FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY (HBOT)?

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is the therapeutic use of oxygen in a pressurized environment (chamber) to treat a variety of health conditions and diseases. HBOT combines increased pressure and oxygen levels to greatly increase the level of oxygen in the body, assisting in healing and drastically reducing inflammation. Side effects are rare and minimal. HBOT is extremely safe with a proven track record spanning decades and has been shown to enhance vascular health through the growth of new blood vessels, while promoting healing by regulating inflammation.

HBOT is approved by the FDA for 14 conditions through U.S. insurance providers, who will cover the cost in some situations. Many more conditions are being researched and effectively treated all over the world. HBOT improves the body's natural healing process by giving cells the oxygen they need to function, repair, heal and regenerate.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

HBOT works by inhaling 100% medical grade oxygen in a pressurized chamber. Every cell in the body needs oxygen to function. Tissues that are hypoxic, or lacking oxygen, are susceptible to damage, dysfunction, disease, and even death (necrosis). If red blood cells, the normal carriers of oxygen in the body, can’t deliver -- problems can arise. HBOT supercharges healing, by dissolving oxygen into the liquid part of the blood (plasma) and increasing tissue tension. This means oxygen saturates the body, reaching deeper into tissues than normal. After prolonged exposure (frequent sessions in a series), the body actually grows a new network of blood vessels, delivering oxygen more efficiently once treatment is complete. HBOT creates permanent changes in the body that improve health outcomes. The process promotes systemic healing, cell function, stem cell production, anti-inflammatory responses, new vessel growth, brain health, immune functioning, and accelerated healing, among other effects.

DO YOU FEEL ANYTHING?

During a session, you may notice a gentle popping or clearing sensation in your ears (similar to being on an airplane or driving high in the mountains) as your ears equalize the pressure. This is normal and desired. Beyond that, you won't notice the changes in atmospheric pressure when inside the chamber.

In terms of effects, everyone responds differently to HBOT. Over a course of treatments, patients have reported shortened recovery and healing periods, reduction of pain, increased energy, decreased fatigue and brain fog, as well as mood enhancement. Concussion cases and other traumatic brain injury patients have reported a significant reduction or complete elimination of symptoms. We've also been informed by our patients that it decreases their pain, neuropathy, and arthritis symptoms, and helps skin conditions. Many report feeling rejuvenated and looking younger as well. Our individual case reports have been corroborated by a large body of general scientific studies on HBOT for various conditions.

DO I NEED A CONSULTATION OR PRESCRIPTION BEFORE GETTING HBOT?

Hyperbaric medicine is prescription based. However, our medical staff can provide a prescription for general health if you pass our safety screening. We are happy to follow your doctor's orders or speak with your doctor. If you do not have a prescribing physician, our medical staff can guide you.

IS OXYGEN GOOD FOR ME?

Absolutely! Almost anyone can benefit from HBOT, even if they don’t have a health condition. Cells in the body depend on oxygen to survive, repair, and function. We already breathe oxygen at 21% normally (urban areas can be as low as 15%). But our red blood cells, which transport it from the lungs to the rest of the body, are mostly saturated with O2 at normal pressure already. They can only carry so much. With HBOT, you breathe 100% oxygen, which dissolves into the plasma (liquid) of the blood.

WHY CAN’T I JUST BREATH THE OXYGEN? WHY DO I NEED TO BE UNDER PRESSURE?

The high pressure allows the oxygen to infuse directly into the blood plasma, which makes up over 50% of blood volume. Plasma reaches areas that your red blood cells may not. Your red blood cells are already saturated with O2 at sea level pressure - the air we normally breathe. Red blood cells are large and tend to clump together, so any narrowing of the blood vessels (arteriosclerosis) will restrict their movement, and therefore oxygen transportation. Plasma can reach deep into tissues and supply cells that may not be accessible by the existing network of capillaries and vessels in your body. This process can only happen in a hyperbaric environment. In addition, after a series of HBOT treatments, your body begins to grow new blood vessels and capillaries, making O2 delivery more effective after you complete a series.

DOESN’T THE WHOLE CHAMBER HAVE TO BE FILLED WITH OXYGEN?

