1.       Do I need to prepare myself for floating? Do I need to bring anything for the float session? Should I eat before I go into the float tank?

·         It is recommended that you not shave the day of your float, as the high salt content of the water can be uncomfortable on freshly shaved skin.  We provide towels, shampoo, conditioner, soap and ear plugs.  Bring your contact lens case and solution if you wish to remove your contacts prior to floating.  The room and tank are completely private, so you do not need to bring a bathing suit.  Avoid eating about an hour prior to floating.  You do not want to be too hungry or too full while floating, so if you must eat before floating, keep it light.  It is also suggested that you avoid drinking caffeinated or energy drinks prior to floating, because this will make it more difficult to relax.

2.       How long will a float take?  How long do people usually stay in the Float Tank?

·         It is always recommended that you float for at least one hour in order to reach a relaxed state.  For first time floaters, there will be an orientation to the tank and the facilities.  After floating, we suggest you reenter the world slowly, so plan to take a little time after your float to sit and reflect.  The average float session is one and a half hours, but longer sessions are common with regular floaters.

3.       Will I drown in the floatation tank if I fall asleep? Do people sleep in the float tank? Is there any risk of drowning?

·         People often fall asleep in the float tank as a result of becoming so relaxed.  It is very safe to sleep in the tank because the density of the salt water solution maintains buoyancy.  There is no chance of drowning in the float tank.  Even if you were able to flip yourself over while asleep, the high salt content on your eyes, in your nose and mouth would wake you immediately. 

4.       Will I become claustrophobic? Do people get scared or claustrophobic in the float tank? If I am claustrophobic, how can I use the tank?

·         If you do feel claustrophobic at any point in time you may leave the door to your float tank open, or propped slightly with a towel in order to let in the light.  You may enter and exit your tank as you need, so taking breaks from the float is okay.  The tank is 4 feet wide by 8 feet long and about 4 feet tall.  The door is on a simple hinge that may be opened at any time.  There are no locking devices on the door to the tank.  The room that the tank is in is completely private and lockable.

5.       Are there any restrictions on who can float? Is there anyone who should not float? Are there situations in which I will not be permitted to use the floatation tank? I am pregnant, can floating hurt my baby?

·         You will not be permitted to float if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol; have a skin rash, open wound, incontinence, epilepsy, serious mental condition, or respiratory infection.  If you are within the first trimester of your pregnancy or have a high risk pregnancy it is not recommended that you float.  Floating during the second and third trimester will not harm the baby and has shown to relieve pain and discomfort that can be associated with pregnancy. 

6.       How are the tanks kept clean and disinfected? How is hygiene maintained? Is it true that float tanks are more hygienic than spas, Jacuzzis, or swimming pools?

·         The high concentration of Epsom salt maintains a constant sterile solution – no microorganisms can live in this level of salinity, just like the Dead Sea, which is why it is called “dead”.  After each floater, the water is also run through a filtration system to ensure cleanliness.  Our Samadhi tank has an ozone filtration system.  Our Oasis tank has a UV filtration system.  In addition, all floaters are asked to shower before entering the float tank in order to reduce debris in the water.  The possibility of catching anything from the float tank is nearly nonexistent.

7.       Are there any known side effects of floating?

·         There are no recorded side effects of floating.  Some first time floaters do experience a bit of nausea after exiting the tank due to the detoxification of their system.  Drinking lots of water after your float will help expedite the de-stress and detoxification process – making it more comfortable.

8.       What do I do while I float?

·         Floating is generally a passive experience, so you don’t have to “do” anything.  The less you do, the more you will relax and the more time your body will have to be in a heightened state of repair and regeneration.  Some floaters choose to actively direct their experience in the tank.  These floaters use their time in the tank to focus their minds on specific goals; for example, preparing for a meeting, using visualization techniques to help heal their bodies, etc…  Relaxing music as well as guided meditation recordings are available to listen to during your float session.  You may bring your own relaxing music or use ours.

9.       What will it be like for me?

·         Every float is different for every person.  Not only will different people have different experiences, but you may have a unique experience every time you float, different from all your previous float sessions.  Floating is an individual experience every time.  Often people report experiencing profound calm and relaxation.  Many people fall asleep while they float and awake feeling better rested than ever before.  It can take 20 minutes for every muscle in your body to relax.  You may experience involuntary muscle spasms as your body relaxes causing your limbs to jump slightly, but not causing pain.  Reaching a state of relaxation becomes easier and happens more quickly with each float session.

