HYPERBARIC OXYGEN
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s like when you purchase a bottle of soda, the CO2 (carbon dioxide) gas bubbles are under pressure, which decreases the size of the bubbles enough that they dissolve into the liquid. Therefore, you are unable to see them. When pressure is released, the volume of each bubble increases and the bubbles appear. While an individual is under pressure, the oxygen molecules decrease in size and are able to dissolve into the blood plasma. This exponentially increases oxygen delivery throughout the body and makes it possible for oxygen to reach inflamed tissue and support optimal cellular and organ functionality.
A ’40 hour protocol’ is commonly regarded as the gold standard for many of the physiological benefits that have been observed with HBOT, however you may notice many of the benefits within the first few sessions.
It has been well documented that the anti-oxidant and protective role of HBOT is immediate and demonstrated within 24 hours of just one hyperbaric session. The anti-inflammatory response is also very quick and a strong physiological response has been shown within 4 days. Many studies have reported HBOT to produce a strong pain relieving effect after just 5 to 10 sessions.
We find that most acute injuries, chronic pain, chronic health conditions, including autoimmune conditions require anywhere from 10-30 sessions. For best results we recommend 2-3 sessions per week.
To get a personalized protocol, book a First Time Resetter package that includes a comprehensive Insight Health Analysis and a chance to try three of our most popular biohacking therapies.
Once inside the chamber, you’ll lay down, relax and breathe through an oxygen mask to increase the effective delivery of oxygen into the body. Once the compressor is on, you’ll hear air begin to circulate. You’ll be able to see and talk with our staff through a clear window panel during this time.
While the chamber is compressing, you may experience a full sensation in their ears, similar to driving up or down a mountain road, changing altitudes in an airplane, or changing depths in underwater diving. The feeling of fullness occurs as the eardrums respond to the changes in atmospheric pressure, and will adjust once the chamber is pressurized. To alleviate this, you may try swallowing, moving the lower jaw or blowing air from your lungs out of your nose with your mouth closed and nose pinched.
During the session, you may choose to rest, read, listen to music or watch a movie. You are welcome to bring your cell phone, book, laptop or tablet into the HBOT. Please bring headphones to ensure the enjoyment of all clinic clients.
Near the end of your 60 minute HBOT session, the staff will gradually decrease the chamber pressure, which usually takes a couple minutes. During decompression, patients can once again experience a “popping” sensation in their ears as a result of the decreasing pressure.
Personal cleanliness is very important to the effectiveness of the treatment and comfort of fellow patients. Hair spray, perfume or shaving lotion containing a petroleum or alcohol base is not allowed in the HBOT.
Patients should wear comfortable clothing. You will be asked to remove your shoes. The temperature inside the HBOT can vary, so please bring layers. A blanket and pillow will be available inside the HBOT.
You are welcome to bring your cell phone, book, laptop or tablet into the HBOT. Please bring headphones to ensure the enjoyment of all clinic clients.
- Medications: some medications are not compatible with hyperbaric oxygen therapy, please consult with your physician.
- Cold and flu symptoms: It is important to notify staff if you have any cold or the flu – including fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, fever blisters, cold sores, nausea, vomiting, or general body aches. Often it’s best to delay treatment until these symptoms subside.
- Those with a history or ear trauma, tinnitus, middle ear infections, pressure intolerance, or ear surgery may be at risk of ear damage.
- Smoking: nicotine is incompatible with hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
- Pregnancy: The effect of hyperbaric therapy on fetus has not been sufficiently studied.
- Those with asthma, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), upper respiratory infection (URI), pulmonary edema, collapsed lung, pulmonary oxygen toxicity, pneumothorax or pulmonary barotrauma should not use the HBOT.
- Those with pre-existing seizure disorders or hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) should not use the HBOT.
- HBOT may interfere with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) and pacemakers.
- Claustrophobia. Due to the confined and enclosed nature of the hyperbaric chamber, some patients can develop a feeling of claustrophobia, and those who are already claustrophobic can experience a worsening of their symptoms.
