Introduction A massage table is not complete without a headrest. It plays a very important role. No wonder most, if not all of the massage tables sold in the market today are bundled with a removable headrest. A headrest is essentially composed of two parts: a face cradle and a face pillow. Both are needed, but each can be sold individually. There are manufacturers that sell only the face cradle and then leave it up to the customers to use their preferred face pillow. Likewise, other brands offer an all-in-one face cradle and face pillow package. These cradles are universal and fit in most of the massage tables on the market.
The major issue of removable components, such as a headrest is strength. Most face cradles today have an aluminum frame. Aluminum is strong and lightweight. Even so, Aluminum rods support only a limited amount of weight. Don't be confused if the item is called headrest, face cradle, face pillow, headrest pad, face rest or head support. They all refer to one thing. These terms are often used interchangeably. If you're planning to purchase one at this point, it is strongly suggested to look beyond the packaging and find out what is really included. An entire package typically includes the cradle and the pillow.
Face Pillow Covers Most of the headrest packages sold in the market today don't include face pillow covers. These covers are either disposable or machine-washable. Disposable ones are usually sold in quantities of 50 or 100 while machinewashable ones are sold individually or in packs of 6. The fabric also varies, but most are made with cotton, flannel or faux-fleece.
Memory Face Cradle with Sherpa Cover from Core Products
Uses The headrest has several uses, but its main purpose is to provide support for the face during a massage or Reiki therapy session. It's built the way it is because it needs to give space for the mouth and the nose while also relieving pressure to the chin, cheek bones and forehead at the same time. The face cradle is also used to extend the length of the massage table. The typical massage table is a little over six feet long, but it can be extended up to four inches longer through the face cradle.
How To Adjust Your Headrest The massage table's headrest can be adjusted in three ways: height, angle and width. The height adjustment is used to conform to the neck. Thicker clients tend to have the height of the cradle raised up while thinner ones have to be adjusted slightly lower.
Royal Massage Adjustable Massage Table Face Cradle Assembly
The angle adjustment corresponds to tilt of the head. Tilting the angle too low may increase blood flow to the head. A simple rule to stick to is to go with the body's natural curve and adjust the angle slightly down.
Many face cradles have a single lever to adjust the height and angle. This allows for easy adjustments before finally locking in on the position. Moreover, some face cradles have a mechanism added so that they are self-adjusting. This means that self-adjusting cradles can change position on-the-fly as the head moves.
The width adjustment refers to the face pillow. The pillow is shaped like a horseshoe so that it can be easily adjusted to the corners of the face. The pillow and cradle are attached by way of a Velcro fastener. It can be bent inward to make it smaller or outward to make it wider.
What Are the Most Popular Face Cradles Today? Headrests from reputable massage table brands continue to dominate the market today. Face cradles and face pillows from Earthlite, Oakworks and Master Massage are some of the best-selling massage accessories online. However, there are headrests from less popular manufacturers that don't cost as much yet work decently.
Earthlite Caress Self-Adjusting Face Cradle The innovative Caress self-adjusting face cradle incorporates eight patented Soft-Petal suspension pads. These petals are designed to flex and balance independently of one another to perfectly cradle the face. Included in the package is the face cradle and the memory foam face pillow.
Sierra Comfort Adjustable Face Cradle for Massage Table The Metal Adjustable Face Cradle features a sturdy yet lightweight aluminum frame. Fitting most massage tables (8 Ÿ -Inch On Center Post and ž-Inch Post Inserts), this face cradle includes an easy locking lever and adjusts easily for tilt and face pad height. Cradle only. Pillow not included.
Royal Massage Standard Universal Adjustable Massage Table Face Cradle Assembly The Royal Massage Standard Adjustable Face Cradle Assembly is a universal face cradle for virtually any massage table. Features standard 3/4" diameter support posts that are roughly 8" apart from center to center. Constructed of heavy grade steel and aluminum frame with a real wood face plate with Velcro strips to attach your face cushioned pillow. Single cam adjusting lever for easy setting of both height and angle adjustments with planetary gears that provide incredible locking strength. Folds down for easy storage. Relax knowing your clients are going to be well supported. This is a professional quality face cradle designed to last for years. Cradle only. Pillow not included.
Further Reading If you want to know more about face cradles and are interested in different face cradle manufacturers, head over to the Ultimate Face Cradle Guide page at www.reikitablereviews.com.