What Should I do to prepare?

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Avoid shaving or waxing for at least 24 hours prior to your float. Don't use stimulants such as caffeine for several hours beforehand. Eat a meal about 60-90 minutes prior to your appointment so that you aren't hungry or overly full while you float. Please see our Your First Float section for additional info.

 

What do I need to bring with me? Swim suit?

 

Nothing but yourself and an excited and open mind. We provide eco-friendly shampoo, conditioner and body wash for your pre and post-float shower. We also provide towels, robes, earplugs, q-tips and hair dryers. Feel free to bring any personal items such as a brush or makeup for after your float. Don't forget your contact lens case if you wear contacts. Since our float tanks, changing areas and showers are each in their own private rooms there's no need to wear anything, and we find that anything you wear will only serve as a sensory distraction. But, you are more than welcome to bring along a swim suit if you'd like and then decide once you are in your private room whether or not to use it. We don't check.

 

What should I expect the experience to be like?

 

It naturally varies from person to person. To get the most out of your experience though, just do your best to try to fully relax. Once you learn to let go and fully relax, you'll really start to enjoy the experience to the fullest.  It often takes a couple of float sessions for people to re-learn to relax and just be.  We recommend committing to at least 3 floats because by the second float you are more prepared to fully ease into the experience and begin your real journey with floatation therapy. Floating is a practice. You can't walk into a gym one time and say you're physically fit and healthy. Floating is like that. Yes, you'll likely feel deeply relaxed after one float. You might even feel a relief from pain and anxiety. One float can be amazing. But if you want to see REAL CHANGE in your life, floating is just like having a gym membership. The best results come from a consistent practice. You commit to working out to care for your body and mind, so you can feel your best. Floating helps you to recover from the physical demands on your body, as well as the mental challenges we throw at our minds everyday. A consistent float practice brings noticeable changes, just like consistently working out. If you'd like to learn more, ask us about our membership. It's the best way to move from overwhelmed and stressed to peacefully balanced

 

What should I expect during my first float?

 

Like the question above, it varies person to person. Some people, especially those that practice mindfulness, meditation, and/or yoga, may learn to fully relax and have a deep experience their first float, but many of us may need to float a few times to re-learn how to be fully relaxed since we live such busy and stressful lives. If you don't meditate on a regular basis your first float may be an exercise in getting used to the experience. It may still be very relaxing, but you may experience a certain duration of "monkey mind": your brain asking many questions and having expectations about what the experience is going to be. "Will I fall asleep? Will I be able to let go and relax? How much time do I have left? What am I going to make for dinner? When are the awesome things that everyone keeps telling me about going to happen?" The mind, for many of us, tends to be very busy during this first float. We recommend committing to at least 3 floats because by the second float many of those questions are gone and you are more prepared to fully ease into the experience and begin your real journey with floatation therapy.

 

How is the float solution kept clean?

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Our owner, Greg, received his National Swimming Pool Foundation pool operator's license in 2015 and maintains proper chemistry of the water, testing the water multiple times every day for proper pH balance, total alkalinity, perfect temperature, specific gravity and hydrogen peroxide levels. We are also a member of both the Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code and the Floatation Tank Association, and follow their Standard for ensuring a clean and safe floatation experience. Greg has also been on the board of directors for the Floatation Tank Association since 2019. Besides the required pre-float shower, each tank has a 3 step filtering process that consists of a micron filter to filter out particulate matter, an ultra-violet (UV) sanitation and ozone purification system, and a small amount of hydrogen peroxide (an oxidizer)– a safe alternative to chlorine and bromine. Skimmers are used to keep the surface clear. All the water in our float tanks are filtered 5 times between every single guest. And, the high concentration of Epsom Salt creates an environment in which inhibits the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms. We go in after every guest to visually inspect our suites, and disinfect all commonly touched surfaces such as showers, benches, float tank walls, etc. We are closed on Mondays to perform a deep cleaning of the entire space to keep our float suites clean and pristine. And, our float tank solution is sent to the Wisconsin State Lab of Hygiene to ensure that our cleaning process is above and beyond what anyone would expect. One more thing: We've installed a big commercial filter into our water supply that filters up to 97% of the chlorine that comes in through the municipal water because we don't want people floating in chlorine. Essentially, our float tank water is cleaner than just about any tap water in the country, and we have the paperwork to prove it. If you want to REALLY geek out on float tank chemistry and hear how safe and clean they are, check out this talk from microbiologist and water illness expert, Dr. Roy Vore: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9MfW_om6EvU Any other questions? Please reach out as we take pride in cleanliness, and we love talking water chemistry!

