Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs on Floating
Floating is a transformative practice where the floater effortlessly floats in a solution of water and Epsom salt in a sensory-controlled environment to achieve intentional solitude.
Nope, just yourself. We will have towels, robes, earplugs, and products to use in the shower before and after your float. If you wear contacts, be sure to bring a lens case and contact solution with you.
People with claustrophobia consistently report having a pleasant experience while floating. Once inside the tank, you can lose awareness of the walls around you and this allows you to rest in an experience of formless spaciousness. As well, you remain in total control of the experience and can keep the door open or the lights on if you choose.
Nope. Some people fall asleep, but the water is so buoyant you stay afloat. The worst that can happen is getting woken up by a bit of salt water in your eyes.
The highly sterile salt water in the tanks is kept clean with a triple filtration process. First, we use a 1-micron filter (Class 1 filtration) that is FDA-compliant for drinking water. Second, a combination of ozone and germicidal UV light disinfection creates a powerful oxidant that instantly oxidizes contaminants in the pool. Then we run this filtration through a total of 3 complete returns.
Absolutely! We have multiple tanks at FLOAT STL, and while it can be incredibly rewarding to share and reflect with friends after your float, please note that we accommodate only one person per tank for the duration of the floating experience. We also offer other services like an infrared sauna and massage chairs that can be enjoyed by two people simultaneously.
Yes, you can float at the same time as a loved one. We have four private float rooms, and couples often reserve two spots at the same time so they can share the floating experience. However, you can not float in the same tank as your loved one. Our float tanks are spacious but are only large enough to hold one single person!
Mostly what you can expect to experience is just a lingering residual feeling of peace, calm, vibrancy, and contentment. Though this can be unfamiliar to some of us, and thus could create some discomfort from our normal emotional states.
Yes, just follow the same protocol as if you were going to the pool.
Yes! In the 2nd and 3rd trimesters floating is said by many to provide relief from the stress and strain of pregnancy by allowing your body to float in a weightless environment. Be sure to consult with your doctor before coming to float.
We recommend arriving 15 minutes before your float to give yourself time to check in and transition into the space.
The minimum age limit for any services at FLOAT STL is 13. If an individual is between 13-15, they will require the onsite presence of their parent or guardian for the duration of their service. If an individual is 16-17, they will require the verbal permission of their parent/guardian.
If you are not satisfied with your experience please let us know. We want floating to be accessible to all, and we will be sure to make it right for you.
Floating can indeed bring about a certain degree of discomfort. This can happen for two reasons: 1. We can become conditioned to the amount of distraction and stimuli around us, and when this is removed it can in the beginning feel unfamiliar and uncomfortable 2. When we are freed from this distraction and stimuli we are creating space for other experiences to present themselves. If you do feel discomfort, we would recommend focusing on your breathing and remaining with the experience to your degree of tolerance. Of course, you remain in control and can exit the tank and end your float at any point.
Showering before the float helps to rinse and cleanse your body before entering the tank. Showering after the float helps to remove any Epsom salt from your body before you dress. Also, showering before and after functions as a nice sensory transition for entering and exiting your float experience.
Not only will your skin not get wrinkled and pruney, but the Epsom salt will leave your skin feeling smooth and soft. We do recommend continuing to drink plenty of water throughout the rest of the day as your body will absorb the Epsom Salt (magnesium sulfate), which is a good thing!
Frequent Floating is the ultimate ‘Life-Hack’ for anyone who experiences stress and wants to live their best life. There is no ‘right’ amount of floating, but our personal experience, combined with the shared stories of our SuperFloater Community, has made us confident in recommending floating minimum monthly, and ideally weekly. Many of our SuperFloaters and Float Guides are even adamant about floating multiple times per week to maximize benefits.
Frequent Floating is an effective and efficient Mental Hygiene practice, providing a truly integrative experience (mind-body-spirit) and transformative (reduces stress, pain, and inflammation, and increases self-awareness, peace, and mental-emotional-physical healing).
Floating may have the potential to treat anxiety disorders in a way that could reduce or remove the future need for medication.
First and foremost, our float pods and float rooms are both float tanks! Both tanks allow you to have the same experience of effortlessly floating on the surface of the water. They are both located inside private rooms that have private showers, shower products, and everything else that you will need to float.
The main differences between our two types of float tanks are
- Appearance
- Ceiling height.
Our float rooms are tanks that we have built into a larger private room. When you enter your private space, you will see a door on the side of the wall (much like a glass shower door) that you can open and then close behind you. When you open that door, you will see a large bathtub-like tank, a high ceiling, and safety bars for support. The best way to get a sense of what this tank looks like is to imagine a giant-size, side-door-entry, stand-up, tub-bottom shower.
The float pods are also located inside a larger private room, but they are free-standing float tanks.
Floating has been around for over 50 years, it is not new-age mumbo jumbo, and there is a ton of research to back it up! Current research is looking at areas such as how floating can help people who struggle with various forms of anxiety and stress (even trauma-based stress, like PTSD), and how floating can help people who suffer from the autoimmune disease fibromyalgia.
Altered States, the movie that made floating interesting to the masses, depicts a fictional researcher who combines floating with psychedelics. So, of course, we understand why this “mumbo jumbo” question is asked so frequently. It’s just that these rumors, while entertaining, don’t provide a clear picture of floating.
Nothing at all! We recommend that you float in the nude. After you arrive at our location and relax for a bit, we will usher you into a private room that you may lock from the inside. Virtually all of our customers feel most comfortable floating in the nude, as it is the preferred way to have an optimal floating experience!
Nothing at all! Well…you do need to find a way to arrive for your appointment… But, we recommend that you remember these three things not to do.
