Top 5 tips to enjoy a floatation tank experience
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Floatation tanks, also known as sensory deprivation tanks or isolation tanks, provide a wonderful opportunity to relax and repair while floating in hundreds of kilograms of magnesium salt.
The initial feeling after sliding into the tank is of weightlessness, followed by the feeling of your body melting into the water. How do these feelings occur? Floatation is created by the high concentration of magnesium salts, whilst the melting sensation is achieved through the water temperature matching the body temperature.
Whilst I find this experience luxurious, the concept of floating in a dark tank might be very unnerving for others! But trust me, there are many options for floatation tanks to ensure you have a comfortable experience.
This blog post provides an overview of what to expect for your first float and how to tailor the experience to achieve a peaceful and rejuvenating experience.
What is sensory deprivation / floatation therapy?
In short, floatation tanks are tanks that hold around 350-500kg of magnesium salts in 30 centimetres of water. The lids might fully open on a hinge, or have a smaller sliding lid like in the photo below.
Essentially, you choose your own experience and can float in the dark, or with lights on. Have the lid open or closed. Have silence or listen to relaxation music. You choose your own float experience.
Sessions are normally 60 minutes, but allow time for a shower before and after (see the How to prepare for floatation therapy section).
Clear disclaimer here that I am not a medical professional and you should seek your own advice before floating.
What are the benefits of floatation therapy?
Benefits of floatation therapy include:
- Muscle relaxation. Can also improve recovery times from injuries.
- Calming effect on moods. Practicing meditation in the tank is divine.
- Easing pregnancy discomfort. Flotation tanks are safe for pregnant people and can help with alleviating some of the aches and pains of pregnancy. The feeling of weightlessness while pregnant is blissful.
- Improved magnesium levels in your body. This can assist with reducing fatigue and headaches and can improve general wellbeing.
- Teaching yourself to be still for 60 minutes. This might not seem like much of an achievement, but it is!
- Self-healing through identifying and responding to your thoughts when you slow down and listen.
- Achieving a feeling of being relaxed, while simultaneously energised. That’s the bit I love.
Common questions about floatation tanks
Are floatation tanks hygienic?
Properly maintained floatation tanks are very hygienic as the high salt content prevents bacterial growth. Even with the high salt content, the water should be sanitised and filtered between float sessions.
Do floatation tanks smell?
Floatation tanks should not have a strong odour. They can have a faint smell of salty cleanliness (I don’t really know how to describe this!?) but it is not offensive in the slightest.
Are the floatation tanks soundproof?
All tanks are different, but the tanks that I have been in are fairly soundproof. Plus, I wear earplugs which means I only hear really loud noises and not background noise like people talking outside the room.
Can you fall asleep in the floatation tank?
Yes, you can sleep in the floatation tank!
The elevated salt content of the tank provides a high level of buoyancy which means you can’t roll over in your sleep and drown (yes, I’m aware that’s a morbid thought!). If by some freak of nature, you do manage to roll over whilst asleep, then you will have a face full of super salty water which will definitely wake you up!
You also can’t sink in a floatation tank due to the high salt content.
When shouldn’t you float?
The following list is on the Traralgon Relaxation and Recovery Centre website, but check with the company you book with.
You shouldn’t use a magnesium float tank if you have:
- shaved or waxed the day before
- open wounds, sunburn, recent tattoos
- skin conditions that will be aggravated by salt
- used hair dyes or spray-tan in previous 7 days
- You should chat to the centre if you have medical conditions that could complicate your float such as low blood pressure, epilepsy, bowel or bladder incontinence.
- If you have claustrophobia or feel anxious about using the tanks then please visit the centre first and ask to see the tanks. There are many ways to float (see Tip 2 below) and you should be able to work out a way that you are comfortable with. Remember, you can always hop out and end the float early.
SUGGESTION | Chat to the staff first if you have mobility issues or are pregnant as the tanks might be awkward to enter and exit.
What should I wear?
