Preparing For Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Food and drink: Eat within one hour prior to your appointment, as blood sugar levels may decrease during treatment. Patients are advised not to consume alcohol or carbonated drinks for four hours prior to treatment. Caffeine is not advised prior to treatment, as it can potentially reduce the treatment's efficacy. The technician will offer you water prior to the start of treatment.
Smoking and tobacco products: Do not smoke or use any tobacco products at least four hours prior to treatment. Patients are advised to abstain from smoking or using any tobacco products during their treatment period, as they interfere with the body's ability to transport oxygen.
Medication: Some medications are not compatible with hyperbaric oxygen therapy, prior to your appointment, complete your hyperbaric clearance questionnaire listing all medications, including non-prescription drugs, that are being taken. Please also denote if any previous use of medications such as chemotherapy agents, seizure medications, steroids, and diabetic medications.
Items allowed in the chamber: Due to the oxygen-rich environment in the hyperbaric chamber, only certain items are allowed inside. No cosmetics, perfumes, hair preparations, deodorants, keys or lighters are allowed in the chamber. Watches, rings and other jewelry, hard and soft contact lenses and other prosthetic devices will need to be removed prior to treatment. A hyperbaric technician will provide instruction for where to store your belongings during treatment. If you have an implanted medical device, such as a pacemaker, please contact OxyRenew prior to your appointment. Your device will need to be cleared to pressurize by a medical provider or medical device manufacturer prior to your treatment.
Clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothing for treatment. Please try to ensure that all clothing is 100% cotton.
Respiratory Infections: Respiratory infections such as a cold, flu, sinusitis, COVID-19, etc., can inhibit your ability to pressurize safely during treatment. If prior to your appointment you have symptoms of a respiratory infection (fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, etc.), please contact OxyRenew to reschedule. Prior to treatment, a hyperbaric technician will perform a temperature measurement; if your results indicate a fever, your appointment will be rescheduled.
Pre-Treatment Checklist:
Air travel should be avoided for 24 hours prior to treatment.
Eat within one (1) hour prior to treatment.
Do not smoke or use any tobacco products at least four (4) hours prior to treatment.
Do not consume alcohol or carbonated drinks at least four (4) hours prior to treatment.
Remove all jewelry.
Remove hearing aids, prosthesis and dentures.
Receive medical clearance for pressurization for all implanted medical devices.
Remove cosmetics, perfumes and deodorants.
Do not apply hairspray, oils, hair creams, body lotions, or petroleum-based products to the body.
During Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Once you enter the chamber, sit comfortably in the chair provided. You may recline or sit upright in the chair; however, it is recommended that you do not sleep during treatment. A mask or cannula will be provided for you to breathe oxygen-enriched air; breathe normally throughout the treatment.
Once the door is closed, you will hear air begin to circulate. The compression process will begin where pressure is gradually increased. Hyperbaric treatment is painless, during compression you may feel a “pressure sensation” in your ears. This sensation will feel similar to what you may have felt while traveling down a mountain, flying, or scuba diving. Prior to treatment, a technician will explain how to clear your ears; you may need to try several methods in order to find the most effective for you. Generally, normal breathing should allow you to clear your ears. If you have difficulty clearing your ears or feel any pain, inform the technician immediately. The technician will adjust your pressure accordingly.
A technician will remain with you during the treatment, once you reach the desired pressure, you should no longer feel a sensation in your ears. A device will be provided for you to stream TV or music during your session. The temperature in the chamber is similar to room temperature; the technician will offer you a blanket prior to the start of treatment.
Near the end of your treatment the technician will begin decompression, gradually decreasing the pressure to standard pressure. During decompression, you may experience a “popping” sensation in your ears, this is a normal adjustment in your ears. Again, if you feel any pain, please communicate that immediately to the technician and they will adjust the pressure accordingly.
Following Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
HBOT can trigger the natural repair mechanisms of your body so following treatment it is common to feel fatigue. If you feel impaired or unwell following your treatment, seek immediate attention from your medical provider.
Post-treatment Checklist:
Supply yourself with time to rest and relax.
Manage stress or anxiety with relaxing activities (e.g., deep breaths, meditation, etc.).
Consume a sufficient amount of water to reduce tiredness.
Engage in gentle physical activities like walking or stretching to support healthy blood flow.
Enjoy a planned and balanced meal, with a variety of macronutrients.
Driving: HBOT should not impair any of your daily functions or activities. It's safe for you to drive yourself to and from your hyperbaric appointments.
Flights: After your hyperbaric treatment, air travel should be avoided for 24 hours.
We Look Forward to Seeing You!
If you have any questions regarding the above, please do not hesitate to reach out and one of our Hyperbaric Technicians will be more than happy to assist.