Last updated on 2/26/26 | First published on 2/25/26 | Literature review current through Jan. 2026
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Authors:
Kevin Gardner CHT, AEMT, UHMS SC,
Topic editors:
Jeff Mize RRT, CHT, UHMSADS,
Elaine Horibe Song MD, PhD, MBA,
Tiffany Hamm BSN, RN, CWS, ACHRN, UHMSADS,
more...
Coauthor(s)
Kevin Gardner, CHT, AEMT, UHMS SC
Disclosures: Nothing to disclose
Editors
Elaine Horibe Song, MD, PhD, MBACo-Founder and Editor, Wound Reference, Inc;
Professor (Affiliate), Division of Plastic Surgery, Federal University of Sao Paulo;
Volunteer, Association for the Advancement of Wound Care;
Google Scholar Profile
Disclosures: Nothing to disclose
Jeff Mize, RRT, CHT, UHMSADS
Disclosures: Nothing to disclose
Tiffany Hamm, BSN, RN, CWS, ACHRN, UHMSADS
Chief Nursing Officer, Wound Reference, IncDisclosures: Nothing to disclose
What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)?
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a non-invasive, painless treatment. During HBOT, you breathe 100% oxygen in a special sealed room (called chamber). Inside this chamber, the air pressure is higher than normal. This treatment quickly raises the amount of oxygen in your blood and all parts of your body. With HBOT, your blood can hold up to 15 times more oxygen than it normally does.
What should I expect during HBOT sessions?
Hyperbaric oxygen treatments do not hurt. You might feel a "full" feeling in your ears, like when you drive down a mountain, fly, or scuba dive. This "full" feeling happens because your eardrums are reacting to the pressure change.
- A staff member (called inside attendant) will be with you for the whole treatment. They will show you how to relieve this feeling so you stay comfortable. The chamber operator will adjust how fast the pressure goes up based on how you are feeling.
- Once you are in the chamber, you will hear the air begin to move.
- The inside attendant will tell you when the pressure starts to go up slowly. You may feel a little warmer during this "compression" time.
- This compression part usually lasts about 10 to 15 minutes, depending on how well you can "clear" your ears.
- When you reach the right pressure, the fullness will stop. You can watch TV, read, rest, or sleep for the rest of the treatment, which is usually one to two hours.
- Near the end, the pressure will slowly go back to normal over 10 to 15 minutes. During this "decompression," you might hear a "popping" sound in your ears as the pressure goes down. This "popping" is normal. It's like what happens when you drive up a mountain or when a plane takes off.
- Most people have no lasting effects from HBOT. But some patients say they hear a "crackling" sound in their ears between treatments. If this "crackling" keeps happening, please tell the hyperbaric staff.
- Like all medical treatments, there are some rare side effects from breathing hyperbaric oxygen. They will be discussed with you in detail before you sign your consent for the treatment form.
Can I continue to take my medications?
Some medications are not compatible with hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Each drug you are taking will be considered individually in relation to HBOT. Any changes in your current medication will be discussed with your referring physician.
Can I smoke during HBOT?
Patients who smoke are required to stop smoking throughout their course of hyperbaric therapy. We can refer you to smoking cessation counseling and other helpful resources. Patients who are unable to discontinue smoking will not be considered as suitable candidates for HBOT.
What if I have a cold or the flu?
It is important that you notify the nursing or hyperbaric staff if you have symptoms of a cold or the flu, (i.e. fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, fever blisters, cold sore, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, ache-all-over feeling). Upper respiratory infections make it difficult to clear your ears. HBOT may be postponed until your symptoms have subsided.
Can I apply cosmetics?
Cosmetics, hair sprays, nail polish, deodorants, or shaving lotions containing a petroleum or alcohol base are not allowed during hyperbaric oxygen treatments. However, you may apply these products after treatment. Please notify the nurse/technician if you have applied skin products prior to treatment. The staff will answer any questions you may have regarding products that are allowed in the chamber.
What kind of clothing should I wear?
- You will get special clothes to wear for your treatment in the chamber.
- You can wear cotton underwear underneath.
- Do not wear any clothing made from nylon, polyester, or wool in the chamber.
- You must take off all watches and jewelry.
- You may also need to take out dentures, contact lenses, or other body aids before your treatment. Talk to your nurse before your treatment.
How often do I need to schedule treatment sessions?
- Your hyperbaric oxygen treatments will be scheduled based on why you need the treatment. The hyperbaric team will set up your treatments for you, usually Monday through Friday. We will try our best to work around your daily life activities.
- Sometimes, your appointment might be canceled or moved because of an emergency.
- If you are receiving treatment as an outpatient and are unable to attend your appointment, please notify the hyperbaric team as soon as possible.
- Please arrive 15 minutes before your treatment is set to begin.
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