Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Are there situations in which I will not be permitted to use the flotation tank?
A. We will not allow you to float if you have any of the following conditions:
Infectious skin or respiratory disorders
Open wounds
Incontinence
Epilepsy or serious mental conditions
Serious physical limitations
An early pregnancy (first trimester) or a high-risk pregnancy
In addition, we will not allow you to float if you are:
Under the influence of any drug or alcohol
Currently menstruating
Under 18 without parental presence
We expect you to inform us of any conditions for your own safety and the safety of other floaters! We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone at any time!
Q. What creates the feeling of relaxation while I’m floating?
A. The floatation bed provides a sensory-free environment, so the noise and chaos of the real world are totally eliminated. A float session starts with soft music to help you relax. The warm, soothing, body-temperature water provides womb-like comfort. You are weightless, so floating removes pressure to joints and muscles. As a result, your mind and body will naturally relax.
Q. I'm claustrophobic. How can I use the tank?
A. This is a common concern. The inside is rather like a tent: it is warm, there is good ventilation, and the door is unlocked. If you prefer, you can float with the door open. You can also choose to float with the door of the tank closed and the interior light on. We will explain all your options to you before you start the procedure. Often, our clients’ worries subside and they choose to float with the door closed and the light off. You can fully control these functions from inside the tank.
Q. How is hygiene maintained?
A. The high salt content of the floatation environment plus a tiny amount of disinfectant ensures that nothing harmful can survive within the tank. Epsom salt naturally kills bacteria. The water within the tank is automatically filtered after each use and we use a Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) solution that sterilizes the water and eliminates any bacteria or viruses. We do NOT use chlorine in our tank! The curved shape of the bed also discourages bacterial growth. We ask all clients to shower before and after each float session to further ensure the cleanliness of the tank. The risk of catching anything from another floater is virtually nonexistent.
Q. Is there any risk of drowning?
A. The high buoyancy of the salt water makes it impossible for an individual to sink beneath the surface. Once you are settled in the tank, you will only be able to touch the bottom of the tank with a great deal of effort.
Q. How does air circulate through the floatation bed?
A. The air inside is warm and rises by convection. There is a vent at the top for “used” air to leave while fresh air enters near the water line.
Q. How do you keep the water so warm and comfortable?
A. Your floatation tank is heated at all times, so you will not get cold as you would in a regular bath. The temperature of the water (95.7 degrees) feels warm when you first get in, but you will adjust quickly for a relaxing floatation session.
Q. Why does my skin feel so soft after my floatation session?
A. That is the Epsom salt, a substance found naturally in many spa waters and much different from sea salt or table salt. Epsom salt is nourishing to the skin—an added bonus!
Q. Do I need to bring anything for the float session?
A. No. We provide everything you need. You will not need a swimsuit, as the tank is located in a private room. We provide towels, shampoo, and soap for the shower. You will only need to bring your own bath products such as deodorant and lotion.
Please stay away from strong offensive fragrances in consideration of others! If you use contact lenses, please remember to bring something to store them in while you float.
Q. Are there any side effects?
A. No, not in the true sense of the word. Some first-time floaters can emerge from the tank feeling slightly nauseated.
Q. Do I need to prepare in any way?
A. No floating does not require any preparation. The only precaution that you should take is that you should not shave at all on the day of your float session. The high salt content of the water can be extremely irritating to freshly shaved skin. We recommend that you not eat anything an hour before your session. Also, please do not drink any stimulants like coffee, caffeinated sodas, strong tea, or energy drinks before your float.
Q. Is there a minimum age requirement for floating?
A. We recommend that you be 18 years old or older to use a floating bed. However, we will allow people under 18 to use the flotation tank if a parent or guardian is present at an orientation session and gives consent.
Q. What keeps my hair from being damaged?
A. While you can wash or rinse your hair before and after your floatation session, nothing in the Epsom salt solution will damage your hair. The only exception is a recent perm or hair color treatment. In this case, we recommend you wait 48 hours before a floating session.
Q. Will my skin get wrinkly?
A. No. The high Epsom salt content of the water means that the water will not draw the salt from your skin and cause wrinkles like a long bath does. Epsom salt has been used for centuries as a medicinal treatment for various skin conditions. It is non-toxic and is not harmful if swallowed (although it does not taste good!). Epsom salt is actually quite nourishing for the skin, which may feel silky smooth after your float session.
Q. I'm pregnant. Can floating harm my baby?
A. Absolutely not. In fact, pregnant women probably get more relief from the float tank than anyone else. Just lying on a bed can be extremely uncomfortable for a woman in the later stages of pregnancy due to the massive gravitational strain placed on the body. The float tank is a wonderful haven for pregnant women. We do, however, recommend that pregnant women avoid floating during the first trimester. If you have any concerns about the effects of floating on your pregnancy, we ask you to consult and get permission from your physician before you float.
Q. Does floating really save me time?
A. Yes. One hour of floating is equivalent to four hours of deep sleep, which will make you more productive during waking hours. In fact, there are people who have their own floatation beds, sleep in them regularly, and claim they need less overall sleep as a result.
Q. How often should I float?
A. While you can float every day without harm, we find that the relaxing effects of a one-hour float typically last beyond that day. For best results, we recommend regular sessions, and many clients find that floating once or twice a week provides the most benefits.
We encourage you to take advantage of our Introductory Package of three sessions as a way to become comfortable with floating. Your first float may feel slightly awkward; during your second float, you will feel much more at ease with the procedure and the benefits will be more evident. The more you float, the faster you will be able to reach a deeper state of relaxation.