Chairs, Tables & Spa Equipment

Choosing the proper table and accessories to buy can be a daunting task. There are so many choices, so many manufacturers, a multitude of table names, varied widths, specialized uses and colors. Whether I am on a trade show floor, speaking with a spa in their facility or on the phone, the same concerns seem to be global in the industry. How can I possibly make an informed choice with so many decisions to make? Always remember there are tables to fit any budget.

An electric lift table allows therapists and estheticians to walk into any room and quickly adjust it for their height and style of work to ensure good ergonomics, essential for workplace safety and productivity. Lower height capability enables a petite technician to adjust the table to accommodate their size. The on-command height adjustments also allow customization of treatments based on client expectations and feedback during a session. A relaxation massage can become a cranio-sacral session or a deep tissue massage with ease. Similarly an esthetician can adjust the table during a facial as they perform different parts of the treatment. An electric lift table also allows each client to get on and off the table safely.

The first step is to choose the right manufacturer, one with a solid reputation and experience in designing and building products for spas. One whose product engineering ensures longevity, ease of repair, ergonomics and client comfort will serve you best. The initial purchase price may be higher, but their success is proof of long term value and return on investment. Look for companies that have won awards in the market place and can provide references from other successful spas. Don't forget to look for the company's commitment to the environment. Do they offer FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) products, CFC free foams, non-vinyl upholstery fabrics? Is the table ETL or UL listed? Companies committed to doing their best most likely produce the greenest products: products that are designed to last.

The best companies deliver on their brand promise. A company that has designed a high quality product typically is one where customer service is not a big cost to them and therefore the service level you receive will be high. The table will be designed to have parts easily replaced, easily serviced, with quick response. Otherwise, the cost of repair can run into big money, both in actual cost and in time lost.

Flexibility and versatility are key in optimizing room use to insure profitability. Therefore, it makes sense that products designed to do a wide range of services are best, as long as they don't compromise on the core purpose. For this reason getting a table that has a salon or "flex" top ensures that the room can be used for many types of treatments. Wheels are also a good idea, allowing easy movement of the table within the room to accommodate facial or other equipment or to even move the table to another location. Warming drawers also provide additional flexibility depending on the service being done. Finally breast recess systems like ABC or Corforma LE as well as standard or upgraded foam systems enable you to provide the optimal client comfort. When the cost of real estate is taken into consideration, these ultra-flexible models allow spas to handle more treatments in a smaller footprint at a lower total cost.

Last, but not least, is aesthetics. For a high-end spa where finishes cost a bundle and are key to your brand, it is important that the look of the equipment match your decor. Some companies go beyond just offering a selection of looks and finishes, and offer a level of customization that includes matching stains and even wood and trim elements. That being said, customizing should only be considered when you are sure that your idea will work and the manufacturer can effectively implement it. Be prepared to find out that your idea is either not cost effective or not really workable. Perhaps a combination of elements already offered by the company might meet your needs just as well.

If at all possible, experiencing the product before purchase is the best, and these days that likely means attending a major trade show or finding an experienced and reliable dealer who has product available at a show room.

The word sauna is of Finnish origin. It is a mode of sweat bathing which requires frequent cooling off. The Finnish, however, did not invent this pleasant form of bathing. Sweat bathing has been popular in cultures around the world for centuries due, among other reasons, to the fact that far less water is required, compared to a traditional bath. In the 20th century, the sauna gained wider notoriety from the success of Finnish athletes in the 1924 Summer Olympic Games. Despite the great heat during those games, Finnish athletes incorporated sauna bathing as part of their training regimen and did remarkably well in the distance running events. Initially a source of fascination for athletes, the sauna has quickly gained a foothold in public and private gyms, fitness studios, wellness centers, and even clinics and spa centers. Athletes saw sauna bathing as a way to recover and promote regeneration, but everyone can benefit from the stabilizing effects on their health. Sauna bathing is characterized by dry heat, followed by cooling off, and repeated in this cycle two or three times during a session. The dry air and high temperatures in a sauna cabin distinguish the sauna remarkably from other forms of warm air bathing, such as steam rooms. A hybrid of the sauna that has developed with modern technology is a form of bathing known as the Sanarium™, also referred to as the soft sauna or bio sauna. The Sanarium™ offers many forms of bathing to suit personal taste. The Sanarium™ transforms one sauna into 5 different types of sauna bath by offering climates such as a: classical traditional sauna, warm air bath, tropical bath, aroma bath, or soft steam bath. The Sanarium™ automatically adjusts the humidity and temperature for each of these different forms of bathing through a preset menu in the sauna control. Many people find the mild heat or humid environments more pleasant than a dry hot sauna. For people with dry skin or membrane problems in particular, the climate options of the Sanarium™ programs are often more beneficial. Whether you are an athlete or not, sweat bathing, or the gentler Sanarium™ programs, can be a pleasant and therapeutic experience for any wellness area. Courtesy of: Matt Williamson, Design for Leisure

