Electric v hydraulic
Typically, hydraulic operated couches are more expensive to purchase, this is due to the cost of the hydraulic pump. This also makes them more expensive to repair if the pump fails, compared with replacing an electric motor.
However, electric couches generally require more repairs than hydraulic, this is primarily due to them having more parts (motor control box, hand controller and several metres of cables) which do wear out and can get damaged with usage.
Hydraulic couches have less breakable parts and are also very popular if they are required to be moved around / stored away when not used, as the risk of damage is a lot less with no cable to get damaged. They are also ideal where a plug socket isn't readily available.
2 or 3 section
The sections refer to the number of pieces of upholstery: 2 sections being a head and body section, whereas 3 section having a head, foot and body section. 2 section is very popular for general practitioner use and massage therapy where patient positioning and movement is less. 3 section is more popular when it comes to manipulation and mobilisation, where specific patient positioning is necessary. 3 section couches are also generally more expensive than 2 section.
Single or twin lift
This refers to the mechanical structure of the frame itself. Twin lift mechanisms are generally more stable and sturdier (dependant on the manufacturer) and are recommended for practitioners that may need to get on the couch with the patient, or where heavy manipulation may be required. Although, single lift couches are still sturdy and extremely popular for general types of treatment and especially popular with GPs.
New or reconditioned
Overall, a new couch is a better option if the budget can stretch to the cost, as they will have a longer guarantee and should have parts readily available (however this is not always the case), especially with couches that are manufactured in the Far East, we see parts available for some of these for less than 5 years or the parts are not stocked in the UK and therefore can take months to obtain.
New couches are usually made to order so it does mean the lead times can often be a few weeks to a few months. A reconditioned couch however, is ready to go and therefore the wait to receive the couch is usually around a week or so. To add to this, they are much cheaper - (normally 50% the cost of its equivalent new). Reconditioned couches from Trimbio will have been fully serviced and had replacement parts where required, also most have new upholstery fitted. They will also go through an additional Pre delivery inspection to ensure that they are fully working prior to delivery.
Upholstery width and thickness
The thickness and the width of upholstery is very dependent on the use of the couch.
Upholstery width is typically 62cm to 64cm wide for a standard couch or 68cm to 70cm for an extra wide couch. The choice for upgrading to extra wide tends to be on a few factors: The type of patient you're treating. (often the wider upgrade is necessary when treating larger patients). If the treatments require the practitioner to be up closer to the patient, a narrower bed is usually preferable. Sometimes the size of a room can also affect the choice for upholstery width as it's not always possible to fit the wider couches in the space certain clinics may have.
Upholstery thickness is based on how comfortable the client is required to be. Double thickness is usually more common in the beauty industry where the client may be required to be in the same position for lengthy periods of time. A thinner upholstery is more suited to practices such as manipulation / sports injuries where the practitioner may need more control over the patients localised movement and have a more stable surface to allow for better feedback from a patient's body.
Breathe hole
A breathe hole is a popular addition to a treatment couch but not always required. If the patient is required to lie prone on the couch, the breathe hole allows the patient to breathe normally, but more importantly allows the patients neck / back to be straight in line / in a neutral position that is comfortable. It also allows the therapist to be able to treat the area effectively.
Price Vs Quality
A very important consideration when purchasing a couch is the overall quality verses price.
It is becoming more and more easy to buy cheaper couches on the internet, these are generally manufactured in the Far East and therefore spend the first 6 weeks of their life on a container ship in the middle of the ocean.
We have seen many of these couches manufactured from poor quality materials, (we service over 5000 couches a year in the UK – so have plenty of experience in this field)
Examples are:
Bolts that work loose after a few months of use.
Metal Frames that crack and snap only after a few years of use – due to poor quality material and welding.
Upholstery that falls off as only fixed on with small DIY screws.
Trimbio only supplies NEW couches that are manufactured / assembled in the UK.