Simple Float: My experiences in a sensory deprivation tank

At Simple Float, you do what the name suggests – float.

And for the sixty minutes you spend floating, life takes on a different meaning.

Table of Contents

What is Simple Float

A relatively new entrant to the Dubai market, Simple Float, (Village Mall, Jumeirah) keeps things simple. All you need to do is get into a tank (single pods and couple pods available) filled with epsom salt and float your stress away. It is NOT an alternative medicine, but is rather a recreational activity with some great benefits – like muscle relaxation, softer skin, de-stressing and experience calm. It is also scientifically proven to help with insomnia and healing. Float tanks also called Sensory Deprivation Tanks have been around since 1957.

Floating helps to lower stress and even depression by reducing the amount of sensory input the brain and nervous system receive. (Remember how you are floating in the dark, half in and half out of water, cutting out all sounds with the earplugs.)

Depending on the size of the tank/pods, float tanks use around 1000 liters of water and 450kg of magnesium and sulphate-rich Epsom salts which increases the specific gravity. This changes the density and adds buoyancy to the water and allows a flotation tank user to float.

Simple Float — The individual float pod/tank. Enjoy 60 minutes of pure bliss.

My experience

Since it was my first time to try float therapy or sensory deprivation therapy, it was rather surreal. I floated weightlessly in extremely salty warm water, in the darkness. The ear plugs kept away all sounds. All I could hear was the sound of my breathing. For the first few minutes I did feel as though I couldn’t last the hour wanting more than anything to hear the “very loud music” to announce the end of the session – but somewhere between battling claustrophobia and boredom, I weightlessly floated away into peace, bobbing around from one end of the ‘tank’ to the other without simulation.

Floating is supposed to encourage relaxation and help to heal the aches and pains. I am not sure if I had any pains to begin with, but I certainly felt weightless for a long time after – and very hungry. Before I forget, the magnesium did leave my skin feeling strangely supple and soft.

Here is what happy customers have to say

Commonly Asked Questions

What if I drown: It is almost impossible to drown in 27cm of salty water. In a worst case scenario – you can flip over and get some salt in your eyes.

Will the salt dry my skin: On the other hand, the magnesium will make your skin supple and soft.

I am claustrophobic. Can I still do this: Yes. You can. The door can be opened anytime. alternatively you can even float with the light on.

Can pregnant women do this too? Yes. The benefits of floating for pregnant women include pain reduction, stress relief and improved blood circulation.

Is it expensive: Each session lasting 60 minutes is priced at AED 290. However there are seasonal offers and promotions, which can get you a much cheaper deal.