Bubble Tubes are a fantastic sensory resource. They provide calming, relaxing, visual feedback via movement, and colour.

Bubble Tubes are available in a range of sizes and come with different features. They are a cost-effective piece of equipment and are suitable for home and school use.

We’ve collated your top questions on bubble tubes to show where and how they can be used and how to maintain them.

#1 What is a Bubble Tube?120cm Bubble Tube

A bubble tube is a piece of sensory equipment used to provide calming, visual feedback via movement and colour.

Available in different sizes and with different features, a bubble tube will illuminate lights through a stream of bubbles.

They can also include artificial fish or balls that move along with the bubbles.

This provides additional visual stimulation.

#2 Benefits of a Bubble Tube

There are many benefits to using bubble tubes. They can be used to calm and relax but also to grab attention and focus.

The colour changing lights help with colour recognition and the soft vibrating sound can be soothing. This may provide additional sensory feedback.

Bubble tubes that come with artificial fish or balls are good for teaching counting.

They can also help to alleviate stress or anxiety so can often be found in sensory rooms to calm down over stimulated children or adults.

#3 What are bubble tubes made from?

The Sensory Direct bubble tubes are made from acrylic, not glass, providing a safer option if accidentally knocked.

#4 Can bubble tubes be used outside?

Sensory Direct bubble tubes are not suitable for outside use and must always be used under suitable adult supervision.

We would suggest trying them in a sensory den in a classroom or bedroom to get the maximum effects.

#5 Do bubble tubes make a noise?

Yes. When the bubbles and motor are operating, they do emit a soft vibrating noise which can be of additional benefit to some.

We would recommend bearing this in mind if the user is very sensitive to new noises.

#6 What water do I need to use with my bubble tube?

Distilled water should be used inside a bubble tube. This helps to keep the water cleaner for longer and helps with the longevity of the bubble tube.

Tap water can be used, but this does make the tube dirtier quicker and will require more frequent cleaning to prevent bacteria from building up.

#7 Are Bubble Tubes portable or fixed?

Our bubble tubes are portable and do not come with a bracket or fixings to secure it to a wall.

This gives you the flexibility to move from room to room, or to try inside a sensory den.

To prevent accidental knocks we would recommend adult supervision when using a bubble tube.

#8 Can I use my Bubble Tube in a sensory den?

Absolutely! Bubble tubes are a brilliant addition to a sensory den and can transform the smallest of spaces into an immersive sensory experience.

Make sure that the sensory den has a hole for the bubble tube cable to go in – like our Large Pop up Sensory Black Out Dens.

You should use it on a suitable flat surface to prevent it from being knocked over.

Bubble Tube Fish#9 How do I make the fish in my bubble tube move and float around?

When first opening the fish we recommend that you wash them a couple of times in hot soapy water.

This will remove any residue from manufacturing.

Once cooled, add them to your bubble tube and when the tube is switched on they should move as expected.

 

For more information on the full range of Bubble Tubes available from Sensory Direct please click here.

Bubble Tubes are a display light and are not a toy.   Children should be supervised at all time when bubble tubes are in use.