7 Ways To Ensure The Best Sensory Deprivation Float Tank Experience

For the best float tank experience, effortlessly buoyant atop super saturated salt water, there are a few key considerations.

Silence. Having silence, or an absence of ambient noise, is crucial. While the option to listen to music is a choice while floating, silence offers a way to go even deeper.  Hearing traffic noise, footsteps from adjacent stairs or an upstairs suite, air conditioner vent noise, the sound of a filter engine from another room, or simply the hum of a white noise machine to disguise noise, can be distracting.   Silence makes for a better float.  Is the room really soundproof? If not, playing music may be a better option.

Earplugs. Having the right earplugs is crucial.  Silicone or rubberized ear plugs are the gold standard and have the best fit, with minimal chance of water getting in your ears.  These  earplugs are more expensive than other types and some centers skimp on earplugs for a cost cutting measure at the risk of impacting the float experience.  Foam earplugs are the common substitute. They often fall out, let water in or need to be constantly adjusted, which can be distracting.  Do you have properly fitting, quality earplugs? You may want to carry your own silicone earplugs that are readily available at pharmacies.

Darkness. The next time you float, open your eyes in the darkness.  Can you see light within the room?  You shouldn’t.  Most of the time, our eyes are closed, but floating in the dark with our eyes open is one of the inherent beauties of floating, and a way to distract a busy mind.  Seeing light affects the experience.  Is the float room really lightproof?

Expectations. Watching a customized orientation video relative to that center, prior to floating, should be a given.  A properly  designed orientation video is key to making you feel comfortable and confident about this  unique experience. Individualized orientations are also recommended in addition to the video, to reinforce the details.  It’s easy for the staff to forget a detail or two when you have to rely on your memory every time.  Did you watch an orientation video? Ask before you float, if an orientation video is available onsite or online.

Salt content. Probably the most important part of floating is that you can actually float without effort, meaning that the float tank water has truly been saturated with enough salt. Most centers test for salt concentration on a regular basis, but sometimes if there is not enough salt, the corners of your eyes can be just above the water surface and any little head movement can result in getting salt water in the eyes. Your eyes should be at least 1-2 inches above water level.

Temperature. Most float centers attend to keeping the right temperature of the float solution at about 93.5-94.5 (skin temperature). Temperatures warmer than this can lead to an uncomfortable float, including rapid heartbeat, nausea or agitation. It is not advised to float at 95 degrees or above. Some people confuse floating with a jacuzzi where the temps are about 100 or above. Floating is not the same as a hot tub. Ask about the temperature of the tanks before you float.

Post float chill. Spend time in a dedicated post float lounge after your float.  Similar to practicing yoga, where the last pose is designed to be still and “soak up” the benefits of your practice, finding a quiet and separate place away from other customers to process and anchor the deep relaxation that took place during your float, complements the full experience. Did you chill in the post float lounge after your float? 

Float therapy is a safe, relaxing way to improve your physical and mental state. Enjoy your next float even more, with the new tips just learned!

Author Dr. David Berv can be contacted at david@myfloatzone.com