Did Thermasoft go out of business?

[jtrusnik]

I was looking into purchasing the ThermaShells, but I've noticed that their website is down and a couple of the catalogs have their retail kits on clearance. Anyone have any info on this?? I don't want to purchase the shells if I won't be able to get the refills..

Thanks!
Dawn

 

[Leigh]

Did Thermasoft go out of business?

Dunno, but this post may help you in searching for a replacement company. From Lava Shells:

I have to admit I’m not a frequent visitor to the site, but some of my staff members and customers are and directed me to this thread. My name is Dan, and I’m the inventor of Lava Shells.

So, I searched out Dan Young's info. The following is the link to their site, in case someone is using something different than his particular shells/heat mechanism. Maybe it will give us more to talk about, or something. Products > PerfectSense™ Massage > Lava Shells

About Our Shells
Each and every Lava Shell is a 100% real Tiger Striped Clam shell, hand-selected in the Philippine Islands for size, shape and structural integrity... PerfectSense Massage has taken those shells and recycled them into beautiful and effective massage tools.

The shells are composed of calcium carbonate --each shell's pattern is as unique as a fingerprint.

Because the shells are calcium carbonate, they give off calcium ions naturally when heated, which are transferred directly to the skin during the massage process. The calcium helps to regulate the skin's natural renewal processes and can help to give a client firmer, healthier looking skin, while also reaping all the benefits of a heated massage treatment.

Professional Use
With heated treatments now an integral part of the spa industry, businesses need a flexible, versatile, and simple way to provide heat... The Lava Charges that power the shells come in two formulas, the Comfort Blend and the Deep Heat blend. Offering different levels of heat, these blends allow for the use of the shells anywhere; not just a massage tool, they are often used in manicures and pedicures, during facials, as a component of body wraps and scrubs, and so much more.

Every Lava Shell order also comes with support from your own personal Account Manager, who will help you design and implement treatments and marketing to make the most out of your purchase, as well as the stellar marketing materials, training, and customer service that set all the PerfectSense Professional products apart.

Retail Home Use
...Each Retail Kit comes with one shell and four Lava Charges, so that clients can take them home to have that warmth and beauty when they need it between treatments.

LavaGel™
Our patented Lava Gel formula combines a natural blend of materials to create a self-heating technology that is designed to deliver heat for over an hour. Our self-heating technology is now embodied in a way that releases heat over a much longer period, resulting in blissful warmth that lasts as long as you need for any spa treatment. It is this combination of power and controlled release that inspire the innovation behind every PerfectSense Professional Product.

It looks like you can have two forms of "heat blend" with these. Maybe the spas are using the "too hot" one?

The Lava Charges that power the shells come in two formulas, the Comfort Blend and the Deep Heat blend.

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Are these Lava Shells and Therma Shells one in the same or different?

I can't tell for sure, but Lava Shells & the Therma Shells seem to be similar, yet two different items. (?????) And the "LavaGel" that ThermaShells use appears to be the patented formula by Mr. Young's PerfectSense company. Here's the Therma Shell info.

What are ThermaShells:

An elegant, ergonomic tool, from a blend of real sea shells and fine porcelain... The interior of the shells is a hollow chamber where LavaGel is added. When LavaGel is mixed with the Activator, the two create a natural reaction inside the shell, and it begins to generate heat that lasts for over an hour - with no electricity and no equipment.

The System
ThermaShells are sold in professional systems and Take Home kits ...

How It Works
ThermaShells are powered by LavaGel, a patented formula that uses natural mineral energy to continuously generate heat for long periods of time. When mixed with water, LavaGel undergoes an exothermic reaction. That reaction can be controlled—meaning the length of time it is working and the temperature it generates—can be adjusted to ensure a safe, powerful heat treatment every time a shell is charged.

LavaGel is 100% non-toxic and produces no harmful byproducts. It never requires electricity or equipment to create heat. And when the treatment is over, just throw out the LavaGel packet and clean the shell with soap and water - no mess or time-consuming clean up.

Benefits

Heat
ThermaShells stay hot for over an hour on a single charge - more than enough to complete a service, whether a simple foot massage during a pedicure or a full body massage.

No Electricity, No Equipment
Single-use, self-heating technology means all you need for your service is a ThermaShell charge and the shell itself.

Safety
LavaGel’s carefully controlled formula is engineered to produce powerful warmth without overheating - leaving client and therapist comforted and protected.

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Here's some copy I located about the shell massage:

Lava Shell Massage is a relaxing massage that uses heat... During a Lava Shell Massage, the therapist uses real shells from the Philippines to gently massage your body.

The heat comes from inside the Lava Shells due to a mixture of a minerals and algae with salt water and essential oils{color added by pueppi}. When they are combined inside the shell, it creates a chemical reaction that causes heat for one or two hours.

While a Lava Shell massage has some similarities to hot stone massage, it also has some important differences.

What You Need To Know About Lava Shell Massage
Some spas are offering Lava Shell Massage instead of hot stone because the preparation and clean-up is much easier. While it has the element of heat, it is not the same as a hot stone massage.

The therapist massages your body using heated clam shells, called Lava Shells. The therapist hold the shell in the palm of their hand while using light Swedish massage strokes. It's primarily a relaxing, soothing massage. If you want deeper work, hot stone is a better choice.

The shells have a rubber plug in the bottom. The therapist inserts a packet of minerals and algae into the shell, then adds sea-water and plugs it up again. The chemical interaction between the ingredients creates heat inside the shell that lasts one to two hours.

You should speak up if the shells are too warm, especially at the beginning. They cool the more they are used.

Where Can I Get A Lava Shell Massage?
Spas that offer Lava Shell Massage include Alvadora Spa at Royal Palms in Phoenix and The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Aviara in Carlsbad (30 minutes north of San Diego).

How Much Does A Lava Shell Massage Cost? The price will vary by how luxurious the spa is. A day spa might charge $75-$100, a resort spa $125-$175.

Can I Do Lava Shell Massage At Home?
There is a Lava Shell home kit.

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Now for my concerns:

• I'm curious as to this chemical reaction of heat and the potential to harm a client. One piece of into mentioned the heat component uses essential oils (news copy above). Are there any potential allergies we should know about?
  
• Is the "sachet" easy to insert and remove?
  
• Is it really not messy? Just how easy can this be implemented into a "dry" facility?
  
• "Burning the therapists hands /burning the client" potential (mentioned by a few therapists already)?
  
• What is the difference in heat between Mr. Young's "Comfort Blend" and the "Deep Heat Blend"?

Enquiring minds want to know. :kiss:

 

[Irenie Leigh]

Did Thermasoft go out of business?

Thanks!

I remember reading that post, but of course it didn't come to me when I typed up mine