What is Float Therapy?

Float therapy involves laying in a float pod with 12-inches of water. Each pod contains 1,000lb of Epsom salt so you float! Just like in the dead sea. This allows us to float effortlessly and escape gravity. You will feel like you are floating in space or floating in your mothers womb again. It will feel familiar. The water is also heated to body temperature so its comfortable and relaxing. Floating provides powerful mental and physical benefits and gives you “me-time” to take a break from the stress and intensity of the modern world.

Are the pods clean? How do you clean the pods between floats?

1. Each pod contains 1,000 LBS of Epsom salt so it's not an ideal environment for bacteria. 
2. Showers are taken before and after the float and we skim the water with a pool net between floats.
3. Between each float and when not in use the water is filtered multiple times through a 1-10 micron filter. 
4. The pod also contains an internal sanitation system using UV light and Ozone. The UV light kills any bio matter and the ozone eliminates whats left.
5. We add 1.5 cups of hydrogen peroxide everyday.
6. Once a week we add 1 table spoon of chlorine.

Is 60 or 90mins a long time to be floating?

Once you become deeply relaxed you lose track of time and most say it feels like 15-20mins. You enter the enjoyable space of timelessness which is a common thing meditators experience. You are free to get out earlier if you want of course, but most of the benefits are felt after the 45min mark. This will help calm the mind and get you loving spending time with you.

How often should I float?

At least once a month. Some people do 4 times a month. We recommend you float first to experience it and then you can decide how often you want to float. We have packages and memberships to make it easy to decide. After that people usually figure out themselves how often they would like to float. We recommend looking into our memberships and packages if you'd like to float more often.

Can I float if I’m pregnant?

Floating is great for pregnant women. There is even a special position that relieves all of the weight of the baby off the mother’s body.

Is there anything I should do to prepare?

Don’t drink coffee for several hours beforehand (it can make your nervous system jittery). Also, don’t shave or wax right before since the salt water can irritate your skin. Having a light meal 90 minutes before you float is okay. You don’t want to feel too full when in the tank. Other than that, there’s no specific preparation needed.

Can I float if I’m menstruating?

Yes.  Just follow the same protocol you would for a swimming pool.

Can I float if I just dyed my hair?

While there is no guarantee that the salt won’t strip some color from your hair, we recommend that you check if the water running through your hair in the shower at home is fully clear. If there is still some color coming out you should wait a couple of days.

I just got a tattoo, should I float?

Floating and fresh tattoos do not mix! Not only could floating with a fresh tattoo be painful (salt + open wounds = ouch) but the water solution could cause fading or discoloration of your tattoo and permanently ruin its aesthetic appeal. How long you should wait before floating depends on the tattoo and how quickly it heals, but tattoo artists/floaters we have talked to have suggested waiting 4-6 weeks.

Do I need to bring anything?

You may want to bring a comb, especially if you have longer hair. If you don't want to get your hair wet bring a swimming cap. If you want to remove your contacts bring a case to put your contact lenses into while you float.  Other than that, we provide everything you need (towels, robes, ear plugs, body wash/shampoo) but you are free to bring your own. Each room is fully private so there’s no need to bring a bathing suit.

Can more than one person float in a tank at a time?

Only one person per tank. Double-wide tanks do exist, but we think that they take away from the whole ‘sensory deprivation’ experience. We have 3 pods so you can brings friends and family to float too.

Do I have to stay in the whole time?

There aren’t any latches on the pod, you can get out anytime. That said, the 90-minutes usually goes by way faster than you’d expect (our average floater usually says it felt like 15-20 minutes long).

Who invented floating?

John C. Lilly in the 1950s.

How long have float tanks been around?

The first float pod was developed in 1954.  These involved full submersion in water and a breathing device that completely covered your face.  The first lay down, commercial pods were invented in the early 70’s.

What if I’m claustrophobic?

Being in the pod is more like floating in outer space than being shut in a box.  You’re always in control of your environment, and even people with extreme claustrophobia have reported having no problems with their time in the pod.

Do I get dehydrated from soaking for so long?

No your skin doesn’t even prune up like in a bath tub, but it does become silky soft afterwards.

Can I drown if I fall asleep in there?

No.  Some people fall asleep, but the water is so buoyant that you stay completely afloat. If you fall asleep and turn over the salt water in your eyes will wake you up. We also know of a float center in Portland, Oregon that has done 80,000 floats with no serious issues! 

Will I have a trippy experience?

Maybe. Probably not your first float, but it’s possible.

Don’t expect anything crazy. You might see weird colors. Sometimes people hear different tones and muffled voices, or have the sense that their body is rotating or sliding sideways.  You might have a distortion in your sense of passing time, or feel like you’re watching yourself like in a movie.  It can be pretty cool and is ultimately a very relaxing experience that will feel like an activity of self love. Floating is safe and just about anyone can do it without any side effects, only positive benefits of well-being mentally and physically to be enjoyed.

Happy floating and thank you for choosing Cloud 9 Boston.