Face cradle - comfort and products to help

[jimmymatthews3]

Hi all - I use a face cradle, and am still struggling to find a way of making my clients comfortable whilst they are supported by it. I've recently begun my hot stone case studies, which has the client lying face downwards for up to 40 mins during the back/leg sequence so its becoming really important to find something that fits the bill.

I've had 2 suggestions - use a wheatbag/beanie bag OR try adapting the facering normally used on the face hole.

Anyone got any thoughts, advice, or retailers they can suggest here?

Also, I saw on the oakworks USA site they now do an actual face cradle which is a combination of memory foam & water - anyone aware of a UK supplier of Oakworks accessories?

Cheers all,
jtp x

 

[Pompal 09.]

I find the normal face cradles too high for the neck so I cut the sponge bit in half (obv got 2 now) but I also bought one that was half the size and it came with 2 covers, problem solved x

 

[Chewyness]

I do Lomilomi massage where the client can be face down for an hour or more. I use an ergonomic fully adjustable face cradle with a memory foam face cushion from Bestmassage.co.uk

For the larger chested ladies try a folded towel as a bolster for the upper chest and shoulders. To cover the face cradle I use a pillowcase sized piece of cloth. If the client has any nasal congestion problems I put a couple of drops of eucalyptus oil on the piece that hangs down through the hole. I hope this helps.

 

[trearartituen]

What I did for the first time this week with a large chested lady was to put a semi circular squishy neck pillow on top of my normal face cradle. This added extra height and she was able to comforbaly lie face down. I had asked if she'd like a squishy pillow under her chest but she said she felt comfortable as she was.

 

[Melly<3]

Whatever works I guess. The idea of raising the chest and shoulders is to take pressure off the breasts. Just raising the face cradle doesn't achieve this. Still, as long as she was comfortable thats all that matters.

 

[Just Some Girl]

Hi - thanks for the info here, had a look at best massage website which looks excellent in terms of products etc. available.

At the risk of sounding silly Trevor, can you say how it is you find the ergonomic cradle/cushion an improvement on the standard cradle & memory foam cushion?

cheers,
jtp

 

[Bob S]

Not a silly question at all. With the flat face cradle the face is supported more on the forehead and cheeks whereas with the ergo face cradle the face seems to be supported more on the forehead and on the zygomatic bones. The effect is that there appears to be less pressure all round. If you decide to go for the ergo face cradle it mighht be worth giving them a call first to check the dimensions of the fittings. They don't fit every make of couch. I think it would still be worth getting the cushion even if you don't get the cradle..

 

[Obanor]

Thanks for the info and advice here Trevor, much appreciated. have ordered the cushion & very much looking forward to trying it out and hopefully the clients enjoying the new experience.

Cheers,
Janice

 

[Champion]

I have a face cradle and always tilt it down ever so slightly so that the neck is elongated a bit more. My clients find this very comfortable.

I did find the cushion very uncomfortable though so have replaced it with a little squishy cushion that works perfectly. It can just about fit a cradle cushion cover on it, and it sits nicely on the face cradle. I bought mine from ebay and it was called an anti-pressure face pillow. I think it cost about £15 from memory.

Maybe you could try tilitng first though and see how you get on.

Josey