HBOT First Experience & FAQ’s

Trying something new can often bring a feeling of nervousness or hesitation. We want you to know that HBOT is safe and effective. We also want to share with you some things to know about your first experience with our chamber.

What to wear:

The temperature may vary inside the chamber. Wear comfortable clothes - we recommend 100% cotton. We suggest wearing layers so that you can make adjustments depending on the temperature. We will have pillows and a blanket available.

Please keep jewelry to a minimum. Sharp objects will not be allowed in the chamber.

What to expect:

You will feel pressure in your ears (similar to being on an airplane) for the first 10 minutes and again during the last 10 minutes while the chamber is pressurizing and de-pressurizing. We encourage patients to keep up with the pressure by popping their ears as they feel the pressure build.

Sessions last about 1 hour, so if you are not planning on taking a nap, make sure to bring a few items to help pass the time.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Added enriched oxygen does need to be monitored. Ask your doctor and trained hyperbaric professional. Of course, if enriched oxygen is not being supplemented into the chamber, this is not an issue.

  • Hyperbarics has an outstanding safety record. Many hyperbaric centers report only mild ear discomfort as a contraindication to therapy. Such discomfort is similar to the ear pressure felt when ascending or descending in altitude. These discomforts may be minimized by descending at a slower rate. Discuss these concerns with the treating physician and hyperbaric technician.

  • In the United States, there are certain indications which insurance covers. This includes gangrene, radiation burns, carbon monoxide poisoning and decompression sickness. Traditionally, insurance does not cover these treatments for the conditions we are using it for in our office.

  • Mild Hyperbarics is generally a pressure protocol up to 1.3 ATA or 4 psi. High-pressure hyperbarics involve pressures above 1.5 ATA. These pressures are achieved in various available chambers, including monoplace, multiplace, and portable chambers.

  • We offer HBOT treatments in our office as well as a rental or purchase option for the ability to do the treatments at home.

  • Traditionally HBOT has been used for diabetic foot wounds, air and gas embolism, carbon monoxide poisoning and smoke inhalation, gas gangrene, thermal burns, decompression sickness and acute mountain sickness. Due to the healing effects of oxygen therapy HBOT is now also used for cerebral palsy, brain injuries, multiple sclerosis, ALS, anemia, wound and scar healing, post stroke care, post surgical care, improved performance, dementia and bells palsy… just to name a few. Visit our benefits tab for more information.

  • Each case is different and the doctors may regulate protocols, depending on a patient’s disease, prognosis and improvements through the course of therapy.

  • Hyperbarics is a technology in which the air pressure in the environment is increased. When a person’s body is placed in a more pressure environment, it absorbs more oxygen molecules per volume of compressed air. The body transports oxygen via the hemoglobin of the red blood cells. By increasing the air pressure, oxygen is then driven into the body’s fluids, allowing a super-saturation of tissues and organs with oxygen. The increased pressure infuses the body with oxygen, even reaching injuries with damaged circulation. An example is a blood clot in the brain (stroke).