April 15, 2021 4 min read

You think you’re doing everything right for the safety and care of your clients. Day in and day out you take measures to wash your hands, wipe down surfaces and more. However, a couple of the most common hygiene solutions you’re relying on, are letting you down.

'Standard' hygiene practice during treatment often involves using paper head sheets or towels for shared surfaces on the massage table. However, these products fall short in providing adequate protection, putting your clients at risk of infection. Moreover, they frequently cause discomfort and generate unnecessary waste.

In massage, acupuncture, physiotherapy, chiropractic, osteopathy and other therapy treatments, here's how the industry's most popular solutions are failing in duty of care, customer experience and environmental impact.

 

The Paper Problem

On the surface, paper seems like a great solution — single-use, disposable and usually recyclable. No problem, right?

Not quite. While paper is single-use, it often tears during treatment, allowing fluids to seep through. Some paper sheets provide better bacterial filtration but are made from mixed materials, including plastic polyethylene lining, which makes them non-recyclable.

Moreover, all paper-based head sheets on the market fail in a critical way — they do not cover the internal area of the face hole, where clients place their eyes, nose and mouth during treatment. This exposes them to bacteria.

Besides the risk of harmful germs, there’s also the discomfort of post-treatment wrinkles and irritated skin. Paper is rough against the face, and the sound of rustling doesn't contribute to a relaxing experience.

 

Towels in the Treatment Room: A Hidden Threat


In most therapy settings, towels are indispensable. However, did you know they can also be breeding grounds for bacteria?

Warm, absorbent and often damp, towels can retain everything from harmful skin flora to infectious and deadly diseases. Swab testing of treatment beds in five different clinics found traces of rhinovirus and Staphylococcus aureus on the internal aspect of the face hole.

Even worse, no matter how thoroughly you wash them, stubborn germs are likely to linger. Research indicates that even hospital grade laundering cannot eliminate 100% of contaminants from towels.  

You might think at least towels are reusable, right? But, they may not be as eco-friendly as they seem. Washing towels daily demands a significant amount of water and energy. Did you know a standard washing machine uses between 60 and 130 litres of water per load? Consider the environmental impact of your business doing multiple loads every week — it’s a significant use of resources.

Additionally, the convenience of towels comes with a significant drawback — the time spent laundering them. The hours you spend washing each day’s towels could be far better utilised elsewhere, whether it’s treating more clients, focusing on your business, spending time with family or even taking a well-deserved moment for yourself.

Moreover, towels don't even cover the internal aspect of the therapy bed's face hole, leaving this critical area exposed.

 

It’s Time to Swap to Purifas FaceShield


Soft, silent and client preferred, the Purifas FaceShield is the first and only product worldwide to provide 100% face-hole coverage. It is scientifically proven to reduce bacterial transmission by 86%. Additionally, clinical testing has revealed that there is a significant reduction in bacterial transfer with its use.

Made from two-ply polypropylene, the FaceShield is as smooth as silk and will stay intact for the entire treatment. Its luxurious feel is sure to impress your clients. 

Don’t just listen to us — take the word of clients. Purifas conducted market research where clients experienced treatment with a paper product and then the FaceShield. Almost 90% of clients preferred the FaceShield, and 70% referenced comfort and improved feel compared to paper sheets.

 

Better for Your Clients — And the Environment Too!

Make the swap not only for your clients but also for the environment. Healthcare services contribute to 7% of Australia’s carbon footprint. Some waste is unavoidable and in healthcare, necessary, for example, disposal of acupuncture needles or single-use gloves. That’s why taking control of the waste you can reduce or recycle is more important than ever.

Recycling

The FaceShield is 100% recyclable. Therapists can return their used FaceShields to Purifas HQ, where we handle the recycling in partnership with RecycleSmart. Alternatively, you can create a RecycleSmart account and book your first recycling pickup directly. Purifas customers enjoy their first pickup free of charge. For more details, visit our recycling page. To claim your special offer for a free first pickup, head over to our affiliates page (you'll need to log in to your customer account to access offer details).

 

Say goodbye to paper and towels, and hello to a safer, more comfortable and environmentally friendly solution Purifas FaceShield. It’s the best swap you’ll make!

The FaceShield is available for purchase at AU$39.60 per box of 100. Get yours here. Alternatively, order a free sample box of 10 FaceShields to experience the quality for yourself.



Also in Blogs

How The Health Leader Co. is Amplifying the Power of Hands-On Therapists
How The Health Leader Co. is Amplifying the Power of Hands-On Therapists

September 15, 2025 3 min read

Helping therapists thrive, not just survive running a hands-on practice can be rewarding but it also comes with burnout, business stress and physical strain. That’s where The Health Leader Co. steps in. With decades of experience across clinical excellence, business mentoring and marketing strategy, Elicia Crook, Christine Knox and James Crook are empowering therapists to build sustainable, fulfilling careers. From advanced training to mindset shifts and practical tools, this trio is helping practitioners love their practice again. Explore the full blog to learn how The Health Leader Co. can support your growth, protect your wellbeing and help you build a practice you truly love.

The Ultimate Therapy Experience: Why I’ll Never Go Back to Towels
The Ultimate Therapy Experience: Why I’ll Never Go Back to Towels

April 14, 2025 5 min read

Immerse yourself in a world of unparalleled comfort and hygiene with Purifas. This vivid narrative illustrates an exceptional spa experience, showcasing the BodyShield, Dream Topper and FaceShield’s superior cleanliness, comfort and luxury over traditional towels. It highlights their silent, aesthetic appeal, setting a new standard for health and wellness treatments, leaving the author eager to visit only Purifas-equipped clinics and salons.

What Is Bowen Therapy?
What Is Bowen Therapy?

April 01, 2025 2 min read

What’s Bowen Therapy? A gentle, hands-on technique that sparks your body’s healing — think pain relief and relaxation without the deep pressure. Curious how it can boost your practice or wellness, then read on!