I spent my first year in practice using a single set of bed sheets that I washed every night. By month three the elastic was shot. By month six they were stained beyond saving. And I never even thought about a bed warmer until a client asked why my table was cold.
Bed accessories are easy to overlook when you’re focused on the big purchase — the table itself. But your sheets, covers, warmers, and face cradle accessories are what your client actually feels. Here’s what I’ve learned about getting them right.
Types of Salon Bed Accessories
| Category | What It Does | Typical Price |
|---|---|---|
| Massage Bed Sheets | Fitted sheets sized for treatment tables. Stretch fabric that stays in place during sessions. Washable, reusable — buy at least 4-6 sets per bed. | $15 – $40 per set |
| Disposable Massage Bed Sheets | Single-use sheets for hygienic layering. Woven fabric type is more durable than paper — doesn’t tear during facials or body treatments. Essential for medical spas. | $20 – $60 per case |
| Massage Bed Cover / Topper | Adds a layer of padding or protection. Some are quilted for extra comfort. Others are waterproof to protect the bed from oils and lotions. | $30 – $80 |
| Face Cradle / Face Rest | The part your client’s face rests on during prone treatments. Memory foam models are a huge upgrade over standard foam. Some come with disposable tissue covers. | $25 – $100 |
| Bed Warmer / Heating Pad | Electric pad that sits on or under the sheet. Multiple heat settings. Clients relax faster and muscles warm up quicker. Game-changer in cold climates. | $50 – $200 |
| Armrests / Arm Rests | Padded rests that attach to the sides of the bed. Clients relax their arms instead of tucking them under their body. | $30 – $80 per pair |
| Face Paper Roll / Table Paper | Perforated paper that rolls across the bed surface. Fresh paper for each client. Standard in chiropractic clinics and high-volume waxing studios. | $10 – $30 per roll |
Sheets — Fitted vs Flat vs Disposable
Fitted sheets are the best option if you do a mix of services. The elastic corners hold them tight, so they don’t shift during a deep tissue massage or when a client adjusts position during a facial. Buy deep-pocket fitted sheets (8-10 inch pockets) to fit over thick mattresses and mattress toppers. Spandex-blend fabric stretches well and resists wrinkles.
Disposable sheets have gotten way better in recent years. The older paper-type sheets tore easily, especially during facials when lotion made them wet. The newer woven fabric disposables are strong enough to hold up through a full body treatment. They’re not environmentally ideal, but for medical settings and high-turnover waxing studios, they’re the standard for hygiene.
How many sets you need: If you do 6-8 treatments a day, buy at least 6 fitted sheet sets per bed. That gives you enough to rotate while laundry is running. I’ve seen too many people buy two sets and run out before the laundry is done — then they’re washing sheets in a sink at 10 PM.
Bed Warmers — Worth It or Not?
A heated massage bed is one of those upgrades you don’t realize you need until you have it. Then you wonder how you lived without it. Here’s the deal:
Clients relax faster on a warm surface. The first 60 seconds of a session — when a cold client lies on a cold table — sets the tone for the whole appointment. With a bed warmer, they’re comfortable immediately. Muscles don’t tense up. The warm temperature also helps with hot stone therapy, because the body isn’t fighting to warm itself.
There are two types: electric heating pads that sit on top of the padding (under the sheet), and built-in warmers integrated into the bed. The electric pad type is more affordable and can be moved between beds. Built-in warmers are cleaner-looking but more expensive and fixed to one bed.
Face Cradles — The Most Underrated Upgrade
I’ve used beds with $20 face cradles and beds with $80 face cradles. The difference is massive. A cheap face cradle has firm foam that presses into your client’s cheekbones and forehead. After 30 minutes in prone position, they’re uncomfortable and shifting around. A memory foam face cradle conforms to the shape of their face — no pressure points, no shifting.
Some face cradles come with adjustable angles (tilt forward, tilt back, side rotation). That’s useful if you work on clients with different neck lengths or specific comfort needs.
And face cradle covers — the little tissue or fabric covers that go over the cradle — are a hygiene essential. They’re cheap (a few dollars per dozen), and changing them between clients is the professional thing to do.
What You’ll Pay (2026)
| Item | Budget / Basic | Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Fitted Sheet Set | $15 – $20 | $25 – $40 |
| Disposable Woven Sheets (case/100) | $25 – $40 | $45 – $60 |
| Memory Foam Face Cradle | $30 – $50 | $60 – $100 |
| Electric Bed Warmer | $50 – $80 | $100 – $200 |
| Face Paper Roll | $10 – $15 | $20 – $30 |
| Gel/Quilted Mattress Topper | $30 – $50 | $60 – $100 |
Related Guides
- Read our Massage Beds & Tables Guide for more information.
- Read our Esthetician & Facial Beds Guide for more information.
- Read our Heated Beds & Warmers Guide for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fitted sheet sets do I need per bed?
At least 6 sets per bed. That gives you enough to rotate while laundry runs. Running out mid-week is frustrating — you’ll end up washing sheets at odd hours.
Are disposable sheets worth it?
For medical settings and high-volume waxing studios, yes. The woven fabric type is much better than paper — it doesn’t tear during facials. For general massage, quality fitted sheets are more cost-effective and comfortable.
What’s the most underrated bed accessory?
A memory foam face cradle. Most cheap beds come with hard foam cradles that press into cheekbones. Upgrade to memory foam and your clients will notice the difference immediately.
My Advice
Start with 6 good fitted sheet sets, a memory foam face cradle, and if your budget allows, a bed warmer. Those three things will make the biggest difference in client comfort. Disposable sheets are worth it if you’re in a medical setting or waxing studio. Everything else — armrests, paper rolls, toppers — you can add as you go.
Browse our beauty beds and treatment tables — all compatible with standard fitted sheets and accessories.