frequently asked questions
Floating involves lying on your back in an 8’ x 5’ room or pod that has 10 inches of water in it, of which close to 1000 lbs. of Epsom salt has been dissolved. The room is completely sound and lightproof. The Epsom salt provides a high buoyancy and the water temperature matches that of the surface of your skin. Combined, these two effects give the sensation that there actually is no water and that you are just floating. The drastic reduction of gravity, combined with the complete silent darkness, initiates a reduction in your cortisol (stress hormone) levels and, consequently, a reduction in bodily inflammation. This deep relaxation and complete comfort unlocks and unburdens your mind while your body heals. Floating is known to unleash a flow-state of creativity and can help breakthrough mental blocks you might be experiencing. Once the session is over, most experience a post-float euphoria which can last days where you are focused, unburdened and at peace.
The irony of fearing claustrophobia in float tanks is that within seconds of closing the lid and turning off the lights, most people will feel like they are floating around in a very large, if not infinite space, rather than a 8’x5’ basin. That said, we might recommend booking your first session in the pod if you have any apprehension. The float pod allows the floater to leave the large hydraulic ceiling all the way up making it more of a big warm sensory-reduced tub.
Salt Float Center regularly offers 60 and 90 minute sessions. However, longer sessions can be booked. That said, after a decade of floating, we have come to the conclusion that 90 minutes is the sweet spot. Often times it can take 20-30 minutes to fully ease into the state of mind where the magic happens in a tank. Once there, you won’t want to leave.
Our “First Time” page gives an in depth tutorial on what to expect start to finish, but the following guidelines should also be taken into account:
- Limit caffeine intake prior to floating.
- Have a small meal about an hour before floating.
- Refrain from shaving too soon before your float. The high salt content might sting.
- If you dye your hair, make sure dye is set before floating (usually about one week).
- If you wear contacts, don’t forget your case and solution
Yes. The float rooms and pod have 10” of water in them. This water contains almost 1000 lbs. of Epsom Salt giving the water a higher density and buoyancy than the Dead Sea. Regardless of your size or weight, you will float effortlessly with approximately 40% of your body out of the water. The density of the water lightly locks you into your chosen position and it would take a large amount of effort to roll over onto your stomach. Even if you managed to roll over, the sting of the salt water in your eyes would wake you immediately. Many people who float do indeed fall asleep at some point. These floaters often remark that this is some of the most comfortable sleep they have had since childhood.
- If you have colored or permed your hair within 7 days
- If you are under the influence of any drug or alcohol
- If you are under 18 and unaccompanied by an adult
- If you have epilepsy or serious mental conditions
- If you have infectious skin or respiratory disorders
- If you have any open wounds
- If you experience incontinence
The water in a float tank is close to 30% salt. Not only does this allow for the many benefits of soaking in magnesium sulfate (Epsom Salt), but this level of salinity also makes the tank water a tremendously inhospitable environment for bacteria (almost all of which cannot live in concentrations over 10%). That same water is cycled 3-4 times in between each float session through a filter that can capture particles from the water as small as 1 micron (a human hair has a width of about 60 microns). While being filtered, the water is subjected to UV light and Ozone. When combined, UV and Ozone provide an extremely powerful sanitizing reaction without creating toxic byproducts. These sanitization measures along with our constant monitoring of water quality and temperature assure you are relaxing in the cleanest, most comfortable water possible.
Yes, many women safely use float tanks to reduce the aches and pains of pregnancy. Some even report an enhanced connection with their baby while floating. However, due to the unique nature of each pregnancy, we do recommend speaking with your physician beforehand.
Not at all. The high salt content of the water prevents pruning and, in fact, leaves your skin and hair silky and smooth post-float.
No. You are free to end the session at any point. Simply press the light button, exit the tank and shower off.
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