Answers to the questions people ask most before their first float therapy session: how to prepare, who should not float, whether it is safe to fall asleep, what to wear and how the water is cleaned. New to floating? Start with what float therapy is.
How should I prepare for a float?
Nothing special is required, but a few tips make the session more enjoyable:
- Remove contact lenses. Salt and contacts don’t mix.
- Avoid shaving or waxing right before a float, as the Epsom salt can sting freshly shaved skin.
- Cover small cuts with Vaseline or a waterproof bandage.
- Avoid caffeine, which makes it harder to relax.
- Eat a light meal 1–2 hours before. Too much food may make you fall asleep or feel distracted.
- Use the toilet before your session so you are not distracted while floating.
Who should not float?
We don’t recommend floating for:
- People under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- People with epilepsy or a history of seizures.
- Women during menstruation.
- People with contagious illnesses, including colds and flu.
- People with open wounds or many skin abrasions, as salt water may sting.
If you have a medical condition or are unsure, ask your doctor before floating.
How long is a float session?
A float session usually lasts 60 to 90 minutes. We recommend 90 minutes for beginners, since the first 30 to 45 minutes are often spent letting go of body tension and a busy mind.
Will I definitely float?
Yes. The water holds about 500 kg of Epsom salt, making it denser than the Dead Sea, and is only about 25 cm deep. Your body floats effortlessly, and you cannot sink.
Is it safe to fall asleep in the tank? Can you drown?
Some people fall asleep, though many are actually in a very deep theta state. Because the salt water is so dense, it is nearly impossible to roll over. If you somehow did, the sting of salt in your eyes, nose and mouth would wake you right away. Read more about theta waves and floating.
Can pregnant women float?
Yes. We suggest waiting until the second trimester, since some women feel nauseous while floating in the first trimester, and checking with your doctor or midwife first. Many pregnant women find floating a great relief from the pull of gravity on the back and legs. See floating during pregnancy.
Can I do anything to get more out of a float?
Being physically active before your session helps many people relax more deeply, and floating helps muscles recover faster afterwards.
What do you wear in the tank?
Whatever makes you comfortable. Each room is private, with its own shower and a locked door. Most people float without clothing, because anything on the body can be a distraction, but you are welcome to wear a swimsuit.
I’m really tall. Will I fit?
Yes. The interior of the pods measures 2.4 m long and 1.2 m wide.
Can I wear a bathing cap?
Yes. Just avoid a cap that is too tight or pulls on your hair, as it may distract you.
What does salt water do to my skin and hair?
Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) is commonly used to soften skin, and many people notice smoother skin after floating. Shower thoroughly afterwards, as dried salt crystals can feel itchy.
How is the water cleaned?
The water is filtered several times between every float through a 1-micron filter and UV light. The very high Epsom salt concentration (about 35%) is hostile to pathogens, and the water is also regularly shocked with hydrogen peroxide and chlorine.
How often should I float?
The more regularly you float, the better. Like meditation, practice deepens the experience and the effects build over time. See the benefits of floating.
Where can I float in Ho Chi Minh City?
Float Vietnam’s float rooms are now at Ōmni Space, 16C Quoc Huong, Thao Dien, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), open daily 9:00–21:00. You can book online or see our locations.
Still have a question? Read about the benefits of float therapy or email info@omnispacevn.com.
