Frequently Asked Questions

Lots of answers here!

Frequently asked questions

Don’t worry about asking!

If you haven’t floated before, you’ve probably got a bunch of questions about the whole thing, and perhaps some concerns.

This is very common and totally understandable.

Here are answers to some frequent queries…

What is floatation?

It’s pretty simple really. You float in warm water saturated with Epsom salt, with the distractions of sound and light minimised. Your body floats like a cork, a bit like in the Dead Sea. You are so buoyant that you can totally relax all your muscles, and let go of tensions. You float naturally and effortlessly, and the support of the water makes you feel weightless. All the work that the mind and body usually have to do just to resist gravity becomes unnecessary, and you are able to let go and relax into a blissful state. Find out more here.

Why float?

Floatation brings a wide range of benefits for different people. Some examples are pain relief, stress relief, sports rehabilitation, or as an aid to meditation. You can find out lots more here.

Will I feel claustrophobic?

Lots of people express this concern before they first float, but end up feeling safe and comfortable. You are in full control of your environment when you float. You are free to get in and out whenever you wish. Some people prefer to keep the door open and the light on, which is fine. Others prefer to minimise distractions. There is no right way of doing it. Floating in silent darkness gives the sense of being suspended in limitless space. Our advice would be to give it a try – we think you will be very pleasantly surprised. In fact, you probably won’t want to get out at the end!

Have a read of our blog for more about claustrophobia.

How do you make sure it's clean?

The float environment is considerably more hygienic than a swimming pool. You shower before and after the float. The water is circulated through a very fine filter several times between each use. In addition, the water is treated between each use by a combination of high intensity ultra-violet light and a measured quantity of safe odourless sanitiser. The water is tested regularly, so you can rest assured that we uphold the highest standards of cleanliness.

Follow this link for more about how we keep the water clean.

What do I wear while I'm floating?

We recommend that you float naked, but of course it’s up to you. You will be in your own private room, with a shower and a lock on the door. Pretty much everyone floats naked, and finds it more comfortable that way. The sensation of fabric against your skin can be distracting during your float, and being naked means you can feel truly free. Would you wear a swimming costume in the bath?

How long does a float last?

The float itself is one hour long. However we recommend that you allow two hours for the whole visit. This is because you will need some time beforehand to be shown around (particularly on your first visit), time for showers and getting dressed, and some time afterwards to relax before heading off.

If you think an hour sounds like a long time, have a read of our blog on time floating (it won’t take long to read!)

Can I fall asleep during a float?

The experience of floating is so relaxing that it’s not unusual to fall asleep, and that’s fine. The gentle support of the water is more comfortable than any bed. If you do drift off, you probably needed it! It’s perfectly safe, and the water is so buoyant that it is very difficult to turn over. If you did manage to roll over, the worst that could happen is waking up to a bit of salt in the eyes. Follow this link for more about falling asleep while floating. Floating can also be very helpful for improving your sleep patterns.

How will I know when my float is over?

Even if you fall asleep during your float (which is fine), you can rest assured that you will know when it is coming to an end. Find out more in this short video:

Have you extended the expiry dates of gift cards and packages in response to COVID-19?

There have been three periods of government restrictions that prevented us from hosting floats. These were:

19th March 2020 to 8 July 2020
5th November 2020 to 2nd December 2020
6th January 2021 to 14th April 2021

If your gift card or package was valid during one of these periods of goverment restrictions, then we have extended the expiry date by the duration of that period of restrictions.

By doing this, we have ensured that everyone with a gift card or package has had the same number of opportunities to float as if the government restrictions had not happened.

Although this meant we had to absorb significant financial losses, we felt that it was worth doing in order to protect all our customers from loss. We are glad that we have made sure that no one has missed out on chances to float as a result of the government restrictions.

What should / shouldn't I do before my float?

There are some basic rules we ask you to respect:

Please don’t come to float under influence of alcohol or drugs.
Please don’t come to float if you have any open wounds, partly for hygienic reasons, but also because the salt in the float pod will make the wound uncomfortable.
See other FAQs about hair dye, floating while on your period, and after recent tattoos or piercings.

For your comfort, we also recommend that you do not come to float after:

Caffeine (within the last 4 hours)
A large meal within the last hour or so
Waxing (eg within the last 24 to 48 hours)
Shaving (eg within the last 12 to 24 hours)
Recent vigorous sex
Soon after giving birth (before you have healed)

… as these are likely to detract (and distract) from your experience. Find out more about preparing for your float here.

Shari talks about some of these things in this short video:

What should I bring?

You don’t need to bring anything but yourself and an open mind! We provide towels, toiletries, earplugs, a vaseline-type product (for covering minor cuts and grazes), and hairdryers. You may wish to bring your own cosmetics or toiletries if you prefer, and if you wear contact lenses, please bring your kit to take them out. You can find out more about some of our suppliers and why we chose them here. Find out more about preparing for your float here.

