Table buying--females opinons being prone--

[nathnlmb]

Hello!

I am totally new here.. and actually pretty new to message boards really. I'm sorry if this topic has already been covered--

Anyway, I am wanting to get a nice table that will last a long time--- and one thing i've always been concerned about is females being comfortable in the prone position---

I saw the "oakworks nova".. and they have the "breast comfort padding".. with the softer zones--- But it looks like no other table maker uses this---

This makes sense to me... but my teacher told me not to let that one thing make my decision on the table--- He mentioned looking at a golden ratio table.. and he really likes their headrests--- It also seems like some table makers don't even make tables with breast recesses/zones---

So, I guess i'm just wanting to know if this whole female prone position is something i should really be concerned about?
Are females in general comfortable laying prone on a regular table?
Sorry if i have rambled and didn't make sense--- =s
thanks for your help =)

[TouchofGrace]

I have an oakworks table and I added a memory foam cushion I purchased at walmart. Everyone loves it. I always ask the ladies I worry may be uncomfortable if they'd like me to raise the headrest and then I put my stool under the headrest for their arms while I work their lower back. When I'm ready for them to put their hands by their sides to do finishing work on upper body, they decline the need for support towel/bolster stating they feel very comfortable. Sometimes I will forget to place the stool under them and they will remind me. I've mentioned buying special bolsters for this situation to most of my regulars and they all assure me they like it the way it is.

[squash_blsm]

You know, I've thought about it and I think that for me anyway, that ONE thing would make a difference.

Every manufacturer has basically the same features, right? So you have to look at what is important to YOU as a therapist.

'Sides, your school or teacher probably gets a kick-back on the GR tables

So for me it's only three or four things...

I want to have a face cradle that I can move up and down as well as tilt - do not get a stationary head rest.

I have had several huge women that were unable to use a face cradle at all - I could not get it up high enough, so THEY preferred to be prone with head turned to the side on the table. And I hate working like that. You CAN buy a seperate bolster or "comfort" pad to put on the table (this has chest cut-outs), but then you have to put another face cushion on TOP of the one you already have on the face cradle to be high enough - no face cradle will move up that high.

And I have mentioned in many posts to always get the widest table that you can. Do not get a 28" table - even though those are the cheapest. Go for at least 30".

I already have two tables - so hopefully my next one will have a comfort top like this PLUS a hydraulic/electric lift.
oh - actually one of my tables has those two removeable cushions at chest area, but I don't use them because I use the table the opposite way...it has a tilt-top, which I got for facials and waxing and the way the top is formed at that end I think feels weird for massage - so I position client the other way on the table. THEY probably wouldn't feel a thing...I just know that I would...
I should probably at least TRY using it...

[moogie]

I have extra memory foam on my table and for most women, that is more than enough. For larger women I also will use a breast cusion Ladies Breast Cusion More important than the breast cushion though is having a face cradle where you can actually raise the height of the face. A double-adjustable face cradle is a must in my book! Oakworks Double-adjustable] The standard ones are useless as not everyone's neck is at the same angle. The single adjust ones are better than the non adjustable ones, but the only tilt up or down. They don't actually raise the height.

You CAN buy a seperate bolster or "comfort" pad to put on the table (this has chest cut-outs), but then you have to put another face cushion on TOP of the one you already have on the face cradle to be high enough - no face cradle will move up that high.

Mine goes up high enough. It has to be set on it's highest setting but it does go up enough.

I agree that you need a least a 30' table. Anything less than that and some people's arms start falling off the side.

Angie

[Talenyn]

I got the breast comfort padding on my table, it makes some difference to women, but I also have the breast cushion just in case and have to still use it from time to time. I have noticed that almost 5 years later I notice more where the differnt foam channels are, but I haven't had a comment on that yet. My table gets light to medium light use.

A wider table is a must, and a really comfortable face rest, some are down right uncomfortable! I would also take the double adjustment headrest too, so much easier to work with.

An armrest is nice, but a chair does just as well.

[nathnlmb]

Hello--

I really appreciate all of your responses--- So what I'm gathering is... I shouldn't worry about recesses... or getting the table with the "breast comfort system" padding... although it's a neat idea--- And just focus on getting a normal table with good foam? Then look into additional breast padding...etc... later?

What kind of foam do you all like?

From what I've read, is it the foam that is different layers of different density?
I guess what I am getting at is, it's not really the thickness of the foam, but the density? Please share your thoughts on what you like =) I like this site--- thank you all for your time and help---

[JasonE]

Get a high-density foam that won't break down with use. You can always add layers of softer foam over it if you want to.

[tranquilspirit2006]

Little late here, been on vacation with no internet access but wanted to say that I got the breast comfort padding, as well as the highest quality padding available. I've been very happy with it and I msyelf notice a big difference on my table as opposed to my coworkers (of course, I also have additional padding on mine). My female clients, even larger-busted ones just sigh as they laying on it and have mentioned how comfortable it is.