It’s normal to have plenty of questions if it’s your first time – you will find all the answers about float tank (or isolation tank) therapy below.
FLOAT TANK FAQS
CAN YOU EAT BEFORE A FLOAT TANK SESSION?
It’s up to you whether you float on an empty stomach or full stomach, but we recommend eating 1 to 2 hours before your float session.
This way you can avoid being distracted by the sounds or feelings of your digestive tract.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU USE A FLOAT TANK?
After your very first float, you can expect to feel the benefits. However, it usually takes 3 sessions to enjoy the full benefits of floating. Ideally, you would want to book 3 sessions spread out over a few weeks.
If you’re after the long term benefits, monthly floating sessions will be extremely rewarding.
ARE FLOAT TANKS GOOD FOR YOUR SKIN?
The high levels of magnesium from the Epsom salts in our floatation tanks can do wonders for your skin.
Besides acting as a natural exfoliant for removing dead skin cells and leaving your skin glowing, magnesium is highly effective at reducing cortisol, balancing hormones, and assisting cellular processes – which helps to improve the overall appearance of the skin.
In addition, it’s antibacterial and antimicrobial, helping to detoxify the body and clear up any skin irritations.
DO YOU WEAR CLOTHES IN A FLOAT TANK?
Since float therapy is a totally private experience, you don’t have to wear any clothing. In fact, we recommend not wearing anything at all for the best experience.
This is because clothes can press against your body while you float, but the fewer sensations you have, the better.
However, if you feel more comfortable wearing a swimsuit – that’s totally fine too.
HOW DO I PROTECT MY HAIR IN A FLOAT TANK?
You can wear a swimming cap, though water may still leak in around the ears and jaw (not to worry – Epsom salts aren’t harsh at all).
If you’ve recently dyed your hair or done a keratin treatment, it’s best to wait at least 14 days before floating.
WHAT SHOULD YOU NOT DO BEFORE A FLOAT TANK SESSION?
For the best experience, avoid:
- Shaving or waxing at least 12 hours before – the salt solution may cause discomfort
- Caffeine, alcohol, and drugs on the day of your session
- Spray tans at least 5 days before – it will wash off in the water
WHO SHOULD NOT USE A FLOAT TANK?
If you have any of the following conditions, you should not use a float tank:
- Claustrophobia
- Open wounds
- Contagious diseases
- Gastroenteritis, diarrhea
- Epilepsy
- Kidney disease
- Low blood pressure
DO YOU HALLUCINATE IN A FLOAT TANK?
Unless you are typically prone to hallucinations, you aren’t likely to hallucinate during floatation therapy.
Most people experience a deep state of relaxation, being able to think clearly without any external stimulation or distractions. It’s common to experience creative sparks or novel ideas while in the tank, but not hallucinations.
CAN YOU LISTEN TO MUSIC IN A FLOAT TANK?
We recommend doing your first few float sessions in complete silence – it’s truly the most magical experience.
Ear plugs will be provided before you float.
DO FLOAT TANKS DEHYDRATE YOU?
No, your body will absorb all the incredible benefits of the Epsom salt solution, having a conditioning effect on your skin (it won’t prune up) and your hair – leaving it smooth and silky.
HOW CLEAN ARE FLOAT TANKS?
Flotation tanks are extremely sanitary thanks to advanced water-filtration techniques and UV disinfectant technology.
We pride ourselves on having the highest hygiene standards, and we ensure that all clients shower before and after their floating session.
CAN YOU SLEEP IN A FLOAT TANK?
Yes, it’s perfectly safe to fall asleep while you float. In fact, many people do!
Thanks to the high salt concentration, the water is extremely buoyant – making it impossible for you to sink and very difficult to roll over (so you will stay on your back if you do happen to fall asleep.)
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE DANGERS OF BEING IN A FLOATING TANK?
The physical risks of floating in a tank are very minimal.
It’s normal to experience some discomfort if you get the saltwater in your eyes.
As long as you aren’t under the influence of drugs or alcohol on the day of your session, floatation therapy is very safe.
DO FLOAT TANKS HELP BACK PAIN?
Yes! The first pain-relieving effect that you will experience from float therapy is decompression.
Float tanks are often used in healthcare settings for their highly effective ability to soothe muscle tension and promote faster recovery from chronic back pain.
WHAT KIND OF SALT IS USED IN A FLOAT TANK?
The float tank is filled with a high concentration of Epsom salts.
Epsom salt is also known as Magnesium Sulphate, which has been used throughout history for its powerful medicinal properties and healing benefits when used for floating.
IS IT PITCH BLACK IN A FLOAT TANK?
Yes, the float tank, also known as a sensory deprivation tank, is kept completely dark to provide you with a sensory deprivation experience that encourages deep relaxation.
Restricting environmental stimulation (like light and sound) is a crucial aspect of flotation therapy.
However, if you don’t feel comfortable in total darkness, we can switch the light on inside your tank.
DO THEY CHANGE THE WATER IN FLOAT TANKS?
We change the water in our floatation tank at regular intervals, and additional fresh water and Epsom salts are added frequently.
The hygiene of our float tanks is maintained through:
- High concentrations of salt water (naturally antibacterial and antimicrobial)
- A water pump and filter are switched on after every use of the floatation tank
- The float tank and shower are thoroughly cleaned after every client
- The water is inspected daily to make sure that the pH, chlorine and bromine levels are optimal to keep the water clean (these are safe, and added in very small amounts).
DOES FLOAT THERAPY HELP WITH INFLAMMATION?
Absolutely. One of the main health benefits of float therapy is lowering inflammation throughout your body – especially in your muscles and joints.
Floating in the sensory deprivation tank has been proven to relieve migraines, reduce stress, and promote detoxification since the high levels of magnesium remove harmful (inflammatory) free radicals from the body.
CAN YOU GET SICK FROM A FLOAT TANK?
It’s uncommon to experience nausea while floating.
However, those who already have a severe sensitivity to motion can use preventative measures to help mitigate unpleasant side effects (anti-nausea medication).
In this case, it’s best to consult with a medical professional before your floatation therapy.
DOES FLOAT THERAPY HELP WITH WEIGHT LOSS?
Floatation therapy can help to promote weight loss through stress relief (clearing cortisol from the body), reducing inflammation, and releasing endorphins (natural mood-boosting chemicals).
These factors are all key to supporting weight loss in the body.
CAN YOU WEAR JEWELLERY IN A FLOAT TANK?
We recommend removing all jewellery prior to your float session.
Stainless steel and gold jewellery will be ok, however, salt residue may be left on any precious stones. The high concentration of salt may tarnish costume jewellery and silver.
ARE FLOAT TANKS GOOD FOR YOUR HAIR?
Epsom salts are great for hair, as they gently strip contaminants like dirt, oil, and debris while restoring your hair to its natural, shiny state.
This results in added volume and aids in healthy hair growth.
CAN DIABETICS USE FLOAT TANKS?
Yes. Float tanks are the perfect natural environment for supporting the heart, improving insulin sensitivity, and lowering blood sugar.
Floatation therapy can help manage diabetes, as well as prevent it.
