Questions and Answers
Find the answers here!
Still have questions? Great, we would love to talk to you.
Give us a call on 01424 602963 or drop us a line on info@soul-spa.co.uk.
The Basics….
You must be 16 or over.
If you are undergoing any medical treatment or have a health condition you may need to check with your health care provider before floating to ensure it is safe for you.
You must not have any fresh tattoos (4-6 weeks is an optimum time to wait before floating – with an absolute minimum of 2 weeks).
You should not float with a current ear infection.
Dyed hair must have been washed a few times with the water running clear before you float.
Find out more below!
I am pregnant or breastfeeding… | Great! Floating has given much needed physical relief to many pregnant women over the years and provides a gorgeous intimate space to connect with your growing baby. As always, we would ask that you check with your health care provider before you float in case there is any reason in your individual circumstances why you should not. Floating is totally okay when you are breastfeeding too. |
I have a skin condition… | If you are having a flare up of your skin condition, for example eczema of psoriasis it is probably not a good idea to float. For one thing it is really going to sting. However, floating can be beneficial for long term treatment of these conditions. It has cleared up Gemma’s eczema almost completely – no more flare ups! |
I am currently undergoing medical treatment… | Floating can provide much needed relaxation during medical treatment. However, it could have an adverse effect depending on the treatment you are having. As such, please always check with your health care provider if it is safe for you to float. We are pretty awesome at talking about all things float related, but we are not doctors and cannot provide any medical advice. |
I have an ongoing health condition… | Your safety is really important to us. You know yourself and your health better than anyone, we ask everyone to consider whether floating would be good for them using common sense and advise that you seek advice from a medical professional before floating. We would be happy for you to pop in and talk it through with us, but ultimately we are not doctors and cannot give any medical advice. You will need to seek medical advice if you have any conditions related to your inner ear, low blood pressure, slipped disks or your heart. Due to health and safety, you are advised not to float if you have Epilepsy, Schizophrenia or a current ear infection. |
I have a physical disability… | You are welcome to float with us if you can do so safely. Things to consider are – access to the pods is down a flight of stairs and there is a lip to step over to get in and out of the pods. We are unable to provide any physical assistance, but we are happy for you to bring someone with you to support with this if needed. They are welcome to stay in the floatation room with you for the duration of the float or wait upstairs, at no extra charge of course. |
The Basics….
You must be 16 or over.
If you are undergoing any medical treatment or have a health condition you must check with your health care provider before using the infrared sauna to ensure it is safe for you.
Heat in the sauna increases cardiac output and blood flow, and causes major changes in heart rate.
You must not use the sauna if you have a recent joint injury (within 48 hours) or current swelling from an injury, a fever or any insensitivity to heat.
Infrared saunas are not deemed safe for people with these conditions
I am pregnant or breastfeeding… | Saunas are not safe to use while pregnant as it raises your core body temperature. It is possible to use the sauna while breastfeeding but you will need to be extra careful to stay hydrated. The heat may also have an effect on lactation, please check with a health care professional to make sure it is right for you and use it on lower temperatures for shorter times. |
I have a skin condition… | If you are having a flare up of your skin condition, for example eczema of psoriasis, it may be uncomfortable to sweat that much. Please consider whether it’s the right time for you and check with a medical professional if you’re unsure.