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What is the temperature of the saltwater and air?

 

The saltwater solution is kept at about 94º, the temperature of the average person's skin, also known as "skin-receptor neutral", and the air is set to about 86º. This perfect temperature allows you to sort of blend into the saltwater and air and lose track of where your body ends and the water begins. People often describe it as "floating in space", "laying on a comfortable solid surface without the pressure points", or "floating on a cloud".

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What if water gets in my ears or eyes?

We provide ear plugs that should be put in prior to your shower while your hands and ears are dry to avoid getting the water in your ears. We recommend using q-tips after your post-float shower, which we provide for your convenience. If you end up getting salt water in your ears though, it's not a big deal. We provide a vinegar/water rinse that will flush out the salt. To avoid getting salt water in your eyes, dry your face off completely before entering the float pod, and avoid touching your face once you're in there. A dry hand towel and a spray bottle of water is hung from inside each float pod just in case you end up splashing a little bit of salt in your eyes mid-float.

 

Will the salt dehydrate me?

 

Nope, the Epsom Salt is actually very wonderful for your skin. Your skin will be left feeling silky and smooth. No pruning here!
 

Is it safe to fall asleep?

 

Yes, and people often do because they are so relaxed! If you fall asleep due to the deep relaxation you experience, you will stay afloat due to the buoyancy created by the 900+ pounds of Epsom Salt in the water. Plus, the water is only 10 inches deep. You won't touch the bottom either. It's quite amazing. No matter the size, shape or weight of your body, you will float. And your mouth, nose and eyes stay well above the water line. It's also difficult to flip over while you are floating, and even if you somehow managed to do so you would get saltwater in your eyes which would sting.

 

What if I'm claustrophobic?

 

Many of our guests report being claustrophobic before coming in, but the sensation of floating is more like floating in outer space than a confined area, and you are always in total control of your float. Feel free to leave the float tank door open or the lights on. Turn on or off the music. Or book your float in our Ocean Float Room. With it's user-controlled star light ceiling and 7 feet of vertical space, you won't at all feel enclosed. Enter and exit the pod or Ocean Float Room any time you wish.

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What about my hair and hair dye?

 

Your hair will get wet, though the water is neutral and the Epsom Salt typically isn't harsh to hair (do a Google search on "Epsom salt hair" and you'll find information about how Epsom salt may actually be good for hair!). If you dye your hair, you will need to wait at least 10 days after you dye it to give your new color time to set in completely. Make sure you give it a few good washes during this time. With red/pink dye, we require waiting at least 30 days to float (if it's more of an auburn/reddish/brown, you might be okay with our regular 10 day policy. It's the vivid/Kool-aid colors that tends to continue to bleed from hair for weeks). Although most hair dye is set in under 10 days, we've found that some dye, especially rainbow colors, can leach out of hair for weeks which may damage our float tanks and towels and can be very costly. If you are unsure, please do a "damp towel test" at home prior to booking your float: take a white cloth, get it wet, ring it out so it's very damp, then rub a couple areas of your dyed hair with heavy pressure between your fingers, and if you see any dye then you will want to wait to float as that is a sign that the dye will bleed onto our towels and float tanks. You cannot float if you have Henna coloring in your hair (or a Henna tattoo).

 

Special Note: If you use a Keratin hair smoothing treatment, it's recommend that you stay out of salt water, and this includes Epsom Salt, to avoid any negative effects and damage to your Keratin-treated hair.

 

Can I float if I'm pregnant?

 

Probably. We encourage floating during pregnancy as we've had hundreds of pregnant people in and they love the relief it gives their body and minds. Not only does floating allow you to take a time out from the added stress of pregnancy, but the strain from the added weight is taken off of your body by floating in the weightless environment. We receive referrals from doctors, Ob-Gyns, doulas, midwives, and other practitioners who work with pregnant people, but please double-check with your physician first.

