Definitions of Common Textile Terms relating to Massage Products, Massage Supplies, and Spa Supplies
bellows:
The part of a lotion pump that constricts, causing the lotions to come out. The quality of the bellows is critical in how well and how long the pump will continue to work.
birdseye:
A weave used in facial cloths that is thicker and heavier, though slightly less soft than other possible weaves such as muslin. Commonly used for removing heavy mud masks or similar applications.
blend:
The combination of base material into a yarn for fabric. For example, a yarn made of both polyester and cotton would result in a poly/cotton blend.
bolster cover:
A fabric cover (commonly flannel) that fits over the bolster to provide extra softness and comfort. Also prevents the skin from sticking to leather bolsters.
cotton:
The most common material used for massage sheets. Flannels, jerseys, and luxury sheets (such as Egyptian cotton) are all made of cotton.
cover pad:
A pad (usually fleece or faux polyester-fleece) that covers the face crescent pad of a massage table. This pad provides extra softness and support during the treatment.
crescent cover:
A fabric cover (usually flannel or poly-cotton) that covers the face crescents of massage tables to provide extra softness and comfort. Also prevents the skin from sticking to face crescents.
double-brushed (as in "double-brushed flannel"):
Flannel may be non-brushed, single-brushed, or double-brushed. Brushing softens the feel of the flannel and allows it to withstand staining better.
draped face cover:
A face cover that is non-fitted and designed to drape over the face crescent pad like a handkerchief. Although soft and convenient, they do not stay in one place during position changes as they are not fitted to the crescent pad.
dye:
Any material used to permanently color a fabric. Most dyes today are made out of synthetic materials.
elastic:
For fitted sheets and fitted face covers, the material used to keep the fabric tight to the table or crescent. Although latex elastics are common, Massage Naturals uses only non-latex elastic for all our sheets and face covers.
facial cloth:
A cloth used to apply and remove facials. Massage Naturals provides both muslin facial cloths that are extra-soft and comfortable, and birdseye facial cloths that are thicker and longer-lasting.
fitted face cover:
A face cover that is designed to fit snugly over the face crescent pad. Fitted covers tend to be more comfortable and last longer than draped covers, although the elastic will eventually wear out after repeated washing. Fitted covers are often favored over draped covers because they will stay in one place during position changes.
fitted sheet:
A sheet that is designed to fit snugly over the massage table and held in place by elastic. Fitted sheets are most commonly made of flannel or poly-cotton. Although many supply stores sell fitted sheets designed for twin beds or sheets with latex elastic, Massage Naturals' fitted sheets are made specifically to fit massage tables and feature non-latex elastic.
flannel:
The most common material used for massage sheets and face covers. Flannel is very soft and long-lasting as well as affordable. Flannel quality is measured in grams per square meter rather than thread-count because the thickness of the cotton yarn can vary significantly. Massage Naturals' standard flannel sets are 140 gsm.
flat sheet:
A sheet that is designed to draped over the massage client for comfort and privacy. Flat sheets are most commonly made of flannel or poly-cotton. Although many supply stores sell flat sheets designed for twin beds, Massage Naturals' flat sheets are designed specifically for massage therapists and are extra-wide and long to accommodate larger and taller clients.
fleece:
Fabric made from the wool of sheep. Commonly used for table pads and crescent cover pads. Massage Naturals' "fleece" pads are actually simulated fleece made from poly-cotton, but with the same look and feel of fleece pads.
gsm or grams per square meter:
The common standard of measurement for flannel. Determined by finding the weight in ounces of a piece of fabric and dividing by the square meters of the same piece.
hem:
The sewn edge of a piece of fabric such as a sheet or face cover. The quality of the sewing on the hem is an important measure in determining its durability.
holster:
A fabric belt designed to hold a lotion bottle or jar. This is for the convenience of the masseuse as it allows them to have easier access to the massage products during the treatment. Massage Naturals sells holsters to fit either one or two bottles or jars or one of each.
