Frequently Asked Questions

In a hyperbaric chamber, a person breathes 100%, medical grade oxygen as the atmospheric pressure is increased up to three times normal surface pressure. The combination of increased pressure and high concentrations of oxygen causes large amounts of oxygen to be dissolved into the blood and tissues (typically 10 to 15 times the usual amount).

Blood is made up of three main components: white cells that fight infection, red blood cells that carry oxygen, and plasma. Plasma is the fluid that carries cells throughout the body.  Under normal circumstances, only the red blood cells carry oxygen.  However, because of the increased pressure during HBOT, oxygen dissolves into all the body’s fluids, including the plasma, the lymph, and the cerebrospinal fluids that surround the brain and spinal cord. These fluids can then carry the extra oxygen to areas where circulation is poor or blocked, either by trickling past the blockages or by seeping into the affected area.  This extra oxygen helps in the healing process and enhances the white blood cell’s ability to fight infection.  HBOT can promote the development of new capillaries, the tiny blood vessels that connect arteries to veins.  It can also help the body build new connective tissue, and can also aid in reducing localized swelling or edema. Read more on Hyperbaric Oxygen Effects on Blood Flow.

Once a patient is medical screened for HBOT, they are then dressed in 100% cotton scrubs. No other items are allowed inside the chamber with the patient.  Once in the chamber, the door is closed and the 100%, medical grade oxygen begins to circulate. This starts a gradual increase in pressure — called compression. The oxygen circulation produces a relaxing sound much like the wind blowing through trees. There may be some slight warmth during compression, but it is only temporary. The Chamber Operator remains by the chamber throughout the treatment to adjust the rate of compression according to patient tolerance and to coach the patient on relieving the “full” sensation in the ears. You may feel fullness in your ears as your eardrums adjust to the change in pressure. This is remarkably similar to the feeling you experience when you ascend and descend in an airplane. Compression generally lasts 10-15 minutes depending on how effective one is at clearing their ears.

When the interior of the chamber reaches the prescribed pressure, the fullness sensation in the ears will cease and the patient is free to rest or sleep. The chamber environment remains at room temperature. The patient may also use our personal entertainment system which includes a flat screen television monitor with multiple streaming services for your enjoyment.

Near the end of the treatment, the Chamber Operator will gradually decrease pressure that was added at the beginning. This is called decompression, which generally lasts 10 minutes. During decompression, there may be a slight “popping” sensation in the ears because of the changing (decreasing) pressure. This “popping” is a normal adjustment, similar to what happens when driving up a mountain pass or ascending in an airplane. It is usually much easier to equalize ear pressure during decompression than during the compression phase.

The most common potential side effect during treatment is barotrauma to the ears and sinuses caused by pressure changes. To minimize this potential side effect, patients learn techniques to promote adequate clearing of the ears during compression (similar to clearing your ears on an airplane).  Barotrauma is very rare in clinical hyperbarics.

Other side effects are rarer, but may include oxygen toxicity which affects only 1 person in 10,000. After many consecutive treatments (usually more than 30) some changes in vision may be noticed. Any changes usually return to pre-treatment vision levels in about 6-8weeks after discontinuing HBOT. Some patients may experience claustrophobia which can be resolved with relaxation techniques or mild medications.  Extensive HBOT has also been known to accelerate maturation of cataracts

Since patients are enclosed within a 100% oxygen environment, multiple safety precautions are followed to create a safe environment for the patient and chamber staff.  Items NOT allowed in the chamber include, but are not limited to.

• Cigarette lighters
• Matches
• Nylon Wigs
• Hairpieces
• Jewelry
• Petroleum ointments
• Hearing aids
• Makeup
• Hairspray
• Perfume or Cologne
• Synthetic clothing (Patients are provided 100% cotton scrubs to wear during treatment)
• Hard Contact lenses
• Paper products
• Electronics

Our hyperbaric technicians will make sure our safety policies are followed before every treatment.

HBOT will cause blood glucose to be metabolized in the body more quickly. Because of this, it is important that you eat before your treatment.  We also recommend that you avoid carbonated beverages prior to treatment to avoid an upset stomach. Some medications are contraindicated for use with HBOT.  A complete list of medications and supplements should be provided to our medical team during the initial consult, and any changes should be communicated immediately.  To maximize the benefit of HBOT, smoking should be avoided during the course of your entire treatment protocol.  Smoking causes vasoconstriction and accumulation of carbon monoxide and other toxins, all which are counterproductive to HBOT.  Lastly, alcohol should be avoided at least 8 hours prior to treatment.

Every patient is unique and will be evaluated according to their condition and response to HBOT and other ongoing therapies. This determines their treatment protocol.  Typical protocols range from 10 to 40 consecutive treatments.  HBOT works cumulatively in the body and the greatest benefit is seen when treatments are regular and consistent. Therefore, treatments are usually schedule 4-5 days per week.

You very seldom hear of anyone being treated in a hyperbaric chamber because they are fairly unusual in the United States.  Medicine in the United States is often; get a pill, have surgery or get a radiation treatment proposition.  HBOT, used “off-label”, or for other than FDA approved conditions, is considered to be Alternative Medicine and “Experimental”, so few doctors ever consider this elegant and effective treatment.  Doctors are a product of their training and experience.  Since HBOT is not taught in most medical schools and is not available in most teaching hospitals, their training and experience lack any hyperbaric exposure, unless they specifically seek training on their own.  Most doctors only hear about HBOT in conjunction with scuba diving accidents or carbon monoxide poisoning, and seldom use it for anything beyond the FDA approved uses.

We are a full service, free-standing provider of hyperbaric oxygen therapy able to care for patients with a wide range of medical conditions.  We treat both FDA approved conditions, which are typically covered by insurance, as well as other “off label” conditions that current research has demonstrated efficacy.     

See our list of the most commonly treated conditions

HBOT can be used as an “adjunctive” or add-on therapy that enhances all other therapies.  You should continue all other physical, occupational, speech, IV, and wound care therapies.  HBOT often works synergistically with other therapies, supplements, and medicines  You will often progress more with all your therapies when you add HBOT to your treatment and rehabilitation program. 

Learn how HBOT works with other services we provide

Yes, and MOSTLY NO.  HBOT is covered by Medicare and most private insurance companies only when it is used to treat the FDA approved medical conditions (See “Conditions” page for a list).  Any other use is considered “off label” and typically will not be covered.  This is another reason that hospitals only treat the FDA approved conditions. HBOT is paid for by the patient in most cases.  Our clinic offers discounted cash rates as well as package pricing for extended treatment protocols.  Often, the accelerated healing promoted by HBOT shortens recovery time enough to save money on additional healthcare costs, medication costs, and lost wages.

HBOT is considered by many to be a method of restoring wellness to both the mind and body by utilizing the principles of oxygen and its physiological effects. It is necessary to have a certain amount of distrust of the “miraculous” in the field of medicine, especially when, for example, claims are made for drugs whose pharmacology and value have not been scientifically established; however, oxygen hardly falls into this category. Throughout the 20th Century the fundamental importance of oxygen in human physiology was not fully appreciated. Ultimately, oxygen is what breath is all about, and breath is about connection to life itself.