If you’ve never experienced hyperbaric oxygen therapy before, the idea of getting into a pressurised chamber can feel a little unfamiliar.
What will it feel like? Will your ears hurt? What do you do for the duration of the session? Can you talk to the team?
These are all perfectly reasonable questions.
At HybO2 House, we want your first experience to feel straightforward from the moment you arrive. So, here’s exactly what happens during an HBOT session.
Before you enter the chamber
Your experience starts before you even step inside.
Before your first appointment, you’ll complete a questionnaire covering your health, goals and relevant medical history. When you arrive, a member of our experienced team will sit down with you to go through this in more detail.
We’ll talk about what you’re hoping to get from HBOT, check for any contraindications, explain how the therapy works and talk you through what will happen during your session.
It’s also your opportunity to ask questions. If you’re nervous about anything, tell us. We’d much rather you feel completely comfortable before you enter the chamber.
Getting your mask fitted
Our chambers use a Built In Breathing System (BIBS) to deliver near-pure oxygen at pressure.
Before you enter, we’ll find a mask that fits you comfortably. We have multiple sizes and shapes, allowing us to find the fit that feels right for you.
We’ll check the fit and seal carefully to minimise air leaks and make sure you’re happy with it before your session begins.
Getting comfortable inside the chamber
Once you’re inside, we’ll show you everything you need to know.
Our chambers have a large, clear acrylic door, so you can see out and our team can see you throughout your session. We also have cameras positioned near the chamber so that you’re continuously monitored from reception.
You’ll be shown how to adjust the temperature within the chamber, how to speak to us from inside the chamber and where the emergency stop is.
You can bring headphones, listen to music, read a book or simply close your eyes and relax.
And if you need us at any point, you can communicate with the team through the chamber’s communication system or simply knock on the window to get our attention.
Then comes compression
This is the part that people are often most curious about.
As the chamber begins to pressurise, you may hear some creaking as the chamber compresses and the door seals.
You may also feel pressure or popping in your ears, much like you might experience during take-off or landing on an aeroplane. This is completely normal.
Our team will talk you through techniques to clear your ears and relive the pressure. If you’re finding it difficult, we can also adjust the speed of compression.
There’s no prize for getting through compression as quickly as possible. Your comfort comes first.
Reaching full pressure
Once you’re at your recommended pressure, a member of the team will let you know.
This is when you’ll begin breathing near-pure oxygen through your BIBS mask.
And now you can settle in. For some people, this is the moment they realise that HBOT is actually quite relaxing. You can listen to music, read, watch something on our ipads or simply switch off for a while.
Our team continues to monitor you throughout your session and will check in with you regularly.
You are never simply put into the chamber and left until the end of the session.
Why do we include air breaks?
During longer HBOT sessions, you won’t breathe high-concentration oxygen continuously. At specific points, our team will signal for you to remove your mask and breathe normal chamber air for around five minutes.
These are called air breaks and they’re a deliberate part of our protocol.
The periods of normal air followed by a return to high-concentration oxygen are designed to create what is known as the Hyperoxic-Hypoxic Paradox, a physiological response to alternating between higher and normal oxygen exposure.
At HybO2 House, air breaks are incorporated into our longer sessions as part of a carefully structured protocol.
Decompression: Coming back down
When your session is finished, your team member will let you know that decompression is about to begin.
The pressure inside the chamber will gradually return to normal. This generally takes around 5-10 minutes, depending on the speed that’s most comfortable for you.
Just as with compression, you may notice some popping or pressure in your ears.
And then, the chamber door opens and your session is complete!
What happens afterwards?
There’s no need to rush straight out of the clinic.
We’ll give you a glass of water with electrolytes and there’s plenty of comfortable space for you to sit, take a moment and chat with the team.
Some people describe feeling energised with HBOT, while others feel relaxed or a little sleepy. Everyone responds differently.
You may also notice that you’re hungry afterwards. Increased appetite is something we hear about regularly from our clients and it’s one reason we always encourage you to listen to your body and refuel when you need to.
Most importantly, there’s no downtime.
You can drive, work, exercise and continue with your normal day after your session.
What if I'm nervous?
Honestly, we understand.
Getting into a pressurised container for an hour to an hour and a half isn’t something most people have experienced before. It can sound much more intimidating than it actually feels.
That’s why our team is with you throughout the process.
We’ll explain what we’re doing, tell you what to expect next, help you with your ears during compression and remain in communication with you throughout the session.
If you need something changed, slowed down or explained again, just ask.
You don’t need to know how to do HBOT before you arrive. That’s our job.
Your first experience at HybO2 House
Your first appointment isn’t simply about getting you into the chamber.
It’s about understanding what you’re looking for, making you comfortable and giving you a chance to experience HBOT properly.
Our Signature Experience is £85 and includes:
A full consultation
10 minutes of red light therapy
45 minutes of hyperbaric oxygen therapy
Recommended pathway and experienced advice
It’s designed to give you a proper introduction to HybO2 House, with time to understand the therapies, experience them for yourself and discuss what you might choose to do next.
Because one you know what to expect, taking that first step feels a whole lot easier.
Your next step starts here.
If you’d like to book your Signature Experience, or simply have some questions you’d like to ask us, reach out to us at HybO2 House, 01962 862 111 for more information.