Answer. Fitted Covers: Apart from massage oil the most common accessory is a fitted cover or sheet. These are generally manufactured from cotton, terry towelling or flannel, and have elastic sides together with a cutout for the face hole. They help protect the surface of the table from body oils and excess massage oil. A fitted cover portrays a professional image and makes a massage table appear inviting and appealing. It is also neater in appearance, doesn’t slip like loose towels do, and also reduces the number of towels that are needed. The fitted cover also provides friction for the towel on top so it does not slip when the patient turns over. High quality fitted covers are made from bath robe quality pure cotton (ultra absorbent), they are double overlocked stitched, and have a draped section which extends into the inside of the table face hole to protect it from contamination by massage or body oils.

Used correctly the fitted cover would be used with two full-size towels plus a small towel or cushion for the face hole. One towel would be used full length under the mid-section of the patient, another for covering the parts of the patients body not being massaged, and the small towel folded in around the face hole to make it more comfortable and to absorb body oils and perspiration. In recent years a very well designed face hole cushion (see prone pillow below), has been introduced and this has largely obviated the need for a rolled or folded towel for the face hole.

[Q3.2] Headpiece: Another common accessory is the headpiece. These are wedge shaped pieces of foam generally covered in vinyl to match the colour of the table, and with a protrusion which fits in the face hole to stop it slipping. It supports the patient’s head and shoulders comfortably, and firmly, to an angle of 15 degrees from the horizontal. It is vastly superior to a pillow because of its wedge shape and also because it is covered in vinyl, it does not absorb massage and body oils. It can also help alleviate any feeling of nausea and vulnerability that some patients feel when lying flat without support for the head.

Most patients are normally more relaxed with the head slightly elevated when lying on their backs, and this in turn helps to relax the muscles of the stomach contributing to the effectiveness of massage in this area. Beauticians often purchase the headpiece as an alternative to the more expensive adjustable headrest tables, but it is equally useful for any modality involving work on the face and head. A larger model with an angle of 30 degrees is sometimes used by beauticians and reflexologists who want their patient’s back and head to be more elevated.

[Q3.3] Face Cradles: Face cradles are designed to improve comfort and add usable length to a table, however they also add weight and complexity. One of the disadvantages of a portable table is that the face hole, no matter how well it is designed, can become uncomfortable if the patient is lying in the prone position for a long period of time. Face cradles attempt to overcome this problem and improve access to the head and neck area. They can vary considerably, from a simple extension horseshoe at the end of the table, to a more complicated device that can move in a number of planes. Generally speaking, the more complicated, the heavier it becomes, and the more difficult to set up, (as well as being more expensive). They are usually installed at the end of the table opposite the face hole, and can be retrofitted to most tables if required.

[Q3.4] Prone Pillows: A cheaper alternative to the face cradle, which is gaining in popularity, is the prone pillow. This is a very simple and light towelling covered foam support that fits under the head and upper thoracic area. By raising the sternum and minimizing forehead lift, it provides a high degree of comfort when used in conjunction with the normal face hole. It is simple, inexpensive, and light to carry (it will store inside the folded table). It will dramatically improve the comfort of any table no matter what the size or shape of the face hole. For hygiene reasons they are supplied with washable towelling covers and/or disposable covers. Face hole Plugs: Face hole plugs are a padded in-fill which fits into the face hole recess to provide a flatter surface for the patient to lie on in the supine position or for added versatility, used in conjunction with a face cradle at the opposite end of the table. They also provide additional support when a pillow is being used, but are somewhat redundant when a separate headpiece is in use, because headpieces have their own in-fill plug for the face hole. They are designed in such a way that they can't slip through the face hole. the face hole.

[Q3.6] Patient Gowns: Patient gowns are an excellent product to offer to patients who are at all inhibited about removing their clothes. They are traditionally made of seersucker material and no ironing is required. They are also made to fit comfortably, opening up at the back when the patient is in the prone position. Small, medium and large sizes are usually available.

[Q3.8] Oils: These come in such a large range of types, sizes and qualities that a separate booklet could be written on this topic alone. Oils also vary considerably in price depending on the raw materials used in their manufacture. The most expensive are the cold-pressed vegetable oils combined with essential aromatherapy essences. At the other end of the scale are the straight mineral oils, however these can also vary in price depending on the way they are made. Reputable manufacturers list all the ingredients in their oils and will give advice on their suitability for specific applications. There are also oils for super sensitive skins, and oils without any added aromas, essences or flavourings.

Although many practitioners avoid using mineral oils it is true to say that the better quality mineral oils are often superior to poorer quality vegetable oils. Another factor to consider is shelf life. Vegetable oils without preservatives or those that have been extracted using heat, can go rancid fairly quickly after opening. A suggestion is to try small quantities of a number of different types of oil until you find one that has the right combination of qualities for you. Consider viscosity, aroma, availability, shelf life and price. Last, but not least, don’t forget to be aware of the ease with which the oil is removed from your patient after the massage, and the ease of washing the oil out of your linen. Cold pressed vegetable oils tend to be the highest quality, and easiest to work with. There are many reliable suppliers of massage oils (including many of the table manufacturers), however many practitioners like to add an extra personal touch by making up their own oil mixture.