This list has been borrowed from another float center and changed to suit this location. There are some cases where you will want to delay your appointment, and other cases that may rule you out altogether for floating. Have a read through this to make sure you’re good to go.
Permanent or temporary hair dye. One common reason to delay your float is if you’ve recently dyed your hair. You should wait until your hair rinses clean before you float.
Hair keratin treatment. Anyone using keratin treatments for their hair are told to avoid salt water; and yes, this includes Epsom salt. Hair care professionals recommend you wait 4 weeks after getting the treatment before hopping into a float room. Keratin extensions need to be adjusted monthly, and generally last 6-12 weeks. The best practice would be to float right before you get a treatment done. A float likely won’t damage the keratin any more than a swim in a chlorine pool.
Tanning lotions & sprays. A spray tan itself should not run, assuming the spray tan is simply DHA (from sugar cane) that changes the pigment of your skin. However, if the spray tan contains a bronzer, the float will strip the tan. If your spray tan includes a bronzer, you shouldn’t float until it’s gone. Instead we recommend you come in right before you get the spray tan.
Kidney / Liver / Detoxing issues. The kidneys process toxins and nutrients, so if they’re weakened and suddenly put on double duty because of an external circumstance (magnesium) which is triggering the flushing of toxins, or absorption, it’s potentially dangerous. In theory, too much magnesium absorption, or too rapid a detoxification could stress the kidney. There are reports from many people with kidney/liver problems, even those with only one kidney, that report no problems floating; on the contrary, credit the float room with healing properties, but if you have any liver or kidney issues it’s something you should be aware of.
Chemotherapy & Radiation. Chemo is an incredibly toxic substance; it’s so toxic, that it not only kills cancer cells but also the healthy ones too. It’s possible that because of the detoxifying effects of floating you could negate the effectiveness of the treatment. Patients undergoing chemotherapy are required to wait a minimum of 4-6 weeks before floating. You may benefit from high density Epsom salt baths at home during this time.
Slipped or damaged vertebrae. The float room all but negates the effects of gravity from your joints and muscles. For most this is a relaxing and comfortable place to be, but if you have existing or unidentified slippage in your vertebra discs or other skeletal issues the lack of support might put you in a precarious position that could cause more harm than good. It may help to use the float halo for added support.
Incontinence. You can’t float if you have problems with bladder leakage or incontinence. This is purely from a sanitation position, and not because it would be harmful to you. If you want to float, perhaps you should invest in a personal float tank set up? I can recommend a home setup, and would love to help.
Diabetics with an insulin pump or glucose monitor. Most diabetic floaters are comfortable removing their pump for a duration of time, and usually do so for other activities like swimming. This is entirely up to you and your comfort level. You can apply Vaseline to the insertion site to minimize irritation from the salt. You know your body better than anyone, always follow your intuition and doctor’s advice.
Pregnancy. There are very few instances when it would not be safe to float during pregnancy. Most soon to be mothers find valuable relief from common pregnancy woes. There are some float centers who recommend against pregnant women floating during their first trimester. I recommend that you consult your physician.
Prone to ear infections. Float related ear infections don’t come from pathogens in the solution, rather from not cleaning your ears well enough post float. Once dry, the salt crystallizes and may cause irritation. A bottle of vinegar/water ear rinse is provided in your float suite as an optional, post float ear rinse. The vinegar will help dissolve any left over salt residue. Ear plugs are provided and work really well to keep the solution out of your ears. Human error is often the cause of water entering your ears. We all struggle with ear plugs from time to time, but if you are overly prone to ear infections take extra precautions by using silicone ear plugs, putting them in before you get into the shower, and rinsing well after your float.
Tubes in ears. Following the importance of cleaning your ears, those with tubes in their ears may want to steer clear of floating. If you can master a good seal with the silicone ear plugs you will likely be ok, but there have been reports of excruciating pain when salt solution enters the ear canal. It’s unfortunate, but it might not be worth the risk.
Motion sickness / vertigo. Sometimes the lack of motion can trigger motion sickness symptoms. Reaching out and touching the sides of the float room can bring you back to centre, or leaving the light on can help. You are always in control of your experience. Some people use a float halo to prop their head up as much as feels good. Most people report this being a temporary problem and once they’ve gotten a few floats under their belt their dizziness goes away, but if you are sensitive to motion sickness or vertigo it’s something to be aware of.
Epilepsy or seizure disorders. People who are epileptic should not float. The primary reason for not allowing people with seizure disorders to float is liability – if someone were to have a seizure in the float room, there would be no way for me to know that you were in distress and get the medical attention you require.
