Floating FAQs
Not familiar with floating? No worries. Find frequently asked questions about Flotation REST below. Did we miss something? Feel free to contact us with your questions.
What Does REST Mean?
Restorative Environmental Stimulation Technique. Flotation REST is a method used to enhance physical and mental wellness, provide relaxation, and enhance sleep.
Can I Float if My Hair is Dyed or I Have Hair Extensions?
There isn't a guarantee that the solution in the Float Pod won't remove some of the color from your hair and could contaminate the Pod. We recommend that you check if the water from your shower at home is fully clear of dye, and if you have non-permanent dye we ask that it be completely removed before you schedule your float. If you still see some color coming from the water at home or on your towel, you should wait a couple of more days or showers before floating. If you wear hair extensions, beware that the Epsom salt solution can break down the glue used for extensions. Please note that we may charge you up to $1,200 if hair dye is found in our pods after your float. This charge is to replace our solution and/or repairs. You will have to agree to this possible charge via our waiver before floating with us.
Can I Float if I'm Pregnant?
Yes! Floating may even be beneficial to mother and child. If you are in your third trimester, or have any concerns, please consult with your physician before coming in for your float.
What Are the Showers For?
You are required to shower before your float. A pre-float shower reduces the introduction of contaminants (lotions, shampoo, detergents, etc.) into the Float Pod. This shower also allows you an additional opportunity to be sure that your hair dye is not running. After your float, you will be covered in the Epsom Salt solution so you will want to take another shower. We do provide shampoo, conditioner, and body wash for our clients, but you are welcome to bring your own.
Do I Need to Prepare Before Floating?
We recommend you don't consume coffee (or other caffeinated beverages or foods) for several hours before your float because it can make you jittery and can lessen the relaxing experience of your float. You shouldn't shave or wax because salt can irritate your skin. If you have an open cut or abrasion, Float Effects will have petroleum jelly for you to apply to your skin before entering the floating. A light meal an hour before your float is probably best, as a growling, gurgling stomach might also distract you from your float experience. You'll also have to fill out our intake form if its your first float with us.
Can I Float if I'm Menstruating?
Yes. Just take the same precautions you would if you were entering a swimming pool.
Will Floating Hurt My New Tattoo?
Fresh body ink and floating really don't play well together! Floating could be painful because of the fresh tattoo is still an open wound and the salt from the Float Pod will definitely cause some pain. Additionally, the water solution could cause discoloration of your new tattoo. How long you should wait before you float after a new tattoo really depends on how quickly it heals, but most tattoo artists recommend waiting 4 - 6 weeks before floating after getting fresh ink.
What Should I Bring to Float?
If you have long hair, you may want to bring a brush or a pick for after your float. If you wear contacts, bring your contact case and some solution to keep your contacts in while you are floating. Float Effects provides you with everything else including shampoo, conditioner and body wash for before and after your float, along with towels, robes and earplugs. Each of our float rooms is completely private so you can float nude so you don't even need to bring a bathing suit. Float Effects recommends nude floating to further eliminate skin stimulation caused by clothing!
Can I Float with Someone?
Sorry, but only one person at a time in a Float Pod. Float Effects has two pods, so you and your friend may schedule floats at the same time.
Can Kids Float?
While all Float Effects clients must sign a liability waiver before entering our Float Pods, we do not allow kids under the age of 16 to float without being attended in the float room with a parent or guardian present.
Do I Have to Float the Whole Time?
There are no locks or latches on the Float Pod doors so you are free to leave at any time. However, most people who float report that time usually goes much faster during a float session.
How Long Have Float Pods Been Around?
The first commercial Float Pods were developed in the early 1970's. Today, there are over 300 float centers in the United States alone.
What if I am Claustrophobic?
Being in one of our Float Pods is much more like being in outer space than being locked up in a box. There are no locks or latches on our Float Pods, you can leave them at any time and you can keep the pod lid open if you like. You can also communicate to Float Effects staff while floating and you can turn on a variety of different lights while inside, giving you complete control of your environment. Additionally, our Pods are 5 feet wide and 8 feet long with approximately 3 feet of space between you and the Pod roof once you are floating.
How Do You Clean Your Float Pods?
Between every float, the solution in the Float Pod is filtered multiple times with a micron filter and treated with UV light and Hydrogen Peroxide, making the salt solution likely the cleanest water you have ever been in. Additionally, Float Effects staff cleans the Float Pod, the room, the shower, and checks the float solution between every session. We believe that a clean, comfortable environment is essential to your experience.
Can I Get Dehydrated from Floating?
No. Your skin won't even "prune up" and it can become even softer afterwards because of the Epsom salt solution.
Will I Drown if I Fall Asleep?
No. Some people become so relaxed that they do fall asleep, but the buoyancy of the solution keeps your mouth and nose above the water. The worse that can happen is some salt in your eyes, but we keep a fresh towel and a spray bottle of fresh water available for you in the Float Pod to dry just in case.
So After My Post-Float Shower Can I Get Ready for the World Again?
Yes. We have a "Post-Float Lounge" where you can blow dry your hair, put on makeup, chat with a friend about your float and get ready to conquer the world.
Don't Float If...
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You have epilepsy that is not under medical control.
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You’ve received a tattoo in the last 4-6 weeks.
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You have a large open skin wound (There’s a lot of salt. It’ll hurt!)
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You recently dyed your hair and it still washes out in the shower (or leaves traces of dye on towels).
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You’ve received a spray-on tan within the last 48 hrs.
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You’re unable to enter and exit the float tank without assistance (unless you bring your own assistant).
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You are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
