Frequently Asked Questions

As a generality, we cannot give medical advice, as we are not medically trained or licensed. Floating is generally very safe for almost everyone. But if you have a condition that makes you wonder if floating is safe for you, we recommend you talk with your doctor first. That said, we know of a few situations with which floating should be used with caution. Those are detailed in the other FAQs below.

We understand that mental health is a complex matter, and we're here to offer guidance to the best of our ability, albeit from a layman's perspective.

Physiologically, there's no evidence to suggest that floating with sensory deprivation is harmful to mental well-being. In fact, clinical studies indicate its effectiveness in alleviating conditions like anxiety and depression. However, for more serious mental health disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or dissociative identity disorder, caution is advised. It's essential to discuss floating and sensory deprivation as a therapeutic tool with a licensed mental healthcare practitioner.

While adverse effects from floating on serious mental health conditions are rare, isolated incidents during long or intensive meditation retreats have been reported, including dissociation and psychosis. These occurrences are infrequent and seem limited to those already suffering from some form of dissociative disorder, but they underscore the importance of awareness. Most floats offer a pleasant or beneficial experience, but for those with underlying mental instability, there's a potential risk of triggering unwanted psychological events.

For individuals with concerns about floating, an option is to float without sensory deprivation, experiencing the relaxation without inducing a meditative state. Our Forest Room provides the opportunity to float with the tank lit up and/or with music playing, catering to those who prefer a more sensory-active experience. Many, including those with claustrophobia concerns, find this approach helpful as they ease into the full sensory deprivation experience.

As with any medical or mental health inquiry, we strongly recommend consulting your doctor or licensed mental healthcare provider for personalized advice. Your safety and well-being are our utmost priorities, and we want everyone to have a positive and safe experience.

It might feel counter-intuitive, but ... YES. Anxiety disorders are actually most in the sweet spot of benefits from floating.

It may seem paradoxical, because the idea of floating alone with your own thoughts for 90 minutes can trigger anxiety for some. But the process of eliminating sensory inputs that overwhelm your nervous system without you realizing it can trigger a cascade of neurological changes that can dramatically reduce the symptoms of anxiety disorders. We routinely see those going in with chronic anxiety come out the other side of the float in a completely different and better state. And, in fact, the leading focus for clinical research into floatation therapy has been into generalized anxiety disorder. You can read those studies at clinicalfloat.org, and you can also watch this presentation by Dr. Justin Feinstein who led the research. Preliminary findings from those studies found that floatation therapy was massively more effective at reducing the symptoms of GAD than the so-called "gold standard" treatment of benzodiazepines.

When it comes to any medical concerns, our first recommendation is always to consult with your doctor for personalized advice.

Regarding floating during pregnancy, we want to assure you that we have no reason to believe it's unsafe, and there are numerous potential benefits. Floating has been reported to reduce swelling, lower blood pressure, alleviate stress, and foster a stronger connection with your baby. Considering that magnesium deficiency is a significant factor in pregnancy loss, incorporating sources of magnesium, such as a float tank, into your prenatal care can be beneficial. Additionally, floating may help manage conditions like preeclampsia, a leading cause of birth complications, by helping regulate blood pressure.

In the third trimester, when the body faces increased gravitational pressure, the weightlessness experienced in a float tank can offer relief. Many pregnant individuals find that the introspective time spent in a float tank fosters a unique bond with their baby.

For further insights, Marissa Rivera Bolaños, a local doula, has written an insightful article on floating for pregnancy on WombRevolution.com. A word of caution regarding floating in the first trimester: While there's no known reason why floating would be unsafe during this time, it's important to recognize that the first trimester is a critical period with various potential complications. We advise exercising caution during this period to ensure your safety and well-being.

Your comfort and safety are our top priorities, and we're here to support you on your journey through pregnancy.

We regret to inform you that our staff members are unable to assist clients in entering or exiting the float tanks. However, we warmly welcome individuals who require additional support to bring a friend, family member, or another assistant to aid them during their visit. For those needing assistance, your support person is welcome to accompany you in the float room (outside the tank) during your session. Alternatively, they can relax in our lounge area until your float session concludes.

It's important to understand that a float tank is a slippery environment. The solution is more like saline than water. If you are not fully mobile or physically stable and self-sufficient, it is probably not a safe environment for you to use.

An additional consideration is the temporary loss of muscle strength that can sometimes come with the deep muscular relaxation that occurs when you float in Epsom salts for 90 minutes. If you already have low muscle tone, it will possibly be temporarily even lower by the end of a float. Not being able to stand up firmly is also a potential safety risk.

We understand the importance of ensuring everyone's comfort and safety during their float experience, and we appreciate your understanding of our policy regarding staff being unable to help you in or out. If you have any further questions or require assistance with arrangements, please don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to support you as best we can every step of the way.

Since it is a zero gravity environment, there is technically no weight limit from a mass perspective. Every body floats. However, there are physical dimensions involved that might affect the comfort level of those of a larger BMI. The float tank doors are 3 ft high and 2ft wide. And the float tank solution itself is 10-11 inches deep. You can decide whether those measurements are comfortable for your body.