- Don’t shave or wax right before your float because the salt water solution will irritate your raw skin.
- Don’t eat a large meal before you float. If anything, eat a snack in the hour before floating because eating will activate your digestive system and not allow your body to rest.
- Don’t drink caffeine before floating because caffeine is a stimulant and drinking it would counteract the process of rest.
Not that we are aware of! We have provided floats to people of all ages and from all walks of life. Moms, Dads, grandparents, professionals, leisure-ites, teachers, police officers, lawyers, artists, yogis, meditators, non-meditators. Some people have prior knowledge of floating, but most do not! Our customer’s post-float glow does not discriminate.
There are several situations in which someone should not float. If you have epilepsy or another serious medical condition, we ask that you check with your physician first. People whose epilepsy is not under medical control should not float. People under the influence of alcohol, or drugs, those with infectious diseases, open skin wounds, or those with current suicidal urges should not float.
Nope! People of all sizes are welcome to float with us. Floaters over 420 pounds and up to 7 feet tall have floated comfortably in our tanks.
For the sake of your comfort, we recommend you take our tank dimensions into account when scheduling your float.
At our Midtown location, our tank dimensions are as follows:
Rooms: 8’L x 4.5’W x 10’H
Pods: 8’L x 5’W x 4’H
At our Maryland Heights location, our tank dimensions are as follows:
Rooms: 8’L x 6.5’W x 7’H
Pods: 8’L x 5’W x 4’H
You will likely feel results after your first float. Your skin will feel soft and your body will feel relaxed.
For most people, we notice that the floating environment becomes familiar to people after about three sessions. For this reason, we offer a three-float package that you can find here.
Our water is cycled through the three-tier filtration system we described above, but it is not emptied all at once.
Since water evaporates during the day, we add water almost every evening. We replace our entire tank of 200 gallons of water and 900 pounds of magnesium sulfate 3x per year, which greatly exceeds industry sanitation standards.
We vacuum, scrub, and disinfect! We stick to green cleaning products. Once we are done cleaning the floors and shower area in your room, we supply you with new ear plugs, Q-tips, white laundered floor mats, and towels.
The floating environment does not and can not “deprive” your senses. Rather, it provides relief from the sensory overload that we have grown accustomed to in our modern world.
FAQs on Infrared Sauna Therapy
Traditional saunas use a single heater that generates hot air (sometimes up to 195 degrees) to heat the user. Infrared saunas use advanced light therapy to promote heat generation within the body with a much smaller percentage of heat in the air (typically between 115 – 135 degrees). This makes the sauna more accessible to people who could benefit from the sauna but may not be able to tolerate the higher temperatures of a traditional sauna.
For optimum experience, we recommend using the Sauna before your Float.
You can wear a bathing suit or underwear. You can also enter the sauna nude, but we do ask that you use a towel to sit upon to absorb your sweat.
As with all our therapies, if you are being treated for health concerns (particularly cardiovascular issues) you should consult your medical advisor before participating in this therapy as your heart rate will elevate.
We also recommend being well-hydrated and eating lightly before your session. Avoid consuming alcohol.
Our Sauna allows for two people. If you wish to book for two, please note that there is a slightly higher rate to cover the extra guest.
FAQs on Cold Plunge Therapy
Right now, to make it functional for the general population, we only allow a 3-minute cold plunge.
Because the cold is a stronger contrast on the body, we recommend those with health issues, especially heart issues, check with their physicians before participating in this therapy.
FAQs on Contrast Therapy
The bath temperature is approximately 40-59°F.
The Infrared Sauna is typically between 110°F and 135°F and a dryer heat. They are considerably cooler than traditional saunas that can reach 150°F to 195°F and are more humid heat.
Generally, Contrast Therapy is safe; however, those will medical issues – particularly cardiovascular issues, should speak with their physician before beginning this or other therapies.
FAQs on Normatec Compression Therapy
We suggest wearing shorts, leggings, or comfortable, slim-fitting athletic pants. We also recommend wearing socks.
We take care to wipe them down with a clean sanitized cloth between clients.
Adding Compression Therapy to your overall wellness routine is an excellent idea especially if you are concerned with lower circulatory issues or are an athlete.
Many of our guests will add on a Compression Therapy session before or after a Float or other service as an extra benefit.
FAQs on Therapeutic Massage
This is more common than some may think. Simply communicate with your therapist and he will do his best to not trigger your sensitivity.
Simply let your therapist know so they can adjust. Additionally, let your therapist know if you have any current pains or tender areas from injury or whatever, so they can adjust accordingly to delivery a relaxing experience.
There can be some discomfort after a massage, especially after a deep tissue massage. A hot bath or cold therapy can be helpful for your body to relieve inflammation and soreness.
We recommend dressing comfortably and eating light, if necessary, before your visit. You will also be asked to remove any jewelry that may be in the way of your massage – especially necklaces. If you can, we suggest leave them at home. Showering before your massage will help loosen your muscles. If you book a Massage after your Float, you can shower in your private suite before your massage session.
For your massage session, we recommend wearing only your underwear to allow the therapist to access and work on your muscles more effectively. However, your comfort is our top priority. If you feel more comfortable wearing loose-fitting clothing, that is also perfectly acceptable. Dr. David Wang emphasizes creating a relaxing and comfortable environment for all guests, so please choose what makes you feel most at ease.
Tips are not necessary but are appreciated for any session. Dr. Wang would rather you put your money toward another appointment to continue your therapy either with Float or another massage.
General FAQs
Yes! You can purchase a printable gift card for a friend or loved one here.
Aside from fever, COVID-19 symptoms include cough, difficulty breathing, and fatigue. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please take precautions and reschedule your time until you are cleared.