Floatation / Sensory Deprivation FAQ
Most Popular Questions
Epsom salt, also known as magnesium sulfate, is a naturally-occurring mineral that is often used in floatation therapy. When dissolved in water, Epsom salt creates a buoyant solution that allows the body to float effortlessly. Epsom salt is beneficial for the skin as it contains magnesium, which is known to help improve the appearance of the skin.
Magnesium can help to improve the skin’s appearance by:
- Reducing inflammation and irritation
- Improving skin hydration
- Reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Improving the overall health and appearance of the skin
When used in floatation therapy, Epsom salt can also provide additional benefits such as:
- Relaxation of muscles
- Relief from soreness
- Improved circulation
At our float centre in Galway, we use Epsom salt in our float tanks to provide a unique and beneficial experience for our clients. Book your float session today and discover the benefits of Epsom salt and floatation therapy for yourself in Galway.
Yes, it is common for people to fall asleep while floating in a floatation tank. The sensation of floating in the warm, buoyant water, combined with the absence of external stimuli, can promote a deep state of relaxation that is similar to that achieved through meditation or yoga. As a result, many people find that they are able to fall asleep while floating.
At our float centre in Galway, our float tanks are designed for maximum comfort, and we provide earplugs and eye masks to help block out any remaining light and sound, allowing for an even more immersive and relaxing experience.
It’s important to note that falling asleep during floatation therapy is completely safe, and you will not drown as the water level is only around 10cm deep.
Book your float session today and discover the benefits of floatation therapy, including deep relaxation, improved sleep, and reduced stress and pain, for yourself in Galway. Floatation therapy is a great way to achieve deep relaxation, and many of our clients find it is an effective way to fall asleep and improve the quality of their sleep.
At our float centre in Galway, we take hygiene and cleanliness very seriously. We understand that maintaining a clean and sanitary environment is essential for providing a safe and enjoyable float experience for our clients. Here are some of the measures we take to maintain hygiene in our float tanks:
Each float tank is thoroughly cleaned and sanitised after each use, using a combination of chemicals and UV-C lights to kill any bacteria or germs.
The water in our tanks is filtered and treated with chlorine and hydrogen peroxide to keep it clean and safe for use.
We use Epsom salt which is a natural anti-bacterial and helps to keep the water clean and bacteria-free.
Our tanks are equipped with air filtration systems to help remove any odors or contaminants.
We provide disposable earplugs and eye masks for each client to use during their float session.
We encourage our clients to shower before and after their float session to help maintain hygiene and promote relaxation.
We have strict protocols in place to ensure that our facility is kept clean and sanitary at all times.
We are committed to providing a safe and enjoyable float experience for our clients, and we take great care to maintain the highest standards of hygiene and cleanliness in our float centre.
The frequency of floatation therapy is a personal decision and will depend on factors such as the individual’s goals and any underlying health conditions they may have. Some people may find that they benefit from floating once a week, while others may prefer to float once a month. It’s recommended to speak to a float therapist or practitioner to discuss your specific needs and to determine the right frequency for you.
It’s a common worry, but the pods are much bigger than people expect – so big that you can stretch out without touching the sides! If you feel nervous, you can always leave the top open or have the inside light on for as long as you like – you’re in complete control. Once inside the pod, people are usually surprised at how safe and relaxed they feel.
While you can float every day without harm, we find that the relaxing effects of a one-hour float typically last beyond that day. Therefore, we recommend regular sessions for best results, and many clients find that floating once or twice a week provides the most benefits.
Preparing to float
You don’t need to prepare for your float. However, we recommend not shaving or drinking caffeine on the day.
Please arrive 15 minutes before your float session is due to begin so that we have time to check you in and explain everything thoroughly.
If you are just 5 minutes late, we can offer you five extra minutes at the end of your float if you can shower quickly. But if you are any later, you will have to have a shorter session time, because we need time to clean the rooms between each customer thoroughly.
If you arrive more than 15 minutes late, we will do our best to accommodate you, but you might be rescheduled.
We recommend a light meal two hours before your float. Ideally, you’ll not be hungry or too full in the pod.
We don’t recommend consuming caffeine before a float so that you can relax more deeply. However, if you constantly drink coffee, we don’t want you to have a caffeine-withdrawal headache! And if you intend to be mentally active during your float – may be using it to think creatively about a challenge, having a coffee beforehand is fine.
If you wear contact lenses, you don’t need to take them out, but you need to be careful not to get any water in your eyes as it will irritate them.
We ask everyone to shower at the beginning of their float to remove any excess oil or dirt from the body and hair, which means the filters in the pods don’t need to work overtime!
We recommend you remove loose jewellery in case anything falls off inside the pod and so that you can feel completely free. Additionally, we can’t take responsibility for any loss or damage to accessories you bring into the pod!
Yes, please remove all make-up before you get into the pod.
Health, Comfort & Safety
Yes, you must be over the age of 18 to float at Apollo Health & Wellness!
Yes, please let us know about any health conditions, and read our waiver carefully (online or in-centre, depending on how you sign up). But, most importantly, you should check with your doctor before floating.
