Wellness & IV
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: what it is, what to expect and where to find it
What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves breathing oxygen inside a chamber pressurised above normal air pressure. It is a recognised medical treatment for certain conditions, and some wellness clinics also offer sessions for general wellness, where the evidence is weaker.
How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy works
Inside the chamber, air pressure is raised while you breathe oxygen through a mask or hood, or in the chamber itself. The higher pressure lets more oxygen dissolve in the blood than at normal pressure. Hospitals use it for specific medical conditions under strict protocols, while wellness clinics may use softer chambers at lower pressure, which differ in what they do and what is known about them.
What to expect at the appointment
- A screening covering your medical history, ear and sinus problems and medicines.
- Entry to the chamber, where you rest while pressure rises, sometimes with ear-clearing guidance.
- A session of a length the provider sets, with staff monitoring you.
- Gradual return to normal pressure and aftercare advice.
Recovery and downtime
Many people feel normal straight away. Ear pressure, mild fatigue or light-headedness can occur, and you may feel hungry or thirsty. Staff should explain what to do if your ears or sinuses hurt.
Safety and suitability
- Tell the provider about lung conditions, ear or sinus problems, pregnancy and any implants or devices.
- Fire safety is a serious consideration with oxygen, so ask how the facility manages it.
- Medically recognised uses differ from wellness uses, so ask which one applies to you.
- Sessions are often sold in packages and usually self-pay, so ask for the total cost.
Questions to ask before you book
- Is this a medical or a wellness chamber, and at what pressure does it run?
- Who supervises sessions, and what training do they have?
- What conditions or medicines mean I should not have it?
- How is fire safety managed, and what is the plan if I feel unwell?
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy FAQ
What is hyperbaric oxygen therapy used for?
It is a recognised medical treatment for specific conditions, delivered in hospitals under protocols. Wellness clinics also offer sessions for general purposes, where the evidence is less clear.
Is hyperbaric oxygen therapy safe?
It carries risks such as ear and sinus pressure problems and, rarely, more serious effects. A proper screening and supervised sessions help manage them.
Is a soft chamber the same as a hospital chamber?
No. Soft chambers usually run at lower pressure and are used in wellness settings, so their effects and the evidence differ from hospital treatment.
Will insurance cover hyperbaric oxygen therapy?
Coverage may apply to recognised medical uses, while wellness sessions are usually self-pay. Ask your insurer and the provider before booking.
This is general information, not medical advice, and results differ from person to person. This treatment should be prescribed or performed by, or under the supervision of, a licensed medical provider. Talk to a licensed provider about your health history before booking.
Written and fact-checked against our editorial rules (no prices, statistics or promised results) by the MedSpa Listings editorial team. Last reviewed 2026-11-10.
Where to find Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
City pages for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy appear once at least three listed clinics in a city name it on their own website. Browse med spas by state.
Planning the cost? See how to pay for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, including payment plans and HSA or FSA rules.