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I am currently undergoing medical treatment… | We are pretty awesome at talking about all things sauna related, but we are not doctors and cannot provide any medical advice. It’s really important that you check with your health care provider if you are undergoing any kind of treatment or taking prescription medication. |
I have an ongoing health condition… | Your safety is really important to us. You know yourself and your health better than anyone, we ask everyone to consider whether infrared saunas would be good for them using common sense and advise that you seek advice from a medical professional before use. We would be happy for you to pop in and talk it through with us, but ultimately we are not doctors and cannot give any medical advice. You will need to seek medical advice if you have any conditions related to the following – pregnancy, cardiovascular issues, obesity or diabetes, high or low blood pressure, any chronic health condition, haemophilia, proneness to bleeding, any metal or other implants, pacemakers or defibrillators (there are magnets used for the assembly of the sauna) Due to health and safety, you are advised to have a lower temperature and not to use the sauna for more than 15 mins if elderly as the ability to maintain core body temperature decreases with age. |
I have a physical disability… | You are welcome to sauna with us if you can do so safely. Things to consider are – access to the sauna is down a long narrow corridor and there is a lip to step over to get in and out of the sauna cabin. We are unable to provide any physical assistance, but we are happy for you to bring someone with you to support with this if needed. They are welcome to stay in the sauna room with you for the duration of the session or wait upstairs, at no extra charge of course. |
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I am on my period? |
No worries! To float, just use whatever sanitary products you would when swimming. If you’re using the sauna, please be aware that blood flow can be increased from sauna use when menstruating. |
I’m claustrophobic? |
It is okay, we understand. It can be a scary prospect to lie in an enclosed space. We are happy to work with you on making sure you feel safe and relaxed, whatever that may look like (and have successfully done this with many people). The sauna is big enough for two, light and airy. The floatation pod is bigger than you think and in a spacious room. You feel more like you’re floating in space than in an enclosed space. We encourage anyone who is concerned to come in and have a look. People in the past have started with the lid open and worked their way to closed in their own time. |
I fall asleep in the floatation tank? |
Great news! If you are so relaxed you nod off for a bit (or an hour) that is completely fine, you will be held by the water entirely and still getting many of the benefits of floating in the Epsom Salt solution. |
I am not sure when to get out? |
In the sauna room there is a clock for you to keep an eye on the time, and the sauna will switch off automatically at the end of your session. In the floatation tank you will get 5 minutes of music at the end to gently awaken you. If you have turned the light off, this will come back on at the end, at which point you have 2 minutes to get out before the filtration starts. If you sleep through all of this, the filter starting will definitely give you a rude awakening! |
I go wrinkly like a prune in the float tank? |
Bizarrely, this doesn’t happen! The salt provides a protective barrier on the skin to stop it from becoming dehydrated. |
How does the lid work – do I have to have it shut? |
The Pods are expertly designed by the awesome guys at i-sopod. The lid is on hydraulics so it is light and easy to open or close from inside and outside the pod. You decide if and when you want the lid shut. It’s definitely better with it closed – warmer, cosier, darker, and we are pretty sure you’ll get there. There is no pressure though, start with it open, and work your way to having it closed in your own time, it’s your float, you do what you like!! |
What do I do if I need something while I’m in there? |
There is a button you can press that will call up to reception. We will know to come and talk to you through the door to see what you need. |
How big is it – will I definitely fit in there I’m 7ft tall …. |
You will, we promise. It’s the size of a small car/double bed/the spaceship in my imagination…you can stretch out, star fish, sit up, wiggle around… it’s honestly bigger than you think. |
Is it clean and sanitary? |
The cleaning process in these machines is totally amazing. After every single float the entirety of the water goes through not just one, but 3.75 cycles of a state of the art filtration system. That includes a 1-micron filter (100 times smaller than a human hair), UV sterilisation and automatic doses of disinfectant. It’s super-duper clean. In addition, everyone showers before they get in to get rid of any products, oils or sweat etc on the skin. |
What am I floating in? |
A beautiful silky solution of Epsom Salt water. There is over 100 pounds of Epsom Salt dissolved in 1000 litres of water in each pod. |
How do I float in there – can I sink? |
There is so much Epsom Salt in there it is guaranteed you will float, no matter your size, height, shape, weight, or swimming ability. It’s like the Dead Sea – times a lot! |
How long does it last – can I get out early? |
A standard float is 1 hour in the Pod. When you are hooked, we can talk about longer options (Gemma often floats for up to 3 hours). If you want to get out early, that is totally okay. It’s your float and you do what is good for you, however the lowest duration you can book is 1 hour. |
What do I do in there? |
Absolutely nothing. All you must do is lie back and relax, there is nothing to physically do and definitely no Wi-Fi! You may, however, want to do a visualisation or meditation of some description depending on your intentions for floating. For example, sports people often use floating to improve performance by visualising themselves. |
Is it dark? |
That’s up to you. You are in control of the light using a button inside the Pod. You can have the blue light on, the multi coloured changing light on, or off. For a true experience of R.E.S.T – lights off is a must. |
Can my favourite human and I go in together? |
Nope – this is your show! You can both float at the same time in separate rooms (we have two). |
I am hungry… |
It’s best not to be hungry, and definitely not hangry. You also don’t want to be super full up. A light meal or some snacks an hour or two before you float is ideal. |