Frequently asked questions

What is hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT)?

HBOT is a promising treatment method that provides almost 100% oxygen to the lung system of a patient who inhales it in a hyperbaric chamber at a much higher pressure than normal atmospheric pressure. In this way, much more oxygen enters the tissues and organs, which accelerates the healing processes in the body and helps in recovery from many indications and health complications. HBOT is based on two laws of physics known as Henry's law and Boyle's law.

Henry's law states that the weight amount of gas dissolved at a given temperature in a liquid is directly proportional to the pressure of the gas above the liquid.

Boyle's law states that the gas pressure of a given mass is inversely proportional to its volume at a constant temperature. Or that the product of pressure and gas volume is constant at a constant temperature.

The combination of these two laws confirms that gas is compressed in proportion to the amount of pressure exerted on it. With these laws, HBOT allows more oxygen to be delivered to tissues and organs. This increase in oxygen pressure at the cellular level can accelerate healing processes and aid in recovery from many indications. Side effects are minimal and isolated. HBOT is not a cure for all diseases, but regular procedures show a clear increase in immunity, in helping patients with chronic problems and it can alleviate even complex or neurological disabilities.

How does the HBOT procedure work?

The patient puts on an oxygen mask (or oxygen tubing) and begins to breathe almost 100% oxygen. The chamber is hermetically sealed upon entry of the patient, thereby separating the chamber environment from the outside environment. Subsequently, the chamber is gradually pressurized by the compressor up to 1.3 ATA. When pressurizing the chamber, the patient has a similar feeling as during take-off on a plane and the climb to the flight level. In case you feel discomfort in your ears, proceed as if on an airplane - move the lower jaw forward, or try chewing or yawning. This immediately releases a slight pressure in the ears. As soon as the pressure stabilizes at 1.3 ATA, the pressure in the ears equalizes and the feeling of loose ears subsides. Subsequently, the patient breathes oxygen through his nose and during the procedure he can read, listen to music or work on a laptop or phone. At the end of the therapy, the chamber is gradually depressurized. Once the chamber pressure returns to 0.0 ATA, the patient can open the zippers and leave the chamber. Each chamber also has a safety valve that can control the pressure of the chamber, or interrupt the procedure. However, it is necessary to follow the instructions in the manual. Never leave the chamber unless the pressure gauge is at 0.0 ATA

 Is HBOT safe?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is very pleasant and painless. It is generally recommended and, in many cases, prescribed by doctors. Although there are few risks, as with all treatments, general hyperbaric oxygen therapy is very safe if correct procedures are followed.

What diseases does HBOT treat?

HBOT has a positive effect on a wide range of diseases, including autoimmune, infectious, cardiovascular, cutaneous, neurological, pediatric and many other diseases. If you want to find out if HBOT can help with your problem, everything is described in detail in the INDICATIONS section.

Are there different types of hyperbaric chambers?

Basically, there are two types of chambers - monoblocks designed for one person and large chambers called multiplace, which are for more people and resemble the cabin of a smaller aircraft. Monoblocks, chambers for 1 person are produced in two variants. The first variant is soft inflatables, which are well portable and are used at a maximum pressure of 1.3 ATA. The second variant is fixed, aluminum chambers (capsules), where it is possible to achieve a pressure of up to 2.0 ATA. Multiple chambers are designed to hold more than one person at a time, with oxygen being delivered through a mask or a hood.

Are there any side effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy?

The HBOT procedure is very pleasant and painless. The most common side effect is barotrauma of the ears. When pressurizing the chamber, the patient has a similar feeling as during take-off on a plane and the climb to the flight level. . In case you feel discomfort in your ears, proceed as if on an airplane - move the lower jaw forward, or try chewing or yawning. This immediately releases a slight pressure in the ears. These problems resolve spontaneously and quickly when the therapeutic pressure level is reached. A rare side effect may be oxygen toxicity, which is caused by too much oxygen. This condition should not occur with regular 1-2 hour therapy. It is commonly reported that the first signs of oxygen toxicity come after inhaling 100% oxygen for 12-16 hours. Although HBOT is a safe procedure, there are contraindications for which therapies are not recommended (eg pregnancy, severe asthma, claustrophobia, etc.). A complete overview of these exceptions can be found in the CONTRAINDICATIONS section.

How should patients prepare to stay in the chamber?

