Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy FAQs
Have questions about hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT)? We’ve got answers! Explore our FAQs or give us a call at (512) 312-7968 for personalized assistance and information about how HBOT can benefit you.
What is HBOT?
HBOT, or hyperbaric oxygen therapy, is a medical treatment that increases delivery of oxygen to the body by providing pure oxygen in a specially designed, pressurized space. This increases the oxygen content in the blood, cerebral spinal fluid, and tissue, enhancing the body’s natural healing process.
How Does HBOT Work?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy stimulates the body’s natural healing process in a variety of ways:
- Hyperoxygenation – By increasing the oxygen dissolved in the plasma (the liquid portion of the blood), the lymphatic fluid, and the cerebrospinal fluid, HBOT increases the oxygen available to damaged tissues, stimulating healing.
- Neovascularization – HBOT stimulates blood vessel formation (angiogenesis) and collagen (connective tissue) formation in areas that were previously resistant due to lack of oxygen.
- Hyperoxia-enhanced antimicrobial activity – HBOT reduces or eliminates the effects of toxic substances, bacteria, viruses, and yeast by increasing the tissue’s oxygen levels.
- Hyperoxia enhanced immune response – HBOT activates the white blood cells to fight infection, promoting resistance to infection as well as wound healing. HBOT also helps to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.
How Does a Hyperbaric Chamber Work?
What Conditions Are Treated With HBOT?
HBOT is FDA-approved to treat a variety of conditions:
- Air or gas embolism
- Carbon monoxide and cyanide poisoning
- Crush injury and acute traumatic ischemia
- Decompression sickness
- Delayed radiation injury
- Diabetic foot ulcers
- Enhanced healing of problem wounds
- Exceptional blood loss
- Gas gangrene
- Intracranial abscess
- Necrotizing soft tissue infections
- Osteomyelitis (refractory)
- Skin grafts and flaps (compromised)
- Thermal burns
Portable hyperbaric chambers are cleared by the FDA to treat acute mountain sickness only. All other conditions treated by portable hyperbaric chambers are considered off-label uses; however, many of these uses are quite commonplace internationally in countries such as Russia, China, Japan, Italy, and the U.K.
Visit our Conditions page [link] to learn more.
What Does it Mean When HBOT is Considered "Off-Label?”
How Does HBOT Treat So Many Different Conditions?
HBOT treats the underlying disease process that causes and perpetuates a wide variety of chronic conditions. HBOT is used therapeutically to treat conditions in which tissues have been damaged by oxygen deprivation. When the oxygen is restored to these tissues, much of the lost function returns. HBOT also helps to reduce inflammation and promote wound healing throughout the body and the brain.
Are There Any Published Studies on HBOT?
There are over 30,000 published scientific studies on HBOT. Visit our Resources page [link] to learn more.
What is Mild HBOT?
Mild HBOT is performed at low pressures, typically at 1.3 ATA to 1.5 ATA. Mild HBOT is available in portable, soft-sided hyperbaric chambers with compressed room air.
What is Hard HBOT?
Hard HBOT is hyperbaric oxygen therapy at higher pressures, typically above 1.5 ATA. Hard HBOT is available in monoplace or multiplace chambers with 100% oxygen.
What is the Difference in Clinical Outcomes Between Mild HBOT and Hard HBOT?
While hard HBOT results in greater oxygen saturation in the tissues, many conditions respond better to mild HBOT. In all the clinical trials to date, there has been virtually no difference in clinical outcome between mild HBOT with room air and hard HBOT with 100% oxygen. Please contact your doctor regarding which type of HBOT is best for you.
What Happens During the Treatment?
For many people, a session in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber is no different from an airplane flight. You need to be able to clear your ears to be comfortable. Once your ears adjust, you will feel completely normal in the chamber. If you are in a portable chamber with room air, you can bring a portable computer or phone into the chamber, along with beverages, blankets, and pillows. If your chamber is large enough, you can sit, stand up, exercise, or sleep. If you are in a smaller chamber, you can lie down and read, listen to music, or watch videos.
What is the Standard Treatment Protocol?
Many doctors recommend an initial round of 40 sessions, typically done once or twice a day for 60 to 90 minutes each, five to seven days a week. After a two to four-week break, a second round of 40 sessions is usually recommended. For chronic conditions, people often do hundreds of sessions over a period of years. Please contact your doctor to discuss the best protocol for your condition.
What is a SPECT Scan?
