One of the reason many people decide to visit The Float Space is to alleviate stress, pain and anxiety, however some people can be apprehensive about the float tank experience.

Whilst people naturally crave the peace and solitude that our float tanks provide, a few fears and misconceptions may be stopping others from enjoying this ultimate method of relaxation and recovery.

Let’s take a look at the myths that we hear from new clients who are considering a float therapy session but are held back by their fear, and bust them once and for all.

Myth #1: What if I fall asleep and I drown?

It’s impossible to drown in a float tank due to the shallow water content and density of the water. If you were to turn, which would be a feat in itself, the salt water would get in your eyes, which would sting and wake you. Whether you fall asleep or stay awake you will be in a deep state of relaxation in our float tanks and end your session feeling refreshed and relaxed, without any danger of drowning.

Myth #2: I’m claustrophobic, I’ll freak out in this enclosed space!

One of the biggest fears that people seem to have about our float tanks is that they will be in an enclosed space and won’t be able to get out.

Our state-of-the-art float pods do close, however you have full control over whether you keep the pod open, either completely or just a gap wide. Some people start with the pod open and slowly close it later, we want you to feel comfortable during your float and do things at your own pace.

The pod also has a beautiful chakra colour therapy light that you have control over and which you may leave on if you wish. When you feel comfortable with the environment, lie back, relax and let the relaxing benefits of floating wash over you.

Myth #3: How is the water cleaned?

The water in our tanks may well be the most sanitary and hygienic water you have ever encountered. We have a comprehensive filtration process that our water goes through multiple times daily, combine this with the disinfecting qualities of the Epsom salts and additional non-toxic disinfectants and you will be in the safest, cleanest water available. We also conduct regular independent tests to verify the cleanliness of our water for your peace of mind and protection.

Myth #4: I can’t meditate so spending an hour in the tank will be a waste of time.

The float tank will provide you with the ideal environment to block out all distractions and technology and gives you the chance to really let go and feel deep relaxation. You will be surprised at how quickly the time passes in a float tank when you are in a deep state of relaxation and you experience theta waves which will help calm you and send you into a deep meditative state, leaving you with long lasting benefits.

Myth #5: I cannot float in other types of water or cannot swim.

Due to the concentration of Epsom salts in the water you will not be able to not float, there is more salt in our float tanks than in the Dead Sea, so you certainly won’t have an issue floating.

Myth #6: The water in the float tank will dry out my skin and hair.

Due to the high volume of salt in the water, unlike a bath, the water won’t draw salt or moisture out of your skin causing wrinkles. It causes a protective barrier and the salt water will leave your skin and hair feeling silky and smooth to the touch.

Myth #7: You cannot float while pregnant.

Whilst pregnancy is an exciting time, the additional weight that you gain can cause strain to your knees, hips, back and feet. Float experts generally say it’s safe to float any time during pregnancy after seeking medical advice from your doctor we absolutely recommend floating in your second and third trimester. If ever there was a time to feel the benefits of floating it is during pregnancy.

Not only will floating when pregnant help ease those aches and pains, it will assist with centering your thoughts and allow you to get some much needed relief from the extra kilos you have gained in the latter stages of pregnancy. The floatation tank can deepen the bond with your baby as it is just you and the baby in the float tank, some mothers even say they can hear their baby’s heartbeat in the solitude.

Myth #8: I can just float in my pool or spa and get the same results.

Whilst you can float in your pool or spa you will find the results very different. Floating is not always easy for everyone, our float tanks take the effort out of floating with the Epsom salts providing you with the means to stay afloat. This also means that when you are in a deep state of relaxation and you possibly fall asleep there is no chance that you can drown, something that cannot be guaranteed in an ordinary pool.

Our floatation tanks have been designed so that you have no sensory stimulation, this means you can completely clear your mind and switch off, something that would be hard to achieve in a pool or spa.

Float therapy also differs in that it can assist with managing pain, reducing blood pressure, stress and cortisol levels, balancing hormones and sleep patterns, improving energy levels and mood, and much more.

At the end of your float you will feel silky smooth due to the magnesium from the Epsom salts, however a pool or bath can leave you feeling a little dry and give the prune effect.

The combination of sensory deprivation and the ease of floating create an environment that is easy to feel deep relaxation in. Whilst floating in a pool or spa can be relaxing, we highly recommend trying a float in a floatation tank to experience the difference. As once you have experienced a float you will see it’s unlike anything else in this world..!

If you have any questions on float therapy or want to find out whether floating is for you, please contact us, or feel free to come visit us and take a look around our beautiful facilities.