Dangers of Buying Your Hyperbaric Chamber from China

The 1.5 ATA Hyperbaric Chamber Scoop

There are only three Hyperbaric Chamber brands built in the USA: Newtowne Hyperbarics, Summit to Sea and Oxyhealth. These three companies are FDA approved and reach 1.3ATA. There are no FDA approved 1.5 ATA Hyperbaric Chambers built in the United States. It is not allowed by the FDA to go above 1.3 ATA. If you want to own a 1.5 ATA chamber, you must purchase an imported Chamber from China. There are various selections and honestly, it’s like the Wild West when it comes to finding a chamber that is built to specifications that the FDA requires. Some Chinese brands do have track record whereas with other of the Chinese brands, many of them have only just started selling due to the popularity in the market.

Unfortunately, because China is not regulated the same as the US, shopping for a higher pressure chamber is much more like the “Wild, Wild East.”

Below is an example of what you could encounter if you decide to venture on your own onto the internet, full of unknown brands for your chamber:

Here are actual challenges that buyers have experienced once receiving their chambers that they purchased from China. Bypassing the US distributor and purchasing from one who is not vetted is not always the wisest way to go.

“I have a quick question for you. Have you had the chance to ever see the xxx model in person yet by chance? Asking because they have it listed on their website + in their distributor catalogs with the width measurement measuring out to 120cm (47 inches) in width. I’ve never seen one myself physically in person. However, I was under the impression that the width was actually = 120cm (or 47 inches), but a client of mine made the measurement of the width & it only equaled out to 37 inches when fully inflated. Not to get into all the details but this client I’m speaking of just received the xxx chamber model about 2 weeks ago for her + her husband (who had Alzheimer’s) to get in & do sessions together made the measurements & it’s not 47 inches in width, rather 37 inches in total width. I was genuinely under the impression that it equaled 47 inches in width as what it was advertised. Client is highly upset so I’m now in a current predicament trying to get it resolved the best/fastest way possible & I just wanted to get your input on before moving forward. I spoke with xxx regarding it & he sent me a video of their means of measuring the width & it’s just completely different than I expected. Any insight or any potential previous experience that you may be able to share would be greatly appreciated. Just trying to see the best way about going forward to keep my client happy. Thank you very much.”

This individual is disadvantaged because he can’t return his chamber. For one, a Chinese manufacturer doesn’t give you a trial period. You purchase site-unseen … in cash! If you have a problem, it is your problem. Additionally, returning a unit back to China costs you upwards from $1200. Although you save some money, upfront, purchasing from China, with a USA distributor you receive the value of safety!

While more and more people are flocking to China to purchase your chamber for a more affordable price, or a slightly higher pressure, it’s worth knowing … Another Chinese chamber just exploded this afternoon, with 2 people inside. There’s always the temptation of buying direct from China because of the lure of chambers that are cheaper. But please note that your safety is at stake! This individual bought from an inexperienced salesperson who got into the business for the quick buck when selling a chamber. Not enough experience to educate his customers of the safety protocols

Secondly, now that the chamber has exploded, this customer has no recourse. It’s tough going after the manufacturer in China, and the manufacturer is no longer even involved since she paid them cash.

It’s your choice… do you think it’s worth the safety factors to shop direct from China?

FACEBOOK POST: I have a Salus 36. We got this chamber to help out autistic son and it has really helped. We have had the chamber for a while and had it move it to different room a few times (for people visiting etc.). As such we have broken a few of the joiners of the internal frames (see pictures). I’m trying to purchase some more but struggling to find where to get them. Does anyone have any ideas? Cheers

RESPONSES:
“Unfortunately that model/company has no after sales parts or service anymore to my understanding. However, I know others with the same issue and I’m actually trying to work on a solution for them.”

“What brand is this? I’m not familiar with the Salus 36. I have dealt with a lot of manufacturers since starting my hyperbaric chamber distribution company & have had this same issue with poor quality frames/material from the not so great manufacturer’s in this space.”

“Unfortunately that model/company has no after sales parts or service anymore to my understanding. However, I know others with the same issue and I’m actually trying to work on a solution for them.”

One Chinese brand distributor expressed his concern to me. His bank account was closed because of all of his customer chargebacks. Many of his customers are fighting (and losing) their credit card charges for their chambers shipped from China, since they are nonrefundable.

FACEBOOK POST:
I’m passing on the Macy-Pan from China. My kids went nuts and their warranty isn’t that great. They are almost half the price of the US ones. The payment platform was Alibaba.com which my son said not to deal with for a large purchase. But the kid I was messaging from China has been very persistent. A little stress inducing. My final decision was based on not knowing about how the materials are regulated and possible off gassing. And if the unit Is defective there’s a $700 fee to ship a replacement. Do you guys talk costs on here? I may just work with a clinic til I can buy a unit with a good warranty and reputation.

American-made chambers are quality-controlled, FDA-cleared and a known commodity. Chinese brands are not. They are being built, left and right with new manufacturers and inexperienced private label distributors coming out of the woodwork. You purchase is rarely protected, nor your money refundable. You may not be properly educated to use your chamber safely. The average brand or distributor has been in business less than two years, which means they may not be around when you need them most. So where will you receive your protection?

Some distributors do not sell a select favorited brand. They sell several brands just to corner the market. They may or may not slap their own name on the chamber, so you won’t know if they advocate for a brand or are simply looking for an income. Also, there is not the durability time-line that you will find with an FDA-American-Made Hyperbaric Chamber. How many years will your Chinese chamber last? No one knows. US Chambers last at least 10 years, and its proven!

COMPARE: Macy Pan compressors run at 72L, American Made Newtowne and Summit to Sea use 80L for better air flow and CO2 flush from the chamber – for fresher air. The compressor also offers a longer lifespan.

The Amercian-made chambers are made with an industry-leading thickness, making them hard-wearing and providing a high-quality finish. Some companies produce their chambers using regular PVC plastics, which are not the strongest materials available and can give off unpleasant odors.

New Chinese brands have recently entered the market. One being Olive (also known as Oxygen Health Systems and Oxyma). They are known to have inferior customer service. They claim to have sold 80,000 chambers, which is like selling a chamber to everyone in your city. They copy chambers that are already on the market but in a less costly style.