Preparing for a Session

Preparing for a hyperbaric oxygen therapy session requires a bit of planning and preparation to ensure the experience is comfortable and effective. If you’re getting ready for your first session with a chamber in your home, read on to learn what to do first!

What To Wear

First, we suggest the wearing of loose, lightweight clothing that can be easily removed, as the therapy takes place in a pressurized chamber where you will need to remove any jewelry, contact lenses, or other items that could be affected by the pressure changes. Users must be clean without makeup and perfumes or lotions.

Pre-Session Consumptions

It is also important to avoid consuming alcohol or heavy meals prior to the session, as the pressure changes can sometimes cause nausea or discomfort in those cases.

Medications

Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding any medications you are taking. Some medications may need to be adjusted.

Hydration and Nutrition

Stay well-hydrated and eat a light meal before your session.

Restroom

Be sure to use the restroom prior to entering a chamber. HBOT can stimulate the release of natriuretic peptides, hormones that promote the excretion of sodium and water by the kidneys. This can lead to increased urine production.

Stay Relaxed

Try to relax and stay calm during the session. Breathing deeply and evenly can help you remain comfortable.

The Feeling of the Chamber

Once in the chamber, you will breathe in pure oxygen through a mask or cannula, allowing the increased oxygen levels to saturate the bloodstream and promote healing in damaged tissues. The chamber will gradually increase in pressure, like the sensation of an airplane taking off, which may cause some mild discomfort in the ears that can be relieved by yawning, swallowing, or using Valsalva maneuver.

Symptoms To Watch For

Dehydration: symptoms like dry mouth, increased thirst, and decreased urine output can indicate dehydration and should be addressed by drinking more fluids
Discomfort: if you experience discomfort or unusual symptoms during or after a session, inform your healthcare provider immediately
Ear Pain: if any ear pain should occur, utilize the open closed valve to stop pressurization by turning it clockwise. Do not continue pressurizing your system until your ears have balanced pressure.

After a Session

Preparing for a session of oxygen therapy is important, especially to make sure it’s a good one! Afterwards, you may experience a lightheaded or euphoric feeling due to the high oxygen levels, which typically subsides quickly.

Overall, with a bit of preparation, hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be a relaxing and rejuvenating experience that can have profound benefits for the body’s healing and recovery.

Please feel free to contact your Oxygen Health System Representative for further information at (630) 812-7865 or by emailing us at sales@oxygenhealthsystems.com.