A SPECT scan shows brain function by mapping blood flow in the brain (cerebral perfusion). The scans show areas of hypoperfusion, where brain activity is too low, and hyperperfusion, where brain activity is too high. Before and after SPECT scans show the changes in brain activity resulting from HBOT. The cost of a SPECT scan is approximately $3,000. Please contact your doctor to see if SPECT scans are advisable for you.
How Safe is HBOT?
HBOT is incredibly safe. The most common problem experienced by people undergoing HBOT is equalizing the pressure in their ears.
How Safe Are Hyperbaric Chambers?
Hyperbaric chambers are very safe when used as directed. Hard chambers use 100% oxygen under pressure, which is extremely flammable, so they require specific safety measures. Soft, portable chambers, which use pressurized room air, carry no fire risk and are incredibly safe when used correctly.
How Can I Learn More About HBOT?
The most comprehensive book about HBOT is “The Oxygen Revolution: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: The Groundbreaking New Treatment for Stroke, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Arthritis, Autism, Learning Disabilities and More” by Paul Harch, MD. This book is geared toward individuals who would like to learn more about how HBOT works and what conditions it treats. The book explores the science behind HBOT as well as the case studies of patients who have benefited from HBOT.
How Do Your Portable Hyperbaric Chambers Compare to Other Portable Hyperbaric Chambers on the Market?
Our chambers are larger and significantly less expensive than other portable hyperbaric chambers. The 40″ and 46″ chambers are large enough for two adults to sit up inside of them, and one adult can sleep or exercise inside these chambers. An adult can walk into the 46″ and 60″ vertical chambers. We are also the only company that offers vertical and fully wheelchair-accessible chambers.
Compared to other companies, our portable hyperbaric chambers offer:
- Bright, spacious interiors for enhanced comfort and ease of use
- Side entry design—no need to climb in from the top
- Oilless compressors that are quieter and more energy efficient
- Push-button controls for simple pressurization and depressurization
- Pause function to allow more time to clear your ears when needed
If you purchase an overpriced chamber, it can lose as much as 50% of its value within months of ownership. Because our chambers are so reasonably priced, they have excellent resale value.
What is Included in Your Chambers?
Each chamber comes with:
- One to two top windows
- Two inflation valves
- One to two auxiliary valves
- An airtight two-way zipper
- One to two pressure gauges
- Medical grade hoses
- Mattress (Vertical chambers come with a carpet and a wood floor in lieu of a mattress.)
- Two compressors
- Bolsters
- Travel bag
- Carbon filter
- Cleaning cloth
- PVC frame
Can I Use Your Chambers by Myself?
Yes—our chambers are specifically designed for independent use. With side entry, one-touch controls, and the ability to pause pressurization or depressurization if needed, most users find them simple and comfortable to operate on their own. No medical supervision is required for home use.
Are Your Chambers Approved by the FDA?
Our chambers are Class II medical devices that are cleared by the FDA for the treatment of acute mountain sickness. The chambers are cleared for home and office use.
Is It Easy to Assemble Your Chambers?
Our chambers are incredibly easy to assemble. Even if you are not mechanically inclined, you can assemble your chamber in approximately 15 minutes. The chamber comes with detailed set-up and training instructions, and we provide unlimited tech support by phone and email during the set-up process and throughout your ownership of the chamber. If you prefer, you can hire our technician to fly to your home or clinic anywhere in the world and set up your chamber, as well as instruct you in its operation. However, people rarely require this level of service.
Where Are Your Chambers Manufactured?
Depending on the model of your chamber, the inflatable bag is manufactured in the US or France. All the other components are manufactured and assembled in the US.
What Kind of Testing is Done on Your Chambers?
The chambers are tested at a maximum pressure of 1.5 times the operating pressure and undergo burst testing at 1,500 millibars.
Can I Rent a Chamber?
We offer monthly rentals for all of our chambers. A monthly rental will introduce you to hyperbaric oxygen therapy without the financial commitment of purchasing a chamber.
Do You Ship Your Chambers Internationally?
We offer international shipping via FedEx and UPS as well as via freight forwarding companies. Please contact us for a custom shipping quote.
Can I Use My HSA/FSA card?
Yes, we accept most HSA and FSA credit cards for your chamber purchase.
Find the Best Chamber for Your Personal Needs
Explore the different oxygen chamber brands so that you can make an informed decision based on your needs, the style that suits you best, and your budget. Looking for additional support? We pride ourselves on being highly responsive, ensuring that your questions and concerns are addressed promptly and thoroughly.