Depending on how fancy you want to go, a float tank will run you somewhere between $3,000 and $30,000. On the low end, float tent with an inflatable base and thick plastic hood will be your starter. Be cautious of potential leaks and drips. On the high end, you can obtain a tank with LED lighting, high quality filtration and sanitization equipment, as well as water tight seals. Read more about the cost of a float tank.
We highly recommend that you do not wear a swimsuit while in a float tank. There are many reasons why, but the most important is that your floating swimsuit can brush against your skin and cause distractions during your float experience. Floating naked is the best way to experience sensory deprivation. Read on for further explanation of why everybody should float naked.
It's extremely common for new floaters and those uncomfortable with small spaces to keep their float tank door open. While it's perfectly safe to close the door, many people feel more comfortable keeping the door open during their float. A floater can simply turn off the light in their float room and leave the tank door open in order to obtain the dark serenity necessary for a quality float. For more information, check out our post on whether you should float with the tank door open or closed.
A common concern about floating with the tank door open is sound intrusion. While it's true that floating with the door closed will minimize the most sound, there are still a few options for those who wish to keep it open. One suggestion is to use ear plugs to reduce sound exposure while in the tank. One brand that we highly recommend is Mack's. They make a product called Mack's Pillow Soft Silicone Earplugs. They keep water out of your ears while simultaneously minimizing sound exposure during your float.
The inside of a float tank is pitch black and visibility is limited. Because of this, we do not advise wearing contact lenses in a float tank. There is also a risk of getting salt water in your eye, which will only be more uncomfortable while wearing contact lenses.
Yes, it is generally recommended to wear earplugs while floating to prevent water from entering the ear canal and to create a quieter environment. Your float center should have ear plugs available for use or purchase.
While it's technically possible to drown in any pool of water, the likelihood of drowning in a float tank is extremely low for a few reasons. First, an average float tank has about 1 foot of water. A healthy adult would have a very difficult time drowning in water show shallow, even if they were to fall asleep. With water this shallow, the average person could simply stand or kneel in order to prevent any harm to themselves.
Another reason why drowning in a float tank is nearly impossible is due to the salinity of the water. The high concentrations of salt creature a "super buoyant environment" where the human body wants to float. You would need to make a conscious effort to turn over, and even then, the shallow water and high salt content would rouse any sleeping individual.
Many individuals comfortably sleep while in a float tank.
The water in a float tank is exceptionally clean. Tanks use multiple methods of sanitization to kill all microorganisms that may be present. Some of these include high levels of Epsom salt, chlorine or bromine, ozone, ultraviolet light, and hydrogen peroxide. With all of these sanitization methods in play, the water in your float tank is generally cleaner than any pool or hot tub.
Check out our post on how float tank water is cleaned if you'd like to learn about each sanitization method and how they interact with each other.
The answer is yes. Soon-to-be mothers often experience relief from the pain and stress of pregnancy while in a float tank. The weightless sensation of a float tank can relieve pressure from hip and back pains of pregnancy. And the humid 93.5 degree Fahrenheit temperature inside a tank is a warm and comfortable environment to decompress from the pressures of every day life.
Read our floating while pregnant article breaking down what should and shouldn't be expected from floats while pregnant. We also tackle a commonly shared myth regarding floating during the first few weeks of pregnancy.
Yes, as long as you take care to use a new tampon or menstrual cup. It's suggested that you wait until you have a lighter flow before actively floating. The guidelines for use of a float tank during menstruation are similar to those of a swimming pool or hot tub.
Read our guide on floating during your period to get more tips and suggestions.
While Isolation Tank Experts doesn't recommend couples floating, there are tank manufacturers that create tanks large enough for two people to float at the same time. These are essentially super sized tanks with enough width to allow for two people to float simultaneously.
The reason Isolation Tank Experts doesn't recommend couples floating is because even with these large tanks, floaters will often drift and end up making contact with each other, causing distraction from your float session.