Face Cradle Cushion Comparison (Visual)

[Chrissy Grace]

I'm not sure how useful this thread will be, but in looking at potential "better" face cradle cushions (and reading the thread we've discussed them in), these seem to be the ones that stand out.

Earthlite Cushion (Awaiting confirmation if this cushion is exactly the same as the one on the "deluxe" headrest.)

• Here's how Blisss uses this cushion:
  

  If you read the threads on the various products, you’ll see mixed reviews on all of them. I've tried Boiance, Kurve & a Standard Memory Foam Face Pillow. With each trial, most of my clients either didn’t notice the difference or didn’t care one way or the other. Of those that did express an opinion, half preferred the new pillow each time, and half hated the new pillow. In the end, I went back to using what I’ve always used:
  
  Earthlite’s deluxe headrest: http://www.earthlite.com/headrests.htm
  Covered by Earthlite Basics fleece crescent cover: http://www.earthlite.com/massageLinens_basics.htm
  Final layer = Smoothie face cradle covers: http://www.sewandsewonline.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=detail&id=34145&product=107

  
  
  jellybeanbutterfly mentions this though:

  The face cradle cushion that came with my Earthlite table is much to hard, and no one has been comfortable on my table using that thing. But, the cushion that came with my Earthlite chair is super soft and comfortable, so I'll probably start using that with my table.

  I plan to contact Earthlite and ask a few questions and follow up on this.

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Oakworks Boiance

• Breathe talks about her experience with Boiance:
  

  I've been using Boiance for several months now. I love it and highly recommend it. My clients breathe easier, some never even get congested when face down, and those that do, clear up very quickly when turned to supine. There is more space around the eyes, so people with contact lenses say it is more comfortable.
  
  Excellent product!

  
  

  I use very thick cradle covers and still feel the difference. In fact it seems to improve it. I use first a thin cotton cover that is cut large to accomodate the whole thing without getting bound up, then over the top of that I lay a polar fleece cradle drape. The cotton cover keeps the drape from sliding around, and not only do they NOT get face lines, but they also don't have those pressure spots from too small cradle covers that can't stretch or move enough to accomodate pressure from the face.
  
  I LOVE my boiance and am so happy I got it. My previous face cradle was one of those nice Stronglite ones, so it is fine for outcalls, working at home, etc.

  
  
  kathryn also uses Boiance:
  

  I also like the boiance. I used my Earthlite cushion for almost ten years and many clients commented on how comfortable it was, but I also wanted something new and that's what I went with. My clients like it, and it has velcro for attachment to any of the face rest holders.[/url]
  
  I use the washable Angel Feather face rest covers which are very soft (made from recycled plastic bottles) and don't leave any lines on the face. Here's the link http://www.angelfeatherinc.com/massage-therapy.html
  
  Just had a massage where the therapist used a satin material covering which didn't leave lines either, but they are out of stock right now, I can't recall the brand at this time.

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Kurve

• flashcrimson writes about modifications that make it better:
  
  

  I, too, hated the Kurve face rest system at first. The pillow that came with it left almost no breathing room and was very uncomfortable. But then I experimented and found that if I used the base of the Kurve system with the Kur memory foam pillow from Massage Warehouse, and then topped it with a fleece face rest cover, I had the ultimate in comfort.
  
  Interestingly, I hadn't much liked the Kur pillow on a flat base. But with the Kurve base, it's magic. Plus, something else I like about the Kurve base is that it lifts high enough that I can also use it with my bodyCushion support system, or I can lower it to work with the flat table.
  
  So, my advice? Buy just the base and get the Kur pillow to go with it, plus a fleece face cradle cover. Your clients will love it.

  As an addendum to my earlier post, the Kurve/Kur combination doesn't work well with all tables. It has to do with the amount of foam/padding on the table and the exact placement of the dowel holes relative to the table surface. It works brilliantly with my Earthlite Ellora table, with and without the extra 2" of extra padding I've added to the table. It worked very well with my Ellora and the bodyCushion support system. However, it could not raise high enough to accomodate my table WITH the extra foam AND the bodyCushion.
  
  My office also has a new Custom Craftworks electric table with the best foam package they offer, and the Kurve/Kur combination is a bit high for that, even at its lowest setting. It's slightly uncomfortable, and clearly we'd need to add extra foam to the table to raise the client high enough to accomodate the face rest. We also had the same problem with an older Golden Ratio table. (It's only slightly uncomfortable, however. By pulling it out further from the table and tilting it further into flexion, I was able to have an entire massage session without too much discomfort. But it just wasn't perfect. Much would depend on the client's body type, however.)
  
  So I still stand by the fact that it's the most comfortable face rest I've ever had....if it lines up just right with the surface of your table. If you're willing to play with adding extra foam if needed, then go for it. Might as well try. MassageWarehouse would probably take it back if it didn't work for you.

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Curve Memory Cushion / Head Rest (I haven't seen this in any of our discussions so far, but since I ran across it by accident when looking up another of the above cushions, I thought it may be something to just add as an info bit.)

 

[Free Caledonia!]

Face Cradle Cushion Comparison (Visual)

Very nice reference info to have on the site - especially for those who are either buying their first face cradle unit, or replacing another one. Thank you for adding it here! Wish I could try them all out to do a comparison myself!

 

[Miistaa Bashmentt]

Face Cradle Cushion Comparison (Visual)

I was just discussing the Boiance face cradle today with one of my therapist. I wasn't contemplating purchasing, but haven't yet researched. Thanks for making the decision easier for me!

 

[Ninja Genius]

Face Cradle Cushion Comparison (Visual)

I'm not sure how useful this thread will be, but in looking at potential "better" face cradle cushions (and reading the thread we've discussed them in), these seem to be the ones that stand out.

Earthlite Cushion (Awaiting confirmation if this cushion is exactly the same as the one on the "deluxe" headrest.)

I spoke to the Earthlite company and this Earthlite Cushion is the exact same one that comes on the "deluxe" headrest. As a side note, the Crescent Cusion from Stronglite is the same and from the same company that makes the Earthlite Cushion.

• An interesting story: I have stronglite tables, so I ended up ordering the cushion from them so it would match my table. Upon removing my old face cradle cushion, and putting on the new one, I was very unhappy with the new ones cushi-ness (or should I say un-cushi-ness of it). So, I opened it & my old one up to see what was going on. I had forgotten that I had replaced my original "innerds" in my original face cradle crescent with a temperpedic-type crescent some years ago. So, I layed on each to test them against each other again... and the fact is, my facecradle with the tempurpedic-type inside is much nicer than the new one (Earthlite Cushion/Cresent Cushion Stronglite) I ordered.
  
  Since my velcroe was problematic on the old facecradle, I just stuffed my tempurpedic-like cushion in the new cover.
  
  However, my assessment of the new crescent cover is that it is a little bit smaller than my original face cradle crescent cover. But, since I have new velcroe with the new now ( !), I am using it and it's not a real problem... just something I noticed.
  
  My final combination looks similar, but not the same as Blisss':

1.) Headrest cushion filled by a tempurpedic-type cushion (try Amazon for cheaper pricing):

• Kur Memory Foam Face Rest Pad #220 0253
• EarthLite Memory Foam Headrest Pad # 220 0431
• Memory Foam Face Cradle - Fleece Sherpa Item# 972

2.) Covered by: EarthLite Crescent Headrest Fleece Cover # 220 0571

3.) Final layer: Handmade Polar Fleece Face Cradle Cover (Deep)

• Her's sound nice too: Smoothie face cradle covers