Bubble tubes are popular pieces of sensory equipment that combine compressed air with color-changing LED lights to provide auditory and visual sensory inputs for individuals with sensory processing disorders . The popularity of bubble tubes in sensory room design is owed to the versatility of their application, which can hold their users’ attention, foster calming environments and even promote speech and language development, depending on how they are integrated into the space.
Ranging in height from 40 to 80 inches, bubble tubes typically serve as the centerpiece for sensory room designs, setting the tone for the surrounding space while acting as an anchor to ground overloaded users. The prominence of these products is especially advantageous in multisensory environments designed to accommodate disparate sensory needs, as their colors and the frequency of their transitions can be customized to ensure the bubble tube benefits each user.
Compressed air is pumped through a diffuser at the base of an acrylic tube, creating a constant stream of bubbles. As the bubbles rise to the top of the tube, they refract the light produced by the LED at its base, resulting in a hypnotic shimmer effect that draws the attention of users and promotes calm within the sensory space. In addition to serving as a visual aid for users with autism and other additional needs, the air compression produces faint vibrations, encouraging tactile as well as visual engagement.
While standard bubble tubes for sensory rooms gradually transition through their spectrum of available colors, pairing an interactive bubble tube with one of our many accessible iRiS Wireless controllers allows users to change colors at their own discretion. This provides a satisfying sense of autonomy to users with limited mobility or physical disabilities , while supporting their understanding of cause and effect .
While we have touched on some of the benefits that bubble tubes can bring to sensory rooms, the extent of the support that these products can give to users, their teachers and caregivers cannot be understated. From providing the platform for social interaction to creating opportunities for different types of sensory development, there are countless benefits of bubble tubes, including:
Whether your sensory room needs to nurture the development of multiple students at your school or support the rehabilitation of residents at your healthcare facility , bubble tubes give you the flexibility to facilitate the sensory and developmental needs of any user.
The visual, auditory and tactile effects of bubble tubes contribute to the calming atmosphere in your sensory room, creating an accessible environment for users to engage in learning activities or relax after an overwhelming experience.
Depending on the size of your bubble tube, multiple users can surround and simultaneously engage with the product. The proximity and shared experience this provides with adjacent users naturally opens the floor for social interaction, allowing children and adults alike to develop their communication skills.
The variety of control options and compatible bubble tube accessories gives you the freedom to explore different types of learning activities, from straightforward color recognition to narrative-driven exercises.
In isolation, bubble tubes are effective at holding users' attention and inviting some tactile exploration. To unlock their true potential, however, it is necessary to combine them with other pieces of sensory equipment.
Mounting your bubble tube on one of our curved or square platforms provides the perfect place for one or multiple users to engage with it, aiding the attention span of users with ADHD while encouraging interaction with fellow users. Pairing this configuration with wall-mounted bubble tube mirrors creates a cocooning effect, allowing users to become completely absorbed in the infinitely reflecting lights.
With some coordination, your bubble tube could be synchronized with other sensory lighting in your space and controlled via an IRiS Talker , such that you can create an immersive multisensory experience that places your users in complete control of their environment.
The possibilities truly are endless, and at Experia, our room design specialists are constantly working alongside occupational therapists to develop innovative solutions to the sensory needs of our diverse clientele. For more information about our approach to sensory room design, or to discuss the potential benefits of bubble tubes for your child, students or residents, please get in touch with us today via our online quote form, or give us a call on 1-800-882-4045.