10.   Is there a right way to float?

·         Each floater must find the position that is most comfortable for them.  During your first visit, you will be advised on suggested ways to lie in the tank that will make it very easy for you to exit the tank at any time.  Allow your muscles and joints to completely relax.  Your knees and elbows are most relaxed when in a slightly bent position.  Many floaters are very comfortable with their arms at their sides or above their heads.  Experiment with different positions in the tank until you find what is most comfortable for you.

11.   Do you wear anything in the float tank?

·         Floating completely nude is suggested because it allows your skin to experience less stimulation, enhancing the rest state.  The float tank and the room it is contained in are completely private and the room door is locked.  If you are uncomfortable floating in the nude, then you may wear a bathing suit.  If you wear a bathing suit, we ask that you rinse it off in the shower before entering the tank in order to remove any laundering residue.

12.   What effect does the Epsom salt water have on my skin and hair? Why does my skin feel so soft after my floatation session? What keeps my hair from being damaged?  Will my skin get wrinkly?

·         Epsom salts are extremely healing and rejuvenating for your skin and hair.  Epsom salts have been used for a very long time to promote healing of wounds and curing skin infections.  Your skin will not get wrinkly from floating because the high density of Epsom salt causes your skin to retain it’s own natural moisture and healthy water balance.

13.   I’ve never been able to float - I sink – will I be able to float in the tank?

·         Everyone, no matter what their weight or size, is able to float in the float tank waters because of the high Epsom salt content.  The high density causes you to be buoyant and float like a cork on the surface of the water without any effort from you.  Just lay back in the waters and you will automatically float.

14.   Is there a best time to use the float tank?

·         The best time to float is a very individual experience.  As you have more float sessions, you will begin to notice when floating feels best to you.

15.   Can two people float in the float tank at the same time?

·         Our tanks are designed to be an individual experience.  There is not enough room in the tanks to accommodate two floaters.  Also any movement made by another floater would disturb the waters interrupting your float experience.  We have two tanks available so that two people can float in separate tanks at the same time.

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

·         If it is your first float, please allow yourself enough time to re-enter your day slowly, taking the time to savor and process the experience.  Floating should have no effect on your physical or mental state that would be detrimental.  Many floaters feel rejuvenated, refreshed, better prepared and rested after floating.  Floaters may experience “float glow” – a gentle euphoric feeling of heightened relaxation and awareness.

17.   Can people use drugs or alcohol in the float tank?

·         You will not be allowed to use the float tank if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.  Floating is a powerful detoxification process – entering the tanks at a highly toxic state could cause uncomfortable detoxification symptoms.

18.   Can floating really improve my life?

·         Many floaters report relief from pain, improved mental alertness, and deep relaxation.  Research has shown that stress is one of the biggest factors contributing to disease.  Any time spent in a deeply relaxed state promotes healing of the body and mind.

19.   Is there any proof that floatation actually works?

·         According to www.soothingsolutions.net,”there are over one hundred universities and medical research facilities, several dozen sports science units, and at least two national sports institutes working with floatation REST.  The effects of floating have been scientifically researched and documented since the first tank was built as a research tool over forty years ago.  Floatation REST even played a part in the NASA astronaut training programs.”

20.   Will floating do anything for my love-life?

·         Many experienced floaters have reported improvements in their love-life.  Stress is a major contributor to sexual problems, deep relaxation helps counteract the effects of stress.

21.   What creates the feeling of relaxation while I’m floating?

·         Being weightless and free from the sensations of sight and sound reduce the amount of work the brain and body have to do.  There are fewer sensations that the mind has to process.  Reducing these processes puts the mind and body in a deep state of relaxation.

22.   How does air circulate through the floatation bed?

·         The float tanks are built with an air circulation system.  Stale air is pulled from the tank as fresh air is piped in.

23.   How do you keep the water so warm and comfortable?

·         There is a heater located under the liner of the float tank.  This heater functions like a waterbed heater and keeps the water consistently at skin temperature.

24.   Is there a minimum age requirement for floating?

·         People under 18 years of age must have a parent or guardian present during the float session.

25.   How often should I float?

·         How often you should float is a very individual question and depends on the goals that you have for floating.  Our staff is available to help you discuss your goals and determine how often you should float in order to achieve those goals.