When built using modern methods and technology as discussed in our recent article, Hydrothermal areas in wet spa facilities can involve a significant investment. This investment can provide equally significant returns; however, there are barriers to overcome with owners and operators who traditionally view these facilities as a free-use amenity type of model. We would like to offer an alternative approach to how wet spa areas can become revenue generating centers using an example based on a destination type of hydrothermal spa facility, with male and female gender segregated areas that include: Sauna, Steam room, Laconium, Igloo or ice chamber, Foot spa, Cool-down showers, Hydrotherapy pool or Relaxation lounge. This type of facility size allows 2,500 square feet per gender, 5,000 square feet total, including circulation space, but excluding locker rooms or treatment areas. How much would a facility like this cost? Using a model of 5,000 square feet, designed and installed, with all technology and the hydrothermal features built, ready to receive finishes, consider the following sums: ◾5,000 sq ft @ $400/sq ft = $2,000,000.00 ◾18,500 sq ft of finishes @ $50/sq ft = $1,000,000.00 ◾Grand Total = $3,000,000 These figures exclude any building services or infrastructure which would be necessary to support a space, whatever it is used for. How is this investment returned? 2,500 square feet of gender-segregated space will easily support 60 guests at any one time. Assume that 20 men and 20 women would be visiting the hydrothermal areas of the spa every 4 hours of a 12 hour operating day. The average charge for using such facilities at a luxury property could be $55, but for the purpose of this exercise we are going to work on a lesser model with a $40 facility fee. ◾20 men + 20 women = 40 guests x $40 = $1,600 ◾Guest turnover @ 3 times a day x $1,600 = $4,800 a day ◾Allowing 360 days a year in operation = $1,728,000 income per year ◾Payback period of 21 months! What about overheads? Staffing levels for hydrothermal facilities are very low. There are no expensive therapists to staff, just attendants keeping the facility clean. At 35% of income, overheads would reduce the payback period to 32 months. A higher overhead at 50% of income would reduce the payback period to 42 months or 3.5 years. Given an average life expectancy of at least 12 years for a well-maintained facility, a hydrothermal facility will show a significant return on the initial investment over its lifetime, even while charging a modest facility usage fee of $40 per guest. The facility usage fee will more often than not be the lowest cost item on the spa menu. This entrance fee also serves as a unique way to get new guests into the spa, providing a captive opportunity to up sell guests on other treatments, services and products. Courtesy of: Matt Williamson, Design for Leisure

Flat Tops Ideal for massage therapy and spa services that do not require the client’s head or legs to be elevated. In cases where elevation is needed, bolsters are used to achieve the client’s desired level of comfort and support. Tilt Tops Perfect for massage therapy and skincare services, such as facial treatments. These tilt models can be positioned completely flat if desired. Salon Tops These units have the ideal combination of features to provide therapists with ultimate versatility, while delivering maximum client comfort. The head and leg sections can be adjusted independently to suit each client’s unique needs. How Much Storage do you Need? If you have ample storage in your treatment room and would rather maximize client access during treatment, opt for a trestle base table. This unique design gives the therapist closer access by allowing him or her to have their knees underneath the table while in a seated position. Shelf base models are convenient for storing extra bolsters or treatment tools, and can easily be concealed beneath a draped sheet or blanket. The ultimate storage opportunities are available in cabinet base models. Depending on the cabinet capacities, some models can even house a small towel cabi, in addition to extra sheets, face rest covers and other tools. Newer models even have integrated towel warmers built into the cabinet structure! Manual Tilt or Power Assist: What’s the difference? You may see terms like “Power Assist” or “Pneumatic” listed on several units throughout the site. The difference between these mechanisms and a traditional “manual” system is very simple. Power Assist is accomplished with the push of a small lever on the back or leg portions of the table, allowing the therapist to make modifications to the back recline or foot elevation while the client is on the table. This mechanism is similar to hydraulic office or barber chairs. Some models have a hand crank at the base of the table instead to allow for easy adjustments as well without requiring the client to get off the table. Fully manual models have a small bar on the back or underside of the table, similar to lawn or pool side chairs. Ideally, these manual adjustments should be done prior to the client getting on the table. Other manual models have knobs on each of the table legs that can be manipulated depending on the table height desired.

