Written by Mike Price, OT
The topic of Hyperbarics isn’t common knowledge, and we know that it can be overwhelming to try to understand. What do Hyperbarics do? How do they work? How can I start? We want you to be informed before you make a purchase. Here is a list of commonly asked questions and answers about hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Be sure to check out our Ultimate Guide to Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for everything else you need to know!
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·Hyperbaric Benefits |
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy offers both medical and non-medical benefits. Whether you are looking for a tool to promote healing, stop the physical and mental symptoms of aging, or increase athletic ability, HBOT can fulfill your needs. Hyperbaric chambers provide FDA-approved treatment for 13 different conditions and numerous clinical trials suggest its effectiveness for many others. Read more on 11 Ways Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Can Change Your Life.
You probably know that as we age, we experience the physical symptoms of aging: fat buildup, muscle loss, and wrinkles. But do you know why it happens? Aging means your body is less efficient at repairing and regenerating your skin, removing unwanted toxins and debris, and healing. Hyperbaric chambers can boost your body’s oxygen level, establishing a healthy blood circulation, rehabilitating skin, and boosting your immune system. Additionally, with these capabilities, hyperbaric oxygen therapy even fights the mental symptoms of aging such as declining cognitive skills.
Yes! Oxygen is an important part of healthy skin maintenance. Whether we’re tanning at the beach or simply out and about during the day, our skin is exposed to UV radiation from the sun. This exposure damages our skin cells. Routine hyperbaric oxygen therapy can boost your skin’s elasticity and stimulate collagen production, leading to not only less wrinkles but an improvement in skin texture.
Human beings have 4 basic needs: food, water, shelter, and air. The air we breathe is approximately 21% oxygen, which is the gas that enables our bodies’ functioning. The remaining 79% of air does not power our bodies in the same way oxygen does. Doses of pure oxygen promote our bodies’ natural processes including healing and according to the American Lung Association, it also improves sleep, mood, mental alertness, and stamina in our day-to-day lives.
While the jury is still out on this topic, recent evidence suggests yes! According to a study at Shamir Medical Center, hyperbaric oxygen therapy can stop and even reverse two major processes associated with aging: the deterioration of blood cells and shortening of telomeres. As we age, our bodies begin to break down and these two processes are challenged. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy provides a non-invasive, painless, and revitalizing solution.
Read on to learn more about Hyperbaric Science.
Both Lebron James and Michael Phelps, among other successful competitors, have used hyperbaric oxygen therapy in their training. Increased oxygen to your body means your muscles, tendons, and ligaments are provided with a richer blood supply. Oxygenated blood supports quicker healing of injuries, reduces muscle soreness, decreases inflammation, and even improves endurance while training. Professional athletes attest to hyperbaric chamber use, but even novice exercisers can benefit from less post-work out soreness and a shorter recovery period!
Due to athletes’ frequent travel, we recommend a portable hyperbaric chamber. It is important to consider the weight of the chamber for transporting.
Research is still being conducted to determine hyperbaric oxygen therapy’s effectiveness for children and adults with autism; currently, HBOT is not a FDA-approved treatment for autism. However, a recent study of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in children with autism reports improvements in overall functioning, receptive language, social interaction, eye contact, and sensory/cognitive awareness. Some users report increased language and communication ability, as well as a better quality of life. While there are conflicting beliefs in the HBOT community regarding its effectiveness with Autistic individuals, overall, hyperbaric treatment is safe and typically well-tolerated. If you or someone you know is diagnosed with Autism, it may be worth trying out and seeing the results for yourself!
Yes! Wound healing is 1 of 13 FDA-approved uses of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. HBOT is particularly useful for chronic wounds, which are non-healing wounds that fail to heal correctly despite traditional hospital interventions. These include diabetic ulcers, wounds from radiation poisoning, infectious wounds, and surgical wounds.
For your body to heal bruises, cuts, and breaks, your blood has to carry oxygen to the injury. HBOT stimulates the creation of new blood vessels, reduces inflammation, and even destroys harmful bacteria that can infect a wound.
Oxygen is imperative for all your cells, including the cells in your brain. When these cells die, blood runs into surrounding tissue causing swelling and reducing functional blood flow. As the bloodstream is the transportation for oxygen, this leak may cause other areas of the brain to not receive the oxygen it needs! This is where hyperbaric oxygen therapy can step in. As HBOT increases the amount of oxygen in your blood, there may now be enough to support the rest of your brain, despite the leak.
