Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, or HBOT, is treatment in a pressurized environment at a level higher than 1 atmosphere absolute (ATA). This allows the body to absorb more oxygen into its tissues.
Increased pressure allows for oxygen to dissolve and saturate more readily into our blood plasma, cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid and all liquids within our body This is because of Henry's Law of Gases.
Yes. There are hyperbaric chambers (hard chambers) and mild hyperbaric chambers (soft chambers). Most studies have been done with hard chambers.
Hard hyperbaric chambers are metal chambers and are not portable. These chambers reach 100% oxygen intake and a maximum of 6.0 ATA. Although they have greater strength and provide more benefits than soft chambers, they are very expensive and require special permits to install as well as a certified operator. Most people seeking treatments with these need to visit a medical facility.
A mild hyperbaric chamber is a soft portable chamber with a frame structure that inflates using a compressor and oxygen condenser. A dehumidifier and/or air conditioner can be added to improve the comfort. Mild hyperbaric chambers offer up to 30% oxygen intake at a maximum 1.5 ATA.
ATA or atmosphere absolute refers to gauge pressure that is true regardless of location. This way, a standard depth can be reached whether located above or below sea level.
1.4 chambers have a higher pressure than the 1.3. As a result of the increased pressure, the 1.4 chambers can have better results than the 1.3 when used for an equal amount of time.
More oxygen equals more energy. More energy means better function, quicker repair & healing, and enhanced growth & regeneration. Every day an average adult consumes 2kg of food, 1 liter of water and almost 550 liters of oxygen. 90% of our daily energy comes from oxygen and the rest food and water. The human brain is 2% of the bodies total weight and uses 25% of the oxygen we breath. We need this oxygen for the energy cycle that sustains life. When we do not have enough oxygen in our body tissue, a series of events occur, that if not corrected lead to disease conditions, infection, tissue destruction, or both. If there is low oxygen in tissue (hypoxia) there is a short window of opportunity to correct it. An excellent method to correct tissue hypoxia is by using a hyperbaric chamber.
When the chamber is pressurized, your ears may feel some discomfort from pressure changes. You might feel a little discomfort in your ears. To equalize the pressure and avoid the feeling of fullness in your ears, close your mouth, pinch your nostrils together, and blow softly. This method will equalize the pressure in your Eustachian tubes, but be careful not to blow too hard so you don't damage your eardrums. Other than this ear pressure there are no unusual or different sensations.
When you are inside a pressurized chamber at 1.3 or 1.5 ATA you may not feel different, but breathing pure oxygen in such a chamber gives you 7-8 times the regular amount of oxygen. Henry's law states that for a gas-liquid interface the amount of the gas that dissolves in the liquid is proportional to its partial pressure. The pressurized oxygen dissolves directly into all body fluids. In a few minutes this extra oxygen builds up tissue oxygen levels far above normal. This action has been scientifically proven to stimulate healing.
This is one of those questions which has so many different variables and answers we will have to generalize. We will answer this question from general experience and with the understanding that no 2 people get the same results. It is very rare that we do not see improvements. What we are looking for is an improvement in the quality of life for anyone.
Take a look at out chamber comparison chart to view the differences and see what one would best suit your needs.
If you still have questions that you didn't find the answer to, please feel free to send us your question and we will get back with you as soon as possible.