Can I bring a friend?

Yes, please do! Each float pod is designed for just one person to float in at a time, and each one is in its own private room. We have three float rooms, so three people can float at the same time. It can be a lot of fun to go for a float with a friend or partner. That way you will emerge from your float rooms at the same time, and can share the blissful post-float glow in the lounge with a cup of tea together.

You can book two simultaneous floats (called ‘Bring a friend) or a ‘Trio float’ on our booking page.

Can I float during pregnancy?

Like many things, floating is not advised during the first trimester. It is also not recommended too soon after giving birth, until you have healed. Other than those times, floating can give profound relief from the physical strains of pregnancy. The uniform and gentle support of the water offer a comfort which cannot be found elsewhere. If you are finding lying in bed uncomfortable, the feeling of weightlessness that floating offers will be a revelation. Floating offers a real rest for you and your baby.

Find out more on our pregnancy page, and you may also be interested in this first-hand report.

How do I book?

You can book your float here.

We can’t wait to host your float!

How do I book 2 simultaneous floats with 2 payment methods?

Are you hoping to book 2 simultaneous floats using 2 separate payment methods? It might be that you have 2 separate single float gift cards, or maybe one of you has a gift card and the other is paying separately.

You can book two floats at the same time using 2 separate payment methods. Here’s how:

Go to the booking page here.

First find a time when both pods are free by looking at ‘Bring a friend’.

Then go back and choose ‘float’ and book person 1 in with their name, contact details and code / payment method.

Finally, choose ‘float’ again and book person 2 in with their name, their contact details and their code / payment method.

Alternatively, if you prefer, you can find a time when two pods are free by looking at ‘Bring a friend’ then just give us a call.

What if I struggle to switch my mind off?

Lots of people express this concern, as having a busy mind is very common!
Shari explores how she has learnt to slow her mind down and how floating could help you too, in this short video:

Will I really float?

Maybe you’re wondering “Will I really float?” Maybe you don’t float easily in a swimming pool or the sea… fear not! Here’s why you will definitely float in the float pod…

I'm tall, will I fit in the pod?

No need to worry, the inside of the pod is 7.5 feet or 2.3m long, so unless you’re taller than that, you will fit no problem.

Find out more about our float pods here.

Who shouldn't float?

Those who:

have open wounds, sores, or rashes
have contagious diseases
are incontinent
have uncontrolled kidney disease
have uncontrolled psychosis or schizophrenia
are allergic to Epsom salt (magnesium sulphate)
have an uncontrolled seizure disorder
have an uncontrolled heart condition
recently had chemotherapy
are a risk to themselves or others due to the influence of any drug including alcohol
… and those who do not respect the staff, facilities and fellow floaters at Float in the Forest

If in any doubt about whether you can float with your health condition, please consult your doctor first, and we’d be happy to provide a document to explain to them what floating is all about.

You can find our Terms & Conditions here.

Is it private?

Floating is a very private experience. You float in your own fully private room, with your own private shower for your exclusive use, and a lock on the door. This is a place you can truly rest, and a time which is yours alone.

Follow this link for more about privacy and floatation.

Can I float if I am menstruating?

Yes, if you use a tampon or menstrual cup to control your menstruation, as you would in a swimming pool.

Can I float if I've recently got a new piercing or tattoo?

If your tattoo or piercing is not fully healed, it is going to sting when it comes into contact with the salty water. We advise that you wait 3 – 4 weeks after getting your tattoo or piercing, before floating. As a test, try applying hand sanitizer to the area. If it stings, you’ll want to wait a little longer before you get in the float pod.

There is some general information about things you should and shouldn’t do before your float here.

Do I have to close the door?

You are in control of the pod door throughout your float. It is completely manual, and easy to open and close. You can choose to have it open, closed, or part-way, and you can change your mind throughout the float. Will explains more here:

Do I have to stay in the whole time?

You will be in full control of your float, and have your own private room. Certainly you can get out any time, and back in again if you like, as many times as you like during your session. However, most people find that time flies when they are floating.

I have limited mobility. Can I float?

Float in the Forest is on the ground floor, predominantly on a level, with some 1:12 ramps. You must be capable of independently moving around the float centre safely. Getting in and out of the float pod is similar to getting in and out of a bath, so you must be able to do this unaided, or be accompanied by someone who is qualified and insured to help you with this. Please see our mobility and accessibility page for more information.

Do I have to turn the light off?

The pod light button is in your control throughout your float. You can choose to float with the light on, turn it off, or put it on the rainbow cycle. You can change your mind at any point during your float. We encourage you to try floating with the light off, knowing that you can turn it back on at any point, as Will explains here:

What if I can't find the light button in the dark?

