Frequently Asked Questions
This collection of questions have been borrowed from a variety of nationwide float centers. We thought it would be more useful and informative than what we would write starting out as a brand new float center. We have edited these to better reflect the environment we’ve created here at the Mended Willow.
What is REST?
It’s an acronym coined by a scientist that stands for “Reduced Environment Stimulation Therapy”. It simply means float therapy.
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Why can’t I just do this at home?
Well, you can, but not in your tub in your master bath, and it won’t be for free. The salt water concentration in the float suite is what enables effortless floating, and 1000 pounds of Epsom salt is not cheap. Aside from buoyancy, there are other considerations, like environmental control to keep water and air temperature at 94 degrees and to remove all light and most sound.
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How often should I float?
Single and first floats can often be profound. However, there can be a bit of a learning curve requiring a few floats to feel totally comfortable. Also, floating has powerful cumulative effects and is becoming recognized as an essential part of an optimal ongoing wellness practice. Basically, floating 1 to 2 times per week will supercharge your long term physical, mental, and spiritual health.
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What if I don’t practice meditation, can I still float?
Floating has nothing to do with meditation, spirituality, or religion at all. On the other hand, floating is all about having your very own personal and unique experience, and it’s up to you as to what you “bring in or leave out” while in your session. It is not necessary to be into meditation to experience a good float. Think of floating in its most basic of terms... soaking in 1000 pounds of Epsom salts at a constant temperature of 94 degrees… it’s that simple. For those who do meditate, practicing this inside of a sensory deprivation tank can take a meditator to new heights/depths.
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How do you prepare for float therapy?
We take care of most of the preparation work! There are, however, a few things to keep in mind while preparing for your float session. Check out our "First Time Tips" section on our "Float Therapy" page for some good pointers.
Is there a right way to do it?
All the ways are right. Each person should find whatever position is comfortable for them. Some people float with their hands at their sides, some with their hands folded across their chest or abdomen, or behind their heads. The first float is kind of like the test drive of a new car. You are just checking this new thing out. Give yourself time to find your most comfortable position and whatever works best for you.
What if I wear contacts?
If you wear contacts on a daily basis, it is important to remove your contacts before you float. Don’t forget to wear glasses to your appointment or bring a storage container for your contacts!
Can I float if I’m pregnant?
Absolutely! In fact, pregnant clients may experience some of the greatest relief from floating—physically and mentally. The added weight and pressure on the mother’s body is likely to cause pain and discomfort, the weightless impact of floating can provide much relief! Many clients report a unique and memorable experience floating while pregnant. Reduce stress, strain and tension, and experience a new level of connection with your baby. There are some float centers who recommend against pregnant women floating during their first trimester or after they are 37 weeks pregnant. As always you should consult with your physician prior to floating to make sure this is right for you especially if you have any complications with your pregnancy or experience significant nausea.
What happens if I fall asleep?
Many people, especially those who practice float therapy on a regular basis, fall asleep during their float. By relaxing both your mind and your body, you are able to experience deep rejuvenating sleep.
In fact, many of our guests compare one hour of sleep while floating to four hours of regular sleep! Additionally, the relaxing benefits of float therapy allow you to experience deeper sleep outside the float tank by improving the quality of your sleep.
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Can I float while menstruating?
While our float tank solution gets filtered multiple times and treated between every single person, we do our best to keep the highest quality of water for our floaters. We ask that women do not float while menstruating and to please just give us a call to reschedule if your appointment falls within your cycle.
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What if I’m claustrophobic?
The Float Room we’ve installed is open in format. Most people with claustrophobia have said to have little difficulty with these types of rooms as opposed to a closed pod with a lid. Your float room is private and you’re always in control.
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How clean is the water?
The water used to fill the float rooms goes through extensive filtration process. This ensures that only pure, clean water free from odors and unhealthy dissolved solids is used as a foundation for the float solution. The salt in each float room costs in excess of $1000, so much like a public pool or hot tub, the water is not drained between uses, but instead is circulated, filtered and sanitized by a commercial grade spa filtration system before being treated by UV light and ozone. The highly concentrated Epsom salt stifles any bacterial growth. We test the solution regularly in order to ensure that it’s clean and well balanced.
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Float therapy is a strictly private experience. Anything pressing against your skin can provide a distraction during your float. For this reason, we recommend that you don’t wear anything while floating.
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Will the salt damage my hair?
