What to Expect During Your First HBOT Session

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is an increasingly popular treatment for people struggling to heal from chronic wounds, radiation therapy, and some illnesses. It works by directly increasing blood flow, which in turn reduces inflammation and increases healing cells. 

However, when you think about hyperbaric oxygen therapy, you may imagine a metal tube, a sealed door, and loud sounds that send your anxiety through the roof. Understanding what to expect during HBOT treatment and how to prepare can significantly reduce anxiety and help you have a more relaxing and enjoyable experience.

Read on to learn everything you need to know before your first HBOT session, including where to find the best hyperbaric oxygen therapy clinic in Marietta for first-time patients.

What Does a Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber Look and Feel Like Inside?

One of the biggest sources of pre-session anxiety is simply not knowing what the chamber looks like or how it will feel to be inside one. There are two main types of chambers used for HBOT:

• Monoplace chamber, which is a clear, single-person acrylic tube where you lie comfortably
• Multiplace chamber, a larger room-like space that can hold two or more people at once

When thinking about a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, most people picture something cold and claustrophobic; however, the reality is much different. Chambers are padded for comfort, come equipped with communication devices so you can reach staff at any time, and many offer entertainment options like streaming services or music to help pass the time. For most people, the hardest part of being inside the chamber is staying awake because many patients become so relaxed that they nap through most of their session.

What Happens During Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber Pressurization

Once your session starts, you'll hear a hissing sound as oxygen fills the chamber, and you may feel briefly warm as the pressure begins to build. During the first seven to 10 minutes, most patients notice a sensation that their ears need to pop. This is similar to the pressure you feel during an airplane descent or when you swim to the bottom of a pool. This happens because the rising air pressure pushes against your eardrums, and it's the same basic physics at work whether you're in a plane or a pressurized chamber. You can relieve this pressure by yawning, swallowing, or holding your nose and gently swallowing to equalize the pressure in your ears. If you feel a squeezing sensation in your sinuses, ears, or teeth that doesn't clear on its own, you can let the technician know, and they can slow the pressurization process until you're comfortable again. Once the chamber reaches its target pressure, the sensation usually stops completely, and the rest of the session is still and quiet.

What Happens During a Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Session?

While you're lying back watching a show or drifting off to sleep, your body is doing serious work. The air pressure inside the chamber is two to three times higher than normal, which increases the amount of oxygen in your blood and speeds up your body's ability to heal wounds and repair damaged tissue. 

Under ordinary conditions, oxygen is carried almost entirely by red blood cells. But at the elevated pressure inside the chamber, both the blood and blood plasma are able to carry oxygen far more efficiently, saturating the body's tissues with levels of oxygen that wouldn't be possible just from breathing room air. This matters most for tissue that is injured or has poor circulation, because damaged tissue tends to be starved of oxygen and heal slowly as a result. 

How Long Does a Typical Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Session Last?

A typical hyperbaric oxygen therapy session runs between one and two hours total, with about 30 to 90 minutes of active oxygen therapy. When your session ends, you'll hear a whooshing sound for about five to 10 minutes as the chamber slowly returns to normal pressure. You'll likely notice the same ear-popping sensation you felt at the start, but this will resolve just as quickly. Once the door opens and you're out, most patients need just a few minutes to get their bearings before they feel ready to go about the rest of their day. Some people feel mildly lightheaded or tired after a session, which is normal, and it's a good idea to have someone drive you home the first time until you know how your body responds.

How to Prepare for Your First Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Session

Preparing for your first hyperbaric oxygen therapy session is simple:

• Plan to arrive about 10 to 15 minutes early so staff can walk you through check-in and store your belongings safely before the session begins.
• The chamber is an oxygen-rich environment under increased pressure, and synthetic fabrics like polyester or nylon can create static. Because of this, you’ll change into a cotton gown and pants before your session. 
• For the same reason, you'll need to arrive free of creams, lotions, deodorants, perfumes, and cologne, since these products can vaporize under pressure. 
• Eating a healthy snack or meal before your appointment is encouraged, as it helps your body work more effectively and keeps your blood sugar steady throughout the session. 
• If you smoke, avoid smoking for at least two hours before treatment, since smoking constricts blood vessels and reduces the amount of oxygen reaching your tissues. 

Finding the Best Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Center in Marietta

At Hyperbaric Physicians of Georgia, we work with patients who come in nervous, skeptical, and full of questions. At our state-of-the-art clinics in Marietta, Cumming, and Sandy Springs, our patient-centered approach to care includes giving you a clear explanation of your treatment before you ever step into a chamber, and your care is overseen by physicians who are experts in hyperbaric oxygen treatments.

If you've been weighing whether HBOT is worth pursuing or simply trying to picture what the experience would be like, our team is here to help you take the next step with confidence. 

Ready to accelerate your healing with help from the best hyperbaric oxygen clinic in Marietta?