If you visit a facility like Northwest Float Center, you will likely undergo a short safety review before you get into a tank. Many people don’t know what to expect the first time they come to a floatation therapy facility, so the staff help them to conceptualize and become familiar with the entire floatation process as quickly as possible. A few of the factors that are typically discussed in these talks are listed below.
- Sensory deprivation. While these tanks are often referred to as sensory deprivation tanks, many people have a fear of the concept of “sensory deprivation.” Therefore, the theory and its practice are fully explained to the floaters before they enter the tanks. The tank will be dark, the floater will wear earplugs to block out all external sound and protect his or her ears from the water, and the floater will be supported by water with a high salt density.
Typically floaters wear a minimal amount of clothing or none at all. The only thing touching them will be the water itself, which is kept at close to body temperature. By explaining all of this beforehand, staff members can prevent any panic or discomfort that may arise from not understanding the situation.
- Salt content. Floatation tanks usually contain less than 1 foot of water which may be as much as 25 percent Epsom salt. This serves two purposes: to make the water dense enough to provide exceptional buoyancy; and to make the water a sanitary environment. Even bacteria that thrive in salt heavy environments cannot survive in a 25 percent salt solution, and the natural cleansing properties of salt water are good for the body. However, floaters must take care to protect any cuts or scratches with Vaseline, as the high concentration of salt in the water will be painful against open wounds.
- Body position. Most floaters choose to lie flat on their backs, which is the best and most effective way to float. Floating face down is never recommended, and floating on ones side, aside from being difficult, can also be dangerous if water is accidentally swallowed or inhaled.
- Sanitation. Before floaters get into a tank, they must shower and wash themselves thoroughly to remove any chemicals from their bodies. After each session, the tank is filtered so that the water is always clean and fresh for each new floater. Natural methods and minerals are used; toxic chemicals like chlorine do not contaminate the water. Once again, the high level of salt helps ensure the water’s sanitary qualities.
Contact Northwest Float Center today for more information on floatation safety.