Can I float if I’m pregnant?
Pregnant women love floating! There is even a special position you can float in that relieves all of the weight of the baby off of the mother’s body. If you are in your third trimester or have any concerns please consult with your physician prior to booking your appointment.
Is there anything I should do to prepare?
Avoid caffeinated beverages for several hours beforehand to reduce the chances of having the jitters. Don’t shave or wax at least 8-12 hours since the salt water can irritate your skin. Eating a light meal about an hour to 90 minutes ahead of time stops your stomach from sounding like an angry monster while you float. Other than that there is no specific preparation needed.
Can I float if I’m menstruating?
Yes. Just follow the same protocol you would for a swimming pool. Some women do experience some discomfort in their feminine areas before or during this time.
Can I float if I just dyed my hair?
While there is no guarantee that the salt won’t strip some color from your hair, we recommend that you check if the water running through your hair in the shower at home is fully clear. If there is still some color coming out you should wait a couple of more days/showers.
Do I need to bring anything?
If you have longer hair, you may want to bring a comb. Also, something to put your contact lenses into while you’re in the tank. Other than that, we provide everything you need (one towel, earplugs, body wash/shampoo…) Each room is fully private and you go into the tanks nude so there’s no need to bring a bathing suit. Robes, flip flops and an extra towel are available only upon request.
What are the differences in your tanks?
Once you’re inside the tanks, the experience is practically identical in all of them. The main difference is the height. The float rooms/pod also have lights that turn on and off on the inside of the tanks themselves.
Can more than one person float in a tank at a time?
Only one person per tank. We will have five float tanks, so you can throw your own float party and invite up to four other people to float simultaneously in our shop. Double-wide tanks do exist, but we think that they take away from the whole ‘sensory deprivation’ experience.
Do I have to stay in the whole time?
There aren’t any latches on the tank doors and you can get out anytime. That said, the 60-minutes usually goes by faster than you would expect.
What’s the longest someone has been in the tank?
One of the owners of Portland’s Float On goes for a 12 hour float about once a month… famed float inventor John Lily is said to have floated for much, much longer periods of time.
Who invented these crazy devices?
How long have float tanks been around?
The first float tank was developed in 1954. These involved full submersion in water and a breathing device that completely covered your face. The first lay down commercial tanks were invented in the early 70’s.
What if I’m claustrophobic?
Being in the tanks is more like floating in outer space than being shut in a box. You’re always in control of your environment and even people with extreme claustrophobia have reported having no problems with their time in the tank.
How do you clean the tanks?
We follow the strict guidelines of the worldwide float tank association (FTA). Our floatation equipment is cleaned after each and every float through a four step process:
1.) Each tank/pod/cabin has its own individual pool filtration and sanitation equipment
2.) Filters run 24 hours a day for most types of float tanks and only stop when someone is actually floating.
3.) After each 60 min float session the filtration runs a minimum of four cycles
4.) The highly saline solution of a float tank is antibacterial due to the high concentration of salt.
5.) Tanks also have UV light and ozone for additional sanitation
6.) Tanks are dosed with a very specific amount of 35% food grade hydrogen peroxide every day
7.) All suites are surface wiped multiple times a day and between each session with white vinegar, simply green or other EPA approved cleaning agents.
8.) Every guest is asked to shower BEFORE and after their float and discouraged from wearing a bathing suit as a clean, showered body is best for our pristine float environment.
Do I get dehydrated from soaking for so long?
No. Your skin doesn’t even prune up and it become silky soft afterwards!
Can I drown if I fall asleep in there?
Nope. Some people fall asleep but the water is so buoyant that you stay afloat. The worst that can happen is maybe getting a bit of salt water in your eyes.
How are float tanks sanitized?
- 3x Filtration – The entirety of the water is filtered through a 1-10 micron filter a minimum of three times after each float. Skimmers are used to keep the surface completely clear.
- UV / Hydrogen Peroxide – Hydrogen peroxide is used as a disinfectant in the tanks – a non-toxic alternative to chlorine and bromine. High powered UV light units are attached to the pump system for added sanitation.
- Proper Chemistry– We rigorously measure and maintain the pH, alkalinity, specific gravity, and temperature of the tanks. The water in the float tank is about 30% epsom salt, which is a difficult environment for a lot of bacteria to live in (the Dead Sea is named that for a reason).