The patient should enter the chamber in clean cotton clothing. They must not be under the influence of alcohol or other addictive substances and should not drink heavily carbonated beverages shortly before entry. Patients must not smoke or drink alcohol in the chamber. It is possible to relax and work in the chamber. Patients can take in a book, mobile phone, laptop or tablet.

When should patients not use the chamber?

If you have symptoms of a cold or flu, fever, stuffy nose or very high blood pressure. If you are diabetic and have not taken insulin before treatment in the chamber. If you have any concerns or anxiety, or if you suffer from claustrophobia. In case of uncertainty about pregnancy, staying in the chamber is also not recommended.

Do I need any necessary accessories, oxygen masks or do I have to buy other equipment?

The chamber is fully equipped with everything needed for the procedures themselves. If you purchase, rent or undergo procedures from our company, we deliver everything so that the patient does not have to arrange anything extra. Each patient receives their own new and unused mask or oxygen mask (oxygen tubing), which they attach to a valve inside the chamber.

How does hyperbaric oxygen help with brain injury or the consequences of a stroke?

When cells in the brain die, either as a result of trauma or the lack of oxygen, blood plasma leaks into the surrounding brain tissue, causing swelling and reduced blood flow. These otherwise normal cells are asleep because they can't function without the right amount of oxygen. HBOT dramatically increases the oxygen transported in the blood plasma, making oxygen available to treat damaged capillary walls, preventing plasma leakage and reducing swelling. As the swelling decreases, blood flow to the dormant tissue can be restored (neovascularization) and these cells then have the potential to begin functioning again.

Is there a need for a doctor or health care professional when using a hyperbaric chamber?

For hyperbaric chambers up to a total pressure of 1.5 ATA, neither a doctor nor a specialist is needed. These chambers are designed for households, wellness centers, beauty salons, hotels, sports clubs and the like. However, it is necessary for the seller to train the buyer, tenant or patient in detail how exactly to work with the chambers. At the same time, a manual must be included, in which everything is also shown and explained in detail. In the case of portable chambers with a 1.3ATA zipper, the entire process from the beginning of the procedure to its end can be controlled by a trained patient himself. However, it is more convenient for handling if someone else helps you with the process.

 In large hyperbaric chambers, where high blood pressure is used, it is necessary to have a doctor or a professional technician trained in HBOT operation. This is also stated in the user manual for the large medical chamber. The chamber must be certified as a Class IIB medical device according to EEC 93/42.

What is the recommended compression and decompression time of the hyperbaric chamber?
For hyperbaric chambers up to 1.5 ATA, it is recommended to pressurize the chamber for 8-10 minutes. However, the patient can regulate the speed of pressure (filling and discharging air) with a valve inside the chamber. It is generally recommended that the process is not shortened to less than 5 minutes. The slower the filling and emptying of the chamber, the less problems with overpressure in the ears. After each user of the chamber the client responds to the pressure equalization in their own way and, after the first therapy, recognizes how quickly he/she can pressurize the chamber.

Are there any prohibitions or restrictions in the use of HBOT?
It is forbidden to smoke, light candles or otherwise work with fire during the procedure in HBOT. During the actual therapy, almost 100% oxygen is inhaled and it is highly flammable. It is forbidden to rearrange, disassemble or destroy the hyperbaric chamber in any way. It is definitely forbidden to use any sharp objects or unprofessional tools on the chamber or its accessories. For any repair or modification needs, please contact our company first to resolve the situation. Keep all hyperbaric chamber equipment out of the reach of small children to prevent damage to or damage to individual parts of the chamber.

Is it necessary to have a prescription or a doctor's recommendation before entering the chamber?
Consent or the presence of a physician is not required to use a hyperbaric chamber up to 1.5 ATA. If the user does not feel well in the chamber during pressurization, he can immediately reduce the pressure in the chamber with the valve and leave the chamber after depressurization. It is recommended to discuss the stay in the chamber with a doctor only if you suffer from severe claustrophobia or have very serious health problems, which may be exacerbated by the increase in pressure.
 

Indication

Onemocnění, která HBOT léčí, mírní, případně zpomaluje:

Contraindication

HBOT is a very safe procedure in which, with the correct procedure for pressurizing the chamber, there is only a minimal risk of any problems. When the chamber is pressurized, the pressure gradually increases, similar to when taking off in an aircraft and ascending to the flight level. If you feel pressure in your ears, proceed as on an airplane - move the lower jaw forward, or try chewing or yawning. This immediately releases a slight pressure in the ears.

HBOT procedures are not recommended for: