Information for first time patients
a complete guide for your treatment
Overview
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a medical treatment that involves the administration of 100% oxygen to the individual in a pressurized chamber.
This therapy is used to treat a variety of medical conditions and is based on the principle that increasing the pressure and concentration of oxygen in the body will produce therapeutic benefits. HBOT is conducted in specialized facilities, and is supervised by specialized healthcare professionals in hyperbaric medicine.
During the treatment, the air pressure inside the chamber is increased 2 to 3 times higher than normal air pressure. Under these conditions, your lungs will gather much more oxygen than would be possible breathing pure oxygen at normal air pressure.
The treatment
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy means going inside an airtight container, most of the cases with more patients, the ambient pressure will be raised slowly higher than the atmospheric pressure between 1 bar and 1,8 bars*, (this is called pressurization) and this step will take between 5 and 15 minutes depending on the disease*, once in the correct pressure, you will put on a special breathing mask and breath pure oxygen, the total length of the treatment is around 1 hour and a half*.
*The Hyperbaric or Dive physician will establish the specific pressure, time of pressurization and depressurization for the treatments, the breathing gas, and the times of gas breathing and pause, as well as the length and quantity of each treatment or cycles of treatments, this will vary depending on the disease and condition of the patient. The information in this page is general and with information purposes only.
In this article you will find measures required for your safety and general recommendations, do not hesitate to ask ours staff any questions at any moment.
Before your arrival
As part of your preparation for hyperbaric oxygen therapy, you will be provided with a hospital clothes to wear instead of your regular clothing during the session.
For your safety, it's essential to note that certain items, such as lighters or battery-powered devices that generate heat, are strictly prohibited within the hyperbaric chamber. Additionally, you may be required to remove any hair and skin care products that contain petroleum-based ingredients, as they can pose a fire hazard within the chamber.
Your healthcare team will offer clear instructions on the specific preparations needed to ensure a safe and effective hyperbaric oxygen therapy session. Following their guidance is vital to your well-being throughout the treatment.
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Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before each session.
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Have breakfast in the morning before the treatment.
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Keep yourself well hydrated during the day.
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Almost anything can't be taken into the chamber, including hard contact lenses and hearing aids.
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Smoking and the use of tobacco are strongly discouraged at least several hours before your session.
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You may bring a book to read or Sudoku type books with a pencil to entertain yourself, but newspapers, magazines, and plastic paper books are not allowed.
At your arrival
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You must arrive at least 10-15 minutes before the time of your therapy.
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Remove your shoes at the entrance of the facility.
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Change your clothe, you can only wear the provided one, underwear can be kept if is of cotton or cotton/polyester fabric. Wool and silk are completely forbidden.
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Use provided socks also.
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Remove any metal accessory before to enter into the chamber.
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Electronic devices, telephones, watches or music players are strictly forbidden inside the chamber.
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If you have long hair, you must keep it tied and use a provided hair cap inside.
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Use the restroom prior to treatment.
After your treatment
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Do not travel by plane or mountains during the 24 hours after.
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Do not do any strong physical exercise or strength such as heavy Gym, weight lifting, strong cardio the following 4 hours after the treatment. Going for a walk, swim, physical therapy or rehabilitation after the session is permitted.
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Keep well hydrated.
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Avoid to drink alcohol.
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Avoid smoking in the next hours.
What can you feel during your session
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During pressurization, the ambient will become warm, and during depressurization it will be colder.
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Light change of pressure in your ears, for this you must perform any of the learned maneuvers to compensate the pressure in your ears, you must not feel any pain. If you are not able to compensate, you must tell the staff.
What can you feel after your session
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Tired
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Sleepy
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Hungry
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Relaxed
Please let us know if
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Are taking any medications or if there have been any changes in your medications.
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Have a cold, fever or don't feel well.
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Are wearing a medication patch.
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Have a toothache or a temporary filling.
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You pregnant or has a suspicion of being pregnant.
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Have a history of epilepsy.
