Do you need clarification on what you need to get the most benefits and what is optional when buying a hyperbaric chamber?
Here, we discuss what is required for your hyperbaric chamber to work and what features you can add to make your hyperbaric oxygen therapy session more comfortable. Not all of these options give the patient more health benefits, but many of them make it an easier and more relaxing experience.
Here is what is required to run a hyperbaric chamber.
Oxygen compressor - The oxygen compressor is responsible for inflating the bladder of the hyperbaric chamber. It's often mistakenly confused with the oxygen concentrator. Unlike the compressor, an oxygen concentrator, sometimes called an oxygen generator, doesn't inflate the chamber. Its primary function is to enrich the air inside the oxygen chamber with oxygen.
Bladder - This is the actual hyperbaric chamber, the part of the hyperbaric chamber that you are getting inside of.
Frame - This is what holds the hyperbaric chamber up. It can be an external or internal frame depending on what model you choose. An external frame does give you more space inside the hyperbaric chamber as your not lying up against a frame if the space can be tight.
Pressure Gauge - Hyperbaric chambers are equipped with both external and internal pressure gauges to monitor the pressure inside the hyperbaric chamber. An internal gauge provides valuable reassurance when operating alone, as it allows you to directly observe the hyperbaric chamber's inflation and verify that there are no issues. Without an internal gauge, relying on external readings (From a person outside of the Hbot) becomes necessary, potentially limiting your ability to independently monitor the process. Hyperbaric chambers are designed with pressure relief valves to prevent over-pressurization, eliminating the risk of excessive build-up or hyperbaric chamber failure. This addresses a common question about hyperbaric chambers exploding. In reality, multiple safety features, including pressure relief valves, work together to maintain a safe environment with little work for the person operating the hyperbaric chamber.
Optional upgrades to maximize your hyperbaric oxygen therapy experience or make you more comfortable during your session.
Oxygen Concentrator - Most people choose to add supplemental oxygen. The air we breathe is approximately 20% oxygen and 80% nitrogen. Adding the supplemental 95% medical grade oxygen has been reported to increase the benefits. The oxygen concentrator takes the oxygen from the room, circulates it through the concentrator, and turns it into medical-grade oxygen. There are filters that need to be changed in the oxygen concentrator, but no oxygen tanks that would be replaced.
Dehumidifier - A hyperbaric chamber can get 5-10 degrees warmer inside. The Oxygen Health System brand includes a dehumidifier, which can reduce the temperature inside by 3 degrees. This is the only brand that offers this feature.
Air Conditioning - This can help cool the patient, especially when living in a warm climate in the summertime. It does get 5-10 degrees warmer inside the hyperbaric chamber. Summit to Sea and Oxygen Health Systems both have cooling systems.
Grounding Mat - This is placed underneath your hyperbaric chamber or inside and eliminates any static electricity. It mimics the earth's current and allows you to bring that current into your home or office.
Ionizer - Negative ions help remove particles from the air and can make the air fresher.
Mattress - This gives you the comfort to lie down. A contoured mattress can better fit you as it conforms to the rounded inside bottom of a horizontal hyperbaric chamber. A flat mattress doesn’t quite fit perfectly inside the hyperbaric chamber like a contoured mattress.
Chair - There are multiple hyperbaric chambers that allow you to sit up or lie down. Some hyperbaric chambers include a chair or will enable you to bring your chair inside.
Disinfectant - There are devices like the UV Wand that will help to purify the air inside the hyperbaric chamber. This is a good practice to have when you are in a clinical setting and have multiple different patients moving through the hyperbaric chamber throughout the day. This helps to disinfect the air from each person in the hyperbaric chamber.
This gives you the basics on what is required to make your hyperbaric chamber work and the optional features you can add to your hyperbaric chamber to make your hyperbaric oxygen therapy session more comfortable.
Still have questions?
Contact Healing The Hyperbaric Way here or call 360-230-8253 to answer all your hyperbaric chamber questions today!