Designed for Success! Every decision made in your Spa is intended to create success: profitability and competitiveness for the spa, great experiences for your clients, sustainability for the spa, your staff and our planet. Successful decisions take the breadth of your experience combined with the experience of many others. Your equipment manufacturers can and should be an important part of your team. The first step is to choose the right manufacturer, one with a solid reputation and experience in designing and building products for spas. One whose product engineering ensures longevity, ease of repair, ergonomics and client comfort will serve you best. The initial purchase price may be higher, but their success is proof of long term value and return on investment. Look for companies that have won awards in the market place and can provide references from other successful spas. Don't forget to look for the company's commitment to the environment. Do they offer FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) products, CFC free foams, non-vinyl upholstery fabrics? Companies committed to doing their best most likely produce the greenest products: products that are designed to last. When you are making such a purchase, you’ll want one that satisfies all of the needs of the people who experience it: client, therapist, spa owner, and even the maintenance team. Let’s consider the priorities and all the points of view. The client is the center of all things, your major focus. Comfort is paramount, safety in mounting and dismounting the table, sense of security, serene and harmonious service, and appealing aesthetics are the major concerns. Great padding ensures both comfort for the client and good access for the therapist. This is starting to change, with 4" and even 6" high quality padding options available. The thickness itself is only one criterion. Is it supportive and resilient enough to eliminate pressure on sensitive breasts and bony areas? Does it hinder or aid the therapist’s work under the client’s back? Is it durable? Good quality padding is expensive, but it is an investment with great rewards. Look for longer guarantees on foam and fabric that support quality claims. High-density polyurethane foam that is California 117 certified, CFC-free is the best choice for longevity, comfort, accessibility and ecological responsibility. Sinus pressure and congestion can ruin an otherwise great experience, so the face rest is very important. Memory foam has its place in this application, and more advanced systems that incorporate water spheres inside of the foam to disperse the pressure have emerged. Platforms that can be widely adjusted to accommodate all the shapes clients come in can go a long way to alleviate discomfort. Good therapists make the difference between a successful spa with loyal, repeat customers and one that is constantly rebuilding its customer base. Therapists have a physically challenging job. An electric lift table allows therapists of different sizes to walk into any room and quickly adjust it for their height and style of work to ensure good ergonomics, essential for workplace safety and productivity. Allowing change in height during the session enables the therapist to sit, stand, and apply appropriate pressure for any size client without strain. The on-command height adjustments also allow customization of treatments based on client expectations and feedback during a session. A relaxation massage can become a cranio-sacral session or a deep tissue massage with ease. An electric lift table also allows each client to get on and off the table safely. The size of the table from every point of view is also important. As all of us know, good ergonomics require a minimum of twisting and reaching when exerting force, and the wider the table, the more a therapist has to strain. Generally any table over 29" wide is going to create challenges for some of your shorter therapists. An electric lift table with on-command height changes helps. With this feature, most therapists can work safely on 31" wide tables, which happen to be a size that 90% of clients find comfortable. Wider tables might be more comfortable for large clients and 32" and even 33" wide tables are available but not recommended. For larger clients the use of armrests and table length extenders is the best solution. The length is not as important, and 72" long is both typical and functional. The therapists will likely need ready access to hot towels, hot stones, and positioning devices such as bolsters and the most beautiful tables have convenient, well-designed cabinets. For small rooms this is a great feature. However, some items would be better located in either a trolley or a built-in cabinet system. The goal: convenience for the therapist and a great aesthetic statement to the client. While taking care of the client is key to any decision, ensuring that both clients and staff are satisfied ultimately delivers bottom line profitability. Initial cash outlay and cost per session are big drivers in the decision process also. The old adage still holds true, you usually get what you pay for. Better equipment may cost more money, but it delivers a lower cost per session and higher customer satisfaction leading to higher volumes of business. Some quick math: If you buy a table that costs $4,000 and it lasts 10 years, with an average of 3 treatments a day x 365 days a year, it will cost about 50 cents per treatment including maintenance. Obviously, higher utilization of your rooms is common and this is very conservative analysis. Flexibility and versatility are key in optimizing room use to insure profitability. Therefore, it makes sense that products designed to do a wide range of services are best, as long as they don't compromise on the core purpose. For this reason getting a table that has a salon or "flex" top ensures that the room can be used for many types of treatments. Wheels are also a good idea, allowing easy movement of the table within the room to accommodate facial or other equipment or to even move the table to another location. Electric lift tables ensure that every therapist can work more comfortably and this really helps keep turnover down. The ultimate in flexibility is found in a table that features a concealed, but fully-plumbed, jetted foot bath with drain that can function as a massage table or multifunction salon top for every conceivable treatment. When the cost of real estate is taken into consideration, these ultra-flexible models allow spas to handle more treatments in a smaller footprint at a lower total cost. The best companies deliver on their brand promise. A company that has designed a high quality product typically is one where customer service is not a big cost to them and therefore the service level you receive will be high. The table will be designed to have parts easily replaced, easily serviced, with quick response. Otherwise, the cost of repair can run into big money, both in actual cost and in time lost. Last, but not least, is aesthetics. For a high-end spa where finishes cost a bundle and are key to your brand, it is important that the look of the equipment match your decor. Some companies go beyond just offering a selection of looks and finishes, and offer a level of customization that includes matching stains and even wood and trim elements. That being said, customizing should only be considered when you are sure that your idea will work and the manufacturer can effectively implement it. Be prepared to find out that your idea is either not cost effective or not really workable. Perhaps a combination of elements already offered by the company might meet your needs just as well. If at all possible, experiencing the product before purchase is the best, and these days that likely means attending a major trade show or finding an experienced and reliable dealer who has product available at a show room. The goal is to design for success, so always keep all the people involved in the use of the product in mind and choose a company that can guide you to a product that will help you be successful. The manufacturer’s success is contingent on your success.