Some users report experiencing relief of paralysis after hyperbaric oxygen therapy, perhaps due to the increased oxygen stimulating damaged tissue repair. Other users report HBOT to restore memory, concentration, and regain their overall quality of life after a traumatic brain injury.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is safe to be utilized by children, including those with CP or a TBI. In some cases, the injured brain tissue may be dormant and non-functioning, but oxygen can promote reestablished use. For patients with cerebral palsy, a study by the Underseas Hyperbaric Medicine journal found that when combined with intensive rehabilitation, hyperbaric oxygen therapy shows significant improvements in gross motor function. Some users report that cognitive function and spasticity were improved, as well. Keep in mind, however, that HBOT is not an FDA-approved treatment for CP or TBI. Speak with your doctor if you are planning to use HBOT for off-label uses.
HBOT is an abbreviation for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. To learn more, read What is a Hyperbaric Chamber and What Does it Do?
Put simply, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a medical treatment using pressurized oxygen to promote health. It involves breathing in concentrated oxygen inside of a pressurized chamber. The oxygen is transported from your lungs to your other organs to help the body heal and fight infections, among other functions.
Traditionally, HBOT has been used to treat scuba divers with decompression sickness. Today, however, people undergo hyperbaric oxygen therapy for a wide assortment of purposes including medical, aesthetic, and athletic reasons! Read on to learn more about the many uses of hyperbaric chambers.
You should wear loose, cotton clothing for maximum comfort! Depending on the chamber, you might be laying down or sitting upright. Don't wear anything tight clothing that can make you uncomfortable. You should also bring something to occupy your time such as a book or puzzle.
HBOT may be intimidating without knowledge of how it works and what it looks like. We recommend consulting with a doctor to ensure safety and determine treatment duration. Additionally, we recommend eating a nutritious meal, drinking lots of water, and avoiding nicotine and caffeine prior to your session. Read the full article Ways to Prepare for Your First Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Session for more information.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is generally pleasant and comfortable; you get a chance to relax! Many users bring a book to read or puzzle to solve during therapy. Other than slight sinus pressure, you should not feel any pain, especially at lower pressures.
There are many types of hyperbaric chambers. In some HBOT sessions, you will be able to walk around, while in others you may be enclosed in a small space. Air compressors are typically loud and make it difficult to hear what’s going on outside of the cabin.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can last anywhere between 3 minutes and several hours! Session length is completely dependent on the reason for your treatment and the pressure level used. For example, wound healing typically consists of 90-minute sessions, whereas divers with decompression sickness undergo 5–8-hour sessions. Check with your doctor to identify an appropriate session length for your goals.
In terms of total treatment duration, physicians recommend daily therapy for 4-6 weeks for most conditions.
At a low-pressure setting, it is perfectly safe to sleep in a hyperbaric chamber. In fact, some users think it’s more comfortable! However, there are no added health benefits to using a hyperbaric chamber overnight at a low-pressure setting, when compared to a higher-pressure setting for a shorter time. You should contact a doctor or other certified professional to determine what’s best for you.
Decompression time length depends on the chamber. In most cases, decompression lasts around 15 minutes. If you are panicking and need to get out, some have “emergency fast decompression”. However, decreasing pressure too fast will likely hurt your sinuses. Imagine your ears popping on an airplane. If we aren’t given enough time to readjust to the pressure, more sinus pain will ensue. For your safety, hyperbaric chambers do not allow immediate decompression.
Some people actually report feeling energized after hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Others report feeling tired. Fatigue is a normal side effect and is no cause for concern. During a session, even though you’re not being physically active, your body is working extra hard to deliver oxygen throughout your bloodstream. Generally, you can resume your normal activities immediately following an HBOT session. However, if you experience prolonged or excessive fatigue, please contact a doctor.
No! Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is safe for all ages: babies, children, and adults, including the elderly. However, individuals with certain conditions, including lung disease, may not be a good fit for HBOT. Check out Ultimate Guide to Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for a comprehensive list. If you are unsure whether you are a good candidate for hyperbaric oxygen therapy, we recommend consulting a physician.
If you have a history of claustrophobia, be cautious when undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Due to the confined and enclosed nature of hyperbaric chambers, some individuals may begin to feel claustrophobic. However, there are several ways to combat this fear and still receive hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
The first thing you can try to do is get inside the chamber without turning it on. Get used to sitting in the space and comfortable with the setting, before the actual treatment.
