How to Choose the Best Spa Bed for Your Beauty Business: A Real-World Guide

When we first started preparing the treatment room at Elysian Skin Lab, we thought choosing a spa bed would be quick and easy — search online, compare prices, choose a color, click add to cart. Simple, right? It turned out to be one of the hardest decisions of our setup process.

We spent weeks scrolling through websites, watching YouTube reviews, reading Facebook group discussions, comparing measurements, warranties, upholstery materials, motor systems, noise levels, and return policies. Some beds looked beautiful but had poor reviews; others were affordable but didn’t match the quality we wanted. A few were perfect — until we realized they wouldn’t fit through the treatment room door.

At one point, we genuinely asked ourselves: "Is choosing a spa bed supposed to be harder than choosing the treatments themselves?” Turns out — yes. Because this bed is the foundation of your client experience, your treatment results, your ergonomics, and your brand image.

And because we don’t want anyone else to go through that same level of confusion, frustration, overwhelm and late-night research, here is the guide we wished we had.

Start With Your Treatment Menu — Not Your Instagram Vision

It’s easy to fall in love with a spa bed because it looks luxurious, matches your colour palette, or would photograph beautifully — but looks alone do not serve you in the long run. Before choosing anything, ask yourself:

• What treatments will I perform daily?

• Will I expand my menu in the next 6–12 months?

• Do I work mainly sitting, standing, or both?

• Do I need multiple angles and height levels?

For example:

• Facials, peels, and dermaplaning require adjustable upper-body elevation

• Microneedling or aesthetic procedures require precise ergonomic positioning

• Massage or body treatments require full-body, long-session comfort

Your spa bed should support your current and future services, not limit your growth.

Measure Your Space Like a Professional Planner

One of the biggest mistakes new therapists make is buying based on the size of the bed instead of the size of the room. A spa bed must fit your treatment area plus allow:

✔ 360° movement✔ space for your trolley & devices✔ a safe walkway✔ no awkward body twisting

Consider also:

• Doorway size (can the bed actually enter the room?)

• Power socket placement

• Client entry direction

• Storage needs & workflow routines

Sometimes a slightly smaller bed creates a far better treatment environment.

Client Comfort Isn’t a Luxury — It’s a Business Strategy

When clients are comfortable, everything improves — results, trust, reviews, rebooking, referrals, and treatment add-ons. Spa beds with premium, high-density foam don’t collapse or sag after months of use.

The quick test: Press down and wait three seconds. If the foam returns slowly and smoothly, it’s good quality. If it pops back instantly or feels spongey, it will wear out faster.

Also consider:

• breathability of the upholstery

• temperature comfort (no freezing vinyl)

• head & leg support

• noise level during adjustment

A bed that allows a client to drift into sleep — even during active treatments — is a win.

Your Bed Should Match Your Brand Emotion, Not Just Your Logo

A spa bed is one of the largest visual elements in your room — it dictates how clients feel about your space.

Think about your intended vibe:

• Luxury spa retreat → warm neutrals + soft fabrics

• Advanced clinical aesthetics → clean lines + minimalistic tones

• Holistic & natural → earth textures + warm tones

If your room feels cohesive and intentional, clients subconsciously perceive you as more professional and trustworthy.

Durability, Mechanics & Warranty — What Really Matters

A spa bed is not a short-term purchase; it is an investment that affects your reputation. Look for:

• Weight capacity suitable for all clients

• Sturdy frame (metal or reinforced wood)

• Smooth hydraulic or electric adjustment

• Quiet motor (no buzzing during relaxation)

• Easy-to-clean, medical-grade upholstery

• At least 12-month warranty

• Supplier with reachable customer service

Cheap equipment becomes expensive when you must replace it early.

If possible, always ask:

• “Do you stock replacement parts?”

• “What is the delivery and return policy?”

• “Can you send real, non-edited photos or videos?”

This protects you from surprises.

Final Thoughts

Your spa bed is not just something clients lie on — it is part of your brand, your workflow, your body health, and your client experience. Choosing the right one requires time, research, and honesty about your current and future business goals. If it took us weeks to get it right at Elysian Skin Lab, don’t feel discouraged if it takes you time too — it means you care, and that alone sets you apart.