Don’t worry; there’s no way you can drown – even if you are tired! The high buoyancy of the water makes it impossible for you to sink beneath the surface.
It is entirely safe for pregnant women to float. Many women have found unique relief from the physical strains of later pregnancy when they float, as pressure is taken off their backs. We also hear from pregnant women that floating is the perfect environment to connect with their babies, as they can more easily sense them in the stillness of the pod. So, if you’re pregnant, let us know, and we can give you some extra tips on how to get the most out of your float before you get here or when you arrive.
Yes, you can float when you’re menstruating – it can be the perfect way to nourish yourself and encourage your muscles to relax if you get cramps. Just follow the same process as when you go swimming.
We’ve had a few first-timers say that their neck hurt during their session. That’s because we are used to holding our necks up and sometimes too far forwards, especially when using phones and computers regularly. It can be challenging to fully relax our necks in the pod and allow the water to carry our heads’ weight fully. But after a couple of floats, it will become natural, and tension will disappear.
Epsom salt can sting any areas of broken skin, so we recommend not floating during a flare-up of eczema or psoriasis. However, many people with recurrent eczema and psoriasis find that floating helps these conditions. Epsom salt is magnesium sulphate – and magnesium is naturally antimicrobial and antibacterial, which helps keep minor skin irritations clean.
Floating also helps reduce cortisol levels (the stress hormone), and research has shown that eczema and psoriasis flare-ups are often correlated with stress levels. Therefore, regular floating could help prevent further outbreaks.
We recommend saving your shave for a non-float day, as the salty water can sting freshly-shaven areas. However, if you do shave on the day, you can cover up wherever you’ve shaved with the vaseline we provide to reduce irritation and stinging.
We have a no-drugs or alcohol policy. So if you seem to be under the influence of alcohol or any other drug, you won’t be allowed to float that day. Again, this is for your safety.
Floating is proven to reduce blood pressure. Check with your doctor about floating if you suffer from low blood pressure.
If you are deemed unfit to float, it will be for health and personal safety reasons. If this is the case, you will unfortunately not be able to float with us. However, we will reschedule your session or provide you with a refund.
The inside of the pod is 8.5ft x 5.5ft. We haven’t had anyone who doesn’t comfortably fit in one yet!
There are no weight limits – the salt can hold anyone afloat.
Floating and fresh tattoos don’t mix. The time you would need to wait depends on the tattoo (check with your tattoo artist), but we would recommend staying 4-6 weeks before floating after getting a tattoo.
We use UV light as the primary disinfectant, along with a filtration system that’s the finest of any pod in the world – 100 times finer than human hair! We also use a small amount of hydrogen peroxide to oxidise bacteria, but it can’t harm humans. Nevertheless, it’s the safest and healthiest way we can keep the pods clean. We also add one spray of diluted chlorine to the ventilation system each day after we close in the evenings – but this doesn’t go into the water.
As long as the wound is not too large or open, you can cover cuts and scrapes with the vaseline provided. The vaseline will add a protective, waterproof layer to prevent stinging. If you choose to brave it without the vaseline, the salt water will sting but is also thought to have healing properties.
For safety reasons, we do not allow people with epilepsy to float.
about Floating
There’s probably nothing you need to bring with you. We provide lovely towels, earplugs, organic shampoo, conditioner and shower gel, Parlux hairdryers, GHD hair straighteners, organic body moisturiser, cotton buds, vaseline, and complimentary herbal teas for after your float.
You can bring any additional toiletries you like. You have your private room, so we suggest floating naked to be utterly free of sensation – but if you’d prefer to wear a swimsuit or shorts, remember to bring a bag to put them in afterwards, too.
Floating at any time of day is good. Some people like to float early in the morning to clear their minds or increase focus for the day ahead. Some people prefer midday/early afternoon to split the day up and rest – like an afternoon nap. Others prefer floating in the evening so they can relax afterwards or maximise the sleep-improving benefits. We recommend trying each time of day and seeing what works for you.
As long as you wash and condition your hair after each float, the magnesium in the Epsom Salt will improve the condition of your hair and scalp and not damage it.
A mechanism in the pod brings the water temperature to 35 degrees – the same as your skin so that you cannot tell where the water begins and ends.
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, anti-depressant effects, increased creativity and cognitive function.
The majority of people emerged from their float feeling refreshed and relaxed, with a clearer head. The benefits are different for everyone, so it’s best to be open-minded about what you’ll experience. Sometimes it can take a few floats to learn how to switch off entirely – so stick with it if you felt like you could have relaxed more deeply.
It’s not the same for everyone, but people often find their third float is notably different to the first two. It may be that as a unique experience, it takes some getting used to floating – and when the experience becomes more familiar, we can surrender to it entirely and experience the benefits more deeply.
Information for women
It is perfectly fine to float while on your period. Although you can wear a tampon, you may want to change it before and after the session.
If you have sensitive skin, you should use vaseline on your sensitive areas to prevent irritation from the Epsom Salt and chemicals used to keep the tank sanitised. You may also want to wear a bathing suit.