 

Can I float with a friend?

 

Although our float tanks are spacious, we don't have a float tank large enough for two people to float in the same tank at the same time, not even our larger Ocean Float Rooms, and we feel that floating can be deeply personal and should be experienced alone, at least for those first few floats. That being said, there are a few float centers that have custom float cabins which can accommodate two people, and we will be installing one of these extra large float cabins if we open another location. For now, since we have four float tanks, you can both come in and float at the same time but in separate float tanks- one in our pod and one in the Ocean room, both in separate pods, or both in separate Ocean rooms (pictures can be found on our website).

 

Can I float longer than 60 minutes?

 

The first few times you float, 60 minutes is probably all you will need as you familiarize yourself with the new experience. But, eventually you will probably want to float for longer periods of time. We will soon offer 90 minute and longer floats. For now though, you'll simply need to book 2 floats back to back in the same room. You will be able to float for up to two and a half hours, but you can let us know prior to your float if you would like the timer set for a specific time.

 

Are there any age or weight limitations?

 

For the most part, no. The physical and mental benefits are as useful to children as they are to adults, but some may lack some of the mental discipline for more meditative floating. Similarly, there is no upper age limit. You may experience all the same benefits no matter your age, and enjoy some respite from those nagging aches and pains that may seem a bit more persistent as things slow down as we age. For anyone under 18, we require a parent/guardian to come in with them for the first float to sign our Under 18 Intake form. And for those under 16, a parent must be present here while they float. We currently don't allow anyone under the age of 5 to float. If you wish to be in the float suite (the area outside of the float tank where our shower and changing area are) while your child floats in the float tank, which we encourage if your child is under the age of 12, you may bring a comfortable folding chair. Our float suites have bamboo benches, which might be comfortable to sit on for short periods of time, but likely not too comfortable for the entire duration of the float. If you have mobility issues and might need help getting in and out of the float tank, you will need to bring a helper as we cannot help you in and out for liability reasons. As long as you can safely get in and out of the tank, you should be safe to float regardless of your age or weight. But similar to other water-based services, such as a pool or spa, you need to use caution since floors can become very slippery.

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Are the float pods handicap accessible?

 

One of our float pod suites is ADA compliant and includes an accessible shower with a bench. If you are in a wheelchair, getting in and out of the shower and float pod is largely dependent on the extent of your upper body function and strength. If you can lift yourself out of your wheel chair and into bed, for example, you will likely be able to lift yourself into the shower bench and over the float pod lip, which is about two feet off the floor. Please bring a friend with you if you do not have good upper body mobility/strength because our staff is not allowed to touch guests for liability reasons. Your assistant can hang out in either our relaxation room or in your float suite while you float.

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Can I float during menstruation?

 

Yes, provided you use appropriate sanitary products, such as a tampon or cup, like you would do in a pool or spa.

 

How often should I float?

 

It's completely up to you, however when you first start floating, it's ideal if you float a few times within a fairly short period such as 3 floats within 2-4 weeks. We know this isn't always possible and most people will still benefit from even just one float. We encourage you to float regularly, say monthly, weekly or more, for long-term benefits such as helping to maintain reduced stress levels, using it for meditation and improving overall well-being. The best prices we offer come from our memberships. Check out our Pricing page for information on how to become a member today.

 

Is there anyone who shouldn't float?

 

Floating is safe for almost everyone, but still has it's risks and is not recommended for some people. You shouldn't float if you have incontinence, uncontrolled epilepsy, open wounds, an infectious disease, drug or alcohol intoxication, or kidney problems. If you have a heart condition, a severe medical condition, or any other concerns please consult your physician first. You should wait at least 3 weeks after receiving a tattoo to float so that it has time to heal and set (Check with your tattoo artist). You cannot float if you have Henna coloring in your hair, or a Henna tattoo. If you have mobility issues and might need help getting in and out of the float tank, you will need to bring a helper as we cannot help you in and out for liability reasons. As long as you can safely get in and out of the tank, you should be safe to float, but similar to other water-based services such as a pool or spa, you need to use caution since floors can be very slippery. We don't have staff in our private float suites while guests float so please take our safety concerns seriously and float at your own risk.