FAQs

What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a painless and non-invasive oxygen therapy that involves breathing oxygen in a pressurised chamber. The Chamber is pressurised with ambient air, then oxygen is administered via mask for the duration of the session.

What happens during an HBOT session?

There are several stages during a typical therapy session.

• The first stage is compression, in which the chamber is pressurised to the required pressure.

• You may feel warm for a few minutes at the start of your therapy.

• You may feel a slight pressure in your ears or sinuses during the session. You will be guided by your HBOT Therapist on how to relieve any discomfort.

• The chamber is maintained at this pressure whilst you breathe in the oxygen for the length of time prescribed in your programme (typically 60 mins).

• You may feel sleepy during your therapy.

• The chamber is then depressurised, and your session is finished.

• You may feel cool and slightly tired at the end of your therapy.

What does Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy feel like?

The start and end of your session may feel like the take-off or landing of an aeroplane. As the pressure builds in the chamber, the pressure builds within your ears, which may leave you with an ear-popping or fullness sensation. The majority of people adjust to these pressures automatically but we do encourage you to signal our attention if you do experience discomfort in your sinuses or ears.

This sensation should only last around 10 minutes, and our guided HBOT Therapists will guide you to relieve any ear pressure.

Once the desired pressure is reached, you may feel sleepy, and you can relax and breathe normally for the duration of your session.

Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy safe?

Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is an extremely safe, non-invasive therapy, with very few rare potential side effects. Your HBOT Therapist will discuss the safety aspects with you in detail at your initial assessment.

Our HBOT chambers have built-in safety devices to ensure that risk is minimised and that your safety and well-being is at the forefront of everything we do.

Most common side effects:

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is extremely safe. The pressure used in our HBOT chambers is mild, and therefore any side effects are extremely rare. However, it is common to feel slightly tired following your HBOT session.

Ear/Sinus discomfort: This occurs in about 10% of the population during the hyperbaric pressurisation period. Taking extra time and making routine stops will help to reduce discomfort and is recommended as a precautionary measure for all clients undergoing HBOT.
Claustrophobia: Since you are in a closed environment, claustrophobia may occur. This is completely different from being in an MRI machine, as you can freely move around and can get out by yourself. Once the body acclimatises to the inside environment and feels comfortable with full control, the procedure is typically well-tolerated.

Who is HBOT not suitable for?

The only absolute contraindication to HBOT is an untreated pneumothorax/collapsed lung. It is also not advised to undergo HBOT during pregnancy.

There are also a few other conditions that require extra consideration:

Severe lung or heart disease: This is because we would not want fluid to build up in the lungs.
Uncontrolled Diabetes: This is because we do not want the blood sugars to drop too low if HBOT is combined with an overdose of diabetic drug therapy.
History of Seizure or Uncontrolled fever: This is because we would be concerned with exacerbating seizure activity, particularly if blood sugars are low.
Cataracts: Though HBOT cannot cause cataracts, this procedure may cause formed cataracts to mature more quickly.
Current upper respiratory infections, chronic sinusitis, or sinus problems: These conditions cause a higher probability of problems during pressurisation and are generally recommended to be treated before going into HBOT.
Electronically Implanted Medical Device: Whilst mild HBOT at The Oxygen Lab is extremely safe, you may wish to consult your GP before starting treatments to ensure compatibility with our machine.

Do you have an age limit?

Our age limit is 16 years old, however under 18s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Do I need a referral from my doctor?

As we administer mild HBOT in the majority of cases, you do not need to be referred by a doctor. However, depending on your medical history or the condition you are hoping to ease, we may ask for medical clearance or a doctor’s note before proceeding, for your safety.

What Qualifications do you have to administer this?

All staff at The Oxygen Lab are trained in the safety and operation of our hyperbaric chambers.

Will I feel claustrophobic?

Some people do feel claustrophobic during their therapy session; however most chambers have several viewing panels which have been designed to help prevent feelings of claustrophobia and allow as much light into the chamber as possible.

You will never be locked into the chamber, so should feelings of claustrophobia become overwhelming, we can get you out quickly.

How many therapy sessions will I need to see any results?

The ’40-hour protocol’ is considered by experts as the gold standard for many of the physiological benefits that can be achieved with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. However everyone is different and depending on plans, situation and needs results will inevitably vary person to person. Many people notice a change after the first session.

Smoking and Odours:

Smoke and strong smells are amplified when within the confines of the chamber, for the benefit of yourself and others please avoid strong perfumes and aftershaves and refrain from smoking pre and post treatment.

Cancellation Policy

We ask that you give us minimum 24hrs notice when cancelling sessions, cancellations after this will be charged.