FAQs

What is flotation?

Quite simply, flotation is the most effective method for stress relief and relaxation. The flotation tank has 10″ of water saturated with 1000 pounds of Epsom salt, creating incredibly buoyant water for you to float on. The water is heated to skin temperature (93.5 F). Once you’re settled, it is virtually impossible to distinguish what parts of your body are in contact with the water and which aren’t.  Since your senses are void from input, the tank is sometimes also called a sensory deprivation tank.  However, we often notice our senses go into hyperdrive while floating right down to hearing yourself blink, which makes for a pretty amazing experience.

That tank looks scary…what if I’m claustrophobic/afraid?

It’s not as bad as it looks. The space inside the flotation tank is 4 wide by 7.5 feet long. Being in the tanks is more like floating in outer space than being shut in a box. You are in complete control and can open the door and go in/out as you’d like. You can even float with the door open.  If you’re unsure, come on in and check the float tanks out first!  Most people feel so much better seeing them and realizing how much space and control they have. You’re always in control of your environment, and even people with extreme claustrophobia have reported having no problems with their time in the tank.

How often should I float?

For best results, we recommend regular sessions, and many clients find that floating once or twice a week provides the most benefits.  If using floating as a type of self-therapy, we often hear to stick with at least 7 float sessions.

I’m a bigger person. Can I still float in your tanks?

Unless you’re over 7 feet tall or over 500 pounds, you’re good to go.

What will it be like for me?

We don’t know what it will be like for you since it is such an individual experience. Nearly every client reports having profound peace and relaxation, deep concentration and creativity. We like to avoid saying too much before people use the tank, so that they aren’t influenced by what someone else says. Not only will it be different for you than it is for anyone else, it will be different each time.

Will I be able to resume my daily activities when I get out?

Yes. Most people compare floating to a massage or a day at the spa. You will most likely feel deeply relaxed for several hours after your float. It may be good to arrange your time so you don’t have to rush or jump straight into a meeting or other potentially stressful situation. Many people enjoy savoring the peace and quiet before jumping into something hectic.

Is there a cumulative effect of using the tank on a regular basis?

Yes. Clinical research has shown there to be a cumulative effect with consistent use of the tank. Like meditation or yoga, it is a wellness practice, and as you practice, your mind and body will grow more comfortable in that space and begin to build on each experience.

Do you wear anything in the tank?

We recommend floating nude. Since it is a private experience, most people don’t wear any clothing. You’ll have the room to yourself and be required to shower before and after.  Anything you wear will press against your body, becoming a distraction.  Plus, who wants to take a salty, crusty bathing suit home in a plastic bag?!  Be free!

I just got a tattoo, should I float?

Floating and fresh tattoos do not mix! Not only could floating with a fresh tattoo be painful (salt + open wounds = ouch) but the water solution could cause fading or discoloration of your tattoo and permanently ruin its aesthetic appeal. How long you should wait before floating depends on the tattoo and how quickly it heals, but tattoo artists/floaters we have talked to have suggested waiting 4-6 weeks.

Can I float if I just got a piercing?

Like tattoos, this tends to not mix well! When your piercing is fresh it is still an open wound, which will cause some major discomfort. The area you have pierced will create a variation in the healing time, so floating can take between a couple weeks to a couple months depending on what you had done. For more information we suggest searching the healing times online or ask your body modification artist.

Would I drown in the flotation tank if I fell asleep?

It is nearly impossible to drown in the tank. We measure the specific gravity of the float solution daily to ensure everyone floats effortlessly. Since you are floating you do not need to know how to swim. The water is only about 10″ deep and has an extremely high density of salt. This water is buoyant and will support you regardless of your size or weight. Since the water is pushing you to the surface, rolling over requires conscious effort, unlike in your bed.  If you were to manage to turn over, the salt in the water would sting your eyes and wake you.  Additionally, it’s not dangerous to fall asleep in the tank.  Some people even use floating for this purpose!  Clinical research has shown one hour of sleep in the tank is roughly equivalent to 4 hours of regular sleep.

What happens if I get salt water in my eyes?

Like open wounds, it will sting if you get salt water in your eyes. This is a common occurrence and while not comfortable is not dangerous. We supply a spray bottle of clean fresh water and a face towel inside the tank so you can quickly and easy rise any salt water from your face with ease.

