10 Things to Look For When Buying an Inversion Table

If you’re ready to buy an inversion table, you already know there are dozens of options. But not all inversion tables are built with the same level of safety, comfort, or durability, and those differences matter when it comes to protecting your spine.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or upgrading to a better model, use this guide to understand what really makes the best inversion table for back pain and how to choose one that will deliver lasting relief and peace of mind.

What to Know When Buying an Inversion Table

Inversion therapy is a proven, natural way to relieve back pain by decompressing the spine and reducing pressure on discs and nerves. A study even found that regular inversion helped reduce the need for surgery in patients with sciatica and lumbar disc issues.

With the right equipment, you can safely invert from home to stretch, realign, and strengthen your back without the need for medication or invasive procedures.

If you’re still not sure if an inversion table is right for you, check out the comprehensive list of benefits of using an inversion table here.

Not every inversion table meets the same standards for safety and performance. Here are some important factors to consider when buying an inversion table:

1. FDA-Registered Medical Device

When it comes to spinal health, safety and proven results matter. Teeter inversion tables are Registered with the FDA as 510(k) Medical Devices, meeting strict standards for safety and effectiveness. Teeter inversion tables are cleared for home use and indicated to relieve back pain and related conditions:

• Back pain and sciatica
• Muscle tension and spasms
• Herniated or degenerative discs
• Spinal stenosis and facet syndrome

2. Third-Party Safety Certification

Third-party certification acts like a stamp of approval from a trusted organization, showing that a product meets safety and quality standards. While many everyday products are regulated by government rules, inversion equipment does not have strict mandatory regulations to guarantee good manufacturing quality. Just like a star rating indicates your car’s safety features, a certification mark from an independent safety testing group like Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is the most trustworthy and unbiased way to confirm that an inversion table is safe and well-made.

The UL standard for inversion tables checks important safety aspects, like how strong and durable the table is. In testing, Teeter inversion tables are used repeatedly, simulating 30,000 sessions, while carrying the heaviest weight they are rated to support. Additionally, the ankle system is tested to make sure it can handle 30,000 closures while retaining its ability to stay securely fastened.

UL regularly checks products to make sure they are safe and of good quality. If a product doesn’t meet these standards, it will lose the UL mark. However, some brands might still say their products are UL Certified even if the mark isn’t there. To be sure that an inversion table or any other item is truly UL Certified, always look closely at the product itself to see if the UL mark is clearly displayed.

UL Certified is not just a label. It confirms that every Teeter inversion table design is backed by testing and documentation that verifies it performs as intended. For Teeter users, this means you can invert with confidence, knowing your equipment is built and reviewed to medical-grade standards for safety, comfort, and consistent results.

3. Build Quality and Materials

At first glance, most inversion tables seem quite similar. However, a closer look reveals key differences that set top brands apart from cheaper imitators. Just because a product looks okay on the surface doesn’t mean it’s made well or safe to use. It can be hard to tell these differences when shopping online. Be cautious of inexpensive inversion tables. They are cheap for a reason. Usually, they’re made with lower-quality materials and cheaper manufacturing methods.

The roller hinge that connects the A-frame to the rotating bed is one of the most important parts of an inversion table because it supports your entire body weight. Make sure to choose an inversion table with hinges made from high-quality, heat-treated steel (a process that makes steel up to 10 times stronger than regular steel). The inversion table should be able to safely handle four times your maximum weight and last through 30,000 full rotations without breaking. Using an inversion table with hinges that don’t meet these standards could put your safety at risk.

Take a look at this video to see the importance of strong roller hinges:

An MTS report, conducted by an independent testing laboratory, examined ten well-known inversion tables and found that many did not meet safety and quality standards. The testing focused on how strong, stable, and durable the tables are, using recognized UL guidelines. Out of all the brands tested, Teeter was the only one to pass every single test.

4. Comfort and Ergonomics

The built-in features of an inversion table can help keep you safe, make it easier to use, and ensure you get the most benefits. Look for models that include these key features:

• Ergonomically crafted bed and A-Frame designed for comfort and ease of use, with extra handles to help you stretch and relax more effectively.
• An ankle system made for your comfort and easy to use. A long handle can make it easy to fasten your ankles without bending too much.
• Compatible with accessories that improve its features and make it more user-friendly.
• Heat-treated steel in the joints that hold the load, which helps it last longer.
• Self-locking hinges to keep the bed securely connected to the base during stretching or exercise.

Focusing on safety, comfort, and effectiveness means that an inversion table is built to give you the best possible benefits. The Teeter FitSpine series includes these key features, allowing you to stretch more easily and relieve pain more effectively.

