What is a hyperbaric chamber, and are they all the same? They aren’t. Hospital chambers and the soft-sided chambers at a wellness center differ in size, pressure and what’s inside. Here is a plain guide to the types, how a chamber works, what each is used for, and which kind we have at K Wellness in Long Beach.
In short
- A hyperbaric chamber is an enclosed space where the air pressure is raised above normal.
- There are three main kinds: monoplace chambers for one person, multiplace chambers for several people, and soft-sided low-pressure chambers.
- Clinical hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a medical procedure that requires a physician’s prescription. We don’t offer it.
- Our chambers are soft-sided, pressurized to 1.3 ATA, and aren’t used to treat medical conditions.
What is a hyperbaric chamber?
A hyperbaric chamber is an enclosed space where the air pressure is raised above normal air pressure. “Hyperbaric” means higher than normal pressure.
Pressure is measured in ATA, or atmospheres absolute. The air pressure around you at sea level is 1.0 ATA. A chamber at 1.3 ATA is about 30% above that; a chamber at 2.0 ATA is twice that.
Types of hyperbaric chambers
| Type | What it is | Where you find it |
|---|---|---|
| Monoplace | A chamber for one person. At one hospital program, patients lie within a clear acrylic chamber. | Hyperbaric facilities, such as hospital-based programs |
| Multiplace | A larger chamber for several patients, with a staff member inside. Patients breathe oxygen through masks or hoods. | Hyperbaric facilities, such as hospital-based programs |
| Soft-sided (low-pressure) | A fabric chamber, often called a soft chamber, that operates below 1.4 ATA. | Wellness centers, including K Wellness |
The monoplace and multiplace descriptions come from Penn Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine. The soft-sided details come from the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) position statement on low-pressure fabric chambers (revised July 2018), which also notes that their FDA 510(k) clearance is for acute mountain sickness only (we don’t use ours for that). The UHMS also notes that the FDA prohibits using these chambers with supplemental oxygen.
How a hyperbaric chamber works
Once you’re inside and the chamber is closed, it’s pressurized above normal air pressure for the session. What changes from one chamber to another is how high the pressure goes and how long a session lasts:
- Clinical hyperbaric oxygen therapy: according to the UHMS indications page, treatment uses medical-grade oxygen at a pressure of at least 2.0 ATA, usually between 1.9 and 3.0 ATA, typically for 90 to 120 minutes.
- Our soft-sided chambers: pressurized to 1.3 ATA, for 60 minutes.
As the pressure rises, most people notice it in their ears, similar to a plane taking off or landing. Swallowing or yawning usually helps. More on how a session feels is in your first hyperbaric session.
What a hyperbaric chamber is used for
Clinical hyperbaric oxygen therapy is different from our chambers. The UHMS describes it as a medical procedure requiring a physician’s prescription and oversight. Its list of approved indications includes conditions such as decompression sickness, carbon monoxide poisoning and air or gas embolism. These treatments are given in hyperbaric facilities, such as hospital-based programs, and we don’t offer them. If you think you have one of these, call 911. If your doctor has recommended hyperbaric oxygen therapy, ask them for a referral to a hospital-based hyperbaric program.
Our chambers aren’t used to treat medical conditions. What the UHMS says about low-pressure chambers is in mild hyperbaric vs clinical HBOT.
The chambers at K Wellness
We have three soft-sided chambers: one you sit upright in and two you lie down in. Each session is 60 minutes, pressurized to 1.3 ATA, and costs $100.
Before your first session
Hyperbaric sessions aren’t right for everyone, and they aren’t a substitute for care from your own doctor. Before your first session, our medical assistant asks about your health conditions and anything you’re taking. Bring a list of your medications and supplements, and tell us about any allergies or recent surgery. It isn’t a medical evaluation — if you’re unsure whether this is safe for you, ask your doctor first. The list of things to tell us about is on our hyperbaric page, with more on who shouldn’t use a hyperbaric chamber.
Your visit
K Wellness is inside Kim Holistic Foot & Ankle Center at 701 E 28th St #111, Long Beach, CA 90806. The two have the same owner and share the same office.
- Price: $100 for a 60-minute session. See our hyperbaric session packages and how much hyperbaric therapy costs.
- Parking: park in our parking structure. There’s a K Wellness sign outside our door, so you don’t need to go through the main lobby.
- Booking: call (562) 269-0300, or request a visit online and we’ll call you to confirm a time.
Common questions
What is a hyperbaric chamber?
An enclosed space where the air pressure is raised above normal air pressure.
What are the types of hyperbaric chambers?
Monoplace chambers for one person, multiplace chambers for several people, and soft-sided low-pressure chambers that operate below 1.4 ATA.
What is a hyperbaric chamber used for?
Clinical hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a medical procedure that requires a physician’s prescription, given in hyperbaric facilities such as hospital-based programs. We don’t offer it. Our soft-sided chambers aren’t used to treat medical conditions.
What kind of chamber does K Wellness have?
Three soft-sided chambers, one you sit upright in and two you lie down in, pressurized to 1.3 ATA.
This article is general information, not medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Talk with your own doctor about your health. In an emergency, call 911.