Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a unique medical approach used to deliver high concentrations of oxygen to the body in a pressurized environment. Originally developed to treat decompression sickness in divers, it has since expanded to support healing, reduce inflammation, and improve outcomes for various conditions. Discover how hyperbaric oxygen therapy chambers work and compare different chamber designs.
What Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves breathing pure oxygen in a specialized chamber that is pressurized to levels higher than normal atmospheric pressure. The increased pressure allows oxygen to dissolve more effectively into the blood plasma, which enhances oxygen delivery to tissues and cells.
Oxygen plays a vital role in the body by fueling cellular respiration, a process that generates the energy needed for cells to function. Oxygen also supports the immune system by enabling white blood cells to fight infections more effectively. Additionally, it contributes to overall health maintenance by aiding tissue repair, regulating metabolic processes, and ensuring vital organs function properly.
This innovative therapy has broad applications for reducing inflammation and accelerating healing. For individuals experiencing chronic injuries or illnesses, HBOT is often used as a supplemental treatment to improve overall health outcomes.
The Oxygen Supply System
The oxygen supply system is a fundamental component of a hyperbaric chamber, ensuring the delivery of high concentrations of oxygen to the patient. The oxygen is fed into the chamber through a controlled supply system.
Additionally, the oxygen levels are specifically calibrated to suit individual treatment needs, maximizing safety and effectiveness. The system’s design allows patients to receive consistent and reliable oxygen flow, which is crucial for achieving the therapeutic benefits of HBOT.

The Pressure Control System
Precise pressure adjustments are essential for the hyperbaric oxygen therapy chamber to work as intended. The system uses compressors, pressure gauges, and control valves to monitor and adjust the chamber’s pressure.
Over-pressurization or abrupt pressure changes could pose safety risks, which is why advanced control systems are vital. These systems maintain a stable environment throughout each session, delivering the desired outcomes without compromising patient comfort or safety.
Displays and Monitoring Systems
Modern hyperbaric chambers are equipped with advanced displays and monitoring systems. These systems allow practitioners to track key variables, such as interior pressure, oxygen levels, temperature, and humidity. Thorough monitoring throughout the treatment helps operators tailor the experience to each patient’s needs.
The control systems are designed to be user-friendly and ensure real-time adjustments can be made if necessary. They contribute to a safe and comfortable therapeutic experience, offering both patients and operators peace of mind.
The Intercom System
One often-overlooked feature of hyperbaric chambers for clinics is the intercom system, which allows for seamless communication between the patient inside the chamber and the operator outside. Patients can ask questions, share updates about their comfort, or request adjustments without interrupting the therapy session. This offers a smoother treatment experience by addressing the patient’s needs promptly.
From the operator’s perspective, the intercom system plays a crucial role in monitoring and guiding the session. Operators can provide reassurance, offer instructions, or explain what to expect during the therapy through the intercom. This seamless exchange supports operational efficiency, as adjustments or clarifications can be communicated without pausing the session, maintaining the focus on effective therapy delivery.
Decompression Protocols
At the end of a session, the chamber undergoes a decompression process to gradually reduce pressure levels. Decompression protocols are vital to prevent decompression sickness, a condition caused by rapid changes in pressure. By reducing the pressure slowly, the system ensures a smooth transition back to normal atmospheric conditions.
The decompression phase is carefully controlled, using automated systems to mitigate any risks associated with sudden pressure changes. This safeguards the patient’s health and makes sure that each therapy session concludes safely and effectively.

Types of Hyperbaric Chambers
Pressures inside the chamber typically range from 1.5 to 3 times higher than normal atmospheric pressure, enabling the body to absorb much higher levels of oxygen. This enhanced oxygen availability is what drives the therapy’s healing benefits. The chamber’s pressurized environment also helps push oxygen deeper into tissues, reaching areas with poor blood flow. This makes HBOT particularly effective in treating injuries or conditions where damaged blood vessels hinder the delivery of oxygen to affected tissues.
When purchasing a hyperbaric chamber, there are several important factors to consider, such as:
- Required pressure range: Assess the pressure range needed for effective treatment based on the specific condition or therapy you are pursuing.
- Space and size: Consider the available space in your home or facility to accommodate the hyperbaric chamber.
- Portability: Determine whether portability is a crucial factor for your needs.
- Capacity and treatments: Evaluate the number of people who will be using the chamber and the frequency of treatments.
Hard Shell vs. Soft Shell
Hard-shell hyperbaric chambers are rigid structures made from materials like steel or aluminum, offering high durability and the ability to withstand greater pressure levels. They are commonly used in medical facilities and research settings but can also be used at home. However, their heavy design limits portability.
Soft-shell hyperbaric chambers, on the other hand, are constructed with flexible, reinforced materials, making them lightweight and portable. They are often used for mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy in homes or wellness centers, targeting conditions like fatigue, minor injuries, and general wellness. While they cannot achieve the same pressure levels as the highest capacity hard-shell chambers, their affordability, ease of transport, and simple setup make them a popular choice for less intensive applications.
Monoplace vs. Multiplace
Monoplace hyperbaric chambers are designed to accommodate a single patient, focusing on individual treatment sessions. These chambers are often smaller, less complex, and filled entirely with pure oxygen, eliminating the need for masks or hoods during therapy. Monoplace chambers are ideal for private treatments and specific conditions, such as wound healing or carbon monoxide poisoning, but they limit interaction between the patient and medical staff during sessions.
Multiplace chambers, on the other hand, are larger and can accommodate multiple patients at the same time. Hyperbaric Pro’s multiplace hyperbaric chambers for sale optimize time and resources for medical facilities, health spas, and fitness centers, as operators can monitor and assist several patients within the same session.
HBOT chambers provide a unique and effective way to deliver oxygen therapy by using controlled pressure to boost oxygen uptake in tissues. Carefully designed systems for oxygen delivery, pressure regulation, and monitoring ensure patient safety and therapy efficacy. The choice of chamber type—whether hard or soft shell, monoplace or multiplace—depends on treatment goals and operational needs. This versatility makes HBOT a powerful tool for addressing health challenges and improving quality of life.