This is a really natural concern, but no need to worry.
Shari has a little tip to help you find it, so that you can choose to float in the dark knowing where it is.

Can I float if I just dyed my hair?

Not straight after dying it! To avoid contaminating the float solution with hair dye, you must not float if colour is still coming out. How long this takes can vary, and can be as much as 30 days or more for some intense colours. Please make sure that the water running through your hair when you shower at home is fully clear before you float, and that no colour comes off on a white towel. If there is any colour coming out, please don’t come to float. Please be aware that there is no way around this, and wearing a swimming cap will not help.

It is possible to float regularly and dye your hair regularly too, you just need to take care with the timings of your appointments.

There is some general information about things you should and shouldn’t do before your float here.

We do have to get quite serious about this because it can damage the pod and water, which is costly. You can find our Terms & Conditions here.

Will there be music in the pod?

When you first come to float, we play a short piece of music at the beginning of your session. This is to ease the transition from the high level of sensory input of the everyday world, into the reduced level of sensory input of your float. After a few minutes, this music fades to silence.

We encourage you to embrace the peace and quiet, as part of the magic of the float experience. We often find that people tend to get the deepest relaxation and the greatest benefits from floating in the quiet darkness. Many of the benefits of floatation arise from the reduced sensory input. It is rare to get such an opportunity for peace!

Five minutes before the end, the music returns to gently let you know your float is reaching its conclusion.

Here are a few words about it from Shari:

And some thoughts from Will about releasing our attention from the external world:

Will my ears be underwater?

When you lie back in the water your ears will be underwater. We provide earplugs which you can wear if you choose, but either way you’ll need to give your ears a good rinse out in the shower afterwards. Will explains more in this short video:

Can under 18s float?

Currently only over 18s can float. We may require you to produce photo ID as proof of age.

We apologise for any disappointment caused, but we hope to enable under 18s to float later on, once we have had a chance to create a safeguarding policy and parental consent procedure. If you are under 18, or know someone who is and wanted to float, please let us know so that we can gauge interest in this.

What if I need to use the toilet during my float?

That’s fine. You just need to get out of the pod, have a quick rinse off in the shower, grab your towel or robe and head down the corridor to the toilet. When you’re done just go back to your room and carry on floating!

Should I eat before my float?

Ideally you don’t want to be either too full or very hungry when you come to float, as Shari explains in this short video:

Can't I just float in my bath at home?

Maybe, if you’ve got 550kg of Epsom salt, a heated bath, a very strong bathroom floor, and more…! Sometimes we hear people ask this question, so we have written this blog to satisfy your curiosity.

How much does a float cost?

We are committed to simple, clear and fair pricing.

Choose from a single float, float on with a pack of three, or make regular floating part of your life with a monthly membership and get the best deal, plus access to exclusive member-only perks.

We want to share the cumulative benefits of floating with as many people as we can, so these options are priced so that the more often you float, the more you save. Read full details of the options and prices.

What are Float in the Forest's terms & conditions?

You can read Float in the Forest’s terms & conditions here.

What can I expect when I come to float?

We will show you around the centre and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to ask questions.

You will be shown to your own private room with your own personal shower and float pod. You will shower before your float, including washing your hair. Float and emerge transformed, having another shower afterwards to wash off the salt water.

Then you can enjoy your relaxation in the post-float lounge where there will be teas, books, artwork and comfy chairs. Take your time and relax! Find out more about preparing for your float and after your float here.

Do I have to tie my hair up?

It’s completely up to you. If you do tie it up, we recommend you do it loosely, as if it is too tight that could be a distraction during your float.

What if I suffer with motion sickness?

If you suffer from severe motion sickness in other circumstances (eg in a boat, car etc), there is a chance you could suffer from it in the pod. If you usually use medication to control your motion sickness in these circumstances, you may wish to consider doing so in the case of floating.

How often do you float?

People frequently ask us how often we float. We at Float in the Forest float regularly ourselves, for our own health and wellbeing, and also to help you get more out of your floats. Find out more in this short video….

Will my skin go all pruney and wrinkly?

This is quite a common question, as we all know this happens if you stay a while in a bath or swimming pool.

However it doesn’t happen in the float pod, in fact your skin will feel great after your float, as Will explains here:

I can't swim - what if I sink?

No need to worry. It is physically impossible to sink in the float environment. The density of the human body is about the same as water. The Epsom salt solution is 30% more dense than water – that’s even more dense than the Dead Sea. This means that you will float effortlessly on the surface of the solution, buoyed naturally by the difference in density. The water is only 10 inches deep, and you will float like a cork with your face above the water.

Follow this link for more about why you don’t need to be able to swim.