Skip to main content

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)

What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)?

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, also known for short as HBOT, is the combination of increased atmospheric pressure and increased inspired oxygen in a pressurized chamber.

Red blood cells are the cells in our bodies that move oxygen throughout the body. Oxygen-carrying capacity is the capability of your body to mobilize oxygen where needed. If the oxygen-carrying capacity has been diminished, a person cannot produce adequate energy, which can result in slower healing, chronic infections, brain fog, fatigue, and so much more. By augmenting more oxygen into the liquid of the blood (plasma) in our bodies through Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, we can help increase the blood’s oxygen-carrying capacity.

Naturally, there is 21% oxygen in the air at sea level, with the remainder of air consisting of mostly nitrogen. Unfortunately, living in urban areas can mean a greater concentration of air pollutants in our air supply, and oxygen is paramount for healthy living and thriving bodies. Without oxygen, our bodies are not able to make ATP and cellular energy. ATP reserves drop quickly without proper oxygen availability.

There are a variety of reasons and scenarios where supplementing with pressurized oxygen can be extremely beneficial for all ages. Check out the curated list of mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy studies in our HBOT Research & Studies section!

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Benefits

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy provides a variety of benefits to the whole body.

  • Improved Mitochondrial Function
  • Inflammation Reduction
  • Enhanced Immune System
  • Improved Brain Function
  • Accelerated Wound Healing
  • Increased Stem Cell Mobilization
  • Improved Bone Health
  • Increased Blood Circulation
  • Anti-Aging Effects
  • Improved Tissue Oxygenation
  • Enhanced Lymphatic Flow & Gentle Detox
BOOK NOW

Frequently Asked Questions

How does HBOT work?

Under increased atmospheric pressure, oxygen can be dissolved in the blood plasma. Therefore, the blood’s oxygen-carrying capacity is increased, and more oxygen can reach the cells. Because the blood plasma can carry oxygen in a hyperbaric environment, oxygen can reach cells red blood cells are not able reach under restricted blood flow. HBOT also supports the body in building new blood vessels. This leads to better circulation and tissue oxygenation throughout the body.

How long is a typical session?

Depending on your health goals, we recommend either a 60-minute session or a 90-minute session in one of our mild hyperbaric oxygen chambers. We want to make sure you get the full benefits of your HBOT session. Therefore, we don’t count the time to pressurize and depressurize the HBOT chamber toward your dive time. For a typical 60-minute HBOT session, you’ll spend about 75 minutes in the chamber, and 105 minutes for a 90-minute session.

Are there immediate effects of an HBOT session?

Yes, you’ll experience the following immediate effects during and after your HBOT session:

  • ATP (energy) generation and thus an energy boost
  • Reverses or mitigates hypoxia in tissues
  • Decreased inflammation, pain, and swelling
  • Stem cell release
  • Enhance lymphatic flow and detox
  • Immune system boosting
  • Accelerates the body’s healing process (optimizing the first stages of wound healing)

How many sessions will I need?

Most individuals will experience benefits within their first few HBOT sessions. In general, acute conditions require fewer sessions than chronic conditions. Depending on the severity of your condition, 20 to 40 sessions may be needed to achieve your health goals. For some conditions or health goals, the ongoing use of HBOT may be recommend.

Are there any contraindications to HBOT?

Individuals experiencing the following conditions should not consider HBOT:

  • Pregnancy
  • Pneumothorax
  • Emphysema
  • COPD
  • Restrictive Lung Disease / Pulmonary Fibrosis
  • Genetic lung diseases that cause air pockets (alpha anti-trypsin disorder)
  • History of a spontaneously collapsed lung
  • Heart Failure with EF <35%
  • Other uncontrolled lung conditions
  • Other uncontrolled heart conditions

Is mild HBOT covered by insurance?

Unfortunately, mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy is not covered by insurance. However, most HSAs accept mild HBOT with a doctor’s note. Please contact us if you want to learn more.

Can I use my HSA/FSA card to pay for HBOT sessions?

Yes. We accept both Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for HBOT sessions. However, please check with your HSA/FSA guidelines prior. Most of them will cover mild HBOT with a doctor’s note. Please contact us if you want to learn more.

Retreat HBOT Chamber

  • Features a wide side entry for easy access, popular with individuals with restricted mobility
  • Caddy organizer, luxe blanket, reading lantern and fan included
  • Oxygen delivery under pressure via face mask (optional)
  • 36″ high
  • 36″ wide
  • 89″ long
BOOK NOW

Flex HBOT Chamber

  • Features reclining seat with lots of head and leg room to relax in
  • Caddy organizer, luxe blanket, reading lantern and fan included
  • Oxygen delivery under pressure via face mask (optional)
  • 45″ high
  • 43″ wide
  • 73″ long
BOOK NOW
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) Video | Renewal Care Wellness Center | Beaverton, OregonPlay Video

HBOT Pressure Explained

At sea level, the pressure all around you is rated at one (1) Atmosphere Absolute, also known as ATA. Further depth equals greater ATA levels. ATA levels are increased above 1 to increase pressure and help to drive greater oxygen levels into the body. Under hyperbaric pressure, in addition to the red blood cells, the blood plasma can carry oxygen. Therefore, the blood’s oxygen carrying capacity is increased and oxygen can reach cells behind potentially restricted blood vessels.

The oxygen chambers at Renewal pressurize to 1.3 ATA to 1.4 ATA operating pressure (or 4.5 – 6.0 PSI for those more familiar with PSI). This is the equivalent of 11 to 15 feet below sea level, but is a mild, gentle pressure. Supplemental 95-97% oxygen is also delivered through an oxygen concentrator via direct tubing to a face mask (optional) within the chambers.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: What To Expect

Renewal Care Hyperbarics & Wellness offers two different types of HBOT chambers, which are called “soft-shell” mild hyperbaric oxygen chambers (mHBOT). Our soft-shell chambers inflate and pressurize with dehumidified air through a compressor and concentrated oxygen supplemented through a concentrator to a mild HBOT pressures between 1.3 ATA and 1.4 ATA—the equivalent of 11 – 15 feet below sea level. Our HBOT chambers also include an ionizer creating a flow of negative ions.

Our Flex HBOT Chamber is a seated hyperbaric oxygen chamber that offers a comfortable reclining chair inside, and is very spacious with lots of head and leg room to relax in.

Our Retreat HBOT Chamber is a lay-down hyperbaric oxygen chamber that offers a wide opening for easy access and can even accommodate a parent and child at the same time.

BOOK NOW
Renewal Hyperbarics Retreat Hyperbaric Chamber
Inside of the Renewal Hyperbarics Retreat XL J-Access HBOT Chamber | Renewal Care Hyperbarics & Wellness in Beaverton, OR

Disclaimer: Statements, testimonials, and services provided by Renewal Care, LLC are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or illness. [more]

Nothing on this site is to be construed as medical advice; the authors are not doctors. The testimonials and feedback received are voluntarily provided and do not necessarily represent the views of this company. They have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Any recommendations made by Renewal Care, LLC do not constitute as a medical recommendation and are intended for informational and educational purposes only, and no claims (real or implied) are being made. While studies support the use and effectiveness of the available therapies when used to help an individual facing various medical conditions, individual results may vary and it is the responsibility of the client to do their own personal due diligence; always ask your doctor about all treatment options, including all risks and benefits. Renewal Care, LLC is not a health care provider. Please discuss your personal health, including any options or ideas you may read on the internet (on this site or others) with your personal, qualified health practitioner before making changes to your lifestyle, diet, treatments, therapies or adjusting/discontinuing use of any medication.