​The Mended Willow

Reasons You Should Not Float

Anyone Under the Age of 18 - While we do believe floating is for everyone, floating can be an overwhelming experience for minors, even those who appear prepared.  We do not currently book float therapy appointments for anyone under the age of 18.

Open Wounds - Guests with open wounds, large skin injuries, stitches or sutures will not be permitted to float.  Float tanks contain a high concentration of Epsom salt, which is highly irritating to open wounds.

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Active Eczema or Psoriasis - There have been reports from many floaters that the float tank solution (which is made up of warm water and Epsom salt) is very soothing for their skin.  If you suffer from eczema or psoriasis, the magnesium can be very nourishing and hydrating so long as your skin issues are not active/raw.  If that’s the case, the solution can instead be extremely irritating and it’s probably best to book in your session once your skin has healed.

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Colored Hair - Anyone who has recently dyed their hair are required to wait 30 days after coloring their hair to float (ensure no color bleeds out in your shower or on towels).  Highly pigmented dyes stain the float water and our float tank causing costly repairs you could be responsible for. 

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Hair Keratin Treatment - Anyone using keratin treatments for their hair are told to avoid salt water; and yes, this includes Epsom salt.  Hair care professionals recommend you wait 4 weeks after getting the treatment before hopping into a float room.  Keratin extensions need to be adjusted monthly, and generally last 6-12 weeks.  The best practice would be to float right before you get a treatment done.  A float likely won’t damage the keratin any more than a swim in a chlorine pool.

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Spray Tans - We love a good glow, but if you recently received a spray tan, please wait 7 days before floating.  The salty water of the float tank will impact the longevity and quality of your spray tan.  Steer clear of floating for 1 week to keep your tan and our tanks safe.

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Tattoos or Piercings - We love seeing your personal expressions of individuality, but you will want to wait until your tattoos or piercings are fully healed before getting into the tank.  Everyone heals at different times, and it also depends on the type of tattoo or piercing.  Generally speaking, 3 to 4 weeks should suffice, after scabbing and peeling has subsided.  As a test, apply hand sanitizer to the area and if it stings you will want to wait a little longer before floating.  Henna tattoos will be stripped by the salt water so we would ask you to wash them off before floating.

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Intoxication - The use of alcohol and drugs can impair judgement, coordination and reaction times.  Combining float therapy with substances can be dangerous and increase the risk of accidents or adverse effects.  Float tanks induce deep relaxation and introspection, which can be compromised if substances alter the mind.  Avoiding float therapy while under the influence is necessary to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

 Sickness- If you have been recently sick with any ailment including fever, diarrhea, vomiting, Covid or the flu you should not schedule a float for 14 days following your last symptoms.  

Incontinence - You cannot float if you have problems with bladder leakage, incontinence or uncontrollable bowel movements.  This is purely from a sanitation position, and not because it would be harmful to you.

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Insulin Pump or Glucose Monitor - Most diabetic floaters are comfortable removing their pump for a duration of time, and usually do so for other activities like swimming.  This is entirely up to you and your comfort level.  You can apply petroleum jelly to the insertion site to minimize irritation from the salt.  You know your body better than anyone, always follow your intuition and doctor’s advice.

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Prone to Ear Infection - Float related ear infections don’t come from pathogens in the solution, rather from not cleaning your ears well enough post float.  Once dry, the salt crystallizes and may cause irritation.  Ear plugs are provided and work really well to keep the solution out of your ears.  Human error is often the cause of water entering your ears.  We all struggle with ear plugs from time to time, but if you are overly prone to ear infections take extra precautions by using silicone ear plugs, putting them in before you get into the shower and rinsing well after your float. 

Tubes in Ears - Those with tubes in their ears may want to steer clear of floating altogether.  If you can master a good seal with the silicone ear plugs you will likely be ok, but there have been reports of excruciating pain when salt solution enters the ear canal.  It’s unfortunate, but it might not be worth the risk.  We can recommend a Pittsburgh based company that can make custom fitted ear molds through a meeting with your Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist.

​Motion Sickness/Vertigo - The lack of motion can actually trigger motion sickness symptoms.  Reaching out and touching the sides of the float room can bring you back to center, or leaving the light on can help.  You are always in control of your experience.  Some people use a float halo to prop their head up as much as feels good.  Most people report this being a temporary problem and once they’ve gotten a few floats under their belt their dizziness goes away, but if you are sensitive to motion sickness or vertigo it’s something to be aware of.

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Chemotherapy and Radiation - Chemo is an incredibly toxic substance.  It's so toxic that it not only kills cancer cells but also healthy ones too.  It's possible that because of the detoxifying effects of floating you could negate the effectiveness of the treatment.  We require anyone undergoing chemotherapy to wait a minimum of 4 to 6 weeks from their last treatment before floating.  

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Medical or Mental Health Conditions - Float therapy can be a valuable tool for stress reduction and relaxation.  However, individuals with medical conditions such as epilepsy, kidney/liver/detoxing issues, low blood pressure, any contagious disease, open wounds or skin ulcers should not float.  In addition, those with severe mental health conditions such as psychosis, schizophrenia, or severe anxiety disorders should approach float therapy cautiously.  The reflective nature of floating may intensify underlying psychological symptoms, hallucinations, or lead to disorientation.  Consulting with a medical health professional is essential before considering float therapy for anyone with a pre-existing condition.

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Pregnancy - There are very few instances when it would not be safe to float during pregnancy.  Most soon to be mothers find valuable relief from common pregnancy woes.  There are some float centers who recommend against pregnant women floating during their first trimester.  We recommend that you consult your physician first especially if you have any complications with your pregnancy or experience significant nausea.

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37+ Weeks Pregnant - We welcome having pregnant women float with us and for most of you, floating is a perfectly safe and enjoyable experience!  We do have a cut off of 37 weeks, as we do not want to risk the chance of you becoming so relaxed that you go into labor in one of our float tanks.