Question from Mary M
Hi Debra, Found your site while searching for toxic-free massage/hypoallergenic tables (I’m changing careers). Difficult to find toxic-free massage table information. Could you please comment on “healthy” massage tables [preferrably not made in China]. Thank you very much.
Debra’s Answer
Ahhhh massage tables! I love massage, but not the tables.
I have my own massage table that I bought used about twenty years ago. But it is like most others: wood frame with polyurethane foam and a vinyl cover. Mine is pretty outgassed now, but still I pile natural fiber blankets on top so when I lay on it there is no contact with the vinyl.
Then I top everything with cotton flannel sheets.
If I needed to buy a new massage table today, I would probably do some research about what the requirements are for padding and see what else I could come up with. Wool felts maybe. And then replace the cover.
Readers, any suggestions on where to buy or how to make a toxic free massage table?
Great question and I appreciate the information shared. I have just started looking into this issue. I purchase a very low end portable massage chair unit and it is made in China. I wish I had thought of the issue of off gassing safety before I purchased it. Now that I have it, I am trying to determine if it is safe to even use. I like the idea of allowing it to off gas somewhere (like maybe in the garage) and then covering it well with cotton padding when it use.
Cotton padding does not block fumes. I would not use it, myself, but if you need to, wrap it in Reflectix. This is foil sandwiched between two layers of nontoxic polyethylene plastic. Nothing will get through this. Block the seams with aluminum foil tape.
Many auto manufacters are making the seat foam of SOY base. That would be wher I’d start my research. Covering is what I am looking for, darned if I can find the business card. Spoke with a small composits company at Oshkosh Air show last year. He told me their Epoxy was “GREEN” plant base with UV resistance. I’d pay 3x for that if it gave me strength. ….. On to his company, he may be a good sorce for safe cushion surface material…
COMMENT FROM DEBRA:
Actually, there is no such thing as foam made with soy. There is foam made from the standard polyurethane with part of it replaced with soy. But it’s less than 30%. Better, but not enough for me to use it.