price tag than portable ones (though there are, of course, some exceptions).
Portable massage tables
The obvious advantage of portable massage tables is their versatility and convenience:
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Compact and mobile – portable table is designed to be easily moved around and stored away when you aren’t using it
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Use it anywhere – since it takes up less working space and can be set up and taken down at the drop of a hat, portable tables are suitable for a wide range of locations and applications
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Affordable value – good quality portable tables offer comparable comfort to a stationary table, without the price tag.
Being mobile for at least part of the job has become the norm for the vast majority of massage therapists in South Africa these days. Even if most of your work is done at a set location, being equipped to do the occasional off-site or home visit, or promote your skills at a trade fair, shopping mall or pop-up clinic is an invaluable advantage in today’s market. That’s why the majority of massage therapists will opt to at least have a backup portable table on hand.
For most private therapists and clinicians, a portable table meets all the basic requirements to serve their client base, and is preferable to investing in a more expensive stationary table that can’t be easily moved or adapted to changing client or therapist needs.
Types of portable massage tables
While some of the specifics may vary, there are basically two main types of portable massage tables:
Tilt-back (Reiki) table
Tilt-back or Reiki tables are popular for their versatile and comfortable design. As the name suggests, the table features an adjustable head section which can be raised or lowered to different angles, allowing the therapist to adjust the table to the client’s comfort and the massage style. They generally come with a face cradle and headrest, and are open on both ends so the therapist has easy access from all angles.
Flatbed table
Flatbed massage tables offer a simple, no-fuss design consisting of a flat padded table which does not include any adjustable sections (though the table itself may be height adjustable). A flatbed may be all you need, particularly as a standby portable option, depending on the massage services you offer.
How heavy is a portable massage table?
Most portable tables weigh between 10 and 21kg, depending on size, frame materials, padding thickness, and any added features. Weight is of course a primary factor when considering which portable massage table to buy. You’ll likely need to be able to carry, transport and pack it up or down single-handedly, and you never know when you’re going to be faced with a few flights of stairs.
If you do a lot of travelling with your table, you’ll want to prioritise finding a table that’s lightweight but sturdy, and ensure it comes with a carry bag including a strong handle. A table that’s heavy or difficult to lug around will add unnecessary stress and inconvenience to your work (not to mention potentially sending you to the massage table yourself!).
If you are mostly based at your own premises, a slightly heavier table may work for you if you only need to pack it away or move it between locations from time to time.
What is the weight limit on a portable massage table?
Aside from the actual weight of the table, the weight limit or working weight is another crucial factor. The working weight is the maximum weight capacity that the table can handle, which obviously needs to include the weight of the person being treated, plus the weight of the massage therapist (or the pressure being applied by the therapist during treatment).
A quality massage table will have a working weight of at least 180kg to 270kg. You may need to look for a higher working weight if you frequently treat patients heavier than 90kg.
While it’s not always the case, tables with a higher working weight capacity usually weigh more. So, if you need to work with a heavier portable table, you might want to consider purchasing a small trolley to make transport easier.
Top tips for buying a portable massage bed
Now that we’ve got some of the basics out the way, you should have a preliminary idea of what you’ll be looking for in a massage table that will best suit your needs.
Let’s help you narrow things down further so you can make an informed choice. Here are our top tips for choosing wisely when shopping for a portable massage bed.
1. Prioritise an ergonomic and user-friendly design
To ensure you can deliver the best possible treatment, you need a table that’s both supportive for your clients and comfortable and convenient for you to work with. Thus, a table that’s designed for good ergonomics with a user-friendly design should be your top priority.
The design, dimensions and adjustability of the table all play into good ergonomics for you and your clients. For your own ease of use, you’ll want to make sure the table is lightweight for easy mobility, and well-designed for easy setup and packing away on your own. You also want to ensure the table can be easily adjusted single-handedly without interrupting your working flow.
2. Size up your ideal table dimensions
You’ll need to size up your clients, your working comfort, and your general working environment to ensure the massage table dimensions meet all your requirements.
On average, portable massage tables range from around 68 to 75cm in width, and 182 to 192cm in length.
Keep the following guidelines in mind to choose the right size table for your needs:
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The table should be wide enough and long enough for the majority of your clients, to fully support their entire body.
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Take your height into account to ensure the table is not too wide for you to comfortably work at the centreline of a client’s body. You may also need a narrower table if your treatments often require active participation between therapist and client.
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While most massage tables are height adjustable, be sure to check the minimum and maximum height settings to ensure a comfortable working height.
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As far as possible, don’t allow the size of your work environment to dictate the dimensions of your table. Rather try to design your workspace to accommodate a comfortable, adequately sized table that will best serve you and your clients.
3. Make sure it can handle the weight
The very last thing you’d want is your massage table buckling or collapsing under one of your clients. Even a slightly wobbly table will immediately create a poor impression. To avoid any such embarrassing scenarios, it’s crucial that you check the working weight capacity as well as the overall construction and stability of the table. Finding a lightweight portable table does not mean having to compromise on these important factors. Here’s what you should be able to tick off your list:
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Make sure the working weight capacity is high enough to accommodate the top-end weight of your client base (you’ll probably want a weight capacity that’s at least 100kg higher than your personal weight, and ideally more).
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A good quality portable table will come with a strong cable system under the bed to provide stability and prevent rocking.
