Float Therapy FAQs
1. Is there a risk of drowning?
Our tank contains only 11 inches of highly salinated water, so patrons are not required to know how to swim to use float therapy. The solution supports you, and many patrons have fallen asleep while in the Float Pod. Though highly unlikely, if you were to flip onto your belly while asleep, the extremely high salt concentration would cause immediate discomfort to your eyes, nose, and mouth, waking you. We also have a system in place to call a medical assistant for help should you need it.
2. How is the float tank cleaned?
Float tanks are very different from a standard hot tub or pool and, according to the North American Float Tank Standard, in the forty years that they have been commercially available, there have been no reported cases of illness, infection, or outbreak.
Each tank is filled with approximately 200-300 gallons of saltwater solution. 1100 to 1600 lbs. of dissolved, pharmaceutical grade Epsom salt make up this solution. The concentration of salt alone is an excellent sanitizer, but we also use a powerful dose of ultraviolet light, ozone, and a daily treatment of hydrogen peroxide solution. Filtering is accomplished through a filter bag which traps debris as small as 1 micron. The system operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, performing a full filtration with ozone after each float session.
3. What happens if I fall asleep?
Falling asleep during a float session is common. People remain floating on their back when they fall asleep in tanks, and rolling over can be quite difficult. Drowning in a float tank is nearly impossible for a healthy adult. Float tanks only have about 11 inches of water, so rolling over without contacting the tank floor is nearly impossible. Even if you did manage to roll over in the shallow tank water, the salt in the water would be felt in your eyes, nose, and mouth, causing you to quickly wake up.
4. What happens if I get salt water in my eyes?
Patrons are instructed to float face up, which allows for eyes, nose and mouth to not come in direct contact with the salt solution. If the solution does reach your eyes, we recommend dabbing it away with a towel. We recommend bringing one of the provided washcloths into the tank with you, which can be hung on the handrail, in case you need to wipe your face.
5. Can I float while pregnant?
We recommend patrons speak with their medical provider about floating while pregnant as each pregnancy is unique. Generally, using float therapy while pregnant is safe.
6. Is the water warm?
The temperature of the float tank is set to mimic skin temperature, roughly 94 degrees Fahrenheit.
7. Can I listen to music?
It is recommended float sessions have no music or lighting in order to maximize results. However, patrons may request music be played during their session.
8. Is the tank dark inside?
It is recommended float sessions have no music or lighting in order to maximize results. However, patrons may have lights on in the tank during their session.
Red Light Therapy FAQs
1. What does PBM / Red Light Therapy look like?
Here at the Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, we use the state-of-the-art NovoTHOR Whole Body Light Pod, which consists of a hinged, clamshell design light pod with LEDs arranged to emit infrared and visible red light. This allows photobiomodulation (PBM) light therapy to be delivered to the entire body at once.
2. Are there any safety concerns or side effects?
Although there is no proven evidence of harm, NovoTHOR is best avoided by pregnant women because its effects on a growing fetus in the womb are still unknown.
There are no reported harmful side effects of NovoTHOR treatment. However, some patients may experience mild side effects like tiredness, nausea, or dizziness. This usually lasts a few hours or a day or two and goes away without the need for medication.
3. How often should I use PBM / red light therapy?
We recommend that treatments be applied two or more times per week.
4. Can I use PBM / red light therapy if I have pins, metal plates, plastics, and/or a pacemaker?
NovoTHOR may be safely used over metal implants, plastics and stitches, and on patients fitted with a pacemaker, but we always recommend clearance from a medical provider prior to starting treatment.
5. Will it affect my tattoos?
While there is a lack of extensive research specifically on the interaction between Red Light Therapy and tattoos, the fundamental principles of how red light affects tissues suggest that it is unlikely to cause significant fading. Red light is more focused on promoting healing and reducing inflammation rather than breaking down pigments.
6. Is it safe for my eyes?
The wavelength of Red Light Therapy has been shown to be healthy for your eyes. The lights are very bright, so glasses are provided for comfort.
7. Do I wear clothes?
Please disrobe to your comfort level. The more the light can touch your skin, the more effective the treatment.
8. Will the bed be hot?
The lights used are not hot, but many experience increased circulation and feel warm during treatment. Fans in the bed automatically run during the session, and their speed can be increased or decreased to meet your comfort level.
9. Do I need to wear sunscreen?
No, sunscreen is not needed for Red Light Therapy.
10. Can I listen to music?
While we do not have a sound system in the room, guests are invited to play music, podcasts, etc., from their phone during the session.