Also known by the clinical name REST (Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy), Floatation Therapy is a deeply relaxing experience of weightlessness that is acquired by lying on your back and Floating in about 10 inches of water saturated with almost 1000 lbs of Epsom Salt. Typically, there is no light or sound, but you can opt to have low lights on or have music playing. The density of the water allows everyone to Float effortlessly! While the water feels warm when you first get in, it is actually at normal skin temperature (93.5 degrees), with an advanced ventilation and heating system to keep this constant, so you will remain at the perfect temperature so you won’t get cold like if you stay too long in a bath. It’s the Dead Sea Experience with high-grade pharmaceutical Dead Sea Salts!
The beauty of Floating is that it can help just about everyone! Floatation Therapy has been studied since the 1980s (its clinical name is Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy, or REST) and has been demonstrated to be an extremely effective natural pain reliever, improve physical recovery, and decrease stress hormones, leading to deep levels of relaxation. Experiments have also proven Floating to improve mental performance including memory and speed of learning, in addition to improved physical performance across multiple different sports The 1000 pounds of our Dead Sea Epsom Salt Blend also allows you to absorb Magnesium, sometimes referred to as the “happy mineral,” and one in which most Americans are deficient. The “Post-Float Glow” that just about everyone experiences is a combination of this along with the unique environment free from distractions that lets your body and mind naturally slow down and relax, achieving a whole new level of relaxation that you cannot experience anywhere else!
There’s no exact answer to this question, and it may be best to go in without expectations, but it is such an individual experience that we try to avoid saying too much so you’re not influenced by what someone else says. The very first time you Float may generally be similar for many people, as you are acclimating to the experience of Floating weightlessly without external stimuli. After you become comfortable and relax, the variety of experiences one could have is infinite and only limited by your imagination and personal goals, but most people will find the experience very peaceful, relaxing, and rejuvenating. Just like many experiences, it may vary depending on the person and if the individual has the ability to “let go” while Floating, relax the body, quiet the mind, and sink into the experience. The most common reports are profound peace and relaxation, deep concentration and creativity, yet not only will it be different for you than it is for anyone else, it will be a little different each time.
Yes, you will be in a private, individual Float Suite that also has a shower in the same room (so there is no requirement to wear a swimsuit). You have exclusive access to the Floatation Therapy Room, shower, and dressing space, all within your private Float Suite, for the duration of your session with relax: Float Spa.
We don’t like feeling trapped either! That is why we built our modern, open-designed Floatation Therapy Rooms. “How can we convince our moms to try Floating?” By having them come to relax: Float Spa! While this may be a common concern when Floating inside a tank or pod in which you must close a lid overtop of you, our Float Rooms are designed to alleviate any feelings you would have of feeling constricted within an enclosed space. This is all about relaxation and eliminating stress, so why worry about feeling trapped! If at any time you wish to get up or out of the Float Room you certainly can, as you are in complete control. You can also turn the soft LED lights on or off inside at any time as well! The Floatation Therapy Rooms are very large: 9 feet long and 5 feet wide. It does not feel enclosed whatsoever once inside, and remembering that you are in charge of the whole process, your worries will subside! The outer room can be locked for your comfort and to secure your possessions as well. The Room is not airtight, so there is a plentiful air supply in addition to the fresh air brought in by an automated air circulation system
Floating is extremely sanitary! relax: Float Spa complies with stringent health and safety regulations, meeting all local and federal health guidelines and also adhering to the national Float Tank Association’s standards. There is almost 1000 pounds of medical grade Epsom salt dissolved in each of our Floatation Therapy Rooms, and the concentration is so high that no living bacteria or microorganism can survive, similar to the Dead Sea (do you know why it’s called the Dead Sea? Because organic life can’t survive!). After each session, the entire volume of water is pumped and filtered through a state-of-the-art, two-part filtration system, filtering through a minimum of three times between each Float. In addition, an ultraviolet light sterilization system is used. UV is the safest, most effective system available and uses the same technology as water purification systems used for drinking water. We also add a limited amount of food-grade hydrogen peroxide to ensure it is totally clean. This purification system will remove particles to 1 micron (that’s 1/100th of a human hair!) “Sounds like a lot”? We take it seriously so you don’t have to worry, and to ensure each client will experience a pristine room and a fully relaxing experience! Our systems are automated to ensure cleanliness, with additional layered quality control checks performed regularly.
Floats are typically 60 or 90 minutes, and we typically recommend 60 minutes for first time Clients. Most people can’t believe how fast the time goes by! Some people enjoy Floating for longer, which is why we offer 90 minute sessions as well. – schedule your appointment now!
Yes, 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. We offer Floating neck pillows if you want, with some Clients preferring this and others finding it a distraction. Float the way it is comfortable for you and explore what is best for you!
The benefits of Floating will happen even with only one Float, however, like any therapy, consistent and repeated usage amplifies the results. For us, Floating is an incredibly unique experience that cannot be limited, and to maximize the infinite potential, you may want to incorporate it as part of your daily, weekly, or monthly routine. Almost universally, first-time Floaters feel the benefits and see the potential after their initial session and want to return again, and our Float Spa Managers can help you determine which of our Membership or Package options are best for you! Some people may expect to Float 2-3 times before really noticing the feeling and difference that Floating can make. It can take a session or two to get a better sense of what Floating is like, stripping away your expectations, and allowing yourself to relax and let go. Another constant is that there seems to be a cumulative effect with consistent Floating. Relaxation is a learned art that needs practice!
To protect your hair, as well as our Float Room water, we require any recent hair dye or other hair treatments to be applied two weeks prior to your Float (if you have any questions, just call us at 215-345-1100 to discuss). The last thing we want is for you to finish Floating with damaged hair! If you use hair straightening treatments with keratin, floating is not recommended, as the salt will disrupt the hair treatment. Some people like to use a swimmers cap, feel free to do so, although we do provide them for a $5 fee.
If sleep happens, it happens because you need it! It has been said that one hour of rest while Floating is equivalent to 4 hours of deep sleep in your bed. Being in 10 inches of water will keep you from flipping over, and some people come Float specifically to get extra rest and nap! The water is buoyant enough to keep you afloat, so there is no risk or problem with allowing yourself to drift away. Floating also doesn’t require any swimming skills whatsoever! You’ll Float, effortlessly, like a cork and it doesn’t matter what shape or size you are because of the very dense Epsom salt solution. While the chances of you drowning while in one of our private float suites is incredibly slim, we can’t say the risk is non-existent. You are laying in a body of water, alone. You float at your own risk alone. Since the 1970’s, countless numbers of people have enjoyed the benefits of flotation therapy, with the number of reported incidents in the float tank extremely low, there is some level of assumed risk by the user when entering the float pool. The staff at relax: Float Spa has gone above and beyond to create a safe, private space for you to relax and explore your own consciousness and ease your mind and body. Even if the chance of you drowning is extremely slim, that chance is there and we cannot say that it’s impossible to drown, because unfortunately… anything is possible. However, we feel as if the list of benefits strongly outweighs the risks associated with floating.
Exactly the opposite! Because the water contains high Epsom salt levels, it doesn’t rob your skin of salt, (which is what causes wrinkling). Rather, it leaves your skin soft and silky and does not dry it out – in fact, Epsom salt has actually been used in treating skin ailments! Epsom salt is very beneficial to a person’s skin and it is not like the ocean. Epsom salt may also be beneficial in strengthening the hair, and there are numerous health benefits from the Magnesium found in Epsom salts, which is absorbed through your skin while Floating, particularly that it is known to relax and soothe tired muscles and joints, making it highly effective in combating chronic pain and for athletic recovery. For more information: Discovery Health: Epsom Salt Bath Treatments Epsom Salt Council You also thoroughly rinse the salt from your hair and body during your post-Float shower.
Absolutely! While Floating is a private, individual experience, everyone is encouraged to schedule two Floats (we have three Float Rooms) at the same time and you and your friend / family member / spouse / girlfriend / boyfriend / coworker can enjoy the experience together individually and then share it afterwards while relaxing in our Post Float Lounge! Schedule your appointment now!