5. Ease of Use and Balance

The way an inversion table is balanced plays a major role in how it feels to use. A well-balanced design should respond smoothly to small arm movements, so you can easily control how far you rotate or tilt. This gives you full control and prevents any sudden movement.

High-quality inversion tables are precisely balanced to keep you centered and stable throughout the session. Cheaper models often lack that fine-tuning, making inversion harder to control and less comfortable. For the best experience, choose a brand with a proven design that allows effortless, controlled motion.

6. Easy Assembly and Setup

Assembly should not feel like a workout. Many Teeter models arrive 85 percent preassembled and include 3D BILT® app instructions so you can unbox and start inverting in minutes.

Inversion tables with third-party assembly support make setup easier. Apps like BILT offer clear 3D instructions for easy, confusion-free assembly.

In fact, MTS testing found that Teeter tables required 2.5x less assembly time than competitor brands.

7. Adjustability and Custom Fit

Every user’s body is different, and your inversion table should adjust to fit you. Look for models with easy height adjustments, angle controls, and secure locking systems that let you customize your setup before you begin. Proper adjustment ensures the table moves naturally with your body and maintains smooth, stable rotation.

When your settings match your height and comfort level, you experience better decompression with less strain. Teeter inversion tables include adjustable features that make it simple to find your ideal position for effective, consistent relief.

8. Warranty and Support

A strong warranty is a sign of confidence in craftsmanship. Some inversion tables offer only one or two years of coverage, but Teeter stands behind its products with a five-year full warranty and a U.S.-based customer support team ready to help with questions or replacement parts.

9. Real User Success Stories

For more than 40 years, Teeter has helped people move better and feel better. Trusted since 1981 by over 3 million users worldwide and supported by more than 12,000 verified reviews, Teeter inversion tables have earned their reputation for lasting results and real relief from back pain.

“Teeter does so much more than just provide back pain relief. It’s helped me sleep better, it’s provided better posture. It makes me want to get up and do more!”
— Theresa

“It helps my back and neck pain so much. I do it 2–3 times a week and I feel less pain, tightness and stiffness in my whole body. It is worth every penny.”
— Charlene

These stories reflect what research and decades of user experience have shown: consistent, safe inversion can reduce stiffness, improve flexibility, and help restore comfort and confidence in daily life.

Curious how others have found relief? See real stories from Teeter users who have experienced the difference for themselves.

10. Extras That Add Value

Extras can make a big difference in how much benefit you get from your inversion table. Look for brands that include guided routines or educational content to help enhance your experience. Quality instruction helps beginners overcome the learning curve faster and allows users to discover new ways to stretch and decompress.

Teeter provides expert-led resources to help you get the most out of each session. Getting Started tutorials and guided routines led by a Corrective Exercise Specialist and Certified Trainers are available in the Teeter Move™ App, while detailed assembly and user guides can be found in the Teeter Support Center.

Which Inversion Table Is Best for You

Different users have different needs. Teeter’s FitSpine^® series offers options that fit a range of preferences and budgets.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I use an inversion table?
Frequency is more important than duration. We recommend inverting several times a day for 3-5 minutes each time. Inversion is great for waking up, recovering after a workout, or de-stressing before bed. Listen to your body.

Is inversion therapy safe for seniors?
Yes, when used correctly and with approval from a licensed physician. Teeter tables allow controlled movement and easy return to upright positions.

Can inversion help with sciatica or herniated discs?
Many users report relief because inversion reduces pressure on the sciatic nerve and decompresses the spine.

What is the best angle for inversion therapy?
Begin at a light 20 to 30-degree angle and gradually increase as your body adjusts. Even mild inversion can provide benefits.

Are inversion tables safe for daily use?
Yes, most people invert once or twice per day. The key is short, consistent sessions rather than long periods of inversion.

How do I assemble and store my inversion table?
Teeter models arrive mostly preassembled and fold easily for storage. Step-by-step video instructions are available in the BILT® app and the Teeter Support Center.

The Bottom Line

Choosing the right inversion table is about more than price or appearance. It is about finding a brand you can trust for safety, quality, and results.

Teeter FitSpine® inversion tables are FDA-Registered and UL-Certified, meeting the highest standards for performance and reliability. With more than 40 years of experience designing safe and effective inversion equipment, Teeter has helped millions of people find natural relief from back pain. Whether you are starting your inversion journey or upgrading to a feature-rich model like the FitSpine® LX9, you can feel confident that every table is built for lasting comfort, stability, and results.

Experience better comfort, proven quality, and real results with Teeter FitSpine® inversion tables.