This is a critical question because the comfort and safety of your clients (or family) rests on your massage table purchase decision. Perhaps even the success of your career in bodywork depends on the decision you are making right now. No client will return for a massage on an uncomfortable or unsteady massage table.

 

All of us have had an experience in purchasing something we were satisfied with and something we were disappointed in and usually the decision was based on price. It's the same with a massage table. Your purchase experience can be extremely satisfying or a terrible disappointment and the price of satisfaction is not always that much more money. The entire difference lies in the materials and how it is all put together.

 

Massage Tables that you see at miraculous low prices maybe something to avoid, unless you are looking for a miracle.

 

Below is an honest pictorial showing many details and construction differences between a "Master" and some cheaper makes. This will enable you to make an informed choice.

 

We show you this because it is so hard to see actual differences from a "Thumbnail" photo on a website. After all of the fancy copywriting a picture is worth 1,000 words.

 

Hinges

A critical part for safety and a long table life is we make our hinge of steel that is 40% THICKER than those in cheaper makes, such as Ironman. Additionally the MHP massage table hinge is designed to wrap around the frame so that the joint actually becomes STRONGER the more weight is placed on the joint.

Foam

MHP tables
Thickness: If it is supposed to be 2" then it should be 2" BUT some massage table makers actually LIE about their foam thickness (see photo below).


Flammability: It is cheaper but illegal (and UNSAFE) to use foam that will burn. All Master massage tables use non-flammable foam that fully complies with the strict standards of California code No. 117, the most strict in the United States.

Upholstery

MHP massage tables are covered with a PU material that's far more superior and costly than PVC. Other cheaper brands commonly use PVC which emits toxic fumes and tears easily from everyday use. PVC is not resistant to oil. Oil breaks down this type of material making it harden, crack and split. Backing: MHP uses materials with a heavy reinforced denim like backing while cheaper makes have a weak gauze like backing.


Abrasion Testing: All of our materials go through 3rd party rigorous abrasion testing for wear. This test is conducted using an abrasion wheel. MHP's material show little wear after 300 rotations while cheaper competitors wore through only after 60 rotations.

Frame

Corner Joints: MHP incorporates furniture quality construction with dovetailed corner joints that are glued and screwed (fig A.). Other manufacturers massage table frames are butt jointed, spot nailed with brads and have no glue making it easily susceptible to coming apart. We also sand down the edge and corner then place a rubber protector pad to prevent upholstery damage (fig B.).

Legs

Leg Bars: MHP's wobble free northern hardwood legs are overall thicker with a DuraSeal Protection coating. The nylon leg brace pad prevents squeeking and the numbered holes provide quick and easy adjustment.


Leg Foot: The leg foot of our massage tables are double molded with a stronger rubber on the inside and a softer "sticky" rubber on the outside. Our "sticky foot" will give you confidence to apply pressure during your bodywork session knowing your massage table will not slide and leave hideous marks on your floor.


Leg Attachment Method: It's important to attach the legs in a clevis block method so the leg is firmly held from both sides. Cheaper makes hang the leg from one side causing the table to sway and legs to twist ultimately causing them to break.


Stabilizer Bar: Our massage tables feature a Stabilizer Bar and Auto-Lock leg opening system allowing the legs to move in unison making set up and take down much quicker and effortless.

Knobs

Knobs: Our ergonomic easy grip designed knobs contain strong deep brass inserts that will not wear out or strip like cheaper makes. The knobs are over molded with a strong plastic on the inside and a soft comfortable plastic that allows for easy grip on the outside. On the bottom is a felt pad to prevent scratching or wear to the wood of the leg.

Carrying Case

MHP's massage table carrying cases are the best in the industry. We use quality Samsonite hardware and strong heavy duty material that's resistant to water and oil. Our extra wide shoulder strap features a large 2.5" wide comfortable shoulder pad with 1/2" thick foam. Straps of cheaper makes are much more narrow with small uncomfortable inadequate shoulder support.


Zipper: Extra wide Samsonite pull tabs and larger zipper clasps are overwhelmingly superior to other makes. MHP's zipper construction allows for effortless, easy and smooth opening and closure. Our double stitched heavy duty fabric also provides additional strength and outlasting quality.


Strap: Samsonite hardware connects our extra wide heavy duty strap to the carrying case. The sturdy Samsonite loop and hook system is designed for superior durability and strength. Other makes have poor stitching and inadequate support to withhold everyday use and will fall apart.

Stools