Choosing the Right Cushioning for Your Treatment Table

Let’s talk about something that’s probably not top of mind when researching treatment tables, but really should be: cushioning.

Given how many configuration and model options there are, it’s easy to overlook padding when you’re researching table choices. But this seemingly small detail can have a major impact on treatment effectiveness and comfort for both you and your clients.

Why Your Table’s Cushioning Actually Matters

Ever noticed how clients start shifting around 15 minutes into a treatment on a sub-par table? That’s not just them being fidgety—it’s their body responding to pressure points and inadequate support.

For your clients, the difference between good and great cushioning is noticeable. The quality of your table padding contributes to their overall experience and comfort during treatment sessions.

But here’s what many practitioners overlook: cushioning isn’t just for patient comfort. Your own body feels the difference too. When you’re working on a properly cushioned and supportive table-top, you’re not compensating for a poor working surface, e.g. your effort being dissipated by unsupportive foam, or dealing with patients who can’t stay properly positioned because they’re uncomfortable. This means less strain on your back, shoulders, and wrists—parts of your body that are already working overtime.

The Australian-Made Advantage: Why Dunlop Foam?

At Alevo, we’ve spent 30 years watching practitioners struggle with imported tables that just don’t last. That’s why all our cushioning systems exclusively feature Australian-made, CFC-free Dunlop foam. It’s not about patriotism (though supporting local is nice)—it’s about measurable quality differences.

Dunlop foam isn’t just comfortable; it’s engineered to last. While many imported foams start breaking down within a year or two of daily use, properly constructed Dunlop systems can maintain their integrity for a decade or more.

There’s another crucial factor that sets our foam apart: every piece is treated with Ultra-Fresh® protection. This proven antimicrobial compound creates an invisible barrier against dust mites, mold, mildew, and fungi. In a healthcare setting where you’re dealing with multiple clients daily, this extra layer of protection isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential.

Finding Your Perfect Match: Our Five Cushioning Systems

We’ve developed five distinct cushioning systems because we know that different treatments have completely different requirements. Here’s how they break down:

Standard: The Versatile All-Rounder

Specs at a glance:

• 3- layer
• 50mm thickness
• Medium finish
• Dunlop Enduro® foam

This is our jack-of-all-trades system. It provides balanced comfort and support that works across various treatment styles. The Dunlop foam delivers years of lasting comfort while maintaining enough firmness for effective treatments.

If you run a multi-disciplinary clinic or offer a variety of services, this option gives you reliable performance without specialising too far in any direction.

Enduro: Built for the Long Haul

Specs at a glance:

• 70mm thickness
• Medium finish
• Dunlop Enduro® foam
• Side bolster edge support

Here’s where clever design makes a real difference. The Enduro system features firmer table edges (what we call side-bolstering), which means you get more usable surface area. This isn’t just a comfort feature—it’s practical. The firmness reduces edge rounding during upholstery, giving you additional room for arm support and more working space.

If you’re doing massage or any longer treatments where sustained support and comfort matters, the Enduro system is your best friend. It’s particularly valuable in high-volume practices where your table needs to handle constant use without breaking down.

Luxura: The Premium Experience

Specs at a glance:

• 3 layer
• 80mm thickness
• Luxurious finish
• Dunlop Enduro® and Viscoflex® memory foam
• Side bolster edge support

When client comfort is paramount to your brand experience, Luxura delivers. It combines Premium Enduro® foam with Viscoflex® memory foam for exceptional pressure distribution. Like the Enduro system, it features side-bolstering for maximum usable surface.

The memory foam creates a truly customised feel, gently conforming to each client’s unique body shape. For relaxation massages, spa treatments, beauty therapies, or any lengthy procedures where client comfort drives satisfaction, this system is unmatched.

Firm: When Precision Matters

Specs at a glance:

• 3 layer
• 50mm thickness
• Firm finish
• Dunlop Enduro® foam and firm base

Some techniques simply demand a firmer surface—not just because practitioners prefer it, but because treatment efficacy depends on it. Our Firm system provides exactly that: comfortable yet decidedly firm support specifically designed for sports massage and osteopathic adjustment treatments.