Can two people float in one tank?

No. Flotation therapy is a solitary act. You would not want another person in your tank as this would greatly detract from the sensory deprivation experience that makes floating unique.

Can I float if I just dyed my hair?

No. For natural colors you must wait a minimum of 7 days to float. For vibrant colors you must wait a minimum of 30 days to float. While there is no guarantee that the salt won’t strip some color from your hair, we recommend that you check if the water running through your hair in the shower at home is fully clear. If there is still some color coming out you should wait a couple of more days/showers. If your not sure we can perform a color stay test in the shop where we submerge a small strand of hair in our float tank solution and see if bleeds out onto a white towel.

Can I float if I Spray Tan?

Yes, but you must wait 5 days after a spray tan to float.

Are there situations in which I will not be permitted to use the flotation tank?

We will not allow you to float if you:

• Have infectious skin or respiratory disorders

• Have open wounds or recent tattoos/piercings

• Have incontinence

• Have uncontrolled epilepsy or serious mental conditions

• Are a high-risk pregnancy

• Have colored or permed your hair within 7 days or 30 days for vibrant colors

• Are under the influence of any drug or alcohol

• Are under 18 without parental consent

• Have spray tanned within the past 5 days.

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.

How are the tanks kept clean and disinfected?

There are 1000 pounds of medical grade Epsom salt dissolved in each of our tanks. Salinity is at 1.30 grams per cubic centimeter. The higher and higher the salt concentration, the lower and lower the ability for microorganisms to thrive in the water.  This automatically gives floatation tanks a leg up on cleanliness when compared to public pools and hot tubs.  After each session, the entire volume of the solution is  filtered through a three part filtration and sterilization system utilizing Ultra Violet light, H2O2, and traditional filters and skimmers.  UV is the safest most effective system available. It’s what water treatment facilities use to give us drinking water! It maintains the water’s soft, clean and crystal clear appearance. In addition all clients are required to shower prior to entering the tank.

Will my skin get wrinkly?

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 is why many people feel silky smooth after their float session.

I’m pregnant. Can floating harm my baby?

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.

Can I float if I’m menstruating?

Yes, you can float while menstruating. Just treat it like going to a swimming pool while on your period. Pro tip: if you happen to be using a tampon, consider coating the string with petroleum jelly (provided in the room) to prevent salt water from wicking into the tampon.

Is there anything I should do to prepare?

Don’t drink coffee for several hours beforehand as it can make your various body system jittery. Also, don’t shave or wax since the salt water can irritate your skin. Eating a light meal about an hour to 90 minutes ahead of time stops your stomach from sounding like an angry monster while you float. Other than that, there’s no specific preparation needed.

Who invented these crazy devices?

Sensory deprivation tanks were originally created by Doctor John C. Lilly to study consciousness. Dr. Lilly wanted to know if the brain was just another organ reacting to external stimulation or if it was something more. The clinical benefits of float tanks were very much so discovered on accident. In fact, Dr. Lilly and his colleagues were originally extremely concerned that sensory deprivation would drive a person mad. Instead what they found was a whole hose of benefits from sensory deprivation.

How long have float tanks been around?

The first float tank was developed in 1954 by Dr. John c. Lilly to study consciousness.  These involved full submersion in water and a breathing device that completely covered your face, much like an old divers helmet.  The first lay down, commercial tanks were invented in the early 70’s.

Is this new-agey mumbo jumbo?

While meditation and float therapy have definitely found a hold in the holistic healing market there is no mumbo jumbo here. Float tanks were originally designed By Dr. John C Lilly for the National Institute on Mental Health. Since then float therapy has been the subject of over 200 medical studies and scholarly articles. As the field of medicine grew float therapy was the subject of studies involving MRI brain scans, metabolic blood panels, and other testing methods. The physical and mental benefits of float therapy have been thoroughly tested and confirmed. If you would like to know more about the medical research backing float therapy just ask. We would be happy to send you a data base with the scientific literature.

Is this like altered states?

Kind of, but float tanks have come a very long way since Altered States was released in the 80’s. As mentioned in our FAQ’s you are not submerged in water, you don’t eat ritualistic mushrooms, and only a small percentage of floaters turn into proto-human monkeys.