Choosing the right couch

Height
The right height of couch depends not only on how tall you are but also on the type of treatment you do. Therapists who use more pressure in sports massage and soft tissue therapy tend to prefer a lower couch than those using techniques requiring less pressure, and Beauty therapists usually like it higher still. And, of course, clients come in all sizes too. It is also a matter of preference and seeing what is most comfortable for you. Ideally you should try out a few different heights first if you can.

A fixed height couch is the cheapest option and perfect if you are confident that you know what height you want. The only down-side is if you get an abnormally large client. Your Marshcouch Pro can be made to any height between 17” and 32”.

An adjustable height couch is better if it is going to be used by more than one therapist. It is also an advantage to be able to lower the couch when you get particularly large clients or want to work more deeply. You can even have one end of the couch lower than the other to assist lymph drainage.

The pull spring adjusters we use are strong, reliable and very easy to operate. It can be raised or lowered it in a few seconds. We offer the Standard adjustable which goes from 24" to 32" and a short adjustable going from 17" - 26". Adjustable couches can be closed without retracting the legs.

As a general guide to normal working heights:
Standing straight with your arm down by your side.

• Finger-tip level for therapists using deep techniques
• Wrist level for therapists using lighter techniques

Face hole
Nearly all massage and soft tissue therapists use couches with a face hole and clients prefer it too when laying prone (face down). But there are other therapeutic uses for a couch which may not need one and so we offer the face hole as a free option.

Width
The standard 24” wide couch will suit most situations. A wider couch may be better if you are very tall and treat big clients. Other therapies such as the Aleaxander technique and the Fedenkrais method use wider couches and we can make them to any width up to 32”.

Foam thickness
The standard 25mm foam is good for all general massage and deeper techniques, clients find it comfortable enough too. The thicker 35mm foam may be preferred by therapists using lighter techniques and with clients who want more comfort.

Corner protectors
Leather patches over the corners can protect the vinyl from accidental damage (a particular problem for short therapists carrying a couch up and down stairs).