If you are considering Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) in Los Angeles, you may be wondering what the experience is actually like. It is completely normal to have questions, or even a few nerves, before your first session. This guide walks you through exactly what happens before, during, and after your visit to OxyRenew in West Hollywood.
Before Your Session: What to Know
Preparing properly helps ensure a safe and effective experience. Here are the essentials:
Eat within one hour prior to your appointment (blood sugar may decrease during treatment)
Wear comfortable, loose clothing (preferably 100% cotton)
Remove cosmetics, perfumes, deodorants, and hairspray (the environment inside is oxygen-rich)
Remove jewelry, watches, and contact lenses before entering
To optimize your session, we also recommend:
Avoid alcohol for four hours before treatment
Avoid caffeine prior to treatment, as it can reduce efficacy
Do not smoke or use tobacco products for at least four hours before treatment, and ideally, during your entire course of therapy
No air travel for 24 hours before or after treatment
You do not need to bring anything. OxyRenew provides a complimentary iPad within the chamber. You are also welcome to bring personal electronic devices such as your phone or laptop, as our chamber is pressurized with normal air (not pure oxygen), making electronics safe to use.
If you have an implanted medical device such as a pacemaker, contact OxyRenew before your appointment. Your device will need to be cleared for pressurization. If you have symptoms of a respiratory infection (fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose), please reschedule your appointment.
Arriving at OxyRenew
OxyRenew is located at 1106 N La Cienega Blvd, Suite 207, West Hollywood, CA 90069, inside the Love Your Body building on the second floor. We are a short walk from the Sunset Strip and minutes from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Parking is available under the building and on surrounding streets.
When you arrive, a Certified Hyperbaric Technician (CHT) will greet you. This is not a receptionist: your CHT has extensive hands-on experience operating our hyperbaric chamber and will be your dedicated attendant throughout your session. Our protocols are overseen by Dr. Neal Handel, a board-certified Plastic Surgeon with over 47 years of experience.
Before your session, your technician will take your vital signs (temperature, blood oxygen saturation, heart rate), review any questions you have, explain ear-clearing techniques, show you where to store your belongings, and offer you water.
The Chamber: What You Will See
Our hard-shell chamber operates at up to 2.0 ATA (atmospheres absolute), which is significantly higher than inflatable soft-shell chambers that only reach 1.3 ATA. OxyRenew has one chamber, and it is dedicated entirely to your session. You can learn more about why your choice of hyperbaric chamber matters.
Clear acrylic construction: You can see everything around you, reducing feelings of claustrophobia
Comfortable seated position: You sit upright or reclined in a chair, not lying in a tube
Room to move: The chamber is spacious enough to shift positions comfortably
Air-pressurized environment: The chamber is filled with regular filtered air, not pure oxygen
Oxygen delivery via mask or cannula: You breathe pure oxygen through a personal mask or nasal cannula while the chamber air remains breathable
This design is fundamentally different from soft-shell chambers, where you lie down in an inflatable bag with limited visibility and movement. For a deeper comparison, see our article on what a hyperbaric oxygen chamber is.
The Pressurization Phase (First 10-15 Minutes)
Once you enter the chamber and sit comfortably, the door closes and you will hear air begin to circulate. The compression process begins gradually. You may hear occasional popping or creaking sounds as the steel chamber expands under pressure (think of it like a metal balloon). This controlled flexing is part of the design.
You will feel a pressure sensation in your ears, similar to descending in an airplane or driving down a mountain. This sensation typically lasts only during the pressurization phase. Most people need to actively equalize by swallowing, yawning, or performing the Valsalva maneuver (pinch your nose and gently exhale). Your technician will teach you these techniques before you begin.
You are in control. Your CHT remains in the room, monitoring from outside the chamber and communicating with you via intercom. If your ears need a moment to adjust, simply speak up and we will pause or slow the pressurization immediately. Once you reach the treatment pressure (2.0 ATA), the ear sensation stops and you will feel normal.
At Treatment Depth: The Session
Once at pressure, you spend the main portion of your session relaxing while oxygen does its work.
During your session, you can watch Netflix or stream entertainment on the provided iPad, listen to music, read or work on your laptop, or simply relax and nap. The temperature is similar to room temperature; a blanket is available if you prefer.
You breathe pure oxygen through a mask or cannula. Your technician remains in the room throughout the session, monitoring your comfort and the chamber environment via intercom.
At OxyRenew, we use strategically timed oxygen breaks during your session. During these brief intervals, you breathe the regular chamber air instead of pure oxygen. This technique helps prevent oxygen toxicity, allows for longer and safer sessions (up to 120 minutes), and may enhance your body's regenerative response through the hypoxic-hyperoxic paradox. Learn more about the benefit of oxygen breaks in HBOT.
Depressurization (Last 10-15 Minutes)
Near the end of your session, your technician will gradually decrease the pressure back to normal. You may feel a popping sensation in your ears, similar to ascending in an airplane. This is a normal adjustment. If you feel any discomfort, communicate with your technician and they will adjust the depressurization rate.
After Your Session
HBOT can trigger your body's natural repair mechanisms, so it is common to feel some fatigue following treatment. Other common sensations include feeling relaxed, energized, or hungry.
Rest and relax
Drink water to reduce tiredness
Engage in gentle physical activities like walking
Enjoy a balanced meal
It is safe to drive yourself to and from your appointment. HBOT should not impair your daily functions. However, avoid flying for 24 hours after your session.
Common Concerns Addressed
"I'm claustrophobic": Our chamber has clear acrylic walls so you can see everything around you. You sit upright (not lying in a tube). Your technician is in the room the entire time. If you need to stop, your technician can safely depressurize and open the door.
"Will my ears hurt?": Ear discomfort is managed by controlling the pressurization speed. Your technician will teach you equalization techniques before starting. If you feel any pain, simply let them know and they will adjust the rate.
"What if something goes wrong?": A Certified Hyperbaric Technician is dedicated exclusively to monitoring your session. They track your comfort, safety, and the chamber environment continuously.
"How long until I feel results?": Results vary by individual and condition. Some clients notice benefits after a single session. We typically recommend starting with a package of 6 to 10 sessions. Your technician will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan.
Ready to Experience HBOT?
Your first session at OxyRenew is designed to be comfortable, informative, and safe. Our one-on-one approach means you receive dedicated attention from a certified professional throughout your entire experience. Learn more about Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy or get started today.
Book your first session online or contact us to speak directly with a Certified Hyperbaric Technician.