Not in the true sense of the word. On very rare occasions, some first-time Clients may emerge from their Float feeling slightly nauseous. This may be indicative of the detoxification effects of Magnesium absorption – a good thing. Clients rarely experience any cases of nausea in subsequent visits.
The health and safety of our Clients is of utmost importance to us. Accordingly, relax: Float Spa reserves the right to refuse service and will do so for the following reasons (you should not Float if you fall under any of the categories below):
- Allergies to Magnesium
- Taking Medicine, Antibiotics, or water pills that have negative interactions or contraindications with Magnesium
- Epileptics or those with seizures that are not medically controlled
- Children under 16 years of age (call us for more information)
- Children under 18 years of age without parent or legal guardian consent
- Pregnant women in the middle to end of their 3rd trimester
- Post natal (about 3 months, check with physician first)
- Anyone with skin rashes, skin conditions, or any open wounds
- Anyone with an infectious or contagious disease (including the common cold)
- Individuals with kidney problems
- Those with any mental health conditions which would cause them to harm themselves or others
- Anyone intoxicated / under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Anyone that disturbs the serene environment at relax: Float Spa
If you have any pre-existing medical condition, are taking any antibiotics, medicines (prescription or otherwise), supplements, or water pills, especially those that may interact negatively with Magnesium (from the Epsom salts) or have any concerns as to whether you should try Floatation Therapy, please consult your physician first. Your should always follow the recommendations of your doctor, physician, or healthcare provider. If you just received a piercing or tattoo you must wait at least 14 days, or as directed by your artist. Recent hair dye must have been washed twice minimally within the last 72 hours since being dyed, to ensure no damage to your hair or the Float Room water. Err on the side of caution!.
Floatation Therapy is one of the easiest activities imaginable and no major preparation is needed! The only precaution that you should take is that you should not shave, wax, or tan at all 24 hours prior to your Float apointment. The high salt content of the water can be irritating to freshly shaved, tanned, or waxed skin. We provide petroleum jelly in every room for you to cover any small cuts in case you forget! All new Clients,please make sure to arrive 15 minutes early prior to your scheduled time to ensure you get a personalized walk through of our facility. This will help you to maximize your experience and make the most of your time in our facility. It also ensures that you are able to Float for the full duration of your appointment, is respectful of all of our other clients and helps maintain our schedule. Before you enter the Floatation Therapy pool itself, you will shower thoroughly before (only use conditioner during your post-float shower), insert ear plugs to keep the salt out of your ears, and make sure any scratches or small cuts are covered. Please do not wear any hair or skin products prior to Floating that cannot be easily removed in your pre-Float shower. If you have hair coloring that has not set (at least 72 hours) you cannot go in the Floatation Therapy pool until the color is set and nothing washes out in the shower. We recommend trying not to eat within about an hour before your Float and to have an empty stomach and bladder – you don’t want to be distracted from your experience by feeling stuffed or feeling starved! We also recommend that you avoid caffeine within about 4 hours prior to your Float. Don’t forget to use the bathroom before Floating. Come with an open and positive mind, and our friendly, knowledgeable relax:Float Spa Team Members will also be there to answer any questions and help guide you through the process!
Just yourself! We’ll provide everything you need including showers, soap, shampoo, towels, and ear-plugs! While you can wear either, they will become heavy with Epsom salt, become a distraction, and you will almost certainly decide to pull it off. Floating nude is typical and preferred by just about everyone, and you are in your private, individual Float Suite the entire time which also includes your own adjacent shower and changing area with all of our complimentary amenities. You will only need to bring your usual post-shower products such as brush/comb, makeup, etc, for use in our separate Vanity Room if needed. Our Vanity Room contains hairdryers, skin lotion, detangler, and deodorant for your use!
YES! Not only is Flotation Therapy safe but it is encouraged! Some say Floating is “a pregnancy must!” Find out more on our dedicated Pregnancy page
Yes, you would just need to follow the same protocol as you would for a swimming pool.
Please be aware of our 24 hour cancellation policy. Appointments canceled with less than 24 hours notice will be charged a $30 cancellation fee.