All you need to know about Hyperbaric chambers

What is a Hyperbaric Chamber?

Hyperbaric chamber therapy involves getting into an enclosed unit supplied with increased oxygen percentage. This means you breathe in pure oxygen at a pressure approximately three times that of normal air, allowing your lungs to take in more oxygen. More oxygen in the lungs means more oxygen in the blood flowing around your body. 

What are the benefits?

There are a number of advantages to hyperbaric chamber therapy: 

• Reduced inflammation 
• Heal injuries quicker
• Reduced oxidative stress
• Improved blood circulation 
• Flush out lactic acid 
• Reduced muscle fatigue 
• Faster bone/cartilage regeneration
• Improved endurance 
• Improved mental focus 

What should I expect?

All Hyperbaric chambers come with a guide to ensure treatments are administered safely. Treatments are varied and can last anywhere between 3 minutes and 2 hours. On average sessions are 60 minutes, 2-6 times a week. During hyperbaric chamber therapy you are free to sit back and relax, no movement is required, so you can have a little sleep if you’re feeling tired. All prohibited items will be outlined in the user guide but it is required that you wear only cotton garments, most likely a full cotton gown or medical scrubs. 

Recommended Hyperbaric Chambers

Chambers that supply the user with a 93-95% oxygen environment and air conditioning to remain cool and comfortable during treatments are recommended. These chambers can be operated by a second person on the outside or by yourself to allow for solo use. Viewing windows are great to allow you to see out during your treatments and electronic devices can be used to allow phone and tablet use for entertainment. 

Chambers are different such as 1 or 2 person, recliner chair or mattress or even regular or XL for taller individuals. These differences allow you to get the perfect recliner for you. The recliner options have a fold away chair to allow you to sit up during treatments, the 2 person chambers are mattress only so require you to lie during hyperbaric chamber therapy. There is no benefit to sitting or lying, this is just down to your personal preference. Below is a comparison table to help identify which chamber is best for you.

FAQ's

Is Hyperbaric chamber therapy painful? 

No, Hyperbaric chamber may feel slightly uncomfortable and take a couple of treatments to get used to, but not painful. 

What do I wear in the chamber? 

Only cotton clothing should be worn in Hyperbaric chambers. This means only cotton underwear, no bras with wire and no shoes. Often just a gown is ideal. 

Is it good for my skin? 

Benefits such as Increased collagen production, accelerated cell regeneration, and reduced appearance of wrinkles are just some advantages to regular treatments 

Are there any risks?

As with any medical treatment, there is a list of cautions to be followed to reduce all risks. In addition, if any pain is experienced the treatment should be stopped immediately and the individual should exit the chamber. Hyperbaric chamber therapy may take a bit of getting used to, but should never be painful. The most common risk is ear and sinus pain, if experienced as aforementioned the pressure and oxygen content should be returned to normal and you should exit the chamber. 

 Is it good for arthritis?

Hyperbaric chamber therapy stimulates healing therefore can provide some relief for those suffering from arthritis.