When considering what type of chamber to purchase if you anticipate experiencing claustrophobia, we recommend either a vertical chamber or a multiplace chamber. Some users report feeling less confined in a vertical chamber that allows them to sit upright.
Multiplace chambers will allow you to fit 2-6 people inside, providing you with a support system of caregivers and/or medical staff. Naturally, these chambers are larger which may help to subside claustrophobic feelings.
A hyperbaric mask is either a nasal cannula or face mask. The mask delivers 100% oxygen directly to the patient from an oxygen concentrator. Some users report that nasal cannulas dry out their nose, and they prefer to wear an oxygen face mask.
In the past few years, a lot of research has been conducted studying hyperbaric oxygen therapy. However, there is no singular best treatment protocol for someone seeking HBOT. Depending on your desired outcome, session length, and duration of treatment, the length of its effects will vary greatly. For instance, Hyperbarics for wound healing is typically a long-lasting solution, whereas continued use may be necessary for anti-aging and athletic performance.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has its roots in deep sea scuba diving and is today used for divers with decompression sickness. Dives is a nautical term referring to HBOT’s origination.
When hyperbaric chambers are pressurized, oxygen is pumped into an enclosed space. This process increases the oxygen concentration and ultimately allows greater absorption in your lungs.
Some, but not all, chambers allow for self-treatment. A big factor to look out for is the type of closure. In other words, check to see if the chamber requires someone on the outside to close it.
The majority of hyperbaric chambers are pressurized with ambient air, meaning the regular air around us. Using an oxygen concentrator, 100% pure oxygen is delivered via nasal cannula or face mask to the user. The user has the option to/ not to use the oxygen concentrator.
Yes! Many hyperbaric chambers are well-suited for the home. Both hard-side and soft-side chambers can be used residentially, but soft-sided chambers are more popularly purchased for the home. Keep in mind you will need a prescription for residential use, and we recommend consulting with a doctor to determine the length, frequency, and pressure of your sessions. Rehabmart offers a wide variety of hyperbaric chambers well suited for in-home use. We strongly encourage you to read How to Choose the Best Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Chamber before selecting a chamber!
Additionally, be aware of fire hazards due to the high oxygen pressure involved with HBOT. It is important to keep your hyperbaric chamber up to date with safety regulations. The National Fire Protection Association provides standards for the operation and maintenance of hyperbaric chambers in order to minimize the risk of dangerous incidences.
While hyperbaric chambers will still work, oxygen concentrators are recommended to receive the full benefits of HBOT. At higher concentrations, your body can absorb more oxygen and nourish the less vascularized, harder-to-reach areas of your body. See Options for Home Oxygen Therapy Equipment for more information regarding oxygen concentrators.
Yes. Oxygen concentrators are an additional hyperbaric feature that vastly improves the effectiveness of your hyperbaric chamber by increasing your rate of absorption. Oxygen concentrators deliver medical-grade oxygen, which is a highly concentrated amount. In order to receive medical-grade oxygen, a doctor must write you a prescription.
There are many brands of hyperbaric chambers on the market. Currently, Rehabmart offers 5 different hyperbaric chambers brands. Each brand varies slightly, so check out our Hyperbaric Chamber Brand List to find the right hyperbaric chamber for you!
If you are receiving hyperbaric oxygen therapy at a hospital or medical clinic, it will be administered by a licensed technician or nurse. However, if you are purchasing a hyperbaric chamber for in-home use, you assume all responsibility and do not need any special certification or licensure.
A doctor's prescription (Rx) IS REQUIRED when a hyperbaric chamber is shipped to a residential address. You must email your prescription to Rx@rehabmart.com or fax to 888-507-7326. Note: Please write your order number on the prescription.
A doctor's prescription (Rx) IS NOT required when a hyperbaric chamber is shipped to hospitals, doctor's offices, nursing homes, or health care facilities.
Keep in mind that an oxygen concentrator also requires a prescription.
The cost of a hyperbaric chamber varies greatly with its features and where you intend on using it! Home and portable hyperbaric chambers vary between $4,000 and $20,000.
A professional hyperbaric chamber is typically between $50,000 and $100,000. While this may seem expensive, it is a valuable investment that will contribute to your businesses’ future. Rehabmart offers New Lance Finance and Affirm financing to qualifying customers.
