Here at Healing The Hyperbaric Way, we often work with customers in search of healing through hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) - a cutting-edge treatment that helps to oxygenate the body at a cellular level.
During our consultations, we are often asked about the difference between 1.3 ATA and 1.4 ATA in hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Other terms, such as “PSI” and “KPA” are also thrown around, making it confusing for those who are new to HBOT. It’s enough to make you wonder if a medical degree is needed to understand it all!
Here’s the good news - it’s not as complicated as the terms make it seem. Let’s break down what you need to know about 1.3 ATA and 1.4 ATA in HBOT.
First, let’s start with the basics - what is ATA?
ATA: Understanding Atmospheric Pressure
ATA stands for "Atmosphere Absolute," which is a unit of measurement used to describe atmospheric pressure.
At sea level, the average atmospheric pressure is approximately 1 ATA, which is equal to 14.7 pounds per square inch (PSI) or 101.325 kilopascals (KPA). In other words, if you were to dive to a depth of 33 feet (10 meters) underwater, you would experience an additional 1 ATA of pressure, bringing the total pressure to 2 ATA.
In the context of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, ATA describes the pressure inside the hyperbaric chamber. Most soft-sided hyperbaric chambers used for home or clinical treatments operate at pressures between 1.3 ATA and 1.4 ATA, which is equivalent to diving to depths of 10 feet (3 meters) and 13 feet (4 meters), respectively.
Comparing 1.3 ATA and 1.4 ATA
So, what's the difference between 1.3 ATA and 1.4 ATA in terms of pressure and oxygen absorption? While the difference may seem small, it can have a significant impact on the effectiveness of the treatment.
At 1.3 ATA, the pressure inside the hyperbaric chamber is equivalent to diving to a depth of 10 feet (3 meters) underwater. This increased pressure allows the body to absorb more oxygen than it would under normal atmospheric conditions. In fact, at 1.3 ATA, the body can absorb up to 1,200% more oxygen than it would at sea level.
At 1.4 ATA, the pressure is slightly higher, equivalent to diving to a depth of 13 feet (4 meters) underwater. This increased pressure allows for even greater oxygen absorption, with the body capable of absorbing up to 1,400% more oxygen than it would at sea level.
How Do You Choose Between 1.3 ATA and 1.4 ATA?
When deciding between 1.3 ATA and 1.4 ATA for your hyperbaric oxygen therapy, it's important to consider the potential benefits and the specific conditions you're looking to treat.
The FDA has approved the use of hyperbaric chambers at 1.3 ATA for the treatment of several conditions, including:
- Air or gas embolism
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Decompression sickness
- Acute traumatic ischemia
- Crush injuries and compartment syndrome
- Delayed radiation injury
- Compromised skin grafts and flaps
- Necrotizing soft tissue infections
However, some studies suggest that a slightly higher pressure, such as 1.4 ATA, may help treat certain conditions. For example, a study published in the Journal of Hyperbaric Medicine found that treatment at 1.4 ATA was more effective than 1.3 ATA in reducing inflammation and promoting healing in patients with diabetic foot ulcers (Londahl et al., 2010).
The slightly higher pressure at 1.4 ATA may be more beneficial for individuals with compromised circulation or those seeking to maximize the potential benefits of HBOT. A recent pilot study combined hyperbaric oxygen therapy with low-temperature infrared radiation (HBOIR) and found that treatment at 1.4 ATA was safe and well-tolerated by healthy participants.
One of the key findings was that the increased blood flow caused by the low-temperature infrared light therapy. This could help to counteract the blood vessel constriction that sometimes occurs with HBO alone. At the same time, the increased oxygen levels provided by HBO could help to offset the higher oxygen demand created by the infrared therapy.
As you can see, slightly higher pressures like 1.4 ATA may offer additional benefits for specific individuals or diagnosed conditions. However, it's important to note that higher pressures are not always necessary or optimal. In fact, for many brain-related injuries, lower pressures like 1.3 ATA are often preferred due to the reduced risk of potential side effects.
That’s why it’s always important to work with a qualified hyperbaric doctor to learn which pressure and style of therapy is best for your specific needs. If you do not have a qualified hyperbaric doctor, contact Healing The Hyperbaric Way and they will get you connected with one.
Finding the Right Hyperbaric Treatment for You
At Healing The Hyperbaric Way, we understand that choosing the right hyperbaric treatment can be overwhelming. Our team of experts is dedicated to helping you understand the differences between hyperbaric treatment options and determining which approach is best suited to your individual needs and health goals.
Whether you're dealing with a specific medical condition or simply want to improve your overall health, we're here to help.
Don't wait any longer to take control of your health and well-being. Contact Healing The Hyperbaric Way today and discover how hyperbaric oxygen therapy can help you achieve your goals and live your best life.
Explore our trusted brands of 1.3 ATA hyperbaric chambers and 1.4 ATA hyperbaric chambers online, and contact our team for a personalized consultation with a live hyperbaric specialist at 360-230-8253 now!
You’re one click and call away from a better life - reach out today, and let’s start your journey toward hyperbaric health therapy!