Frequently Asked Questions

• 1. What is Mild Hyperbaric Therapy?
• 2. Is It Safe?
• 3. How Does it Work?
• 4. Are There Any Side Effects?
• 5. What About Oxygen Toxicity?
• 6. What Can I Expect During My Session?
• 7. How Long Does a Session Last?
• 8. What Can I Do During My Hyperbaric Session?
• 9. Are There Any Reasons a Person Should NOT Go Into the Chamber?
• 10. How Often Should I Schedule a Session?

1. What is Mild Hyperbaric Therapy?

• Mild Hyperbaric Therapy (HBT) is a safe method of delivering more oxygen to the body at the cellular level.

• It provides the optimal environment for the body to carry out vital cell processes, thereby increasing the capacity for the body to heal itself.

• Mild HBT utilizes filtered pressurized ambient air to dissolve oxygen directly into the plasma, cerebral and spinal fluids, flooding tissues and vital organs with oxygen.

• Mild Hyperbaric Therapy allows for healing at the cellular level, which is critical for changes to be made which in turn affect healthy tissue formation, making it possible for healthier organs and ultimately a healthier body overall.

2. Is It Safe?

• YES! The hyperbaric chamber uses filtered ambient air, so there is no risk of oxygen toxicity to the body even with regular use.

• The chamber can be depressurized and opened from the inside.

• Once inside the chamber, both visual and verbal communication is possible with the outside.

• Most people report a comfortable, relaxing experience and emerge from the chamber feeling refreshed.

• This therapy is noninvasive, non-pharmaceutical, and there are no dangerous side effects reported.

3. How Does it Work?

• The hyperbaric chamber is filled with compressed ambient air from 2 to 4.5 pounds per square inch. (1.3 ATA max) This is the equivalent of 11 feet below sea level.

• The increased pressure allows the blood plasma and other liquids of the body to absorb additional oxygen thus greatly increasing oxygen uptake by the cells, tissues, glands, organs, brain, and fluids of the body.

• The resulting uptake of oxygen allows for increased circulation to areas with swelling or inflammation. At the same time, the increased pressure decreases swelling and inflammation.

• Oxygen is then utilized by the body for vital cell functions, healthier cells equals healthier tissues, and organs.

4. Are There Any Side Effects?

No dangerous side effects have been reported with Hyperbaric Therapy. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when preparing for your first session in a chamber:

1. Some people experience a mild discomfort to the ears when pressurizing the chamber, not unlike during the ascending part of an airplane ride.

2. Some people following their first few sessions experience slight fatigue as the body sweeps itself clear of toxic debris that has built up in the body. This is safe and necessary.

5. What About Oxygen Toxicity?

Oxygen toxicity typically applies to pressures above 2.0 ATA while using 100% oxygen. It is standard at these higher pressures to give "air breaks", in which the oxygen concentration is brought down to ambient air concentration every 30 minutes to combat this problem. If you are working with mild pressures (1.5 ATA and below), this should not be of concern.

6. What Can I Expect During My Session?

The chamber will seem smaller when deflated than it is when fully pressurized. Within one minute the chamber will inflate completely, allowing enough room for an adult to sit upright or lie fully extended.

It is advisable that you wear comfortable, loose clothing. (Panty-hose and other tight garments may contribute to feelings of claustrophobia.)

After the chamber inflates, it will begin to pressurize. This is the time when you may experience pressure in your ears. The easiest way to relieve any discomfort this may cause is to equalize your ears using one or more of the following methods:

1. Close your mouth and firmly clamp your nose shut with your fingers and thumb. Blow, as if you were blowing your nose, but keep nose and mouth closed. You will feel the air come out through your ears when you have done this procedure correctly, and this should relieve the pressure.

2. Yawn. Stretching your mouth as wide as possible, even stretching your tongue out. This will cause the sinus passages surrounding your ears to drain and relieve the pressure.

3. If you are the parent of a small child who is having trouble with their ears during pressurization, try massaging the area just below the ears and right behind the jaw. A baby still on the bottle or pacifier should be given either of these, but if your child is likely to spill drinks in the chamber please try to monitor them with liquids.

4. Sit upright. Turn your head completely to the right, then completely to the left. Repeat earlier steps until the ears are cleared.

7. How Long Does a Session Last?

The sessions last around 60 minutes.

8. What Can I Do During My Hyperbaric Session?

• Listen to music (we have CD/iPod players and a selection of music, or you may bring your own)

• Talk on your cell phone

• Play handheld games

• Watch movies on portable DVD player

• Work on laptop computer

• Read books or magazines

9. Are There Any Reasons a Person Should NOT Go Into the Chamber?

Yes. You should NOT go into the chamber if you:

• are inebriated (drunk)

• have ear canal problems or an ear infection

• are experiencing flu or cold symptoms

• Do not drink large amounts of fluids before entering the chamber.

• Do not wear perfume or cologne when you are coming for your session.

10. How Often Should I Schedule a Session?

We will make a recommendation for you based on your needs after an initial evaluation.