MSEs were originally known as Snoezelen Rooms, which is a contraction of two Dutch words equivalent to the English "sniffing and dozing." The concept seeks to appeal to the primary senses. Snoezelen creates an atmosphere that is non-intimidating and free from pressure. It is an activity taking place in a dusky, attractively lit room which invites individuals to spontaneously explore their surroundings both sensory and emotionally. Snoezelen has expanded and continues to evolve into a totally interactive, versatile sensory environment designed to be adaptable to individual needs and can be set up for relaxation or activity as required.
© The State of Queensland (Education Queensland) 2004.
The main objectives that encompass the MSE are
To provide a stimulating atmosphere to heighten awareness;
To provide an interesting atmosphere to allow students to explore their environment;
To provide an environment offering security to allow students to relax physically and mentally; and
To provide an unrestrained atmosphere to allow students to develop their social skills.

Hervey Bay Special School has a white and dark room.
The White Room has white walls, floor, ceiling and furnishing enabling it to become one large three-dimensional screen, for the projection of coloured effects and lighting displays including mirror balls and pin spots. Other equipment can include bubble tubes, soft play matting, and constructions, a ball pool, fibre optics, and a range of interactive materials such as rainmaker, sausage massager, musical beads, and ocean drum. The room is kept in semi-darkness with soft, soothing music playing in the background. The Dark Room provides a neutral ground that helps to highlight the equipment and effects. Fluorescence helps intensify visual image when exposed to ultraviolet lighting.
Aromatherapy and massage are two therapeutic modalities often used in MSEs. The usual use of aromatherapy in the MSE is to help the user relax. Oils with relaxing, soothing, calming properties include camomile, eucalyptus, frankincense, jasmine, lavender, rose and ylang-ylang. Two types of massage commonly used in the MSE for relaxation are hand and foot massage using either hand cream or massage oil.

How to use an MSE:
Requested by the students in terms of "pressure release;"
Identified as a reward for specific positive behaviour; and
Part of the daily timetable, to cater for the need to relax.