hydrolyzed:
Literally meaning "water added", hydrolyzed oils wash out from sheets more easily, adding to the life of the massage sheets and reducing staining. Massage Naturals sells hydrolyzed as well as non-hydrolyzed oils.
knit:
1) To sew by alternatively
2) Any fabric made by weaving fabric
3) The "knit" of a fabric is determined by the process used to sew it together. The pattern of warp and weft of the fabric determine the "knit".
latex:
A rubbery material made from either plant-based saps or synthetic substitutes. Commonly used in elastics because it is cheap and easy to produce. Some people are allergic to latex so Massage Naturals uses non-latex elastics instead.
linen:
1) A fabric made from the flax plant
2) A general term meaning sheets, fabrics, and pads used for bedding or kitchen materials. The term "massage linens" is a general term referring to any fabrics or cloth padding used in the massage industry.
jersey:
A stretchy, usually cotton-based fabric known for its thin and comfortable feel. Jersey sheets shrink more than other sheets, but are considered by some more silky than flannel. Jersey material also dries quickly and resists staining.
muslin:
A finely-woven cotton fabric that is very soft, often see-through, and light enough for hot or dry climates. Massage Naturals makes facial cloths out of muslin due to its very soft and light feel against the skin.
non-comedogenic:
Products that do not clog the pores are considered non-comedogenic. Non-comedogenic massage products are usually more expensive but do not feel as oily or require the client to shower after their treatment.
ounce weight or ounces per yard:
A common measure of fabric quality in the US textile industry. Used in place of grams per square meter in determining product quality within some US textile markets. Massage Naturals' sheet sets are approximately 4.5 ounces per square yard, or 140 gsm (grams per square meter).
organic:
A generic term with no specific delineation. May mean any product considered environmentally friendly by its maker. More specifically, it is meant to signify products produced without chemical pesticides or other synthetic chemicals added or used in production. One way to determine whether an "organic" product is truly organic is to see if it has been SKAL certified. All products labelled "organic" by Massage Naturals are SKAL certified.
pigment dye:
Dyes used in the manufacture of fabrics that are applied by bath-dipping. Although less expensive, fabrics dyed by pigment dyes may not retain color quite as long as fabrics dyed by reactive dyes. Massage Naturals' standard sheet sets, face covers, and bolster covers are sometimes made with pigment dyes. Massage Naturals' US Made sheet sets, face covers, and bolster covers are all produced using reactive dyes.
pill:
1) The thickness or amount of padding a fleece pad has. Massage Naturals' fleece pads have a 3/4" (medium) pill, as compared to most other pads in the industry, which have only a 1/2" to 5/8" pill.
2) The tendency of a fabric to get small spheres, or pills, on the fabric surface after multiple washings. The less a fabric pills the more likely it is to last longer, and the more comfortable it tends to be. Massage Naturals' sheets and covers are all low-pill and are tested frequently to assure resistance to pilling.
poly-cotton:
A blend of polyester and cotton materials into a blended fabric. Poly-cotton fabric tends to be cool and crisp, thin and durable, and less expensive. It lacks the softness of thicker flannels, however. Poly-cotton fabric is measured by thread-count; the higher the thread count, the softer a poly-cotton fabric feels. Massage Naturals' poly-cotton sheets are 170 thread count.
polyester:
A synthetic polycarbonate (oil-based) fabric material. Often combined with cotton to produce sheets and other bedding.
poly-fleece:
A type of padding made of synthetic fabric that is made to mimic the look and feel of fleece. Massage Naturals' fleece pads are actually made of poly-fleece, which reduces the impact sheep-herding has on the environment.
polyurethane:
A synthetic polycarbonate (oil-based) material used in the manufacture of jars and bottles. Massage Naturals' polyurethane bottles are produced in the United States, which more closely regulates the environmental impact polyurethane production has on the environment.
