Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What should I bring?

Your desire to relax and explore is a good start.  Other than that, we provide everything you need (towels, earplugs, body wash, shampoo and conditioner).   Each room is fully private, and you go into the tanks nude, so there’s no need to bring a bathing suit.  You’ll be taking a good shower before and after.   It’s Western New York so you may want to bring some moisturizer.  We have a hair drying station and complimentary tea and water bar.

Can people float together?

Yes, but not ‘together’.  Many of our customers book floats at the same time so they all leave feeling the same incredibly relaxed and blissful way.  Floating in the same room though is neither possible nor ‘sensory deprivation’.  The good news is that Ascend has 4 great float tanks, the most in WNY!

I’m worried about feeling claustrophobic

Floating feels like being weightless in outer space so the experience is quite opposite than feeling closed in.  At Ascend, we encourage you to do what’s right for you.  Some of our customers like to leave the door (to the pod or Wave room) open.  Some prefer lights (Chroma therapy) or music on.  Everything is up to you!  You can even play any music that’s on your phone – just turn your radios off or you could ruin your experience (IE you don’t want to get a phone call while you’re traveling).  Most of us like the quiet, dark and spacious feeling most of all.

Can I float if I’m pregnant?

Pregnant women love floating!  There is even a special position you can float in that relieves all of the weight of the baby off of the mother’s body.  If you are in your third trimester, or have any concerns, please consult with your physician before coming in.

Is there anything I should do to prepare?

Don’t drink coffee for several hours beforehand (it can make your system jittery). Also, don’t shave or wax immediately beforehand since the salt water can irritate your skin. Eating a light meal about an hour to 90 minutes ahead of time stops your stomach from rumbling while you float. Other than that, there’s no specific preparation needed.

Can I float if I’m menstruating?

Yes.  Just follow the same protocol you would for a swimming pool.

Can I float if I just dyed my hair?

While there is no guarantee that the salt won’t strip some color from your hair, we recommend that you check if the water running through your hair in the shower at home is fully clear. If there is still some color coming out you should wait a couple of more days/showers.

I just got a tattoo, should I float?

Floating and fresh tattoos do not mix! Not only could floating with a fresh tattoo be painful, but the water solution could cause fading or discoloration of your tattoo and permanently ruin its aesthetic appeal. How long you should wait before floating depends on the tattoo and how quickly it heals, but tattoo artists/floaters we have talked to have suggested waiting 4-6 weeks.

What are the differences in your tanks?

Once you’re inside the tanks, the experience is practically identical in all of them.  The Wave Rooms are a little more ‘roomy’.  The pod is a little more ‘cozy’.

Do I have to stay in the whole time?

No, but you won’t believe how fast the time goes.  If it’s not for you, we’ll credit you for the time you don’t use or give it to a friend.

Do I get dehydrated from soaking for so long?

No, your skin doesn’t even prune up, but it does become silky soft afterwards.

Is the water clean?

Way clean.  Our water is filtered through two 1-10 micron filters, treated with UV light and Hydrogen Peroxide.

Can I drown if I fall asleep in there?

Nope.  Some people fall asleep, but the water is so buoyant that you stay afloat.  The worst that can happen is getting woken up by a bit of salt water in your eyes.