Medical Spas are an appealing way for physicians to expand their medical practices while increasing private pay revenue. According to Spa Finders, Inc., the first medical spa opened in a hospital in 2000 and there are now over 600 of them in this country. Medical spas are said to be the fastest growing segment in the industry, according to the International Spa Association (ISPA). The International Medical Spa Society says that people spend an average of $720 per visit to a Medical Spa versus $150 spent by those who visit a traditional day spa. Many Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeons, Dermatologists and even OB/GYN physicians have begun adding Medical Spa services to their repertoire because these services are the perfect complement to the care delivered in their primary practices. They also help grow sources of revenue from both existing patients, as well as new clients who may also become patients. The key in a Medical Spa is that the experience is not just about clinical expertise. Luxury plays a very important role. When someone visits a Medical Spa for an extravagant treatment, they want– and will pay for – a luxurious experience that meets their expectations. This means that their surroundings and, in particular, the equipment on which they are positioned must convey a sense of luxury. Equipment tends to be sparse and clinical in appearance. A visit to a Medical Spa must be Luxurious in every way… from furniture and equipment, to a décor that is both soothing and opulent, to the staff who will assure the client an unforgettable experience. Selecting the right positioning equipment, like tables and chairs, is far more than an economic decision. Making the right choices will have a positive effect on both your medical Spa’s efficiency and esthetics, which will result in a growing and highly profitable clientele. Here are some factors to keep in mind before making your investment: Is it versatile? Your equipment should work for you in more ways than one. If it can be configured for a variety of procedures, this will help streamline client and staff flow through your Medical Spa, thus maximizing the use of space. Versatile equipment ensures that any treatment can be done in any room, which leads to enhanced revenue generation. Equipment with pre-set hand controls will ensure consistently correct client positioning while reducing set-up time (which your therapists will love you for!) Does it say “Luxury?” The success of the clinical procedures combined with the overall “spa factor” of the experience will keep your clients coming back for more. Choosing comfortable, luxurious equipment that inspires a sense of pampering and serenity is a key factor in creating the kind of welcoming environment clients expect. Is it ergonomically designed for staff and clients? According to ISPA, one of the biggest problems that Medical Spa owners face is staff turnover. Not only is recruiting and training expensive, but one departing staff member can cost you thousands of dollars in business lost to spas that attract them. By creating a work environment that caters to the physical needs of your staff, you will take a big step towards improving retention. Look for equipment that has been designed to reduce physical stress brought on by various procedures. Choose furniture and equipment made by a company with a history of producing products that support the physical needs of therapists, estheticians and others while providing clients with a truly pleasurable experience.  Does the equipment support Risk Management efforts? Any equipment used in a physician’s office must support efforts to minimize liability. Selecting furniture and equipment that can handle the physical attributes and special needs of your clientele is extremely important. For example, if you serve elderly patients, appropriate height range will facilitate those patients to safely get on and off the table. Creating a successful Medical Spa to expand your services requires a focus not just on clinical protocol, but also on luxury. Remember to emphasize the “spa” aspect of the business while keeping your clients and therapists in mind at all times. Need more tips? Just reach out to our Pro Spa Services team!