Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: How It Works
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a treatment in which a person breathes oxygen inside a sealed chamber pressurised above normal atmospheric pressure. The raised pressure increases the amount of oxygen physically dissolved in blood plasma, which is what distinguishes HBOT from simply breathing oxygen at sea level.
This page is the starting point for understanding HBOT: the physics behind it, how clinical and mild systems differ, what a session actually involves, and where the boundaries of the current evidence sit. If you are evaluating equipment rather than the therapy itself, see our hyperbaric chamber comparison guide.
Why pressure changes what oxygen can do
Three gas laws explain the entire therapy:
- Henry’s Law — the amount of gas dissolved in a liquid is proportional to the pressure of that gas above the liquid. Raise the pressure, and more oxygen dissolves into plasma rather than being limited by haemoglobin carrying capacity.
- Boyle’s Law — at constant temperature, the volume of a gas falls as pressure rises. This is why ears need to equalise during pressurisation, and why gas bubbles shrink under pressure.
- Dalton’s Law — the total pressure of a gas mixture is the sum of the partial pressures of its components. Increasing the fraction of inspired oxygen raises the partial pressure driving oxygen into tissue.
In practical terms: a person breathing air at sea level has plasma oxygen of roughly 0.3 mL/dL. Under pressure with enriched oxygen, that figure rises substantially, which is the basis of the therapy’s proposed effects on tissue oxygenation.
Clinical HBOT versus mild HBOT
These are often discussed as one thing, but they are meaningfully different categories. Knowing which one you are talking about matters for safety, regulation and buying decisions.
| Clinical HBOT | Mild HBOT (mHBOT) | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical pressure | 2.0–2.4 ATA | 1.1–1.7 atm |
| Breathing gas | 100% medical oxygen | Enriched oxygen (typically 80–95%) delivered by mask or headset |
| Chamber type | Rigid monoplace or multiplace vessel | Rigid or soft-sided vessel |
| Typical setting | Hospital, wound care centre, hyperbaric clinic | Wellness centre, spa, sports facility, private home |
| Indications | Conditions on the reference list maintained by the Undersea & Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) | General wellness, recovery and relaxation use |
| Supervision | Prescribed and supervised by a physician | Operated under local rules; medical advice recommended |
All HyperbaricO2Care systems sit in the mild category, with a maximum working pressure of 1.7 atm (1.75 atm on the POLARIS Duo).
What a session involves
- Preparation. Loose, comfortable clothing; no petroleum-based products or flammable materials inside the cabin.
- Pressurisation. On our systems this takes roughly 5–25 minutes depending on the model and selected programme.
- Treatment plateau. A typical session runs 45–90 minutes at the target pressure while the user breathes enriched oxygen.
- Decompression and exit. Gradual return to ambient pressure.
Where HBOT is used
Clinical HBOT is delivered in hospitals and dedicated hyperbaric facilities for conditions on the UHMS reference list — including decompression illness, carbon monoxide poisoning, certain problem wounds, delayed radiation injury and compromised skin grafts. The authoritative, current version of that list is published by the Undersea & Hyperbaric Medical Society at uhms.org, and anyone considering HBOT for a medical condition should review it with their physician.
Mild HBOT sits outside that clinical framework. It is used in wellness, recovery, beauty and home settings, and the evidence base is considerably thinner. Our primer on the science of HBOT and our article on the hyperoxic-hypoxic paradox explain the proposed mechanisms and where the research currently stands.
Safety and who should avoid it
Pressure change affects air-filled spaces in the body, which is why ear equalisation technique matters and why screening is essential. An untreated pneumothorax is widely regarded as an absolute contraindication to HBOT. Other commonly screened factors include recent ear or sinus surgery, certain respiratory conditions, and some medications.
Equipment design matters as much as screening. Every HyperbaricO2Care chamber uses a triple pressure-relief architecture — mechanical, electronic solenoid and manual — so that any single one of the three can prevent over-pressurisation. You can read more in our safety and buying guide.
How our chambers are built
- Rigid construction. Aviation-grade steel with fully welded seams — not fabric and not inflatable.
- Integrated oxygen generation. On-board high-efficiency systems delivering ≥80% concentration (AURA One) to ≥90% (NEPTUNE Flow, LUMINA One, TITAN Duo, POLARIS Duo).
- Triple safety architecture. Three independent pressure-relief paths, plus 4G emergency call and fire suppression designed for high-oxygen environments.
- Documentation. CE marking and ISO 13485 quality management, supplied with every order. See the full product series or read about our manufacturing and compliance standards.
Frequently asked questions
Is HBOT the same as an oxygen bar?
No. Oxygen bars deliver oxygen at ambient pressure, which does not meaningfully raise the amount of oxygen dissolved in plasma. HBOT requires a sealed, pressurised chamber.
How long is a session?
Typically 45–90 minutes at target pressure, plus pressurisation and decompression time — around 5–25 minutes on our systems.
What is the difference between ATA and atm?
Both describe pressure relative to the atmosphere. ATA (atmospheres absolute) is the conventional unit in hyperbaric medicine; atm is the physical unit. At sea level the two are effectively equivalent, so 1.7 atm is approximately 1.7 ATA.
Can I use a mild chamber at home?
Many owners do. Our guide to home hyperbaric oxygen therapy covers space, power and safety considerations.
Do you supply clinics as well as individuals?
Yes — we supply clinics, wellness centres, spas, distributors and private buyers. See chambers for clinics or contact our team.
Talk to our team about your requirements
We supply clinics, wellness centres, spas, distributors and home users in North America, Europe and beyond. Every unit ships with CE and ISO 13485 documentation.
Email hello@hyperbarico2care.life · WhatsApp +86 185 7861 6126 · Send an enquiry
Medical disclaimer: the information on this page is provided for general education only and is not medical advice. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy should only be undertaken under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. HyperbaricO2Care chambers are mild hyperbaric systems operating at 1.1–1.7 atm and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult your physician before beginning any oxygen therapy programme.