No. You get the same benefit breathing oxygen through a mask as you do in a chamber pressurized with O2. Oxygen is absorbed through your lungs, not your skin. When you breathe through our non-rebreather bag valve mask, 100% oxygen is being administered at over 3 times the flow rate compared to regular breathing.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING A SESSION AT OXYGENWELL?

On your first visit, you will arrive 15 min early to our office to fill out forms and listen to our hyperbaric medicine orientation. All devices, battery-operated electronics, and metal objects (jewelry, watches etc.) are removed before you enter the chamber. We provide baskets and lockers for personal belongings. You will be able to select entertainment (Netflix, Youtube, Music) to watch/listen during your session if you like; or you may read, meditate, or simply nap. The session will last between 90-120 minutes, during which you’ll wear a mask and breathe 100% medical grade oxygen. The technician will be present and will monitor you during the session, while you will have a walkie-talkie to communicate with.

Once you enter the chamber, the session begins. A specialized air compressor pumps filtered air into the tank and begins pressurizing it. Once full pressure is reached, a release valve opens and maintains the tank at that level. At 15 minutes under pressure, the tech gives a signal and the medical-grade oxygen mask is put on. The mask is fed directly from an O2 tank outside containing 100% pure oxygen. Your technician will pressurize and de-pressurize the chamber for each session, and assist you with any needs.

HOW DOES OXYGEN HELP YOU HEAL?

Cells in the body need oxygen to survive and thrive. In tissue that is oxygen-starved (apoxic), cells become vulnerable to disease and pathogens. Inflammation and swelling further depress the body’s ability to fight off infection, heal, and function normally. Research has shown HBOT to decrease inflammation, increase blood flow, shorten healing times, fortify the immune response, and stimulate the production of new blood vessels, stem cells, and tissue.

IS HYBERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY SAFE?

Completely. HBOT has a very good safety track record, particularly when compared to other invasive therapies, such as surgeries and pharmaceutical drugs. Our main concern is ear discomfort, which may affect some patients in the pressurized environment. It is typically easy to clear your ears and most patients adjust to the pressure changes without any issues. Some conditions such as collapsed lung, sinus or heart surgery, and other conditions are contraindicated (not advised). We will go over everything in your initial phone consultation and ensure you’re clear to receive therapy.

WHAT IF I’M CLAUSTROPHOBIC?

Many people think they’re claustrophobic, but are not. We spend time daily in small spaces — cars, elevators, trains, planes and public places, and because we’re used to them, we don’t think about it. It’s common to be uncomfortable in small spaces, but most people are not true claustrophobes (a diagnosed condition). A hyperbaric chamber may be an unfamiliar space, but the majority of our patients become comfortable quickly and enjoy treatment. We help by providing a relaxing environment with trained technicians that will safely conduct your session. Our record is impeccable. HBOT is extremely safe and the chambers we use are commercial grade with multiple safety features built-in. They are spacious with room to move around, sit up, lie down, and fully stretch. Some patients nap, read, meditate, or watch entertainment. A technician is always present and able to get you out of the chamber whenever you choose, though you’ll get the most benefit doing the full session. Most patients do great in the chamber, even on their first session having never been in one before.

If you think you might be claustrophobic or have anxiety, we recommend visiting our center first to get a feel for the chambers and what it’s like inside before booking an appointment. If you have a doctor’s prescription for anti-anxiety medication, we will permit you to take it before you enter the chamber.

HOW MANY SESSIONS DO I NEED TO DO? HOW OFTEN?

It depends. For general health and maintenance, as little as 5 and up to 40 sessions can provide enormous benefit. For specific disease and health conditions, we will consult with you, but the general recommended protocol is 20-40 sessions. This has been established by a large volume of scientific research on HBOT and clinical trials. Since oxygen therapy works cumulatively, the more frequently you can visit, the better. Some patients come 5 days a week, even twice per day for severe conditions. We recommend 3-5 visits per week, as less than 3 treatments do not provide the optimal benefit of HBOT, but is still better than none.

WHO ADMINISTERS THE SESSIONS? IS THERE A DOCTOR?

We have two medical directors on-call for guidance when needed, as well as physician assistants and registered nurses on site. Our owner, Dr. Beth Meneley, DAOM, L.Ac. offers complementary hyperbaric consultations and support. Our HBOT technicians are all highly trained and certified.