Booked your first hyperbaric session, or thinking about it? It helps to know what a hyperbaric chamber feels like before you arrive. Here is what a session at K Wellness in Long Beach is like: what you’ll feel, what to wear, how long it takes and what to tell us first.
In short
- A session is 60 minutes in a soft-sided chamber, sitting up or lying down, pressurized to 1.3 ATA.
- Most people notice pressure in their ears as the chamber pressurizes, like on a plane. Swallowing or yawning usually helps.
- Wear 100% cotton clothing. Lotions, oils, hair products and electronics aren’t allowed in the chamber.
- Tell us about your health conditions and anything you take before your first session.
What a hyperbaric chamber feels like
The chamber is gently pressurized to 1.3 ATA. That is about 30% above normal air pressure. More on how a hyperbaric chamber works.
Most people notice pressure in their ears as the chamber pressurizes, similar to a plane taking off or landing. MedlinePlus explains that ear pressure comes from a pressure difference between the inside and outside of the eardrum, and that swallowing or yawning opens the eustachian tube and lets air flow into or out of the middle ear. Let us know right away if you feel discomfort.
Possible side effects include ear or sinus pain, temporary vision changes and tiredness. Rarely, more serious problems such as lung injury can occur.
Sitting up or lying down
We have three soft-sided chambers: one you sit upright in and two you lie down in. If you feel uneasy in enclosed spaces, tell us before your session.
What to wear in a hyperbaric chamber
Wear 100% cotton clothing. Lotions, oils and hair products aren’t allowed in the chamber, and neither are electronics, including your phone.
How long a hyperbaric session lasts
Sessions last 60 minutes. Afterwards, we check in on how you felt and talk through whether further sessions make sense. There’s no set number of sessions. Ask us when you call. Prices are in how much hyperbaric therapy costs.
Our chambers are mild hyperbaric chambers, and they aren’t used to treat medical conditions. How they differ from clinical hyperbaric oxygen therapy is in mild hyperbaric vs clinical HBOT.
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. Tell us about any medications, supplements, allergies or recent surgery. It isn’t a medical evaluation — if you’re unsure whether this is safe for you, ask your doctor first.
Tell us if any of these apply:
- You have ear or sinus problems, a cold, or congestion.
- You have had recent ear surgery or an ear injury.
- You have a lung condition, including a history of a collapsed lung.
- You are pregnant or may be pregnant.
- You have a fever, or have had recent surgery.
- You have a history of seizures.
- You have an implanted device, such as a pacemaker.
- You are receiving chemotherapy.
- You feel uneasy in enclosed spaces.
- You take any medications or have any ongoing health conditions.
Some of these may mean a session isn’t safe for you right now; others just need extra care. Tell us about any of these before your session. 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.
- 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 does a hyperbaric chamber feel like?
Most people notice pressure in their ears as the chamber pressurizes, similar to a plane taking off or landing. Swallowing or yawning usually helps. Let us know right away if you feel discomfort.
What should I wear in a hyperbaric chamber?
Wear 100% cotton clothing. Lotions, oils, hair products and electronics aren’t allowed in the chamber.
Can I bring my phone into the chamber?
No. Electronics aren’t allowed in the chamber.
How long is a hyperbaric session?
Sessions last 60 minutes.
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.