7CryoHealth

Float Therapy Treatment FAQ

I'm a newbie, what do I need to bring for my float?

We recommend that you bring nothing at all, as we recommend that you float in the nude, there's no need for a swim suit (please do wear one if it makes you more comfortable). We provide earplugs, towels, shampoo/conditioner and body wash.

We have a vanity station with a hair dryer and GHD straighteners in our changing room for you to use after you float. If you'd like to bring your own shower shoes, you're welcome to.

Arrive 15 minutes early to give you time for an introduction and to get showered before your session.

What if I'm claustrophobic?

This is a common fear for first-time floaters. It's totally understandable. Fear not! The feeling of floating is so freeing and relaxing that the apprehension of tight spaces goes away very quickly.

If you feel like you're having a tough time, you can open the door of the tank and get out right away, no questions asked. If you want to float with the light on, or with music, that's okay too. Crack the lid for more air? Easy (although be aware that this will invite some cooler air into the tank).

It's all your call - there’s no WRONG way to float. Ultimately, this may be the best tool out there for helping you overcome claustrophobia. It's inherently relaxing, and you're in control the whole time.

How long is the float session?

The minimum length of float that we offer is 1-hour long, but you should aim to arrive around 15 minutes beforehand so you can park, and shower before your float.

You have 10 minutes to shower afterward as well, and there's no rush if you want to hang out and have a hot drink and chill on our sofas afterwards.

Do I need to do anything to prepare?

Refrain from drinking caffeine for a few hours before your float (caffeine is a stimulant and can make you jittery during your session).

If you can plan for it, don't shave or wax in the 24 hours before your float. The salt water can irritate some peoples ski – however if you do we provide Vaseline to cover any such areas or small cuts etc.

Eating something light 90 minutes beforehand is also a good idea, since a grumbly tummy can be distracting during your float.

How long have people been doing this Floatation/Sensory Deprivation thing?

Dr. John C. Lilly created the first Sensory Deprivation Tanks in late 1950s and advocates have been improving upon the designs since then. Athletes, Meditators, & Creatives and business leaders have been floating widely since the 1960s.

I suffer from high levels of stress and pain, will this help?

Very likely. We see people find relief from pain and stress every day. There are volumes of research supporting floatation therapy as an effective treatment for ailments such as chronic stress, fibromyalgia, chronic pain, MS, anxiety, severe back pain, insomnia and much more. Here are some resources: www.clinicalfloatation.com, Floating for Pain, Floating and Meditation, Floating and Stress Relief, Floating and Back Pain, Floating and Increased Well-Being, and a quick primer.

I've recently coloured my hair - can I still float?

Great question. Generally speaking, with a few precautions there’s no issue.

If you have bleached or lightened your hair, nothing is going to reverse that as you didn't have any pigment added to your locks! We don't use chlorine in our water, so there’s no risk your highlights will tint green.

For darker, naturally colour services, we suggest that you wait at least 2-weeks after you dye your hair or until your shower water at home runs clear before floating. There should be no residual colour left on towels or pillow-cases either.

There's a chance that the magnesium sulfate (epsom salt) can diminish freshly coloured hair. Additionally, fashion colours (bright reds, pinks, blues, greens, etc) can irreparably stain our white pods and towels.

Please be absolutely sure that your hair runs clear and doesn't bleed any colour at all before booking your session. This can sometimes take up to 30 days! We thank you kindly for waiting to float.

Good to note: If you use a Keratin hair smoothing treatment, hair professionals recommend staying out of salt water altogether and this includes Epsom Salt.

Do you do walk-ins?

Absolutely, if you’re walking past and we are open please dropped in. The caveat to this Is that we are typically booked up in advance, especially on the weekends so It's a good idea to check out our schedule and book online.

If you look but don’t book, we cannot guarantee you a float at the time you walk-in, as our schedule is ever-changing.

Can I float with another person in the float tank/pod?

Our float pod is built for individuals only. We do not allow co-floating, nor would you find it spacious enough or comfortable to do so.

What if I get motion sickness easily?

If you tend to get motion sickness, you may want to take some over-the-counter medication prior to your float.

Anecdotally, some people have found it helpful to float with the pod/tank light on for the duration.

If you are feeling sick, please end your session early.

Can I float if I'm on my period?

