What Does a Patient Experience During Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) Treatment?
HBOT is a non-invasive, completely painless, totally safe procedure.
Every HBOT treatment session you have is designed to be completely comfortable. HBOT chambers come with a padded table inside, so you can feel free to lie down. These chambers are big enough to relax and get comfortable in. In fact, many people fall asleep during HOBT treatment! If you can’t sleep, there are ways for you to listen to music, watch TV, and read.
Plus, you will be in constant contact with the medical staff at the HBOT clinic. Since HBOT chambers are transparent, you won’t feel claustrophobic, and the staff will be able to see you the entire time. If you need to talk to them during your treatment session, it is easy to do so.
During your HBOT treatment session, you will not feel much. However, as you progress through the session, you will experience certain sensations.
At the beginning of your HBOT treatment, the pressure inside of the chamber will slowly start to build. It’s a process called “compression”, and during it, you may feel the same way you do when you’re in a plane that takes off. Most people feel a slight pressure in their ears, and as a result, your ears will “pop”.
Since this is such a common feeling, the medical staff at your HBOT clinic will show you a few simple ways to alleviate your ear pressure before your treatment begins.
As your HBOT treatment session progresses and the pressure continues to increase, the chamber will gradually start to get warmer. However, each chamber is equipped with air conditioning, so you will not have to worry about overheating.
Once the chamber reaches the correct level of pressure, any ear discomfort will stop and the temperature inside will level off. The heat will stop building as soon as the pressure stops increasing.
Throughout your treatment, breathing in the pure oxygen will feel no different than breathing in oxygen in a normal environment. You will not have to worry about any nasal or throat discomfort.
As your treatment session starts to wind down, you will go through a process called “decompression” – as the pressure inside the chamber starts to decrease. Again, you may feel some sight discomfort in your ears that will feel similar to being on a plane that’s landing.
Once your HBOT treatment session is over, you may feel rejuvenated. Because of the extra oxygen, you may even feel like you have a surge of energy!