pump:
The part of the lotion bottle that dispenses the lotion or oil. The quality of the pump can be determined by the quality of the bellows. Massage Naturals' pumps are made specifically to dispense lotion or other viscous products, unlike some companies' pumps, which are only suitable for very watery products.
reactive dye:
Dyes used in the manufacture of fabrics that are applied by chemically charging or otherwise treating the dyes so that they will better adhere to the dyed fabric. Although more expensive, fabrics dyed by reactive dyes tend to retain color longer than fabrics dyed by pigment dyes. Massage Naturals' standard sheet sets, face covers, and bolster covers are sometimes made with pigment dyes. Massage Naturals' US Made sheet sets, face covers, and bolster covers are all produced using reactive dyes.
seam:
The connection between two separate pieces of material. The strength of the seam is critical in determining how long a piece of fabric will last. Massage Naturals' fabrics are all seam-tested for durability and resistance to wear and tear.
seamless (as in "seamless face cover"):
A face cover made from a single piece of material. Seamless covers are more difficult to make because they require extra cutting and precise manufacture. The advantage of a seamless cover is that it does not leave a line on clients' foreheads that seamed fitted covers leave.
separates:
As compared to "sets", separates are sheets sold individually. Massage Naturals sells flat and fitted sheet separates in addition to sets.
sheet set:
In relation to massage, a sheet set consists of a fitted sheet, a flat sheet, and a face rest cover. This is all that is needed for basic coverage during a massage treatment, although it may be supplemented by the addition of fleece table pads, bolster covers, thermal blankets, or other accessories (sold separately).
SKAL certification:
Certification by SKAL (the organic certification authority of the Netherlands) is becoming the benchmark for whether items are truly organic, or merely claim to be. Although a product may be completely organic and not certified by SKAL, most reputable manufacturers are now seeking SKAL certification for legitimately organic fabrics or products. Any product labeled "organic" by Massage Naturals has been SKAL certified.
table pad:
A pad used on massage tables to provide extra comfort and support. Massage Naturals sells fleece pads for both massage tables and face crescents.
thermal cotton blanket:
A blanket designed to keep a client warm in the cold and cool in the heat. Because of the specially designed "waffle-weave" pattern and fabric knit, Massage Naturals' thermal cotton blankets are exceptionally comfortable and relaxing, as well as helping maintain a consistent comfortable temperature for the client.
thermal reactive dye:
A type of reactive dye that not only chemically attaches the dye to the fabric but "bakes" the dye onto the cloth as well. Fabrics dyed with thermal reactive dyeing are more expensive, but tend to have the maximum color-fastness in the industry.
thread-count:
The standard for measuring fabric thickness in polyester, poly-cottons, and some cottons. Measured as threads per square inch. Massage Naturals' poly-cotton sheets are 170 thread count sheets.
twill:
A warm-weather fabric pattern that tends to drape well. Suitable for soft materials that do not need to be overly heat-protective, such as a flat massage sheet. Massage Naturals' massage sheets are twill-sewn.
unbleached:
Unlike most cotton, unbleached cotton retains its original color and look. Cotton bleaching can be very environmentally damaging unless carefully monitored. Wherever possible, Massage Naturals provides unbleached cotton ("natural cotton") as a choice for sheet sets, face covers, and bolster covers.
Please note: unbleached cotton WILL look slightly dirty or "twiggy" even after repeated washing and the color may vary considerable from nearly white, to tan, to light brown or even slightly pink. This is part of the appeal to some, but may make some clients uncomfortable. Massage Naturals makes no promises as to the specific hue of the unbleached cotton sheets we sell - you will get what Mother Nature provided us.
waffle-weave:
A term we coined to describe the specific look and feel of our thermal cotton blanket. It both looks appealing (yes, it does resemble a waffle) and helps keep the client's temperature consistent.
yarn:
The individual strands of material used in creating a fabric. The thickness of the yarn is a critical component in determining a fabrics' quality.
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