No! There are many types of hyperbaric chambers, and there are some chambers that are designed to accommodate specific medical needs. Learn How to Choose the Best Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Chamber.
Hyperbaric chambers have a long list of uses. If you’re interested in improving your health, preserving your beauty, or boosting your athletic ability, buying a hyperbaric chamber is an excellent choice. Control infection and stimulate new tissue growth. Rejuvenate your skin and fight wrinkles. Reduce swelling and improve endurance. If you’re asking whether a hyperbaric chamber will benefit you, the answer is could be yes! Check out The Ultimate Guide to Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) for everything else you need to know!
A monoplace chamber is a one-person hyperbaric chamber. They are typically less expensive and are more often portable when compared to their counterpart: multiplace chambers.
A multiplace hyperbaric chamber is a multi-person chamber. Depending on the chamber, they typically fit between 2 and 6 patients. Additionally, there is increased space to accommodate any needed medical equipment.
Class 4 hyperbaric chambers are considered mild chambers and do not reach pressures above approximately 1.3 ATA.
Yes, there are companies that rent hyperbaric chambers. Rehabmart does not offer rentals; however, our selection of hyperbaric chambers begins at $3,995, and we offer New Lance Finance and Affirm financing to qualifying customers.
Due to the pressurized nature of Hyperbarics, we recommend annual preventative maintenance to keep you safe.
In addition to a hyperbaric chamber, you may also need an oxygen concentrator and oxygen kit. Find additional items available for purchase on Rehabmart’s ‘optional accessories” product page.
Yes, some hyperbaric chambers can reach 2 ATA, including the OxyLife.
All hyperbaric chambers require some level of assembly. Typically, soft chambers are easier to set up versus hard chambers. A few brands on Rehabmart offer Professional On-Site Assembly.
There are many hyperbaric chambers on the market, but not all chambers are FDA approved. Read more on Hyperbaric Chamber Brand List for a list of FDA approved hyperbaric chambers.
There are 13 conditions that have FDA approval for hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Those conditions are: air or gas embolism, carbon monoxide poisoning, clostridial myositis and myonecrosis (gas gangrene), acute traumatic ischemia, decompression sickness, wound healing, anemia, intracranial abscess, necrotizing fasciitis, refractory osteomyelitis (infection in the bone), delayed radiation injury, compromised skin grafts and flaps, and thermal burns.
Read more on Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: The Difference Between FDA Approval and FDA Non-Approval.
Oxygen poisoning, also called oxygen toxicity, is when you breathe in too much oxygen. It can result in coughing, throat irritation, chest pain, difficulty breathing, nausea, among other mild side effects, and in severe cases even cause a collapsed lung or seizures. However, severe symptoms are extremely uncommon.
Oxygen poisoning is rarely caused by hyperbaric oxygen therapy and is extremely preventable by consulting with a physician prior to use. We recommend contacting a doctor in order to determine the duration, frequency, and oxygen level of your sessions.
Some hyperbaric chambers that are used in hospitals pressurize their cabin with fully concentrated oxygen (Rehabmart does not sell these chambers). In this state, the gas can be flammable. If provided ignition (energy source capable of sparking a fire) and fuel (any flammable material), accidents can be very severe. However, don’t be afraid. With proper protocol and maintenance, the chance of an accident occurring is extremely low. We recommend limiting any flammable items brought including petroleum products, hairsprays, excessive paper or cloth, lighters, and electronics.
Additionally, home chambers that deliver oxygen with a cannula or mask do not create a pressurized oxygen build-up and are therefore not flammable. Instead, these chambers are pressurized with ambient air, and the oxygen is administered via face mask. (These are the type of chambers that Rehabmart sells.) If you are concerned with the risk of fire, these hyperbaric chambers are a great fit for you.
As answered in the question above, some types of hyperbaric chambers pose a fire hazard. Those types of chambers are pressurized with medical-grade oxygen, which is highly flammable. For these types, it is possible for a hyperbaric chamber to catch fire. However, it’s extremely rare. In order for a fire to occur, there must be oxygen, fuel, and an ignition.
Usually no, but you will probably experience some level of sinus pressure. Do not be concerned, this is a normal reaction to pressure change.
