FAQs – Massage Tables NZ

A portable table folds up to the size of a large suitcase. This makes it easy to transport or store. The disadvantage is that to fold up, it has a lot of pivoting points(legs, stays and table case) With a lot of use these points wear and can mean noise and/or movement in the table while in use. You can still expect a good lifespan with a well made portable table. If you need portability or a small storage area then portable is the way to go.
If you are using the table in the same room all the time and especially if you have heavy workloads, a “fixed” or “non portable” table will last longer and you will do more massages on the table. Divide your purchase price by the number of massages done on the table in its lifespan and you will find the cost per massage is generally less than a portable table.

Foam Density is an important factor to take into account for both portable and non portable tables.
Foam density is measured by the kilograms of product it takes to manufacture one cubic metre of foam. As foam has become more and more expensive to produce, it has become an area that some table manufacturers choose to save money by putting lighter density foam on their tables.
All foam loses approximately 20% of its cushioning in the first few months of use. So be aware that a foam that does not feel like it has adequate cushioning when new, will likely have a shorter lifespan (number of compressions before failing to spring back) While you could get an upholsterer to renew the foam, it is likely that the cost to do this would be uneconomical.
As a guide, portable tables tend to have a foam density of 20-28kgs/cubic metre. My opinion is that 28kgs should be your minimum requirement. Certainly no less than 24-26kgs.
On all my tables I use a 38 kg/cubic metre density foam. This provides years of use for the busy professional.

When considering price, obviously it is “what can I afford”. Along with this consider the expected lifespan of the table(eg how many massages will it do?)
At one end of the scale is a “cheap” table that may last for weeks, or maybe months. Maybe a year or more. A more expensive but more durable table will last a lot longer and therefore when you divide your purchase price by the number of massages done on the table, you may find that the “cheap” table was actually an expensive option.

Table vinyl and its care is a very important part of the table. Vinyl can be replaced, but normally it is too costly compared to the cost of purchasing a new table. So a proper cleaning regime for your vinyl will ensure you get the maximum life from your table.
Most manufacturers recommend cleaning with a soft soap (soap you would use on yourself in the shower. Nothing harsh or abrasive) and water. After washing you need to rinse off the vinyl.
If you use disinfectants, alcohol or oils like teatree oil to sterilise the vinyl, you will need to wash this off with soft soap also as it will damage the vinyl. After washing you will also need to rinse off the vinyl.
Disinfectant, alcohol and oils like teatree, ( also your own natural body oil) will draw the plasticers out of the vinyl, causing it to go stiff and crack over time.
In previous years as a massage therapist, I would wet a face cloth, lather it up, and rub down the whole table ( don’t forget to prop up the middle of the table to get down where the centre of the table hinges), then rinse the facecloth a total of 3 times while wiping all the soap and oil residues off the vinyl. Then either towel dry with a clean towel, or allow the vinyl to air dry.

I have a 12 year warranty on all non portable tables. This covers the table frame, but excludes the vinyl and foam( as the life of both is dependant on the proper care and use of)
All portable tables have a 5 year warranty excluding vinyl and foam.

The lead time on building your custom table varies depending on workload. Normally 3 to 6 weeks but please enquire when ordering. All lead times for custom tables start from receipt of full payment from you.