We’ve engineered hundreds of different designs over the last 21 years. And, one thing we’ve learned along the way is that there a few key differences which make the beds substantially more comfortable and more likely to bring people back to use your hydro massage bed again and again over the long haul.
So, to give your users the best massage experience, here are the two major questions to ask: 1) would you prefer an “Open” or “Closed” massage system? And, 2) Do you want a “Water-through-water” or “Water-through-air” system?
Here are the pros and cons of each option:
Open and Closed Massage systems are designed exactly how they sound. Closed Systems are “capsule” or “pod-like” systems require users to get inside, and a lid comes down over top of them. In contrast, Open Systems resemble a bed, and users commonly lie on their back (face-up).
Closed Systems:
Pros: Eye-catching. You can see the water moving inside.
Cons: Similar to MRI machine, users may feel trapped or claustrophobic. Tendency to get hot and sweaty. Sanitary concerns – must clean with chemicals in between massages. It’s extremely difficult to massage neck/head.
Open Systems:
Pros: Users feel comfortable / not enclosed. You can stop or get up at any time, and don’t get hot / sweaty. You can turn-over to massage any side of body.
Cons: You can’t see the water moving inside.
Once you figure out the answer to the Open vs. Closed question, the second point to consider is whether you’d like a “Water-through-water” or “Water-through-air” system.
Water-through-water (WTW) beds are very similar to the water beds people have in their homes, with water jets mounted at the bottom of the bed. However, Water-through-air (WTA) beds are different because there is only 2-3 inches of water in the bed, and the user lies on a comfort pad suspended above the water level.
Water-through-water (WTW):
Pros: Often lower priced.
Cons: Significantly less massage pressure (water jets at bottom must travel through water to reach the body). Doesn’t provide support for injured or elderly. Potential to feel motion sickness.
Water-through-air (WTA):
Pros: Significantly more pressure (water only travels through air to reach the body). Stable surface better for injured persons and elderly. Heats target massage area.
Cons: Some indicate that massage should be done from the top-down; however these systems provide enough power to overcome the downward pressure of the body to deliver a deep tissue massage.
After getting feedback from tens of thousands of massage users over the last 21 years, we’ve engineered our HydroMassage beds as “Open Systems” with “Water-through-air” technology.
Our Goal = Creating the very best massage experience possible so your customers will want to return to your business again and again to use and pay for HydroMassage.