Hyperbaric oxygen therapy FAQ

As none of the devices sold by Brain Spa Hyperbaric are medical devices, it cannot be claimed that they prevent, alleviate or cure any health problems. We bring information to people about the processes that take place in the body when the air pressure is increased. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in general is not a "cure", but can create a supportive environment in the body for healing.

As medical equipment, high-pressure hyperbaric chambers are used in hospitals. They have their own indications for medical conditions and are considered as treatments.

The main factor that affects hyperbaric oxygen therapy is higher pressure. At normal atmospheric pressure, oxygen is carried throughout the body by red blood cells. In the case of a healthy person, they are mostly saturated with oxygen at about 96-97%. By administering supplemental oxygen and normal pressure, it is therefore possible to increase the oxygen saturation only by a few percent.

In the case of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, oxygen also dissolves in the blood plasma, which otherwise does not carry oxygen. Thanks to the higher pressure, many times more oxygen dissolves in the body and it is pushed deeper into the tissues and damaged areas, which otherwise may not get enough oxygen with the normal blood supply.

Without higher air pressure, it is not possible to increase the oxygen saturation in the body to such a significant extent.

Numerous studies have shown that hyperbaric oxygen therapy is an extremely safe intervention. Serious side effects are extremely rare and are generally not seen at lower pressures (below 1.5 ATA).

The most common side effect is discomfort in the ears, similar to that felt when landing on an airplane. About 10% of people have ears that are more sensitive to pressure changes. In this case, changes in pressure up and down with the chamber can be made more slowly, so that the inner ears can balance more easily.

Pressures and their risk profile:
60 min, pressure 1.3 ATA — considered extremely safe, no serious problems reported
60 min, pressure 2.0 ATA — minimal problems, considered very low risk therapy
60 min, pressure 2.5 ATA — higher risk — serious reactions can occur, but their incidence is still very low.

Brain spa oxygen chambers do not exceed 1.5 ATA pressure.  

Despite the apparent safety from research, I sometimes come to people who have sought help for their chronic health problems for years and have exhausted all other options. Through this experience, I have learned that when the body is severely damaged at the cellular level (from drugs, heavy metals, mold, etc.) and when there are very chronic brain/nervous system issues at play, a person can be very sensitive to even low doses of oxygen. Paul Harch, one of the most recognized specialists in hyperbaric oxygen therapy and the brain, has reported such individual cases.

In this case, it may be necessary to start the therapy very gradually, using even lower pressures and carefully monitoring the situation. Such people have received help, but the process may be longer than usual.

Contraindications to hyperbaric oxygen therapy are:

- Epilepsy
- Acute viral disease
- Acute ear infection
- Severe chronic diseases of the respiratory organs: pulmonary fibrosis, pneumothorax, emphysema, lung abscesses
- Acute respiratory diseases accompanied by cough, runny nose, sore throat and nasal congestion
- Permeability disorders of the ducts of the oral cavity and nasal sinuses. Disorders can be anatomical or due to chronic inflammation (sinusitis, sinusitis, etc.)
- Oncological pathologies
- Hypertonic pathologies (III degree)
- Individual oxygen hypersensitivity
- High blood pressure (over 170/90 mmHg) that does not respond to treatment
- Pregnancy
- Fever from 38°C

Most people feel comfortable in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, but if you tend to feel afraid of claustrophobic situations, going into an chamber can heighten that fear.

In this case, the we have approached the use of the chamber step by step, gradually, using exposure techniques. First of all, I will explain very thoroughly how the treatment of the oxygen chamber works and how it is possible for a person to get out of it. The next step is to go into an open oxygen chamber without closing the lock (compressor is already roaring) and adapt to this environment. Then we can go to a very low pressure, from where the descent is quick, in 1-2 minutes. If necessary, another person can come with you to the chamber.

In the case of claustrophobia, several sessions should be taken into account at the beginning, which are just for adaptation. In this way, several claustrophobic clients have managed the sessions just fine.

Brain Spa hyperbaric oxygen chambers are manufactured using an ISO 9001 quality management system. The pressure resistance of the chambers has been tested in an independent laboratory, according to the test, the chambers resisted a pressure of up to 2 ATA (use is intended for a pressure of up to 1.5 ATA). A test of the materials in the chambers shows that it does not contain any excreted toxins harmful to the human body. The manufacturer's portfolio includes many other products that must withstand extremely high pressure - for example, airbags for lifting sunken ships, which are tied to the ship, inflated and raised to the surface. These products must withstand several times higher pressure than hyperbaric oxygen chambers.


Home chambers operate at lower pressures (up to 1.5 ATA) and are filled with compressed air, which contains the usual 21% oxygen found in the atmosphere. This means there is no concentrated oxygen-enriched environment inside the chamber. Fire risks are related to medical HBOT chambers that use 100% oxygen at higher pressures (ie 2ATA).

If a user opts to connect an oxygen concentrator via a mask or nasal cannula, the oxygen is localized and does not fill the entire chamber. This setup still minimizes fire hazards as the chamber itself is pressurized with air.

In general, people feel comfortable in the chamber. Oxygen can have a calming effect, so it's good to use the time in the chamber to relax and rest.

As the chamber is pressurized, you may feel a sensation in your ears similar to what happens during takeoff in an airplane or driving up a steep hill. This is due to the change in air pressure affecting your middle ear.

Once the desired pressure is reached and stabilized, the sensation typically subsides. During decompression (as the pressure is slowly reduced), you might notice the ear sensation again. This is the air pressure equalizing as you return to normal atmospheric pressure.

You may need to "clear" or "pop" your ears by yawning, swallowing, or performing a Valsalva maneuver (pinching your nose and gently blowing). Chewing gum, drinking water, or sucking on candy can help alleviate ear pressure.

If you're sensitive to pressure changes it´s possible to go up and down in pressure slower, so it´s easier on ears. 

There are no special restrictions on what to bring into the cell. You can bring technology - phone, ipad, computer, etc. You can listen to music or podcasts, read, or even work in the cell. But it would be better to take time to relax!