The salt water will not harm your hair, but you cannot float if you have recently dyed your hair or have recently had it chemically treated for risk of water and equipment damages. Please refer to our "Who Should Not Float" page for more information on this topic.
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Can I drown?
The truth is any water can be dangerous for humans; however, while it is possible... it would be incredibly difficult to drown in a float tank. Our tank contains just 10 inches of highly salinated water—thus, it is not required that guests know how to swim. This solution supports you no matter how you might toss and turn in the Float Tank. Though it is difficult to accidentally flip onto your belly in the tank, if this occurred the extremely high salt concentration would immediately cause discomfort in the eyes, nose and mouth. Many people safely sleep while they are floating.
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What if I have a cut or scrape?
On any open minor cuts or scrapes, apply a thin layer of our supplied petroleum jelly before entering the float tank to prevent irritation from the salt. Salt is healing, and your body may get used to the stinging, so you might even try to tough it out without petroleum jelly... though we don't recommend it. Anyone with open wounds, large skin injuries, stitches or sutures will not be permitted to float.
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Why am I experiencing a burning sensation in a personal area while floating?
Recent shaving, or sexual activity without adequate lubrication can cause micro abrasions, which can cause a burning or even stinging sensation from the super saturated salt solution. This has been reported to be more prevalent with women over 50. You may use petroleum jelly to help protect the area. It’s also been reported that a similar burning sensation can occur from hemorrhoids. In most cases this sensation isn’t overwhelming, but during an acute hemorrhoidal flair up, or after a particularly fun evening of sexual activity without adequate lubrication, or if you just shaved, this burning or stinging sensation can be very uncomfortable. Remember that salt is healing, and your body may get used to the stinging over the course of the float.
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How much can I float?
While you can float every day without harm, we find that the relaxing effects of a one-hour float typically last beyond that day. For best results, we recommend regular sessions, and many clients find that floating once or twice a week provides the most benefits.
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Do I need to bring anything to my float?
All you need to bring is yourself, and an excited and open mind for what’s to come. We will provide you with everything you need, including a towel, shampoo, body wash, ear plugs, healing ointment(for minor cuts or scrape), Q-tips, a makeup wipe, a hair comb and a bottle of water. If it is your first time just show up 15 minutes early and we will take care of the rest.
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Will my skin wrinkle?
No. The high Epsom salt content of the water means that the water will not draw the salt from your skin and cause wrinkles like a long bath does. Epsom salt has been used for centuries as a medicinal treatment for various skin conditions. It is non-toxic and is not harmful if swallowed (although it does not taste good!). Epsom salt is actually quite nourishing for the skin, which is why many people feel silky smooth after their float session.
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Can I go back to work after float therapy?
Many guests wonder if they will be able to return to work after float therapy. Yes, you will be able to return to work. Because you are floating in the water and will be required to shower, remember to bring anything you need to get ready after your float. We think it’s best to schedule your float appointment when you are able to take it easy after your float is complete. Rushing back into your hectic day can minimize the relaxing effects of float therapy.
How long does float therapy take?
Our float sessions are scheduled for 60 minutes, though you should expect to be here for about 90 minutes when accounting for the 15 minutes of preparation time before and after your float. We do not offer shorter float sessions. If it’s your first float, it can often take 15-20 minutes to fully relax. Most regular floaters don’t consider their first float experience their most profound, but instead find that the more they float and become familiar with the environment and the process of letting go, the easier it is to settle into a calm state of body and mind. Even the most experienced floaters may have floats where it takes a bit more time to settle in to deep relaxation, depending on their state of mind and body when going into their float.
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Who should not float?
Check with your doctor before beginning any new health regimen, such as flotation. Float therapy is safe for just about everyone, however refer to our "Who Should Not Float" page for more information on this topic.
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What if I get salt in my eyes?
It might sting—however, we provide a small towel and a fresh bottle of water in your tank to spray then dab your eyes with.
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How do I schedule a float session?
Please visit the "Schedule a Session" part of our page and reach out to us via the phone or email provided. Happy floating!
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER
We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone. We must emphasize that only a trained medical professional can provide diagnoses or give medical advice. The information shared on this page is not a substitute for professional medical guidance. Float therapy tanks are generally safe. We recommend when it comes to your health and specific medical concerns you always consult with a trusted medical physician. They can assess your circumstances and provide accurate information regarding any potential risks or interactions related to float therapy.
