Call Us

01917166369

Frequently Asked Questions

ASK us anything!

Are you unsure whether  hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can help you? 

Do you want to know more about HBOT to see if its right for you?

On a daily basis, an average adult ingests 2kg of food, 1 liter of water, and nearly 550 liters of oxygen. A staggering 90% of our daily energy derives from oxygen, with the remainder from food and water.

Notably, the human brain alone consumes 20% of the oxygen we breathe. Oxygen plays multifaceted roles in our bodies—it contracts muscles, facilitates cell repair, nourishes the brain, soothes nerves, and serves as our primary cleansing agent. Each day, our body discards around seven hundred billion old cells, which, if not effectively eliminated due to low oxygen levels, can precipitate disease, infection, and tissue damage.

Increased pressure facilitates the infusion of oxygen into the plasma fluid and lymph, allowing oxygen to permeate through constricted areas caused by swelling, inflammation, or injury.

Under normal circumstances, red blood cells might obstruct blood vessels, leading to oxygen deprivation and subsequent cell and tissue degradation. Oxygen-rich plasma diffuses into surrounding tissues, ensuring delivery to areas in greatest need.

A typical hyperbaric oxygen therapy session consists of:

The first stage involves compression, during which the chamber is pressurised to the prescribed level, typically 2.0 atmospheres absolute (equivalent to being 10 metres below sea level.

Once the chamber reaches the desired pressure, the client breathes 100 percent oxygen through an oxygen mask.

During the oxygen-breathing period, patients are given two air breaks if the treatment lasts 90 minutes, during which they can remove the oxygen mask. 

After the designated oxygen periods, the chamber is depressurised, marking the end of the treatment session.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a non-invasive therapy which carries very few potential side effects and has minimal contraindications. Every session is carried out under close supervision by our experienced Oxyplus hyperbaric chamber technicians.

HBOT is typically administered as a series of treatments, with each session lasting from 30 minutes to 90 minutes. The number of sessions and the duration of treatment depend on the condition being treated and the individual’s response to therapy.

At the beginning of your treatment session, oxygen will flow through the mask, while the pressure in the chamber gradually increases. You may notice a sensation of fullness in your ears, similar to the pressure changes experienced during airplane takeoff or landing. This sensation typically lasts for about 10-15 minutes, and our experienced Oxyplus hyperbaric chamber technician will assist you in relieving any ear pressure.

Once the treatment pressure is reached, you can simply relax and breathe normally. Towards the end of the session, the hyperbaric technician will gradually decrease the pressure in the chamber, which usually takes about 10 minutes. During this decompression stage, you may experience a slight popping sensation in your ears due to the change in pressure. However, most patients find hyperbaric oxygen therapy sessions to be relaxing.
We aim for each session with Oxyplus to leave you feeling peaceful and at ease.

oxyplus light on machine

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy aids the body in:

  1. Increasing the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood
  2. Encouraging the formation of new blood vessels in areas with compromised circulation
  3. Supporting the repair and regeneration of collagen, bone, and cartilage
  4. Alleviating swelling and inflammation
  5. Mobilising and promoting the proliferation of stem cells in damaged tissues and bone marrow
  6. Enhancing the immune system and prompting the release of stem cells
  7. Amplifying the levels of superoxide dismutase, a vital antioxidant and scavenger of free radicals

Most physiological benefits will begin within the first few sessions of HBOT. It has been well documented that the anti-oxidant and protective role of HBOT is immediate and demonstrated within 24 hours of just one hyperbaric session.

Further, the anti-inflammatory response is also very quick and a strong physiological response has been shown within 4 days of hyperbaric therapy. Many studies have reported HBOT to produce a strong pain-relieving effect after just 5-10 sessions. HBOT’s effect on angiogenesis can take place in just 10-20 sessions.

It will depend on your condition however as a rule:

1-5 Sessions: Improvement in cellular energy and optimisation of tissue function. Individuals with residual carbon monoxide exposure (e.g., smokers) or mild anemia may experience immediate benefits in cellular energy. Significant reductions in inflammatory markers often mark the beginning of the healing process.

5-10 Sessions: Typically utilised for acute injuries involving soft tissue damage, especially if pain is a prominent symptom.

10-20 Sessions: Recommended for more serious acute injuries or chronic conditions.

20-40 Sessions: Commonly prescribed for major tissue damage and situations requiring significant tissue regeneration, leveraging HBOT's regenerative stem cell properties. This range is also advised for anti-aging treatment.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is widely regarded as exceptionally safe and is typically well tolerated, with minimal side effects. Although uncommon, potential risks associated with the procedure include:

  1. Middle ear injuries/Barotrauma of the ear
  2. Sinus congestion and pressure
  3. Temporary nearsightedness
  4. Claustrophobia
  5. Oxygen toxicity
  6. Seizures

At OXYplus, stringent measures are implemented to mitigate any potential adverse effects and ensure clients safety.

It is not generally advised to undergo hyperbaric therapy if you are pregnant. Some people feel that there is benefit, quoting research done in Russia. However, until further safety studies are performed, it is not advisable to be inside a hyperbaric chamber during pregnancy.

Most clients actually find HBOT sessions to be quite relaxing. While you may encounter some mild ear discomfort similar to sensations experienced during flying, or ascending a mountain, HBOT sessions should not be painful.

Many use this time to unwind, catch up on rest, or engage in reading. Should you experience any earaches during treatment, it's important to promptly inform the attending chamber operator. Our technicians are equipped to assist by guiding you through equalising ear pressures and adjusting chamber pressure to alleviate any discomfort.

We recommend wearing loose-fitting cotton clothing and avoiding cosmetics, perfumes, hair sprays, deodorants, and jewelry. It's important for chamber operators to be informed about any medications, including non-prescription drugs, taken by the patient. Patients are advised to refrain from consuming alcohol or carbonated drinks for at least four hours before treatment.

Nicotine and caffeine both cause blood vessels to constrict, potentially reducing the effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. We strongly recommend avoiding all tobacco use during your treatment period and beyond, if possible.

Prior to your scheduled treatment, please consume a light, nutritious meal one to two hours in advance. For patients with diabetes, blood glucose levels will be monitored before and after each treatment, as hyperbaric oxygen therapy can occasionally lower blood glucose levels.