Let me start by saying that: 1) I am the last person in the world to try something like this; and, 2) I am the first person to have a panic attack in an environment like this. Having say that: 1) I am SO glad I tried it; and, 2) Not only did I not panic, but I had one of the most pleasant, relaxing, wonderful spa experiences of my life.
First, let's get some logistics out of the way: Check for Groupons and call to schedule; or, find your closest location and book online. If this is your first float, you'll need to arrive 30 minutes early for an orientation of sorts (e.g. paperwork, a tour of the facility, a video that covers float positions, etc.). If you choose to float in the buff, which I personally recommend, then you will not need to bring anything with you. You will be provided vasoline to protect cuts, wax earplugs, towels, flip-flops, q-tips, body wash, and shampoo, as well as a bathroom and a ready room for when you're done. It is important to note that a current menstrual cycle or recent spray tanning are cause for delaying your float.
You will be given your own, private room, which contains the shower area and pod. Once alone, you first shower with body wash and then plug your ears completely with wax. It is then time to get in the pod. The pod is only about 10" deep. With the hatch closed, there's 1-2 feet of space above you. I'm 5'10" - I estimate having a foot between you and the sides all around. The water is slightly warmer than body temperature; and, the air is comfortable, though it gets steamy as time passes. You have three buttons: one to communicate with staff; one to change the colors inside the pod; and, one to mute the music (if you choose to plug into the auxiliary with your own).
The float begins with 10-15 minutes of music. I chose to do a full surrender position (both arms above my head and legs splayed and natural) and use the additional head/neck floating cushion. Once you get comfortable and start some deep breathing, you'll stay pretty much in the center of the pod. You will exert zero energy and create no stress on your joints, as the Epsom salts keep you floating in a restful state. The float ends with another 5 minutes of music. Once you're done, you simply take a shower, towel off, and get dressed. After I was dressed and ready to join the outside world, I indulged in 15 minutes of lavender oxygen bar with a cup of herbal tea. This was a fantastic end to my spa session.
A few personal recommendations after my own experience: I recommend bringing a hand towel in with you that you can tuck in inner pod arm. This is helpful if you need to wipe your face, as there's nothing worse than salt in your eyes or feeling too sweaty. I also recommend trying each colored light. Ultimately, to my own surprise, I chose no lights at all. Try to wear loose clothing, as the room is humid enough afterwards that tight fitting clothes are pretty tough to struggle back into.
Finally, you really want to force yourself to do deep, deep breathing - even deeper than yogic breathing. It's the one thing that kept me from freaking out about the small space - and totally saved my peaceful state of mind throughout the float. You'll notice that as the room is warmer, and as you breath deeper and deeper, you may struggle to take full breaths as the oxygen declines. I simply opened my mouth and did deep mouth breathing rather than in through my nose. I'm really glad I didn't open the pod because I think it would have totally ruined the experience.
While I didn't actually fall asleep, I did have moments where I was close - and that was enough for this first time. I think, after some "practice," I would definitely leave feeling re-energized rather than a little sleepy. My body felt relieved of the stress and tension of simply being upright or stuck in an office chair all day or in a car - any of the things that add to the aches and pains of living and the general exhaustion of simple, daily life.
I highly recommend True REST Float Spa Perrysburg - both for the friendly, attentive, helpful staff and for my unique, awesome experience. I hope to see one of these spas open in Pittsburgh. I am already a big fan - and could only imagine the myriad benefits of regular floats. read more