Yes you can just bring the proper accoutrements as if you were swimming at a public pool. We recommend using a tampon, a cup, or a disc if that’s your preference.

What if I'm pregnant?

Floating is not only safe for pregnant women, but is highly encouraged! Float sessions not only provide you with stress relief and weightlessness, but coupled with the Epsom salt's anti-inflammatory properties, a float session can really ease the strain on a pregnant body.

The quiet, stimulus-free environment is a beautiful opportunity to connect more closely with your baby as well. All that being said, we recommend floating after the first trimester that you consult your doctor or midwife if you have an specific concerns prior to booking a session.

I've floated before - how do I learn more and dive deeper?

Awesome! Floating is one of those rare things that gets better and better the more you do it. The mental and physical benefits compound, as you continue to find more depth from the experience. So keep floating!

What will I feel and expect after my session?

Everyone's experience is slightly different, but the overriding feedback is that clients are left 'feeling a rush of adrenaline', 'feeling motivated', 'feeling energised', 'having heightened senses' and 'feelings of excitement'. These feelings usually last for 4 - 6 hours following each treatment.

As with many thing our experiences are very personal and we are always keen to hear our clients feedback with many reporting a better night sleep after just one treatment.

Can I float for longer than 60 minutes?

Of course you can! You can book two floats back to back. We'll leave you to float uninterrupted for a full 2.5 hours unless otherwise stipulated.

You’ll be floating through our normal change-over time, which is why you get the extra half hour thrown in there. (If you’re interested in this, please be sure to drop us an email first so we know what your intentions are).

Can I fall asleep?

Because floating is so relaxing, many people fall asleep in the pods.

Some say one hour of floating (even when awake) is equivalent to two or three hours of deep sleep.

It is also scientifically proven to improve sleep quality, so it's great for people who suffer from insomnia or have jet lag from travelling.

How is hygiene maintained?

Salty water means nothing harmful can exist in the pods. The water is sanitized and filtered through a 1-micron pool filter (that’s 1/100th the diameter of a human hair!) between each session, and the ventilation systems on each pod are cleaned every evening.

What is Epsom salt? Is it good for skin?

Epsom salt is a magnesium-rich mineral used for centuries to improve sleep, and reduce pain, cramping, headaches, and muscle ache. And there's half a ton of it our pod!

Epsom salt also makes dry skin feel soft and supple; and can remove impurities, toxins, oil and dirt from the skin.

The magnesium in the Epsom salt is naturally antimicrobial and antibacterial, and therefore helps to improve skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and athlete's foot.

Your skin will be left feeling silky smooth when you step out at the end of your float!

Is there any real science to floating?

There have been many scientific studies on floating and its benefits since the 1950s. Some proven impacts include: reduced pain, stress, and tension, increased relaxation and better sleep, lowered blood pressure & cortisol levels, improved muscle range and athletic performance, antidepressent effects, increased creativity and cognitive function.

Currently Dr Justin Feinstein, a leading Clinical Neuropsychologist at the Laureate Institute for Brain Research has been studying the positive effects of floatation and his website can be found here www.clinicalfloatation.com. We highly recommend visiting for a read!

Are there any other rules I should be aware of?

Yes, there are a few things worth noting, all of which are stipulated in our waivers.

• It goes without saying, but no bodily fluids in the tanks – no spitting, no mucus, no nonsense. Please help us maintain our cleanliness standards. (You may be subject up to a £1,000 cleaning/salt replenishment fee if you fail to oblige).
• Please do not float if you: have any sort of infectious skin or respiratory disorders, if you have an unhealed tattoo, if you have open wounds, if you have serious incontinence, or if you have uncontrolled epilepsy or serious mental conditions, heart condition, wear a pace maker, have asthma, allergies (particularly to salt, bromine, or magnesium), or very low blood pressure. Additionally, please think of others. If you have any sort of illness that may still be in the contagious stages, please stay home. We will happily reschedule any float session already on the books if you’ve come down with something.
• It is compulsory to shower before your float, we ask you to arrive 15 minutes early so you can get this done in advance of your float session starting. If you are late we will start your float session when you arrive but it will still finish at the schedule finish time, we cannot allow sessions to run over.
• All Jewellery is to be removed whilst in the float tank and the rules relating to hair dye in the FAQ above must be adhered to.