Wondering what to wear in a floatation tank? You can strip down and jump in naked, or wear bathers.
I prefer naked, but do what works for you.
Do I have to float on my back?
Floating on your back is generally more comfortable but you can float on your stomach. Although, when floating on your stomach your head will be raised which might become uncomfortable. Remember to float your own way and change positions as many times as you want. You could even do some light stretches in the water.
What if I get claustrophobic?
Speak to the staff before your float if you are claustrophobic and they can give you some tips. You can leave the tank lid open and leave the main room light on. You might choose to only sit upright in the tank rather than lying down so you can poke you head out as needed (like a cute little meerkat!). Maybe having your own music in the room could assist, or have a friend come along and chat to you while you float.
If you are claustrophobic then YOU will know what might help. Do whatever works for you.
Is it still worth it if I don’t close the lid?
Absolutely! Floatation therapy isn’t about following a set directive or reaching enlightenment after one float. Remember, your skin won’t know if the light is on and will still suck-up all that delicious magnesium! Honestly, if you visit a floatation centre that tries to push you into only doing a dark/quiet float then find somewhere else to float.
How to prepare for flotation therapy
Here are some tips to help you prepare for your magnesium float:
- If you are floating first thing in the morning don’t bother putting on deodorant, moisturiser or make-up.
- Try and relax before the session, even a 5-minute meditation can help you relax.
- Arrive early so you don’t need to rush.
- Floatation centres will give you a run-down of how to use the tanks.
- Have a shower. This helps keep the tank water clean and prepares your skin.
- Put in the ear plugs. The salt can crystalise on the ear hairs and cause discomfort. Grab a floaty neck pillow too if you think it will help you be more comfortable.
- Float. Relax. Breathe. Enjoy.
- Shower. This might seem counterintuitive since you have paid money to soak in salt, but your skin will be covered in fine salt which can become irritating. The salt also really sticks to body hair and you might need to wash your hair a few times.
Top 5 Tips
If you are prepped and ready to go for your floatation session here are five tips to enhance your experience. This blog post is based on my frequent visits to Traralgon Relaxation and Recovery Centre but has not been sponsored by them.
Manage your expectations
The first float might not meet your expectations of being able to enter a meditative space, nor will it magically resolve all your health issues. Many people find it really hard to lay still for an hour with no stimulation. I know I did!
EXTRA TIP | I also suggest not wearing a watch in the tank to avoid the temptation to constantly check the time.
Float your way
I know I’ve already said it, but you need to float your way. This includes picking the options that best suit you.
Some of the options for floatation therapy include:
- lid closed or open (leave it open if you are claustrophobic or feeling nervous)
- room lights on or off
- small light in the tank on/off
- music on or off
- naked or bathers
- length of time
Choose the options that suits you without worrying about whether you are having the “full” sensory deprivation experience. Any floatation is better than no floatation!
Book additional sessions
It took me three floats before I could really relax and feel the benefits of floatation therapy. My first session felt tedious and I struggled to relax into the experience. But that’s exactly why I went back! Learning to relax and lay still for 60 minutes was something I wanted to achieve.
I suggest buying several passes upfront to provide an incentive to return.
Don’t drive until you are ready
One of the benefits of floatation therapy is the deep relaxation that it brings. However, driving while super relaxed is not always safe. You can feel drowsy and have a lack of focus after a good float session. Give yourself time to “wake-up”. Sit at the floatation centre and have a cup of tea (if they offer it) or go for a short walk before driving again.
Take the rest of the day easy
If you can, keep the rest of the day relaxed and easy. You have taken the time to prioritise your body and mind so hold onto the good vibes for as long as you can!
CONFESSION | I normally have a little nap when I get home after a good float session!
Float, relax, repeat
Both the mind and body benefits from magnesium floatation therapy and I encourage everyone who is able to give it a go! The first float might not be everything you were hoping for, but you just need to train-your-brain to slow down and relax for an hour.
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