FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • Are there age restrictions on floating?

    Children 15yrs and under require a signed consent from a parent or guardian. 


    There are a couple of options for 'minor float sessions'... Generally children 6yrs to 11yrs float in their swimsuits with their parent or guardian sitting in the room. Children 12yrs and up can float with their parent or guardian in the reception area, ready to assist if needed. Have a chat with our staff prior to booking, younger children may prefer 30mins in the pod instead of the usual 55mins.

  • Do I need to bring a swimsuit?

    You have your own private room with lockable door. Swimsuits can detract from the experience, and are only required if you have restricted mobility and could require assistance.

  • What if I'm Claustrophobic?

    Being in a float pod is more like floating in outer space than being enclosed in anything. Our Isopods are some of the biggest available at 2.6m long, 1.7m wide and 1.5m high so the feeling of being enclosed is very rare! You’re always in control of your environment, and even people with extreme claustrophobia have reported having no problems during their time in the pod. You can always leave the door open for as long as you like – again, you’re in control.

  • How do you clean the float pods?

    We take our float pod hygiene extremely seriously. The water is fully filtered 3 and a half times between each float, passing through an intense 1 micron filter filtration system for particulate matter. The float pod then administers a set dose of H2O2 before the purified water then passes through a UV filter which targets the DNA and RNA of bacteria, viruses, algae and other biological matter. Furthermore, the Epsom salt solution is naturally sanitary; the combination of the high concentrations of Epsom salt and a small amount of disinfectant make it cleaner than a pool and nearly impossible for microorganisms to survive.

  • What is the difference between the pod rooms? Alpine Pod, Beach Pod, Star Pod and Waterfall Pod.

    There is actually no physical difference between each of the pods. They each have the same music options, lighting, temperature and all other features are the exact same. The only difference is the room atmosphere, artwork and quotes. The funny thing is that most people find a favourite pod room once they’ve been in a few times…. I wonder what yours will be!

  • I’m pretty skeptical about new things and so I’m wondering if flotation is a legitimate therapy?

    The short answer is ‘yes’ but don’t take our word for it - check it out for yourself! Flotation therapy has been around for over 40 years and has tonnes of published scientific research to back it up. It is being recommended as a tool by various members of the health profession including some doctors, psychologists, counsellors, physiotherapists, trainers, teachers and many more. As well as the science behind it, its meteoric rise in popularity in recent times is a testament to its positive results!


    http://www.sydneyfloatcentre.com.au/medical/floatation-r-e-s-t-in-applied-psychophysiology/


    http://www.sydneyfloatcentre.com.au/medical/floatation-r-e-s-t-therapy-results-in-pain-relief-and-relaxation-for-fibromyalgia-patients/


    http://www.sydneyfloatcentre.com.au/medical/entry-2-2/


  • Can I float if I’m pregnant?

    It is wonderful to float while pregnant, but at Cloud 9 we would prefer you to get the approval of your midwife or doctor first because there may be circumstances around your pregnancy that we or you might never consider. We don't allow women to float in the first trimester, or past 37 weeks. The number one thing people who float during pregnancy express, is that they experienced a ‘womb within womb’ feeling while in the float pod. Apparently this is quite a special experience as they feel they have a stronger connection with their baby when exposed to this environment - a mirror-like effect. Although floating on your back is perfectly comfortable and popular, pillows are also available which allow for a few different positions to add to the level of comfort. Flotation therapy eliminates the negative effects of gravity which can cause pain, inflammation and stress on the organs, joints and muscles.

  • Can I float if its ‘that-time-of-the-month’?

    No sorry! We recommend booking in at day 1 to give yourself something to look forward to at the end of the week!

  • Can I float if I have difficulty with mobility?

    We have a number of people float with us that have mobility issues however if you struggle to get in and out of a bath then you will need to bring a support person with you. The support person is able to wait with you in the room or in reception and assist you when you need it.

  • Do I need to bring anything?

