Information for first time floaters...

Q. How do I need to prepare before my float?

A. Do not freshly apply oils, lotions or perfumes.

Shaving – We recommend that you not shave for at least 4-6 hours before your float or the day of the float since freshly shaven skin will cause stinging. We have found that applying a small amount of petroleum gel on freshly-shaven areas and to cover any small cuts and grazes alleviates the stinging – we provide that at the center.

Eating – In order to avoid listening to the sounds of your stomach digesting your food while in the tank, it is beneficial to eat well before a float or afterwards.

Avoiding Caffeine – We suggest you avoid caffeine before a float as it may interfere with your ability to relax.

Don’t float if:

- You are an epileptic and your epilepsy is not under medical control;

- Before consuming alcohol or drugs

- If you have infectious diseases, open skin wounds, or suicidal tendencies.

- If in doubt, check with your health care provider.

Q. What should I expect when I get there?

A. For your first float here, arrive 10-15 minutes earlier than your scheduled appointment. There will be a brief orientation when you arrive. You shower both before you get into the tank and after you finish your session. You are in total control of your experience – from whether you choose particular music or to float silently, float with the tanks lights on or off, or float with the door open or closed. Other than that, we put no expectations on you so that you can make the experience uniquely your own.

Q. What do I wear in the tank?

A. Since floating at our center is a private experience, most floaters choose to wear nothing in the tank. Bathing suits and other clothing draw attention to the areas that are constricted by the elastic and make it more challenging to relax. Consider it similar to your bathtub. If you chose to float with a friend or partner, there is a divider between the tanks for privacy.

Q. Do I need to bring anything with me?

A. No. Everything you need is provided for you at the center. You have full use of the center’s towels, robes, ear plugs, shower shoes, and toiletries. If you feel more comfortable with your own items such as your own shower shoes or post-shower products like deodorant, skin creams etc., please feel free to bring those.

If you use contact lenses, please remember to bring something to store them in while you float.

Q. Will I be able to return to work or my regular routine afterward?

A. Yes. Time and space is provided for you to use the bathroom facilities like you would after a regular shower. Lots of clients prefer to take advantage of the relaxed state-of-mind after a float by engaging in a light routine, but there would be nothing that would prevent you from continuing any regular activities.

Other concerns...

Q. I’m claustrophobic. Will I be able to float?

A. Many people who report being claustrophobic have enjoyed floating without feelings of restriction. The system in the tank keeps fresh air flowing freely and floaters have the option of floating with the door open or closed. You are in total control.

Q. Can I float if I’m pregnant?

A. YES! Many pregnant women love floating because while they’re in the tank, there is a relief from the pull of gravity that normally increases with pregnancy. Women in late pregnancy prefer to float on their stomachs with their chin resting on their hands since they cannot lie this way in bed. Check with your doctor or midwife if in doubt.

Q. Will floating help me with my aches and pains?

A. Yes. Floating causes the body to release endorphins, (the body's own painkiller), in particular the beta-endorphin. Although it is recommended that you float routinely, clients experience pain relief after only the first session. Effects are almost always last weeks after the session is over.

Q. Is there anything I have to learn to prepare to float – like taking a class or learning how to float?

A. No. Unlike yoga or meditation, floating does not require you to become proficient at any particular skills or to practice anything. Floatation therapy offers an immediate relief, and requires no skills from the user other than the ability to lie still for an hour.

Q. Is it safe?

A. Absolutely. Floating has been widely used since the 1960’s and is in use in float centers, spas, health clubs, upscale hotels, pain relief centers, athletic and educational facilities worldwide. We operate in the highest standards of hygiene and safety.

Q. How long do I float?

A. Our basic session last 50 minutes, but some of our customers love floating so much, they choose to stay 2 or 3 hours or more per session. A good practice is to experiment with session lengths to see what works best for you.

Q. Are there any restrictions/contraindications?

A. We don't recommend tank use for epileptics whose epilepsy is not under medical control; for people under the influence of alcohol, drugs, those with infectious diseases, open skin wounds, or those with suicidal tendencies. If in doubt, check with your health care provider.

Q. Is it sanitary?

A. Yes, the tanks are perfectly sanitary. The high concentration of Epsom salts and tiny amounts of chlorine inhibit the growth of microorganisms. The water within the tank is automatically filtered between each customer and is tested often to ensure its cleanliness. Further, we ask all customers to shower before and after each float session. A floatation tank is cleaner than any swimming pool, hot tub or Jacuzzi.

Q. What if I fall asleep?

A. It is perfectly safe to fall asleep. If you try to turn over in the tank, the salt water will awaken you immediately. Some floaters report falling asleep in the tank while others report being in a twilight state – sort of like the half awake state of someone who has just pressed the snooze alarm. We let you know when your session is over, so there is no need to try to keep track of time during your session. Feel free to do whatever it is that your body wants to – let go.

Q. I can’t float in a normal swimming pool. Will I be able to float in the tank?

A. Yes. Because of the high density of salt water, the effect is much like that of the Dead Sea. EVERYONE can float regardless of ability, weight, or lean mass.

Q. Can I float with my friend or partner?

A. The tanks at Float Houston are designed for one person at a time to be a private experience. We find this allows the best experience for floaters. Since we have more than one tank however, you are welcomed to bring a friend or partner who can float with you in their own separate tank.

Q. What is Epsom Salt and why is it used?

A. Epsom Salt is Magnesium Sulphate. It is used in floatation tanks so that you can float effortlessly and enjoy the many wonderful ant-gravity effects. Here at Float Houston we only use the highest quality, pharmaceutical grade salt. It is very different from sea salt or table salt which is mainly Sodium Chloride. According to the Epsom Salt Industry Council of the US, when magnesium sulfate is absorbed through the skin it draws toxins from the body, sedates the nervous system, reduces swelling, and relaxes muscles. Epsom salt is a natural skin emollient and skin exfoliator. In a float tank filled with Epsom salts, there's no "prune skin" effect that you get when you lie in the bathtub for a long time. It is also found naturally in many spa waters.