Written by Megan Smith
Before you dive into your Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) session, there are a few preparations you need to make. Furthermore, there are a couple of tasks you must do during and after treatment. These preparations are not difficult, and we have clearly laid them out for you in this article. While these preparations are simple and straightforward, they can greatly impact the effectiveness of your HBOT session.
Read on to learn how to prepare for HBOT. For all other hyperbaric questions, read our Ultimate Guide to Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT).
Because caffeine constricts blood vessels, it should not be consumed before your treatment. You should have a light and nutritious meal an hour or two before your treatment. Stay hydrated, and avoid alcohol and carbonated drinks. If you’re diabetic, hyperbaric oxygen therapy can lower blood glucose levels. Check your blood sugar before the treatment, and have glucose replacement close by if you need it during the treatment.
Oxygen may change the effects of certain medications, and there are certain medications that cannot be taken in combination with this treatment. These include some chemotherapies, a topical ointment used for wounds, and a medicine that prevents alcohol intake in patients with a history of alcohol abuse. It’s imperative you speak to your health care providers in advance to discuss any medications you’re taking and how they interact with
Be sure to speak with your physician and health care providers in advance to make sure hyperbaric therapy is compatible with your medications.
If at all possible, use of any tobacco products and smoking should be avoided during your treatment period. They interfere with the body's ability to transport oxygen and can counter the benefits of hyperbaric therapy.
Even a slight cold can impact your ability to clear your ears, and hyperbaric treatment could lead to an inner ear injury. So, if you are sick or have high blood pressure, a fever, flu symptoms, or frequent loose stools, put off your treatment until you are well enough to sit through a two-hour therapy session without any pressure issues.
Comfortable loose clothing is best, as you’ll be in your home oxygen chamber for up to two hours.
Ear pressure can be painful. Although hyperbaric oxygen treatment usually does not cause pain, you should prepare your ears before treatment. First, make sure your ears are clear of excessive wax. If wax is plugging your ear, you might not be able to compensate for the pressure changes. If you’ve had recent ear surgery, an ear infection, jaw surgery, water in your ear, a sinus infection, allergies, a recent cold, dizziness with pressure changes, or any other ear-related issues, you should discuss hyperbaric oxygen therapy with your doctor before proceeding. Practicing clearing your ears before treatment. Strategies for this include intentionally yawning, taking sips of water, swallowing, or pinching your nose and gently blowing.
One of the biggest benefits to a home hyperbaric chamber is that you can take your time getting used to the chamber before treatment. If you tend to feel claustrophobic, you can sit in the chamber with the door open to get used to it. It’s a large medical device, but becoming familiar with it ahead of time can help reduce any anxiety you may have.
Plan for your treatment to take up to two hours, and keep in mind that it’s normal to experience mild fatigue immediately following treatment. This could be accompanied by some lightheadedness, so don’t make plans that require you to exert yourself or be at the top of your game mentally and physically. A benefit of a home hyperbaric oxygen chamber is that you don’t have to arrange travel to and from a treatment center, and can have treatment whenever works best for you.
Some home hyperbaric oxygen chambers can be operated independently, but some require you to have assistance. You might need a friend or family member to help you get in and out of the chamber, and it’s good to have someone there to assist you if you are feeling lightheaded after you’re done so you don’t risk a fall.
An advantage of home hyperbaric therapy is that it’s not delivered through a chamber that is filled with medical-grade oxygen. Rather, you receive oxygen from a face mask. This means that although you can’t take electronic devices with you when you are receiving HBOT at a medical office, you can use your phone or tablet in your chamber at home. Other options are a book, magazine, crossword puzzle, or other activity to help you relax and pass the time.
The first thing you’ll want to do is equalize your ears. This will minimize discomfort and protect your inner ear. Try forcing a yawn several times until the ears pop open. Swallowing helps to activate the muscles that open the eustachian tube. If yawning and swallowing do not work, take a deep breath and pinch the nose shut.
Overall, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is very well tolerated. Ear pressure can cause some discomfort and slight pain, but if your ears are clear, it shouldn’t be an issue. There can be some fatigue or lightheadedness after therapy, so plan accordingly until you know how treatment affects you.
Anxiety can cause some trepidation for people who would benefit from hyperbaric oxygen treatment but are concerned they might feel claustrophobic when enclosed in a chamber. A phobia is an intense fear of certain objects or situations. One of the most common phobias is claustrophobia3, or the fear of enclosed spaces. A person who has claustrophobia may panic when inside an elevator, airplane, crowded room, or a hyperbaric chamber. This can cause sweating, accelerated heart rate, hyperventilating, shaking, or nausea.
Having a home hyperbaric chamber allows you to get used to being in it before you ever have a treatment. You can sit it and get a feel for it, sit with the door open, and not feel any pressure to sit in it longer than you feel comfortable as you get used to it. It’s in your home on your time. You can take a break at any time.
Many home mild hyperbaric chambers boast documented safety records and FDA clearance. Because they do not work with 100-percent medical grade (and flammable) oxygen, they are considered safe for home use, and the level of pressure they utilize is commonly not high enough to cause the inner ear issues that can arise from commercial HBOT.
You should always discuss any potential changes or interactions with your medications with your healthcare provider. After hyperbaric oxygen treatment at home, you can resume your normal activities as you feel able to do so. It’s important to stay hydrated, and the effects will be more profound if you do not constrict blood flow with caffeine or nicotine.
People often report fatigue after hyperbaric therapy. An HBOT session works hard on your mitochondria, which contributes to fatigue. Even though you haven’t physically exerted yourself, it’s similar to when you take an exam and feel tired when you’re done, even though you weren’t physically active. Be mindful and listen to your body! If you are tired after treatment, take it easy for the day.
Hyperbaric treatment should not impede your ability to drive. If you feel lightheaded immediately after leaving the chamber, just plan to sit a few minutes before embarking on the rest of your day to give yourself time to get over any side effects.
The most important thing to consider regarding hyperbaric oxygen therapy is your safety. Preparing ahead of time so you are comfortable and know what to expect, including how to prepare your ears for the additional pressure you’ll feel during treatment, will help you relax and get all you can out of the experience.
Since home units do not operate on flammable medical-grade oxygen, they are a convenient and safe way to take advantage of the healing properties of hyperbaric treatment in your own home on your own schedule. If you are thinking about purchasing a hyperbaric chamber for your home, we strongly encourage you to read How to Choose the Best Home Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Chamber!
Oxygen saturation of the bloodstream can benefit anyone living with burns, bedsores, lesions, gangrene, brain injuries like concussions and cerebral palsy, sports injuries like whiplash and torn tendons, radiation damage, decompression sickness, stroke, or skin grafts.
You can find out more information on this treatment by browsing our selection of hyperbaric chambers and reading The Ultimate Guide to Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT).
Megan has been a part of Rehabmart since its inception nearly 20 years ago. For the past several years she has been enjoying her role as HR Director while maintaining her Physical Therapy license. When she isn't working on her next in-service or working to find a new team member, she enjoys her five children, helping those who have PT type ailments, baking, practicing yoga, and working out.
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