What To Expect During a Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Session

A tubular, hard-shell hyperbaric oxygen therapy chamber and accessories in a white and neutral patient hospital room.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is capable of significantly enhancing the body’s natural healing processes by increasing oxygen concentration at a cellular level. It can improve overall immune function and support faster recovery from certain surgeries and injuries.

Knowing what to expect during a hyperbaric oxygen therapy session can ease any anxiety and help you prepare for the experience. Below, we’ll walk you through the key steps and benefits of an HBOT session to give you a clear picture of the process.

Preparing for a Session

Preparing for an HBOT session involves wearing comfortable clothing without any metal components, as metal can be hazardous in a pressurized environment. Technicians specializing in HBOT will ensure you remove jewelry, watches, and other accessories before entering the chamber to prevent injury or interference with the therapy.

HBOT users should also avoid consuming alcohol or caffeinated beverages prior to the session. These substances can affect the body’s response to increased oxygen levels and pressure changes.

Undergoing a Brief Medical Assessment

Upon arrival, you can expect to undergo a brief medical assessment to ensure you are in good condition to proceed with the hyperbaric oxygen therapy session. This assessment involves checking vital signs and discussing any recent health changes or concerns. You should inform the healthcare team about any existing medical conditions, medications, or recent illnesses.

During this step, the healthcare team will check for contraindications that could affect your session. Contraindications refer to specific factors or conditions that make a particular treatment or procedure potentially harmful or unsuitable for an individual. Once cleared, you’ll be ready to move on to the next step.

Receiving Instructions and Safety Equipment

The care staff will give you instructions on how to use the chamber and any necessary safety equipment. For example, technicians typically instruct individuals to perform a technique known as the Valsalva maneuver to equalize ear pressure in the chamber. This maneuver involves gently pinching the nostrils shut while exhaling gently through the nose to equalize the pressure in the ears.

Safety equipment may include a mask or hood for oxygen delivery. The technician might explain how to securely fasten the mask to maintain a tight seal. Additionally, they could provide instructions on how to communicate any adjustment needs while wearing the mask to optimize your comfort and safety throughout the HBOT session.

Understanding these instructions is essential for a comfortable and effective session. The healthcare team will be available to answer any questions you have. Once you feel confident and informed, you can enter the hyperbaric chamber.

A vertical, blue, soft-shell hyperbaric oxygen chamber in front of an interior brick wall with exercise balls and yoga mats.

How HBOT Chamber Design Affects Therapy

Hyperbaric chambers may accommodate individual users or groups of users. Moreover, individuals may undergo treatment seated or lying down. Medical requirements, therapeutic goals, and the user’s personal preferences all play a role in determining the most suitable position chamber for therapy.

Single-Person vs. Group Use

A monoplace chamber allows an individual to undergo therapy in a single-person chamber. Monoplace chambers suit those who prefer privacy during their therapy sessions. They provide a focused and personalized treatment experience tailored to individual needs.

On the other hand, multiplace HBOT chambers can accommodate multiple individuals simultaneously, allowing for group therapy sessions under medical supervision. In multiplace chambers, individuals wear hoods or masks to receive oxygen during the treatment.

Sitting vs. Lying Down

Chambers can have a tubular or vertical design. Individuals undergoing treatment in tubular chambers lie down during therapy. Users stay seated in the vertical chamber.

The therapy’s requirements and the individual’s preferences can also influence the choice between sitting and lying down. Some may prefer the reclined position to promote a sense of restfulness during therapy. On the other hand, individuals may prefer to stay seated in a vertical chamber if they find sitting more comfortable or less claustrophobic.

Experiencing an Increase in Air Pressure

Once inside the chamber, you will experience an increase in air pressure, which may cause your ears to pop in a similar way to what happens during air travel. This reaction is normal, and you can manage it by swallowing or yawning. Some individuals may also notice a slight increase in temperature within the chamber as the pressure rises, but this typically stabilizes as the session progresses. This adjustment period lasts only a few minutes.

The compressor pumps highly concentrated oxygen into the chamber to increase the air pressure inside. The chamber’s vents regulate the release of excess air and maintain the desired pressure level during the treatment. Together, the compressor and vents work in tandem to create and sustain the prescribed atmospheric conditions.

Details on Air Pressure Requirements

The severity of one’s medical issue, the depth at which oxygen needs to penetrate tissues, and the individual’s response to different pressure levels all play a role in determining the optimal pressure for effective treatment. The chamber’s design allows it to maintain a specified range of pressure levels. Our 3 ATA hyperbaric chambers for sale reach a pressure level that is three times greater than the standard atmospheric pressure at sea level. Additionally, specialized design features that control humidity levels and temperatures ensure a comfortable environment for individuals undergoing therapy.

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What You Can Do During Treatment

Treatment sessions typically last between 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the specific protocol prescribed by the healthcare provider and the nature of the condition they’re treating. Depending on the facility, individuals may choose to relax and rest during the treatment, meditate, listen to music, or even watch movies provided by the facility. Some facilities offer amenities such as entertainment systems or calming visual displays to enhance the overall experience and help individuals feel more comfortable and at ease while receiving therapy.

Moreover, certain HBOT facilities allow individuals to engage in light activities such as reading, using electronic devices, or even working on laptops or tablets during the session. Follow the guidelines set by the facility regarding permissible activities in the chamber to ensure safety and respect their regulations.

Post-Session Care and Future Treatments

Following post-session care instructions promotes optimal recovery. These instructions typically include recommendations such as staying hydrated, avoiding alcohol and smoking, and attending follow-up appointments as scheduled. By adhering to these guidelines, individuals can support the benefits of HBOT, reduce the risk of potential side effects, and maintain the positive effects of the therapy on their overall health and well-being.

You may require multiple sessions based on your specific condition or treatment plan. Your healthcare provider will outline a schedule that suits your treatment needs. Regular attendance promotes faster healing and contributes to long-term improvements in health outcomes.

HBOT is a powerful therapeutic tool that can address various medical conditions through increased oxygenation. With the right preparation and adherence to guidelines, you can maximize the treatment’s advantages. Finally, follow the treatment schedule your provider outlines to accelerate healing and enhance immune function.