The combination of Premium Enduro® foam with a firmer base creates the perfect balance. You get the stability needed for more forceful techniques while maintaining enough comfort that clients aren’t distracted during treatment.

Very Firm: Maximum Support

Specs at a glance:

• 2 Layer
• 50mm thickness
• Very Firm finish
• Dunlop Enduro® foam and ultra-firm base

As the firmest option in our range, this system is built specifically for chiropractic and osteopathic adjustment treatments that require maximum stability and minimal give. The ultra-firm base paired with Premium Enduro® foam creates a surface that supports the most demanding adjustment techniques while still providing essential patient comfort.

Matching Cushioning to Your Treatment Style

Different practices have different needs. Here’s how to match your modality to the right cushioning:

For Massage Therapists

You’ll likely benefit most from the Enduro system. The additional thickness and support provides comfort during longer sessions, while the side-bolstering gives you more usable space—crucial when you’re working around the entire body. For longer relaxation treatments the Luxura system is also worth considering.

For Physiotherapists

Most physios find the Standard or Enduro systems hit the sweet spot, providing that balance of comfort and stability. If you perform adjustments and manipulations the firm system alows for effective manipulation techniques while remaining comfortable during assessment and recovery exercises.

For Chiropractors and Osteopaths

If adjustments are your focus, you’ll probably gravitate toward the Firm (osteopaths) or Very Firm (chiropractors) systems. These provide the stable foundation needed for precise adjustments while offering enough cushioning to keep patients comfortable during pre- and post-adjustment phases.

For Beauty Therapists and Spa Professionals

Your clients expect luxury, making the Luxura system your ideal choice. The memory foam component creates that premium experience that enhances relaxation—a key component of the services you provide. Dunlop Enduro is also an excellent choice especially if remedial massage services are a key part of your service.

Beyond Comfort: The Investment Perspective

Quality cushioning isn’t just about today’s comfort—it’s about long-term value. Premium systems pay for themselves in several ways:

Extended Table Lifespan

Higher-quality foam maintains its structural integrity longer, directly extending your table’s usable life. While standard foam might compress permanently (what we call “bottoming out”) after a few years of regular use, premium options like Dunlop Enduro® maintain their supportive properties for much longer—often a decade or more.

Improved Client Retention

Client comfort directly influences return rates. Uncomfortable tables frequently show up in negative reviews, while exceptional comfort becomes a quiet but powerful factor in client loyalty.

Your Health as a Practitioner

Don’t overlook this: the stability and support provided by quality cushioning reduces your fatigue and helps prevent repetitive strain injuries—a common reason careers in manual therapy are cut short.

Making the Right Choice for Your Practice

When selecting cushioning, consider these practical factors:

1. How long are your treatments? Longer sessions benefit from thicker, more supportive cushioning
2. What techniques do you use? More forceful methods require firmer support
3. Who are your clients? Practices serving elderly or injured populations might benefit from memory foam options
4. What’s your personal preference? Your own comfort matters too
5. What’s the long-term value? Premium cushioning typically offers better longevity

The difference between adequate and optimal cushioning might seem subtle at first appointment, but multiply that by thousands of treatments over years of practice, and it becomes one of the most consequential equipment choices you’ll make.

It’s Not Just a Table—It’s Your Practice’s Foundation

Quality cushioning is a practical investment that delivers concrete benefits:

• Extended equipment lifespan with Dunlop foam that maintains integrity for 10+ years
• Enhanced treatment effectiveness through proper client positioning and comfort
• Reduced physical strain that helps prevent career-limiting injuries
• Specialised options (Standard, Enduro, Luxura, Firm, and Very Firm) to match your specific treatment modality

Whether you’re choosing your first treatment table or upgrading existing equipment, the right cushioning system directly impacts both your daily comfort and long-term success.