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Whether it’s the soothing hum of bubbling water, the gentle vibrations, or the dancing colours and light, a sensory bubble tube is a fantastic way to support sensory integration. Here we answer your top questions on bubble tubes and explore how they help individuals living with sensory processing difficulties.

Firstly, what is a bubble tube?

A bubble tube is a tough acrylic cylinder filled with water and powered by air. As air moves through the water, it forms bubbles that reflect coloured lights in a hypnotising visual display.

 

Boy holding a sensory bubble tube, watching the bubbles rise as part of an emotional regulation activity

 

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A BUBBLE TUBE?

Whether you’re looking to relax or engage the senses, the dynamic mix of colour, sound and movement make bubble tubes the perfect multisensory experience.

And it’s an experience anyone can enjoy, adults and children alike. In particular, it can help those navigating a Sensory Processing Disorder or neurodivergent condition such as Autism or ADHD to feel more engaged, focused, and in control. Let’s break it down further…

 

Bubble Tubes for Visual Stimulation

“Oh wow!” It’s a common phrase we hear when someone first sees a bubble tube. Not only does it grab the attention, but the colours and movement of the bubbles help:

 

Plus, it’s easy to add some playful fun with artificial fish or coloured balls, which can bob, weave, and float up and down.

 

Bubble Tubes for Tactile and Auditory Stimulation

With their gentle rhythmic vibration and sound, bubble tubes encourage touch and auditory awareness.

Users who are visually impaired or living with hearing loss can hold the sides of a bubble tube to feel the soft vibrations- a soothing experience that helps reduce anxiety and stress.

If a user is sensitive to new noises, we recommend being mindful of this when introducing them to a bubble tube. Noise-reduction headphones can be a good place to start, giving individuals the opportunity to interact with the bubble tube while controlling their auditory input. Likewise, it’s important to remember not all users will initiate or tolerate touch, so you may need to slowly introduce them to the vibrating sensation.  

 

Bubble tube operating in a sensory environment, with glowing bubbles and ambient light.

 

Bubble Tubes for Self-Regulation

Self-regulation is the ability to understand and manage emotions and behaviour in response to various situations. It’s what helps us stay calm, cope with emotions like fear or stress, and react appropriately to what’s going on around us.

By providing predictable sensory input, the rhythmic nature of a bubble tube is ideal for supporting self-regulation. Whether used to relax or improve focus and attention, a bubble tube helps:

 

Think of bubbles like a visual lullaby- a soothing display to calm the mind and engage the senses.

 

Young boy engaging with a sensory bubble tube, observing the bubbles and colours for focus and calming

 

Bubble Tubes for Inclusive and Accessible Sensory

One of the best things about a sensory bubble tube is how versatile they are. You can adapt them to all ages, abilities and settings.

If you want to relax and unwind, let a bubble tube gently cycle through a range of colours on its own. Otherwise, you can take control with our Wireless Colour Controller, which encourages interaction and skills such as colour recognition, sequencing and cause and effect. With its large, user-friendly buttons a controller is also great for those with fine/ gross motor skill difficulties.  

Let’s take a closer look at the different ways you can use bubbles across the Sensotec range…

 

On Their Own…

Bring your space to life with a stand-alone bubble tube, available in 1.2m high or 1.8m high. And there’s no need to worry about safety – an included wall bracket ensures the bubble tube remains completely stable and secure.

 

Close-up of hands touching a bubble tube, showing bubble motion and tactile interaction

 

In a Module…

With our range of modules, you get a comfortable seat and sensory experience in one! Mirrors further enhance the experience by creating the illusion of multiple bubble tubes – a mesmerising display to delight the senses.  

Plus, you can customise the module colours for a personal touch and add or remove components to suit your space. View our Module and Bubble Tube range here.

 

A sensory module setup combining a bubble tube and fibre optic lights integrated into seating or surroundings

 

On the Wall…

Maybe you’ve heard of a bubble wall? A Bubble Wall Panel creates the same effect as a sensory bubble tube, but features a flat front and mounts to the wall like a screen.

If you have limited floor space, a bubble wall is a fantastic, streamlined option. Plus, you can enjoy extra features like sounds, music, and control over the bubble direction. Learn more about our Interactive Bubble Wall Panel.

 

A bubble tube and an interactive bubble wall panel, as shown in a sensory room

 

On the Move…

With mobile sensory equipment, bubble sensory therapy is accessible to anyone.

If you’re tight on space, users have limited mobility, or you want to move it from room to room, a mobile sensory unit means no one misses out. With Sensotec’s Mobile Roma Unit, you also get the choice of a bubble wall panel or bubble tube. Check out the Roma Sensory unit here or learn more about the benefits of portable sensory equipment.

 

Portable sensory unit on wheels featuring a colour tube, bubble wall panel, and fibre optic elements in a mobile format

 

ARE BUBBLE TUBES SAFE?

We make our Sensory Bubble Tubes from a thick, non-toxic acrylic, and include a bracket or fixings to prevent tipping and keep everything safely secured. We also recommend adult supervision during use.  

 

HOW DO I LOOK AFTER A BUBBLE TUBE? 

You should empty and refill your bubble tube with fresh, clean water about every six weeks. However, using distilled water instead of tap water can extend this timeframe up to three months- this also applies to maintaining a bubble wall panel. Watch how to empty and refill a bubble panel here.

Wondering why it’s important to change the water in a bubble tube? If left for a long period, bacteria in the tube will gradually multiply. This can lead to complications with the diffuser and pump, and impact how well the bubbles form and move around the tube. In the worst-case scenario, the tube can overheat or leak, requiring replacement.

The good news is bubble tube maintenance is easy to do, and we provide detailed instructions to help you every step of the way. A couple of extra tips when it comes to looking after your bubble tube:

  1. If any water runs into the base while you’re emptying or refilling the tube, it can permanently damage the electronics. To prevent this, wrap a towel around the base before changing the water.
  2. We recommend adding BCB (Bubble Column Additive) in a fluid or tablet form to the water every month. This helps slow bacteria growth and keep the water clean.
  3. To avoid scratching and clouding the acrylic, do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents on the surface of the tube.
  4. Keep a record of each time you clean the bubble tube. We also recommend adding a 6-12 weekly reminder to your calendar.

 

Regular maintenance will guarantee you years of bubble fun and hassle-free use. And remember any issues, we’re only a phone call away!

 

Interactive wall panels for sensory engagement.

 

HOW DO I KNOW IF A BUBBLE TUBE OR WALL PANEL IS RIGHT FOR MY SENSORY SPACE?  

So, you’ve done your research, and you think a bubble tube or bubble wall sounds great. But how do you know if it’s the right choice for your space?

The most important thing is to understand the sensory needs of the user. Will a bubble tube support their sensory integration? Further questions to ask yourself include:

 

We find bubble tubes are often the main attraction of a sensory room- they’re a multisensory experience for everyone to enjoy. And of course, you don’t need to confine bubbles to a tube or behind a panel! Make your own bubble mixture for hands-on sensory fun, and see why blowing bubbles is so great for skill development 

Ready to introduce some bubbles to your space? First, check out our comparison video that highlights the difference between a quality bubble tube and a cheaper version. It’s eye-opening!

Think a waterless alternative sounds more suited to your space? Check out our Waterless Colour Tube or explore our full range of sensory equipment. 

For further help, contact Sensotec to schedule a free discovery session. Or, reach us on 1300 622 180/ message us here.

Variety of sensory tools including mats, beanbags, projectors and lighting gear for a sensory room environment

 

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