HBOT explained
From the vessel to the tissue.
A closer look at blood cells, the vessel wall and the surrounding tissue.
01 · Blood and oxygen
The larger discs represent red blood cells. The smaller pairs of particles represent oxygen.
02 · The vessel wall
Watch the smaller particles cross the boundary between the vessel and the surrounding tissue.
03 · Into the tissue
The paths reach the cells outside the vessel. This is a simplified illustration, not a measurement of oxygen delivery or a treatment result.
What is hyperbaric oxygen therapy?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves breathing oxygen in a pressurised chamber. The pressure, the oxygen delivery, the duration and the clinical setting all affect what is being provided.
A home chamber should not be assumed to provide the same treatment as a hospital hyperbaric system. The equipment and the prescribed protocol need to be considered together.
Read the MedlinePlus overviewChamber pressure
The pressure inside the chamber.
Oxygen supply
The concentration supplied by the oxygen source. The two measurements are not interchangeable.
The chamber and the oxygen supply.
A chamber creates the pressurised environment. The oxygen supply and its delivery arrangement are separate parts of the specification. Ask what is included and how the equipment connects.
Read the specifications carefully
Pressure describes the chamber
ATA stands for atmospheres absolute, a measure of pressure. A maximum or working pressure does not tell you what is appropriate for an individual.
Oxygen concentration needs context
A concentrator’s stated output is not the same as the oxygen concentration throughout the chamber or the amount a person receives. Ask how oxygen is supplied and which measurement a specification refers to.
Construction changes the choice
Hard-shell and soft chambers have different structures and operating requirements. Compare the exact model and its instructions, including access, supporting equipment and maintenance.
Evidence and suitability
Evidence about a medical use of hyperbaric oxygen cannot be applied to every home chamber or every purpose. A clinician should consider the condition, the evidence, the actual equipment and the protocol.
Our product team can discuss equipment and installation. A product enquiry does not replace a clinical assessment, a diagnosis or medical advice.
Read more about hyperbaric oxygen therapyOperating the equipment
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your exact chamber and oxygen system. Training, maintenance and fire prevention are part of safe operation.
The US medical device regulator has reminded providers and facilities to follow device instructions and safety measures when using hyperbaric equipment. Discuss the requirements with your supplier and your clinician before use.
How a session works
Confirm the sequence, settings and supervision requirements in the instructions for your exact model.
01Setting up the chamber
The hard-shell Pro chambers plug in and switch on. The soft Sport chambers need some assembly first: you connect the internal frame and put up the cover around it, following the written instructions and the video we provide.
Whichever model you have, read through the controls before your first session.
02Entering the chamber
You close the chamber from inside and put on your oxygen mask. Because the oxygen level inside is raised, we advise against taking electronic devices in with you, though depending on the model you can still hear music or television playing in the room.
03Raising the pressure
The air pressure inside the chamber rises above normal atmospheric pressure to the working pressure of your model. Sessions usually last between 30 and 90 minutes.
04Breathing concentrated oxygen
Throughout the session you breathe concentrated oxygen through a mask or a nasal cannula. The oxygen goes straight to your nose or mouth rather than into the air of the chamber.
Questions to take with you
- Is hyperbaric oxygen appropriate for my circumstances?
- What equipment and protocol does the evidence refer to?
- What are the operating and supervision requirements of the model?
- What training, servicing and installation does it need?
Explore the equipment
Compare the Limitless models and their practical differences.