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Check for good quality hinges and non-slip feet.
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Check for high quality frame materials – both wood and aluminium are solid choices.
4. Don’t compromise on comfort
Even if you’re buying a portable table as a stand-by option, comfort is still a crucial component. The quality and thickness of the table’s foam padding is obviously the main ingredient in ensuring a comfortable experience and effective treatment for clients, and will also impact the longevity of your table.
High density foam padding is the optimal choice as it offers superior support and comfort, and is better at keeping its shape over years of use. Look for padding that is at least 5cm thick, but keep in mind that the thicker the padding, the more it adds to the weight of the table (and the price).
Remember to factor in the right firmness according to the type of massages you generally offer. You’ll want a thicker, firmer surface for more intensive massage styles, while a softer surface is preferable for more gentle massage techniques.
Having a padded face cradle and comfortable headrest is also critical to ensure your client can remain in a neutral position to ensure their comfort and safety during neck and spinal massages.
5. Check for durable upholstery material that’s easy to clean
Of course, it’s not just what’s under the covers that counts—the quality of the upholstery is also important for comfort, aesthetics, and ensuring ease of maintenance. Whether or not you use a sheet or other covering, the upholstery is still going to be exposed to plenty of wear and tear, including frequent cleaning and disinfecting. High quality synthetic (PU) leather is a popular option since it looks and feels good, is easy to clean and stain-resistant, while being both durable and affordable. Plastic options such as PVC and vinyl are also practical choices offering great durability and easy maintenance.
6. Choose the best frame material for your needs
These days, the two most popular options by far for portable massage table frames are wood and aluminium. Both are durable options, and while there are a few small practical differences, your choice will probably come down mostly to personal preferences.
The main advantage of wood is its natural aesthetic appeal, which can help create the impression of a more relaxed and soothing environment for your clients. While wood is generally a little heavier than aluminium, it’s still light enough to work well for portable tables. One slight drawback is that wood can be vulnerable to excessive moisture, so it needs to be wiped down, cleaned and stored with extra care.
Aluminium has gained huge popularity over recent years thanks to it being very lightweight yet also incredibly strong and durable. Aluminium tables are at least 10% lighter than wooden models, which can certainly make a noticeable difference if your work is largely mobile. It’s also completely moisture and rust-resistant, making it easier to clean and maintain.
7. Think about any extras you might need
Depending on your services offered, your typical clients, and how much you want to spend on a portable massage table, you might want to look at some optional extras for your massage table. There are many ‘bonus’ features and add-ons to look at that can add to your clients’ comfort and the range and quality of service you’re equipped to deliver.
Here are three of the most common and popular extra features to consider:
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Side extensions or arm extensions – these are usually included on deluxe massage table models. Since you can’t extend the width of a massage table, it can be very helpful to have arm extensions or side extension panels to cater to larger sized clients, and allow you to perform a wider range of treatments.
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Adjustable face cradle – while standard face cradles are usually fine for the vast majority of clients, an adjustable face cradle can definitely make a big difference in offering more customised comfort levels.
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Bolsters – as a separate purchase to your massage table, bolsters are a simple, convenient and effective way to add functionality and cater to specific client needs without having to invest in a more expensive table.
8. Go for the best quality you can afford
Since your massage table is your most important piece of equipment, it’s not worth compromising on quality or comfort for the sake of skimping on a few bucks. Even though budget is always a factor, it’s important not to let it be the all-determining factor. Most of us have had the experience of buying what we thought was a bargain, only to be disappointed, and end up having to spend more in the long run!
To avoid buyer’s regret, buy the best quality table you can afford the first time round. Don’t hesitate to ask questions before you buy, and be sure you’re informed and happy with all components of the table, from the upholstery and padding, to the frame materials, construction and all working parts.
9. Buy from a reputable dealer
One of the best ways to protect yourself from a deceptive bargain is to buy from a dealer who has a good track record in the business, and backs up their products with a decent guarantee and warranty, with quality after-sales service.
No matter what brand you buy, or how much you spend on a massage table, no product is immune to damage, whether it be from an accident or normal wear-and-tear. Buying from a reputable dealer with a good service record will give you the peace of mind of knowing who to contact, where to go, and what the process will be should you end up needing repairs, spare parts or replacements.
For the same reasons, beware of buying second-hand massage tables. Even if a table looks to be in great condition, you have no guarantee of the true condition of all of its parts, and no benefit of an original guarantee if things end up going south.
Where to buy portable massage tables on sale in South Africa
Buying a high-quality portable massage table with all the features you need doesn’t mean you have to blow your budget. By following the guidelines here, you’ll know what to look for to ensure you buy the table that best suits your needs and gets you the best bang for your buck.
Massage Warehouse specialises in affordable, high quality portable massage beds, offering the best value for money to massage therapists on the go. We stock a modern range of wooden and aluminium deluxe massage tables, manufactured using top quality materials imported from Germany.
All of our massage beds are lightweight and support a working weight of up to 270kg, ensuring you can serve a wide range of clients with ease and peace of mind. Our tables feature comforting high-density foam, a high strength steel cable system, and are covered in super-durable PVC leather for a luxurious feel and easy maintenance.
Order online for nationwide delivery and get a free carry bag worth R299 when you buy one of our exceptional portable massage beds for your home, spa, or business.
