Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy vs. Ozone Therapy

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) and Ozone Therapy both use oxygen-based approaches to support healing, but they work through fundamentally different mechanisms. Understanding these differences matters because the therapies are not interchangeable, and the evidence base behind them differs substantially.

How HBOT Works

HBOT delivers pure oxygen at elevated atmospheric pressure, typically 1.5 to 2.0 ATA in clinical settings. Under pressure, oxygen dissolves directly into blood plasma, bypassing the normal hemoglobin-dependent delivery system. This allows oxygen to reach tissues with compromised circulation, including wounds, inflamed areas, and regions affected by radiation damage.

The FDA has cleared HBOT for 14 specific indications, including decompression sickness, carbon monoxide poisoning, diabetic foot ulcers, and radiation tissue damage. The mechanisms are well-documented: increased oxygenation stimulates angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation), enhances white blood cell function, and reduces edema through vasoconstriction. Decades of clinical research support these applications.

How Ozone Therapy Works

Ozone Therapy introduces ozone gas (O₃) into the body through various methods: injection, insufflation, or mixing with blood that is then reinfused. The proposed mechanism involves triggering oxidative stress in a controlled way to stimulate antioxidant defenses and immune modulation. Ozone also has antimicrobial properties, which proponents cite for treating infections.

The regulatory status of ozone therapy is different from HBOT. The FDA has not approved ozone as a medical treatment in the United States, citing insufficient evidence for safety and efficacy. Some practitioners offer it as a complementary therapy, but the clinical research is less extensive than that supporting HBOT, and methodological quality varies.

Key Differences

HBOT increases the amount of oxygen dissolved in your blood. Ozone therapy introduces a reactive molecule intended to trigger biological responses. HBOT has a well-established safety profile with side effects limited mainly to ear pressure discomfort. Ozone requires careful dosing because excessive exposure causes oxidative damage.

For wound healing, post-surgical recovery, and conditions involving tissue hypoxia, HBOT has stronger evidentiary support. Its mechanisms are understood at the cellular level, and clinical protocols are standardized. Ozone therapy may have applications, but patients should be aware that the regulatory landscape and research base differ significantly.

HBOT at OxyRenew

At OxyRenew in West Hollywood, we offer Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in a hard-shell chamber operating at 2.0 ATA. Our focus is on evidence-based protocols for post-surgical recovery, athletic performance, brain health, and general wellness. Sessions are private and supervised by a Certified Hyperbaric Technician.

If you are evaluating oxygen-based therapies and want to understand whether HBOT fits your situation, contact us to discuss your goals, or book your first session online.