Floating for the First Time

Here’s What You Can Expect…

Is this your first time floating? Sights, sounds, tastes, smells, touch…Humans live in a state of sensory overload. Have you ever gone to a remote place removed from ambient sound and heard a slight ringing in your ear? That is the remnant of sensory overload.

Floating (commonly referred to as floatation therapy or, by some as sensory deprivation), is a scientifically proven way to relieve the effects of this assault on the senses. It’s an experience which offers a set amount of time removed from stimuli, immersing yourself in the healing waters of the tank.

To get the most out of your experience, avoid drinking coffee for several hours before your float (it can make your system jittery). Also, you may want to hold off on shaving or waxing, since the salt water can cause any nicks or sensitive/dry areas to sting. Eating a light meal about an hour to 90 minutes ahead of time stops your stomach from sounding like an angry monster while you float. Other than that, there’s no specific preparation needed.

When you enter our relaxing facility, you can expect a quiet spa-like experience. Upon your arrival, our front desk person will guide you to your private room.

Inside you will find your pod or open pool containing 900 pounds of epsom salt dissolved into purified water. Before every float, the entire volume of the water/salt solution is circulated and filtered at least three times using an advanced UV process, and sterilized using a hydrogen peroxide solution. Each room includes showers and natural soaps that each floater uses before and after their float.

Each room is secure and has a locking mechanism. The float pods do not latch or lock. So, if you have any concerns about being in a confined space, you can just sit up and press on the pod door and it will open. There is also plenty of room to move around while inside.

The water is heated to the average human skin temperature of 93.5-95°F, which reduces the chance of any adverse sensation between body and water. The amount of salt in the tank (combined with water levels set to about a 10-inch depth) prevents the possibility of sinking. Even if you get so relaxed that you fall asleep, it is highly unlikely that you’ll roll over in the pod, since the salt water will keep you in place.

We provide a “halo” to each floater (essentially, a pillow for the water that provides a little more optional comfort), as well as new earplugs. Floaters are welcome to undress to their individual comfort level, though wearing nothing to be able to fully let go and disappear from the world is highly recommended.

The rooms are designed to have as little noise as possible when entering. There are lights and music available in the pod, or you can opt for a completely silent and blacked-out float. You control this right from a switch within arm’s reach inside the pod.

Once you are in the pod, the timer starts and the experience is up to you.

An advisable start is to just focus on your breathing and to allow yourself to get fully relaxed and still within the water. Some people like to meditate. Some fall asleep. Some have a very visual experience. Some have an emotional experience where they explore their feelings. Others use it as a time to reflect.

Once the scheduled time has elapsed, sound will gently come on in the room as your session comes to a close. Should you need any assistance prior to the end of your session, an employee is always on staff and available for support at the touch of a button.

At the conclusion of your time, you’re free to leave the tank and immediately enter the shower and shampoo to remove salt crystals from your body and hair. Skin does not “prune up” in the tank due to the high salt content. Most users experience softer, silkier skin resulting from the rich magnesium levels of the salt. Magnesium is a key mineral for physical relaxation and recovery, and science has proven that the best way to absorb magnesium in your body is transdermally (through the skin).

After your shower you’ll get dressed inside the room. Clean towels are provided, as well as a makeup room stocked with everything you need to prepare yourself for the world, such as hair dryers and lotions.

Once you are ready, we suggest taking some time to enjoy some complimentary water and organic tea while you sit in our comfortable post-float lounge. We have reading material, or you can simply unwind and take some additional time to reflect on your experience. You’re also free to read some of the entries in our journals, or add your own.

Everyone’s experience is different. However, floaters usually need 2-3 floats before they start truly seeing the power of floating. The first time for most is often spent just getting used to the experience. So one’s mind can race a little bit, and that is normal. Most floaters report acclimating to the experience over several sessions, with the experience improving each time they float.

Float Milwaukee offers a truly unique and singular form of introspective relaxation. We welcome you to come down and give float therapy a try. If you still have questions, we have a full list of FAQs here.

If you are outside of Milwaukee, visit your local float center and book a float today to experience for yourself the full benefits of sensory enhancement.