Frequently Asked Questions
Can I float if I’m pregnant?
Absolutely! Pregnant women love floating! There is even a special position you can float in that relieves all of the weight of the baby off of the mother’s body. If you are in your third trimester or have any concerns, however, please consult with your physician before coming in.
What should I should do to prepare?
We advise not drinking coffee or caffeinated liquids for several hours beforehand (it can make your system jittery). Also, we highly recommend not shaving or waxing since the salt water can irritate your skin. Eat a light meal about an hour to 90 minutes ahead of time. This will stop your stomach from rumbling you awake while you float. Other than that, there’s no specific preparation needed.
Can I float if I just dyed my hair?
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.
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.
Do I need to bring anything?
If you have longer hair, you may want to bring a comb. Also, something to put your contact lenses into while you’re in the tank. Other than that, we provide everything you need (towels, robes, earplugs, body wash/shampoo…) Each room is fully private, and you go into the tanks nude, so there’s no need to bring a bathing suit.
Can more than one person float in a tank at a time?
Definitely. We have two float rooms to accommodate two people at the same time (Couple Floating). Whether it be a mother and daughter, care giver and client or couple, many have benefited from floating with someone they care for.
How old do you have to be?
There isn’t any research of how floating affects young children but our recommendation is 5 years and over. We do require children under the age of 16 to be accompanied by a caregiver or parent.
Do I have to stay in the whole time?
There aren’t any latches on the tank doors, and you can get out anytime. That said, the 90-minutes usually goes by faster than you’d expect (our average customer usually says it felt like 30-45 minutes long).
What’s the longest someone has been in the tank?
A customer at our friends’ centre in Portland, Oregon, has had a 24 hour float with them, and it’s possible to float even longer. Surely one day an official Guinness World Record will be set somewhere. Let us know if you’re keen đ
Who invented these crazy devices?
John C. Lilly.
How long have float tanks been around?
The first float tank was developed in 1954. These involved full submersion in water and a breathing device that completely covered your face. The first lay down, commercial tanks were invented in the early 70’s.
What if I’m claustrophobic?
Being in the tanks is more like floating in outer space than being shut in a box. 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. You can control light, music and even keep doors open. The Floataround and Cabin for Two tanks are very spacious.
Is this new-agey mumbo jumbo?
Floating has been around for over 50 years and has oodles of published research to back it up. No mumbo or jumbo here.
How do you clean the tanks?
Between each float, the water is filtered multiple times through a 1-10 micron filter, and treated with UV light and Hydrogen Peroxide.
Do I get dehydrated from soaking for so long?
No- your skin doesn’t even prune up, but it does become silky soft afterwards. We’ll give you a glass of water after your float and you can spend time in our post-float room where we have various herbal tea infusions.
Can I drown if I fall asleep in there?
Nope. Some people fall asleep, but the water is so buoyant that you stay afloat.
DO NOT FLOAT IFâŚ
You have epilepsy that is not under medical control.
You are undergoing Chemotherapy.
Youâve received a tattoo in the last 4-6 weeks.
You have a large open skin wound (thereâs a lot of salt. Itâll hurt!)
You recently dyed your hair and it still washes out in the shower (or leaves traces of dye on towels).
Youâve received a spray-on tan within the last 48 hrs.
Youâre unable to enter and exit the float tank without assistance (unless you bring your own assistant).
You’re under the influence of drugs or alcohol