If you’ve ever been on an airplane, you probably know the feeling! Due to the increase in pressure, your ears may pop, and you may feel slight pressure under your cheekbones. Sinus pressure build-up can be combatted with 2 simple steps - switch between popping your ears and swallowing. Chewing gum also helps reduce pressure!
Please note that if you pressurize your chamber too quickly, it is harder for your body to adjust to the pressure. Pressurizing chambers too quickly will almost always result in uncomfortable sinus pressure.
Hyperbaric chambers are designed with pressurization in mind. They physically cannot surpass the designed capacity. You don’t need to worry about over-pressurization because hyperbaric chambers built to reach a certain ATA will not be able to exceed it! As an added note for comfort, hyperbaric chambers are only released to the public after meticulous testing and approval.
Mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy is used to describe chambers that do not surpass 1.35 ATA. It is referred to as mHBOT.
ATA is an abbreviation for Atmospheres Absolute (ATA) and is a unit for pressure. ATA is used as an alternative to PSI and is able to gauge pressure regardless of your elevation. If you are interested in learning more, read All the HBOT Definitions You Need to Know!
ATA, otherwise called Atmospheres Absolute, is a unit used to measure pressure based on the atmospheric pressure at sea level.
In order for this definition to make sense, you should know that atmospheric pressure is the weight of the air surrounding the Earth. It changes based on where you are in the world. If you are close to sea level, at a low altitude, the pressure would be high. On the other hand, if you are at a high altitude (say, the Himalayas), the atmospheric pressure would be significantly lower!
ATA gives us a standard pressure measurement. No matter what location you are in, you can compare the location to the atmospheric pressure at sea level, which is 1 ATA.
In order for hyperbaric oxygen therapy to be effective, the pressure must be greater than the air we typically breathe: 1 ATA (or 14.7 PSI). The standard pressure for hyperbaric chambers is 1.35 ATA (or 19.8 PSI), however, they can range to 2 ATA (or 29.4 PSI). In some cases, an even higher concentration is necessary, but a pressure higher than 3 ATA (or 44.1 PSI) is not recommended.
Depending on your intended use, the best oxygen pressure for you may be different than someone else’s! Please consult a doctor to determine the best treatment protocol for you.
At sea level, the pressure is 1 ATA. Twice the atmospheric pressure at sea level is 2 ATA, and so on.
Yes. With high oxygen levels and repeated sessions, hyperbaric chambers have been shown to increase telomere length in aging adults.
But what are telomeres? Put simply, telomeres are DNA “buffers” located at the ends of your chromosomes that protect the rest of your DNA. Without telomeres, there would be nothing to keep your DNA from deteriorating or combining with other chromosomes. Considering DNA is what makes us who we are, telomeres are pretty important!
Unfortunately, just as our height shrinks when we age, our telomeres shrink, too. Each time our cells divide, they get slightly shorter. Why is this important? If oxygen increases your telomere length, it may lengthen your life as well!
Hyperbaric pressure is a medical treatment in which the pressure and oxygen concentration is increased to allow greater oxygen absorption in your body. It has a wide array of uses including healing, anti-aging, and to enhance athletic performance. For more information, see The Ultimate Guide to Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)
Generally, as more gas flows into a sealed space, the pressure increases. You may remember this from gas laws in introductory physics classes! Hyperbaric chambers are enclosed, so once you enter it, no oxygen or other gases can escape. Then, providers pump oxygen in and increase the pressure.
For more specific details, check out Hyperbaric Physics.
In medical terms, hyperbaric means of, relating to, or utilizing greater than normal pressure. It most often pertains to oxygen.
Oxygenation is the addition of oxygen to any system. In Hyperbarics, it refers to the associated increase in pressure which allows greater oxygen absorption in your body during treatment.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be intimidating, but if you’re interested in Hyperbarics, it’s important to be well-informed. We hope you found this information beneficial! These FAQs outlined benefits of HBOT, purchasing tips, safety, and the science behind hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Please reach out if you have any questions! Otherwise, check out our entire catalog of Hyperbaric Chambers. For more information on Hyperbarics, read our Ultimate Guide to Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy!
Co-Founder of Rehabmart and an Occupational Therapist since 1993. Mike has spent his professional career working in multiple areas of Occupational Therapy, including pediatrics, geriatrics, hand therapy, ergonomics and inpatient / outpatient rehabilitation. Mike enjoys writing articles that help people solve complex therapeutic problems and make better product choices.
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