Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/72121
TELL ME The flat-out truth about massage sheets ABMP Social Media Coordinator | abram@abmp.com The sheets your clients lie on are the first tactile experience of every massage—are yours sending the right first impression? "I wish that I was made aware to Comfort always buy quality. A cheaper sheet may pill or wear out faster, where a higher quality sheet retains its softness and will be longer lasting." Anne Milewski, Michigan "I use flannel or microflannel and only in solid colors. I refuse to work without a table warmer and fleece pad under the sheets, and it's essential to use a fitted face cradle cover with a fleece cover under it. I want my clients to feel warm and cozy." Anna Kimpel, Ohio We heard mixed opinions on what kind of sheets to buy—flannel can be much more comfortable for the client, but Lisa Telthorst of Missouri says, "They tend to pill and become rough after three or four washings," so they may not last as long as other options. "One tip I got early on is to buy sheets made with Pima cotton. Pima cotton has a longer fiber length than cheaper cotton varieties and therefore holds up better to repeated washings." Aaron Allen, Oregon Did You Know? CONSUMER REPORTS TESTED 23 SETS OF QUEEN-SIZED SHEETS IN MAY 2010 AND ONLY RECOMMENDED FOUR OF THEM. SHEETS THAT DIDN'T MAKE THE CUT INCLUDED THOSE WITH ARTIFICIALLY- HIGH THREAD COUNTS DERIVED BY COUNTING MULTI-PLY YARNS AS MORE THAN ONE THREAD, A PRACTICE THAT THE FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION CALLS "DECEPTIVE." Cost We heard from several people that their strategy is to wait for end-of-season sales or Black Friday deals at high-end department stores, and stock up for the whole year. You can save a lot of money on expensive sheets just by shopping at the right time. Microfiber, bamboo, and high thread count sheets are typically more expensive, but will last longer and still feel nice for the client. By Abram Herman 20 massage & bodywork january/february 2012