Unlock Longevity: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Insights

OxyRenew offers Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) sessions in a 2.0 ATA hard-shell chamber. Longevity researchers have studied HBOT, and this article summarizes what they reported. Bryan Johnson  has publicly documented his own HBOT use as part of his longevity protocol.

Anti-Aging Mechanisms of HBOT

Proposed mechanisms under study include increased tissue oxygenation and angiogenesis (the growth of new blood vessels). Breathing oxygen at increased pressure raises tissue oxygenation, which is thought to support cellular repair and reduce oxidative stress. Angiogenesis improves nutrient and oxygen delivery to tissues.

Cellular senescence , a hallmark of aging, is one focus of this research. A small early study by Hachmo et al. (2020), covered below, reported fewer senescent cells and longer telomeres (a marker of biological aging) in older adults after a course of HBOT. Sirtuins and other longevity-associated pathways are proposed mediators. HBOT is also thought to influence the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) pathways, a hormetic effect that may strengthen the body's stress response.

Effects on neuroplasticity, metabolic regulation, and stem cell mobilization have also been proposed and remain under study.

Telomeres: what the early research says

A growing body of research points to the significance of telomere length as a marker of cellular aging. Longer telomeres are often associated with enhanced vitality and resilience against age-related decline. HBOT raises tissue oxygenation; whether that affects telomere length is under study, and the small Hachmo et al. (2020) study covered below is the main early evidence.

Clinical Study Findings on HBOT

Our session structure follows the 20-minutes-on, 5-minutes-off pattern used in the published studies. A study by Hachmo et al. (2020)  found that HBOT increased telomere length (important markers of cellular aging) by 20% to 38% in older adults. Longer telomeres are associated with healthier aging and better cell function. The study also found a reduction in damaged or “senescent” cells, which contribute to inflammation and aging. This suggests that HBOT may influence some aging processes. It was a small early study, and its results are not an outcome to expect from sessions at OxyRenew.

Another study by Hadanny et al. (2024)  showed that older adults who completed a 12-week HBOT program had significant improvements in VO2 max, a measure of how efficiently the body uses oxygen during physical activity. Higher VO2 max means better endurance, energy, and heart health, all key to staying active and vital as we age. The study also noted better blood flow to the heart, which helps support overall cardiovascular health.

HBOT Chambers and Their Function

Hard-shell chambers reach higher pressures than soft-shell units; the published studies used 2.0 ATA. OxyRenew's seated hard-shell chamber reaches 2.0 ATA and runs sessions with 20/5 oxygen breaks.

In contrast, soft-shell chambers typically operate at lower pressures, which means less oxygen dissolves in plasma per session. Soft chambers offer portability; hard-shell chambers reach the higher pressures used in the studies above.

Why Choose HBOT at OxyRenew?

• 2.0 ATA Hard-Shell Chamber: Air-pressurized, with oxygen delivered by mask.

• Session Lengths: 60, 90, or 120 minutes.

• Located in Los Angeles: Experience HBOT in a relaxing and convenient setting.

HBOT and Biological Aging

HBOT is being studied for its effect on biological aging at the cellular level. The Hachmo et al. (2020) study discussed above reported fewer damaged or “senescent” cells (cells that contribute to aging and inflammation) and longer telomeres, the protective caps on the ends of DNA strands that naturally shorten as we age, in older adults after a course of sessions.

Additionally, HBOT is thought to help the body manage oxidative stress, which occurs when harmful molecules, called reactive oxygen species (ROS), build up and damage cells. By balancing these molecules and supporting the body’s natural defenses, HBOT may support healthier aging. These proposed effects are why HBOT is being studied for slowing signs of aging at the cellular level.

Limitations and Risks of HBOT

While Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is being studied for a range of uses, it is important to understand its potential risks and limitations. Side effects are rare when administered in professional settings, but they can include ear barotrauma (pain or injury due to pressure changes), sinus discomfort, and claustrophobia, especially in high-pressure chambers.

Oxygen toxicity, though uncommon, is another consideration when HBOT uses concentrated oxygen in pressurized environments. This risk is mitigated by closely monitored treatment protocols, such as incorporating breaks where patients breathe normal air.

Innovations in HBOT delivery, such as chambers pressurized with normal air while patients breathe concentrated oxygen through masks, significantly reduce risks such as fire hazards and allow the use of personal devices during treatment. This approach enhances safety and convenience for longevity-focused applications while retaining the therapeutic benefits of traditional HBOT. Read why some longevity practitioners use air-pressurized chambers.

Supplemental Strategies for Longevity

HBOT can be combined with other longevity-focused strategies.

Regular exercise, mindfulness practices, and stress reduction complement HBOT by promoting overall metabolic and hormonal balance. Together, these strategies may support overall cellular health.

Conclusion

Early, small studies are exploring HBOT's effect on markers of aging such as telomere length and senescent cell counts. The proposed mechanisms, from tissue oxygenation to angiogenesis, are what draw interest from the longevity field.

At OxyRenew, we offer HBOT in a 2.0 ATA hard-shell chamber in sessions of 60, 90, or 120 minutes. If you're curious about HBOT, contact us or book your first session online.