Curved vs Flat, Hydraulic vs Electric: Which Spa Bed Is Best for Your Treatment Room?

Daiana Nicolle
Nov 16
5 min read

When we began planning our treatment room at Elysian Skin Lab, we assumed the most difficult decisions would revolve around treatment pricing, product ranges, or interior design. We never imagined that choosing the actual spa bed would send us into weeks of research, comparisons, supplier emails, late-night note-taking, and second-guessing.

At one point we genuinely felt stuck. Every time we thought we found the “perfect” bed, a new question popped up:

Should it be curved or flat?
Would hydraulic adjustment be enough long-term?
What if electric is better ergonomically?
Do we prioritise relaxation or clinical precision?

The truth is, a spa bed is more than furniture — it is the foundation of your treatments, your posture, your client’s physical and emotional experience, and the room’s aesthetic identity.So if you are in that overwhelming research phase right now, we understand you — and this blog is written specifically to help you feel confident, informed, and future-proof in your choice.

First Question: Curved or Flat — What Works Best for Your Business Style?

Before comparing features or prices, start by understanding your treatment philosophy, because your spa bed shape should reflect the type of experience you promise.

Curved Spa Bed: Best for Deep Relaxation & Spa-Inspired Services

A curved spa bed usually has a gentle body-hugging shape that follows natural spinal curvature. Clients tend to sink in and relax almost instantly, which can elevate the emotional value of the session.

Ideal if your business focuses on:✔ holistic facials✔ spa-inspired treatments✔ aromatherapy, massage or hot stone therapies✔ pampering experiences✔ long relaxation-driven sessions✔ luxurious, resort-style ambience

Clients on curved beds often describe feeling cradled, supported, and secured, making it easier for them to switch off mentally and physically.

Possible drawbacks:

Not ideal for precise, clinical or machine-based treatments
Can be harder to work on for detailed facial angles
Limited versatility if menu expands into advanced aesthetic services
Hard to adapt with bolsters for certain procedures

Curved beds often suit signature luxury brands where experience and relaxation are the central selling points, not medical-style precision.

Flat Spa Bed: Best for Multi-Service, Clinical & Expansion-Ready Workspaces

Flat beds offer a universal and highly adaptable work surface suitable for both facial and body treatments. They allow perfect positioning for professional, technical and equipment-based procedures.

Ideal if your business focuses on:

✔ results-driven skincare

✔ chemical peels & dermaplaning

✔ advanced facials (RF, microcurrent, LED, ultrasound, etc.)

✔ microneedling

✔ lash & brow services

✔ training and demonstrations

✔ future upscale treatments

Flat beds make it easy to adjust positioning with cushions, to accommodate pregnant, elderly, tall or mobility-restricted clients, while maintaining perfect alignment for detailed work.

Possible drawbacks:

Might feel less "spa-luxury" when not dressed properly
Requires thoughtful bedding, pillows, blankets, and ambiance to feel premium

That said, a flat bed can absolutely feel luxurious with the right layering, textures, scent profile, and lighting.

Second Question: Hydraulic or Electric — Which Adjustment System Is Better?

Once you've identified the shape that fits your treatment style, the next decision is how the bed moves.

Hydraulic Spa Beds — Practical, Affordable & Manual

Hydraulic beds operate with manual foot-pedals or levers, using body weight and pressure to adjust height.

Why choose hydraulic:✔ lower initial cost✔ good option for new businesses✔ reliable with fewer electronic failures✔ no power outlet dependency✔ suitable for medium treatment frequency

Considerations:

requires physical effort — not ideal for long-term posture
adjustments can interrupt treatment flow
height settings are less precise
not ideal for therapists with back, hip, shoulder or wrist issues

Hydraulic is a good entry-level or backup option, especially if you're still building your client base, but may become limiting if you scale.

Electric (Automated) Spa Beds — Premium, Professional & Ergonomic

Electric beds are controlled via remote or foot controls and reposition silently while the client remains fully relaxed.

Why choose electric:✔ completely smooth repositioning✔ no physical strain for the therapist✔ improved client experience✔ ideal for advanced treatments✔ looks and feels premium✔ excellent long-term investment

Considerations:

higher initial cost
depends on power outlet and cable management
repairs may require professional servicing

Electric beds are strongly recommended for therapists who perform high-volume or detail-oriented treatments, or who want to protect their posture and career longevity.

⭐ NEW FACTOR: Upholstery Material — Leather, PU or PVC?

A spa bed may have the perfect shape and mechanism, but if its upholstery cracks, peels, stains or absorbs oils, it can quickly look unprofessional. So let’s break down the three most common options:

Natural Leather

Premium, durable and luxurious — but not always practical.

strongest and longest-lasting
heat and body oil resistant if treated
requires routine conditioning and care
much more expensive
not always ideal where disinfectants are used frequently

Best for luxury spas where appearance is top priority and cleaning involves gentle, non-alcohol products.

PU Leather (Polyurethane)

The most popular choice in professional beauty clinics.

soft and comfortable to touch
resistant to cracking if cleaned correctly
more eco-friendly than PVC
offers a premium look without the price of real leather
compatible with most salon disinfectants
longer lifespan than standard PVC

Best for therapists looking for long-term durability + professional appearance.

PVC Upholstery

Often the cheapest option.

easy to wipe
available in many colours
may crack over time with disinfectants
less breathable, can feel cold or sticky on skin
shorter lifespan in high-volume usage

Best for starter salons, budget setups, or temporary locations.

Choosing Your Perfect Combination

There is no universal “best” choice — but there is a best choice depending on your business model.

Business Type	Shape	Mechanism	Upholstery	Ideal Reason
Luxury spa / relaxation brand	Curved	Electric	Leather or high-end PU	Emotional experience
Advanced skincare & aesthetics	Flat	Electric	PU	Precision + durability
Budget or home-startup	Flat	Hydraulic	PVC	Practical + low cost
Mobile therapist	Flat	Hydraulic	PU	Lightweight + practical
Hybrid spa + clinic	Flat	Electric	PU	Flexible + future-proof

Final Thoughts

Your spa bed isn't just where clients lie — it’s where trust, comfort, and transformation begin. It influences your brand image, treatment performance, body health, and client retention. This decision deserves time, research, and clarity about the future direction of your business — not just immediate needs.

If you’re still unsure, let these guiding questions answer it for you: