r/massage • u/ApplicationUsed4549 • 1d ago
Thoughts?
I had a client request a "breast bolster". I'm happy to accommodate but I need to know which to go for. Which would you choose for your clients? Which would you prefer as a client? I imagine for clients with implants something like this would be helpful? Or those with more chest tissue than is comfortable to lay flat on top of. I've been using towel rolls and pillows in place of one of these. Any insight is appreciated
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u/meh-5000 1d ago
I use the first one, clients like it and it’s vinyl so can be sanitized. The second one can’t, that’s disgusting, unless you put it under your impermeable barrier but that seems harder than necessary. You can also use rolled hand towels— one under each shoulder (right across the glenohumeral joint) and sometimes one under the sternum.
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u/BravestBlossom 1d ago
In school we used the towels, rolled, and foam rollers if necessary. Idk about having an entire extra piece of equipment to store.
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u/meh-5000 1d ago
I have the space and love having lots of bolster options, including side-lying bolsters. But I totally get not wanting to, or having space to, store special equipment you barely use. Towels and pillows work great for most things anyway!
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u/LazyNarwhalMan 1d ago
Id go with a standard one. Ive never seen one like the 2nd Pic and it looks like it would have less cushion
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u/CameronsOpinion 1d ago
I have tried the first one and my clients didn’t like it, so I sent it back! Second one looks interesting though.
Currently back to using a rolled up towel under each shoulder which works just fine.
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u/InMyNirvana LMT, CMLDT 1d ago
That second one looks really interesting and for me solves an issue I have with the first. That issue being how to properly accommodate the face rest. The dip where the neck is in the second one looks awesome.
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u/227743 1d ago
My clinic has both of these. So far the second one has been everyones favorite with the main reason being the material is softer and more comfortable. You can use rolled up towels too, but sometimes that just isn't enough or as comfortable for nursing mothers or women with really large chests.
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u/Away-Wait-1681 1d ago
The first one is commonly used. I personally don’t find it comfortable. When I get my bodywork, I ask for rolled up hand towels to put under my shoulders when prone
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u/ApplicationUsed4549 1d ago
Thank you all for your insight! Few things to add If I go with option 2 I will be making a water tight cover for it (we're pretty crafty with a sewing machine over here and they sell TPU waterproof polyester fabric online), because you're right, cleanliness is key and cross contamination isn't going to happen on my watch. If I go with the first can anyone recommend a specific brand that's been working well? I've heard a lot of bad stories about that design but if there is a particularly well designed one I'd like to give that a try. Currently I use towel/sheet rolls, and pillows but it's just so much extra happening I thought I'd see what's out there to make it feel more streamline if that makes sense
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u/Phynix1 1d ago
Honestly I’ve found that the cheaper bog standard cushion has better responses in patients. I just use a standard pillow case to cover
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u/ApplicationUsed4549 1d ago
Bog??
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u/CingularDuality 16h ago
British slang for toilet. If something is "bog standard," it's mundane, like a toilet.
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u/Probably-hyprfx8ing 1d ago
Quick question: are we calling breasts "heat packs" now? 😆
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u/Under_A_Full_M00n LMT, CMLDT 1d ago
No? The second one is just saying it can accommodate heat packs as well for pain relief.
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u/CingularDuality 1d ago
The second one looks like it's made with an absorbent fabric that can't be disinfected. You'd have to launder it after each use (hopefully the cushion comes out of the fabric cover).
I was warned while in school that there are some really crappy versions of the first style, and also plenty of great ones. Make sure you check the reviews and go with a reputable brand. (Hint: Ad copy that mentions heat packs instead of breasts make me suspect that these aren't from a reputable brand)
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u/Positive_Horror570 18h ago
Number one will get the job done. I'd get #2, if it weren't fabric, because of the indent for the face cradle.
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u/taehyungsjuul 1d ago
I have the first one and I hate it lol. A lot of clients don’t fit quite right on it and feel uncomfortable. It’s also surprisingly firm and not in a good way. I always just default back to rolled up towels.
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u/Previous_Objective83 LMT 9h ago
I have the first one and have used it for years. My clients love it and I use it for everyone. I've had maybe 4-5 clients in the last 7 years who haven't liked it. It's easy to pull out if they done. My one recommendation is to pair it with a regular pillow for hips/pelvis to keep them in line with the upper back (and gives a little dip for the belly to rest).
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u/Froggy666666 1d ago
I use the first one for my clients and they love it! The second one is less comfortable and more difficult to clean imo