Frequently Asked Questions
Samana Float Center
Resetting Nervous Systems Since 2015
What is a float tank?
A float tank (also called a sensory deprivation tank) is a quiet, private environment designed to help the body and mind deeply relax. Inside the tank is about 10 inches of warm water saturated with over 1,000 pounds of Epsom salt, creating a solution so dense that your body floats effortlessly on the surface.
The water and air are heated to skin temperature and outside stimulation such as light, sound, and gravity are minimized. This allows your nervous system to shift out of stress mode and into deep relaxation.
How does floating reset the nervous system?
Modern life keeps most people in fight-or-flight mode due to constant stimulation from noise, screens, and stress.
Floating removes many of those inputs — light, sound, gravity, and pressure on the body — creating a reduced-stimulus environment known as Floatation-REST (Reduced Environmental Stimulation Therapy).
This environment helps the body enter a deeply restorative state where the nervous system can calm down and rebalance.
Many people describe floating as the closest thing to pressing the reset button on the body and mind.
How much salt is in the float tanks?
Each Samana float tank contains over 1,100 pounds of pharmaceutical-grade Epsom salt dissolved into the water.
This extremely dense solution creates strong buoyancy so your body naturally floats on the surface and gravity is removed from your muscles and joints.
This weightless environment allows muscles, joints, and the spine to fully relax.
Can I drown or sink in a float tank?
No.
The high concentration of Epsom salt makes the water extremely buoyant, so your body naturally floats with your face above the surface.
Even if you fall asleep, the saltwater will keep you floating comfortably.
What if I’m claustrophobic?
This is one of the most common concerns for first-time floaters.
Interestingly, claustrophobia often occurs when we can see, smell, or physically feel the boundaries of a space around us.
Floating removes most of those sensory cues. The water and air are heated to skin temperature, the environment is quiet, and the lighting can be turned off. Without those signals, many people lose the sense of where their body ends and the water begins.
Instead of feeling confined, most people describe floating as spacious and peaceful.
You are also always in control of the experience:
• You can leave the door open
• You can turn the lights on
• You can exit the tank at any time
Most people who worry about claustrophobia end up saying the opposite — they didn’t want to get out when the float ended.
How clean are the float tanks?
Cleanliness is extremely important at Samana.
Each float tank uses a state-of-the-art sanitation system including:
• 1-micron filtration system removing extremely small particles
• 15-minute cleaning cycle circulating the water three times between guests
• Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) automatically dosed after each float
• UV light and ozone purification systems
• Over 1,100 pounds of Epsom salt, which naturally inhibits microbial growth
Most float centers use multiple sanitation layers such as filtration, UV, ozone, and oxidizers to maintain water quality.
These combined systems create one of the cleanest environments in wellness.
What does floating feel like?
Most people describe floating as deeply relaxing and surprisingly peaceful.
When you first enter the tank:
• Your body floats effortlessly
• Your muscles begin to release
• Your breathing slows
• Your mind becomes quieter
Some people experience meditation-like relaxation.
Others have creative thoughts or mental clarity.
Most people leave feeling calm, clear, and refreshed.
Can I fall asleep in the tank?
Yes — and it’s safe.
Many people become so relaxed that they briefly fall asleep during their float. The buoyancy of the saltwater keeps your body floating comfortably on the surface.
Can I float while on my period?
Yes.
Floating during your menstrual cycle is treated the same as swimming or using a hot tub. We simply ask that you use proper hygiene, such as a tampon or menstrual cup, before entering the float tank.
Some people actually find floating especially helpful during their cycle because the weightless environment can relieve pressure in the lower back and abdomen.
Should I smoke weed or take mushrooms before floating?
No.
For safety reasons we ask guests not to float while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, including cannabis or psychedelics.
Floating already creates a deeply relaxing and introspective state on its own, and the best experience occurs when you arrive clear-headed and hydrated.
Can I float if I recently dyed my hair?
To protect both your hair and our tanks, we ask guests to wait at least two weeks after dyeing their hair before floating.
The high salt concentration in the water can pull dye out of freshly colored hair, especially bright or fashion colors. This dye can bleed into the water and stain the tanks.
Bright colors
Colors such as red, pink, blue, green, or purple often bleed longer than natural shades and may require more than two weeks before floating.
Natural colors
Natural hair colors such as brown or black are usually safe after about two weeks, once the dye has fully set and shower water runs clear.
Blonde or bleached hair
Bleached or highlighted hair is usually safe to float after a day or two.
A good rule of thumb:
If color still shows up in the shower or on a towel when drying your hair, it is too soon to float.
Will my hair or skin be damaged by the salt?
No. Epsom salt is generally gentle on skin and hair.
You will simply shower before and after your float to rinse off the salt.
Will water get in my ears?
Your ears may touch the water while floating, but this is not harmful. Earplugs are provided if you prefer to keep saltwater out of your ears.
What if salt gets in my eyes?
Saltwater may sting if it gets in your eyes.
Every float room includes a fresh water spray bottle so you can rinse your eyes immediately if needed.
What if I have cuts or recently shaved?
Saltwater may briefly sting small cuts or freshly shaved skin.
For the most comfortable experience we recommend:
• Avoid shaving the day of your float
• Cover small cuts with petroleum jelly (provided)
Do I need to know how to swim?
No swimming ability is required.
The dense salt solution naturally keeps your body floating on the surface.
How long is a float session?
Most floats last 60–90 minutes, which gives the body and nervous system enough time to fully relax.
How often should I float?
Floating works best as a regular wellness practice.
Many people float:
• once per month for general wellness
• once per week for stress management
• more frequently for athletic recovery
Who benefits most from floating?
Floating can be especially helpful for:
• people experiencing stress or burnout
• athletes recovering from training
• first responders and healthcare workers
• people with sleep challenges
• anyone wanting to deeply relax and reset their nervous system
Why did Heather and Paul start Samana?
Samana Float Center was founded by Heather and Paul Clift in 2015 after a close friend was diagnosed with stage-4 pancreatic cancer.
Feeling helpless, they began searching for ways to help people feel better physically and emotionally. After experiencing floating in Boulder, they realized how powerful the experience was for the body and nervous system.
They sold their home in Breckenridge and used everything they had to start Samana with one mission:
Help people reset their nervous systems and feel better.
Ready to Get Started?
Embark on a wellness journey like no other at Samana Float Center in Denver and Fort Collins. Book your session today and let us guide you toward a path of relaxation, rejuvenation, and holistic well-being.