While we understand the desire to utilize our float tanks, it's important to clarify that our water purification system, while effective at removing typical levels of bacteria and microbes, may not adequately address issues related to incontinence. Therefore, it's essential for individuals to have full control over bodily functions to use our float tanks safely. Unfortunately, those with unpredictable intestinal or urinary function are at risk of compromising the water quality, which could affect the safety and experience of other users, as well as risking incurring very expensive salt replacement and cleaning fees.

As a result, individuals with known incontinence issues should refrain from floating to ensure the integrity of our facilities and the well-being of all patrons. We want to emphasize that any damage to the water in our float tanks resulting from using them with a known incontinence issue will incur significant costs for replenishing the Epsom salts and restoring the tank to its optimal condition.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in upholding our standards of safety and cleanliness. If you have any further questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to assist you in any way we can.

Absolutely! You're welcome to float while menstruating, as long as you're using a reliable menstrual product such as a tampon or cup to contain menstrual fluids and feel confident that there is zero risk that you will contaminate the float tank solution with any bodily fluids. Your comfort and peace of mind are important to us. However, if you're uncertain or have any concerns, we encourage you to wait before scheduling your float. We want you to feel confident and at ease during your float experience, so please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need further assistance.

We're delighted to welcome children to float with us, just as ours do. While they may not have the same level of meditative focus as adults, the physical benefits of floating, such as easing tension in the body, are just as beneficial for children. It's important to keep expectations realistic and not be discouraged if your child doesn't stay in the tank for the full session. Playing music during their float can often help them stay engaged for longer.

For children under 12, we kindly ask that you accompany them inside the float room. Children aged 12-16 can float independently, but we do require you to remain on-site during their session.

Similarly, there's no age limit for elders to enjoy the benefits of floating. It can offer relief from those persistent aches and pains that sometimes accompany aging. However, it's essential for individuals to be physically stable and able to enter and exit the tank safely. Keep in mind that the tank entrance involves passing over a two-foot-high threshold and entering into highly saline water, which can be slightly slippery. If you have significantly low muscle tone, getting up after your float may be challenging, so we recommend against floating if this applies to you.

Regardless of age, it's essential to have full control over bodily functions to use our float tanks. Individuals with unpredictable intestinal or urinary function are advised against floating, as it can impact the water quality and the safety of others. Any damage resulting from using the tanks with a known incontinence issue will unfortunately incur significant costs for replenishing the Epsom salts. Your comfort and safety are our top priorities, and we're here to ensure you have a pleasant and rejuvenating float experience. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to assist you every step of the way.

While floating with a respiratory disorder is generally considered safe, it's important to be aware that float tanks create a high humidity environment. We've received feedback from some clients who have respiratory disorders, noting that the elevated humidity levels made it more difficult for them to breathe comfortably during their float sessions. This discomfort may have hindered their ability to fully relax. We encourage individuals with respiratory conditions to consider this factor when deciding whether floating is suitable for them. As always, we prioritize the comfort and safety of our clients and aim to provide an environment conducive to relaxation and well-being.

It's important to note that the body can remain cytotoxic, meaning chemotherapy agents may be excreted through the skin, for up to 30 days after a chemotherapy session. To prevent potential contamination of our float tank solution and to ensure the safety of others, we kindly request that you wait for this 30-day period before scheduling your float. This precautionary measure helps minimize any risks associated with exposure to chemotherapy agents during your float session. Your understanding and cooperation in this matter are greatly appreciated as we prioritize the well-being of all our clients.

While floating is safe and beneficial for most people, there are a few situations where it’s best to wait or check in with a healthcare provider first. We recommend avoiding float sessions if you have: Uncontrolled incontinence Open wounds or active skin infections Recent chemotherapy (please wait at least 30 days) A history of epilepsy unless cleared by a physician Concerns related to severe mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or dissociative identity disorder—please consult with your mental health provider Additionally, if you have significantly limited mobility or trouble getting in and out of a tub-like space, floating may not be the best fit unless you have someone with you to assist. As always, we’re here to help talk through any concerns. Your safety, comfort, and peace of mind are our top priorities.

Yes—we definitely recommend waiting if you have a fresh or significant sunburn. The high concentration of Epsom salt in our float tanks can sting quite a bit on sensitive or damaged skin, which isn’t exactly the relaxing experience we want for you. If your sunburn is minor, mostly healed, or no longer tender to the touch, you may be fine to float—but when in doubt, it’s best to wait a few more days. You want your float to feel soothing and restorative, not uncomfortable. If you’re unsure, feel free to reach out and we’ll help you make the call.

We recommend giving your skin a little recovery time before floating. The saltwater in our tanks can sting freshly shaved or waxed areas—sometimes more than you’d expect! If you’ve shaved, waiting 12–24 hours is usually enough. For waxing, we suggest holding off for 24–48 hours, or until any redness or sensitivity has gone down. A quick touch test can help—if the area still feels tender, it’s probably best to wait. A little timing can go a long way in making sure your float is as soothing and comfortable as possible.

If you have a significant cut or open wound, it’s best to wait until it’s fully healed before floating—the saltwater will sting, and it’s likely to be uncomfortable. For minor scratches, healing scabs, or small sensitive spots (like razor burn or cracked cuticles), you’re probably fine to float. We provide complimentary A&D ointment in each room, which acts as a protective barrier to help reduce stinging. Many guests find it helpful for covering up those little areas before their session. If you’re unsure, feel free to give us a call—we’re always happy to help you decide what’s best for your comfort.