    If you have longer hair, you may want to bring a comb. Also, something to put your contact lenses into while you’re in the float pod. Other than that, we provide everything you need (towels, earplugs, body wash/shampoo, tea, water, etc) so just show up ready to relax!

  • What kind of float pod do you use?

    We use Isopod’s imported in from London. Isopod are arguably the best float pods on the market providing the most luxurious and spacious flotation therapy experiences available. Fully equipped with coloured lighting, underwater speakers and an incredibly effective and efficient cleaning system you can’t go wrong!

  • Can more than one person float in a float pod at a time?

    Only one person per float pod but we have four float pods available. We have two pods available for floats every hour. Coming for your first float with a friend is a great way to start as we’re guessing you’ll want to talk about it for a while after! Double-wide pods do exist, but we feel that they take away from the whole ‘sensory deprivation’ experience.

  • Do I have to stay in the whole time?

    There aren’t any latches on the float pod doors so you can get out anytime. That being said, the 55-minutes usually goes by waaaay faster than you’d expect! 

  • What’s the longest someone has been in the float pod?

    There is a floatation therapy centre in Portland Oregon USA called Float On that had an endurance athlete rent a room for a 24 hour period and apparently floated for most of that time! As far as we are aware that is the longest but you’re welcome to try and beat it…!

  • Who invented these crazy devices?

    Dr. John C. Lily, an American physician, neuroscientist, psychoanalyst, philosopher, writer and inventor.

  • How long have float pods 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.

  • Will I become a dehydrated prune?

    Nope - your skin doesn’t even prune up at all! The magnesium sulfate actually makes your skin very silky and soft. You will absorb some of the Epsom salt, so it’s advised that you do drink plenty of water after your float.

  • Is there a place to keep my stuff secure while I float?

    Each flotation therapy room is completely private so you’re ok to leave your stuff on the bench chair beside the pod while you float.

  • Can I float for longer than an hour?

    Of course! There are several ways to go about this, talk to a staff member who will happily help you out.

    Memberships are available and can be used to book longer sessions at a more affordable price.

  • Is this like altered states?

    Yes, but you’re not fully submerged in water, you don’t eat ritualistic mushrooms, and only a small percentage of floaters turn into proto-human monkeys. Jokes aside, we do hope however that you experience something worth taking away with you to make your life better - we sure do!

  • What if I fall asleep in the float tank?

    The water in the float pod is incredibly buoyant (there’s approximately 500kg kgs of Epsom Salt in each pod) and very relaxing so it’s entirely possible that you could fall asleep. Indeed, some people love to sleep while floating and you should feel free to do the same! It’s extremely unlikely that you’ll roll in your sleep as this is difficult to do while awake. The worst that can happen is getting woken up by a bit of salt water in your eyes or mouth.

  • Is there a right way to do it?

    Nope. Each person should find whatever position is comfortable for them. You may float with the door open or closed, music on throughout, light on or off (although we recommend lights and music off) and in any position you like. Explore what’s best for you and check out our tips here!

  • You can not float if you...

    • Have had an epileptic seizure in the last two years
    • Have any serious heart disease
    • Have any infectious disease
    • Have diarrhoea
    • Have recently dyed your hair or the hair colour would stain a white towel. Please note there are some bright hair colours and dark colours that are more likely to stain the pods. Please ask staff when booking.
    • Are in the first 6mths of breast feeding
    • Are under the influence of drugs or alcohol
    • Have spray tanned or used tanning products in the last 5 days (or until all tanning products have been exfoliated off the skin)
    • Have had intravenous chemotherapy in the last 30 days, or oral chemotherapy in the last 14 days
    • Have Kidney Disease
    • Currently experiencing psychosis 
    • Are incontinent
    • Have open wounds
    • Have a shoulder or neck imbalance
    • Please note dreaded hair needs extra time to wash before and after, let us know so that we can get you in a little earlier.
    • Please let us know if you have had a concussion so that we can make adjustments.
    • Please let us know if you have had vertigo in the last 6mths.



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