FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Your ultimate guide to understanding Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
We have compiled a list of commonly asked questions and their answers to help you determine if HBOT is right for you or your loved ones
The Basics
New to hyperbaric oxygen therapy? Start here for clear answers on what HBOT is, how it works, what a session feels like and what to expect during your first visit.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)
Core questions about HBOT treatment — how sessions are structured, the science behind pressurized oxygen delivery and why it differs from breathing oxygen at normal atmospheric pressure.
Hyperbarics, also called hyperbaric oxygen therapy or HBOT, is a medical therapy approved by the FDA and Medicare to heal a variety of medical conditions. A patient sits or lies down in a hard-sided, pressurized chamber, and breaths 100% oxygen, which heals the body and brain. It is safe, effective and painless.
We do not offer treatment in soft chambers. We could, but choose not to, because soft chambers only provide up to 31% oxygen and up to 1.3 ATA of pressure (we provide 100% oxygen at up to 2.8 ATA). Treatment in soft chambers, also called mild hyperbaric (mHBOT) chambers are also not at this time approved by the FDA, and insurance companies, including Medicare, do not reimburse for mHBOT in soft chambers.
Understand the mechanisms of HBOT
Go deeper into the biology. Learn how HBOT stimulates stem cells, reduces inflammation, grows new blood vessels and repairs damaged tissue at the cellular level.
Cost of treatment
Understand pricing, insurance coverage and payment options. We accept Medicare, Kaiser, Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, United Health Care and many more for qualifying conditions.
The cost of a hyperbaric chamber depends on several factors, primarily on whether you purchase a soft-sided or hard-sided chamber. Soft-sided chambers are generally less expensive but only provide up to 1.3 ATA pressure and 31% oxygen, while hard-sided chambers provide up to 2.4 ATA (up to 2.8 in some cases) and 100% oxygen, which has been shown to give medically significant results. Soft chambers require oxygen concentrators, while hard chambers need air compressors, oxygen storage, and medical-grade air setups. Before purchasing, we encourage you to call us to discuss the optimal chamber, because each treatment protocol may require specific pressures and oxygen concentrations. We’re here to support your healing.
Before you visit a HBOT clinic
How to prepare for your first appointment — what to bring, what to wear, what to eat beforehand and what questions to ask your physician about HBOT.
Side effects of HBOT
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is safe and well-tolerated. Understand the mild, rare side effects, safety protocols and what to expect during and after sessions.
The most common complication of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is barotrauma to the ears or sinuses, which can feel similar to the pressure changes on an airplane. This is usually mild and temporary, and steps are taken to help patients equalize pressure safely. Serious complications are rare and HBOT is generally very well tolerated.
Locations to find HBOT
Where to access hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Learn about certified clinics, what makes Bay Area Hyperbarics different and what to look for in a quality HBOT provider.
