Frequently asked Questions
Understanding Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: Your questions answered
How does the hyperbaric oxygen chamber work?
In HBOT, the air pressure is increased up to three times higher than normal air pressure. Under these conditions, your lungs can absorb more oxygen than would be possible at normal air pressure. This high level of oxygen is then carried throughout the body in the bloodstream, which helps fight bacteria and stimulate the release of substances called growth factors and stem cells, promoting healing.
Is using a hyperbaric oxygen chamber at home safe?
HBOT is generally safe but, like any medical procedure, it comes with certain risks. These can include middle ear injuries, lung collapse due to air pressure changes, and rare cases of seizures due to oxygen toxicity. Discussing these risks with your doctor is important, especially if you have conditions like ear problems, cold or fever, or lung diseases. Please see our contraindications page
How long is a typical rental period?
The typical rental period is one or two months. We recommend two months for chronic conditions. Reaching 40 accumulative sessions is a real game-changer
Can I try the chamber before deciding to rent or buy?
We currently do not offer trial sessions, but our rental option is a low-commitment way to experience the benefits before purchasing.
Is using hyperbaric oxygen at home safe?
HBOT is simple to operate yourself at home and at 1.5 ATA, the most common chamber we provide, is generally safe, and the risk of complications is minimal. The most common adverse effect, middle ear barotrauma, is extremely rare.
However, certain conditions exclude the use of HBOT:
1. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) - due to the potential risk of pulmonary
barotrauma.
2. Active Chemotherapy Treatment - as HBOT can increase the toxicity of the treatment.
3. Brain Tumors - depending on the location, HBOT can cause discomfort.
If you have any concerns or fall into any of these categories, it may be worth consulting your GP or giving us a call to discuss.
How long do I need to stay in the chamber?
We generally recommend using the chamber daily for at least one hour. Aim for 40-60 sessions as quickly as possible during your rental period, with minimal off days. If your schedule allows, you can use the chamber twice daily with a 4-hour gap between sessions. Our minimum recommended protocol is five times a week for one hour per session. While more frequent use is beneficial, there is no need to exceed 1.5 hours per session.
What are the differences between soft shell and hard shellchambers?
Soft shell chambers are more portable and typically used for mild HBOT at home, while hard shell chambers are used in clinical settings for more intensive treatments. One is not better than the other, it really depends on your personal health requirements. Many conditions respond better in a soft shell than a hard shell.
Is there an age limit for HBOT?
There is no specific age limit. Both children and elderly patients can benefit from HBOT under proper medical supervision.
How many sessions will I need?
The number of HBOT sessions required varies depending on the condition being treated. Acute conditions might only require a few sessions, while chronic issues could need 20 to 40 sessions or more. In the case of the latter, you want to be in the chamber at least 5 days a week.
Are there any health conditions that make using an oxygen chamber unsafe?
HBOT is a safe and non invasive treatment however contraindications can include but are not limited to: pregnancy, claustrophobia, optic neuritis, recent eye surgery, history of seizure disorder, congenital spherocytosis, viral infections, and chronic sinusitis.
How is the chamber installed in my home?
We have two options, our delivery team can install the system for you or we can have the system delivered to your address and you can set it up following a video tutorial. Any issues and we’re on hand to problem-solve them for you.
Can HBOT cure my condition?
While HBOT effectively enhances healing and treats various conditions, it is not a cure-all. Its efficacy varies depending on the condition being treated. HBOT can significantly improve outcomes for some conditions, especially when used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Having realistic expectations and discussing the potential benefits with your healthcare provider is important.
Can I try the chamber before deciding to rent or buy?
We currently do not offer trial sessions but out rental option is a low-commitment way to experience the benefits before purchasing. The cost of the rental will also be deducted from the overal sales price in our ‘rent-to-buy scheme’ should you wish to keep it.
Do I need bottled oxygen?
No, bottled oxygen is not necessary. Our soft shell chambers are equipped with a 10-litre oxygen concentrator, which increases the oxygen concentration from the ambient 21% to 93% through a mask within the chamber. For our hardshell systems, you can use a 20-litre concentrator or bottled oxygen, providing flexibility based on your needs.
What is the best time of the day to use the chamber?
The optimal time to use the chamber varies from person to person. Some may find it stimulating, potentially affecting sleep, while others may feel ready to nap afterward. We recommend using the chamber in the early part of the day initially to determine how it affects you personally.
Can Iuse electronics in the HBOT chamber?
Electronics are allowed in soft shell 1.5 ATA chambers, we would not recommend them in 2 ATA hard shell systems.
