Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Frequently asked questions/answers

Q: Will anyone be with me during my treatment?
A: Yes. There will be a Hyperbaric trained technician by the chamber at all times during the treatment and you will be able to talk with him/her either by private phone connection or intercom.

Q: Will I be able to get out of the chamber during the treatment to use the restroom?
A: No. It will be essential that you visit the rest room prior to your treatment as the treatments will not be interrupted. If you have problems with bladder control special garments can be worn.

Q: Will I be able to take anything in the chamber with me during treatment?
A: No. While Hyperbaric therapy is very safe special precautions will need to be taken. These include wearing only clothing given to you by the staff, limiting the use and wearing of hair products, make up, etc…and not allowing any foreign objects in the chamber during treatment.

Q: How long will I be in the chamber?
A: A typical Hyperbaric treatment is approximately two hours. This includes a 10 minute “dive” in which the chamber is filled with 100% oxygen and brought to pressure and a 10 minute ascent at the end of treatment in which the pressure is decreased to normal.

Q: How often will I need to receive Hyperbaric treatment?
A: For wound care Hyperbaric treatments are received daily Monday through Friday. Other medical conditions may require more than one treatment on a given day.

Q: How long will I need to take Hyperbaric treatments?
A: It may be necessary to receive between 20-40 treatments depending on the nature of the wound. For other conditions such as Carbon Monoxide poisoning, Decompression illness, or Gas Embolism may only require one or two treatments.

Q: What does Hyperbaric treatment feel like?
A: Generally, you will not feel differently. However, during the decent and ascent, you will feel a popping in your ears due to the change in pressure between your inner ear and the chamber. Prior to your treatment we will check your ears and teach you to “clear” your ears. Our chamber has a special Comfort Mode which allows you to clear your ears before “descending” too quickly. Once your ears are clear and are at treatment pressure you may feel an occasional “fullness” in your ears but otherwise you should be very comfortable.

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