Question 1

How can I access hyperbaric oxygen treatment?

Accepted Answer

Hyperbaric oxygen treatment is a medical procedure offered only for certain approved conditions. To access this treatment, your doctor must submit a referral to our department, including the relevant medical information. A physician in our department will review the referral and determine if it meets the medical criteria for treatment.

A guide for doctors: How to send a referral (https://www.icelandhyperbaric.com/referral)

Question 2

My referral for hyperbaric chamber treatment was rejected, what is the reason? And what can I do?

Accepted Answer

My referral for hyperbaric chamber treatment was rejected — what is the reason, and what can I do?
This can happen because Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment (HBOT) is approved only for specific medical indications.

If your condition does not meet these criteria, the referral may be rejected. 
Each referral is reviewed individually by our medical team.

Common reasons for referral rejection include:
 • The condition does not qualify for Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment.
 • There is a contraindication for HBOT in your case.
 • The referral lacks sufficient medical information to justify the request.

If you believe that you still have a valid indication for hyperbaric treatment, we recommend discussing it further with your doctor, who can provide more guidance or submit a more detailed referral if appropriate.

Indications for Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment (https://www.icelandhyperbaric.com/indications)

Question 3

My treatment has been scheduled for a time that I cannot attend, Is it possible to change it?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, it is not possible to change the scheduled time. The treatments are organized into specific pressure groups, and each group has a designated time slot during the day. The treatments differ between groups, so switching times is not possible.

In some situations, schedule adjustments may be made for entire groups, particularly to accommodate emergency or high-priority cases. Our department’s medical team operates 24 hours a day, year-round, in special shifts. Therefore, the hyperbaric chamber follows pre-established schedules for non-emergency treatments.

Example:
Group 1: 09:00
Group 2: 11:30

If you are assigned to Group 1 at 09:00, it is not possible to change to another time during the day, as each treatment protocol is specific to that group.

Question 4

I received a text message that my next appointment has been cancelled, what does this mean?

Accepted Answer

In this case we advice to review our section of communications. 
Click Here!   (https://www.icelandhyperbaric.com/coms)

Question 5

I have fillings in my teeth (Silver or plastic), Is this a problem for my treatment?

Accepted Answer

No, silver (amalgam) or plastic (composite/resin) fillings are not a problem for hyperbaric oxygen treatment, and they do not need to be replaced beforehand.

However, silver (amalgam) fillings are often older, and it’s more common for people with them to experience mild discomfort on the first day of treatment, compared to those with newer plastic or resin fillings.

This discomfort may be due to a loose or slightly shifted filling, which can occur over time. In such cases, air may become trapped between the filling and the tooth, leading to pain or sensitivity under pressure.

If you experience any discomfort or pain, please inform the doctor or nurse immediately. They will take preventive measures, and you may be advised to visit your dentist to fix the tooth before continuing further treatment.

No one should experience pain or discomfort in the teeth, ears, or facial bones during treatment. If this happens, it is important to report it right away so the treatment can be stopped and appropriate action taken.

If you have untreated cavities, they must be repaired by your dentist before starting treatment. It is also recommended to get a dental X-ray (Röntgen) after the repair, to ensure there is no air trapped beneath the filling.

Question 6

I have symptoms of chronic fatigue (ME/CFS), am I a candidate for hyperbaric oxygen therapy?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunatelly, no.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is not indicated and has not proven benefit for individuals with symptoms or a diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME).

While symptoms of ME/CFS may overlap with those of Long Covid, they are considered distinct medical conditions. HBOT has shown promising results in patients with Long Covid, but not for those with ME/CFS.

As part of the referral criteria for Long Covid treatment, patients must have a formal diagnosis from their doctor that meets the definition of Long-Covid from the World Health Organization.  (https://www.who.int/europe/news-room/fact-sheets/item/post-covid-19-condition)

Question 7

I have POTS, am I a candidate for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, no.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is not an approved treatment for POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome).

In some cases, patients who are referred for HBOT due to another approved medical condition may also have POTS, but POTS alone is not an indication for treatment.

Only individuals who meet the approved medical criteria are eligible for HBOT.

You can consult the official list of approved indications for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) for more information, or speak with your doctor if you have further questions.

List of Indications for Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment (HBOT) (https://www.icelandhyperbaric.com/indications)

HYPERBARIC & DIVE MEDICINE DEPARTMENT

National University Hospital of Iceland