Updated May 2026: Since this guide was first published, we've added several new chamber models from Airvida and Oxygen Health Systems to our inventory. Pricing on oxygen concentrators has also shifted — see current pricing below.
If you’re buying a hyperbaric chamber for the first time, one of the most common questions is: What do you actually need to get started? The answer depends on your goals, budget, and how comfortable you want your sessions to be.
In this guide, we break down exactly what is required for your hyperbaric chamber to work and what optional upgrades can make your HBOT sessions more comfortable, effective, and convenient. All chambers sold at Healing The Hyperbaric Way are designed to be used independently — no clinic visit or medical staff required.
What Is Required for a Hyperbaric Chamber to Work
These are the components your hyperbaric chamber cannot function without. Every chamber sold at Healing The Hyperbaric Way includes these as standard.
Oxygen Compressor
The oxygen compressor is responsible for inflating the hyperbaric chamber's bladder. It is often confused with the oxygen concentrator but they are two completely different things. The compressor inflates the chamber. The oxygen concentrator enriches the air inside with oxygen. Both serve different functions and should not be substituted for one another.
Chamber Bladder
The bladder is the actual hyperbaric chamber — the pressurized enclosure you get inside during your session. Soft shell hyperbaric chambers use a flexible bladder, while hard shell hyperbaric chambers use a rigid structure. Both are designed to maintain a safe, pressurized oxygen environment during use.
Chamber Frame
The frame holds the hyperbaric chamber in position during use. Depending on the model you choose, the frame can be external or internal. An external frame gives you more usable interior space since you are not lying against the frame structure inside the chamber.
Pressure Gauge
Hyperbaric chambers are equipped with both internal and external pressure gauges to monitor pressure levels during your session. An internal pressure gauge is especially important when operating alone — it allows you to directly observe the chamber’s inflation and verify everything is functioning correctly without needing someone outside to monitor it for you.
All hyperbaric chambers include pressure relief valves to prevent over-pressurization. This is a common concern for first-time buyers — the short answer is that multiple built-in safety features work together to maintain a safe environment, making independent operation straightforward and secure.
Optional Upgrades for Your Hyperbaric Chamber
These additions are not required for your hyperbaric chamber to function but can significantly improve your comfort, results, and overall experience. Some upgrades add therapeutic benefits while others simply make sessions more enjoyable.
Oxygen Concentrator
An oxygen concentrator is one of the most popular upgrades for hyperbaric chamber users. The air we breathe is approximately 20% oxygen and 80% nitrogen. Adding supplemental 95% medical grade oxygen has been widely reported to increase the therapeutic benefits of HBOT sessions.
The oxygen concentrator pulls oxygen from the room air, filters and concentrates it, and delivers medical-grade oxygen directly into your chamber. Unlike oxygen tanks, there are no refills required — just periodic filter changes.
Important: some hyperbaric chamber brands include an oxygen concentrator in the listed price, while others do not. If your chamber does not include one, budget approximately $1,500 to add it. Always confirm with us before purchasing so there are no surprises.
Dehumidifier
The interior of a hyperbaric chamber can get 5 to 10 degrees warmer during a pressurized session. A dehumidifier helps manage both temperature and moisture levels inside the chamber. Oxygen Health Systems and Airvida Chambers are one of the few brands that include a built-in dehumidifier as standard — it can reduce the interior temperature by approximately 3 degrees and significantly improve comfort during longer sessions.
Air Cooling System
An air cooling system is a purpose-built cooling unit designed specifically for hyperbaric chambers. It is not a traditional air conditioning unit — it is an air-cooling system designed for a pressurized chamber environment. This upgrade is especially valuable if you live in a warm climate or if the room where your chamber is located lacks climate control. Because the chamber interior warms up by 5 to 10 degrees during use, an air-cooling system can make sessions significantly more comfortable. Oxygen Health Systems and Airvida Chambers offers an excellent cooling system for their chambers.
Grounding Mat
A grounding mat is placed underneath or inside your hyperbaric chamber to eliminate static electricity. It mimics the earth’s natural electrical current and allows you to bring that grounding effect into your home or clinic environment during sessions.
Ionizer
An ionizer releases negative ions that help remove airborne particles, making the air fresher and cleaner during your session. This is a comfort upgrade rather than a therapeutic necessity.
Mattress
A mattress adds comfort for lying down sessions. A contoured mattress is specifically designed to fit the rounded interior of a horizontal hyperbaric chamber — it conforms to the chamber shape and fits significantly better than a flat mattress. If you plan to use your chamber lying down regularly, a contoured mattress is a worthwhile investment.
Chair
Many hyperbaric chambers are available in sitting configurations or offer the flexibility to sit or lie down during sessions. Some hyperbaric chambers include a chair as standard, while others allow you to bring your own. Sitting models tend to be more compact and easier to store, while lying down models offer more room for longer sessions.
UV Disinfectant Wand
A UV disinfectant wand helps purify the air inside the hyperbaric chamber between sessions. This is particularly important in a clinical setting where multiple patients use the same chamber throughout the day. For home users, it is optional but a good hygiene practice to maintain over time.
Quick Reference: Required vs Optional
Required for your hyperbaric chamber to work:
• Oxygen compressor
• Chamber bladder
• Frame
• Pressure gauge
Optional upgrades:
• Oxygen concentrator (~$1,500 if not included)
• Dehumidifier
• Air cooling system
• Grounding mat
• Ionizer
• Mattress
• Chair
• UV disinfectant wand
Still Have Questions About What You Need?
Every buyer’s situation is different. The right setup for a home user doing general wellness sessions is very different from a wellness clinic running multiple patients per day. At Healing The Hyperbaric Way we help you figure out exactly what you need — and what you don’t — before you spend a dollar.
Call Audrey at 1-800-845-8198 or use our Hyperbaric Chamber Finder tool for a personalized recommendation. We carry hyperbaric chambers from 1.3 ATA to 2.0 ATA across every price point with financing available for both individuals and businesses.