General Questions
Hyperbaric oxygen involves breathing oxygen in a pressurized chamber. Increased atmospheric pressure allows the body to take in and transport greater amounts of oxygen than under normal atmospheric conditions.
Tahoe Hyperbaric provides hyperbaric sessions for general wellness, recovery, performance, and healthy-aging goals. We do not diagnose or provide HBOT as treatment for diseases or medical conditions.
Increasing atmospheric pressure while breathing oxygen increases the amount of oxygen available to the body, including oxygen dissolved within blood plasma. Hyperbaric oxygen has been extensively studied for its effects on oxygen delivery and the body’s natural physiological processes.
Hyperbaric exposure is generally well tolerated when appropriate safety procedures are followed. The most common issues involve temporary ear or sinus pressure during compression and decompression.
More significant complications are possible, which is why every client completes a safety and contraindication screening before participating.
Session Experience
You’ll relax in a comfortable reclining hyperbaric chamber while pressure gradually increases. The pressure sensation is similar to what you may experience during airplane takeoff or when changing elevation.
Once at pressure, you can relax or sleep during your session. At the end of the session, pressure is gradually returned to normal.
Most wellness sessions last approximately 60–120 minutes, depending on the selected session. Please allow additional time for preparation, pressurization, and depressurization.
There is no single wellness schedule appropriate for everyone. Session frequency depends on personal wellness goals, preferences, schedule, and previous experience with hyperbaric exposure.
Tahoe Hyperbaric does not prescribe medical HBOT treatment plans or determine the number of sessions necessary to treat a disease or medical condition.
Most people find the experience relaxing. During pressurization, you may notice pressure in your ears similar to flying or driving over a mountain pass. Our team will explain pressure-equalization techniques before your session.
Only items specifically permitted under Tahoe Hyperbaric’s chamber safety procedures may enter the chamber.
Electronic devices, batteries, ignition sources, petroleum-based products, and other materials may present safety concerns in a hyperbaric environment. Please follow staff instructions regarding clothing and permitted personal items.
Wear comfortable clothing consistent with our chamber safety requirements. Our team will provide instructions regarding clothing, cosmetics, lotions, oils, electronics, and other items before your session.
Health & Safety
Not everyone is an appropriate candidate for elective hyperbaric wellness sessions.
Before participating, every client completes our standardized Hyperbaric Wellness Safety & Contraindication Screening.
Certain health histories, medications, implanted devices, recent procedures, pregnancy, respiratory conditions, ear or sinus problems, or other factors may require postponing a session or obtaining appropriate outside medical clearance.
An untreated or suspected pneumothorax is an absolute exclusion from elective hyperbaric exposure.
No. Our wellness screening is designed to identify potential safety or exclusion factors. It is not a medical examination, diagnosis, prescription, or medical clearance.
If a potential contraindication or medical concern is identified, we may postpone the session and recommend that the client consult an appropriately licensed healthcare provider before participating.
Temporary ear or sinus pressure is among the most common effects associated with changes in atmospheric pressure. Some individuals may also experience temporary fatigue or lightheadedness.
Hyperbaric exposure also carries less common but potentially significant risks, including pressure-related injury and oxygen-related effects. These risks are addressed through safety screening, informed consent, appropriate operating procedures, and client monitoring.
Wellness & Performance
People pursue hyperbaric wellness for many different reasons, including:
- General wellness
- Recovery
- Athletic recovery
- Performance and resilience
- Healthy aging and longevity
- Maintaining an active lifestyle
- Relaxation and restoration
- Supporting overall well-being
Individual experiences vary, and Tahoe Hyperbaric does not guarantee specific physiological or medical outcomes.
Hyperbaric exposure has attracted significant interest in sports, recovery, and performance research. Athletes and active individuals may choose to incorporate hyperbaric sessions into a broader recovery and wellness routine.
Tahoe Hyperbaric does not diagnose or treat sports injuries. Anyone with an acute or significant injury should seek appropriate medical evaluation.
Hyperbaric oxygen is an active area of research involving oxygen physiology, cellular responses, recovery, and aging.
Tahoe Hyperbaric offers hyperbaric sessions as one component of a broader wellness and healthy-aging lifestyle. Research findings should not be interpreted as a guarantee that an individual will experience a particular result.
Preparing For Your Session
Before arriving:
- Follow the chamber safety instructions provided by our team.
- Tell us about any new illness, congestion, ear or sinus problems.
- Tell us about any recent surgery or medical procedure.
- Tell us if you have started or substantially changed a prescription medication.
- Tell us about any implanted medical or electronic device.
- Do not enter the chamber with prohibited electronics, ignition sources, or other restricted materials.
- Let staff know immediately if you experience difficulty equalizing your ears or otherwise feel uncomfortable.
Our team will review our standardized wellness safety and contraindication screening with you.
If no exclusion criteria are identified, you may participate in accordance with our established wellness and chamber-safety procedures.
If a potential contraindication or medical concern is identified, we may postpone your session and recommend appropriate outside medical evaluation or clearance.
Our wellness screening does not replace medical care and is not intended to diagnose a medical condition or determine whether HBOT is medically appropriate for you.
Important Information
Tahoe Hyperbaric provides hyperbaric services for general wellness purposes. We do not diagnose disease, prescribe medical treatment, or provide physician-directed medical HBOT.
Information regarding medical HBOT, published studies, clinical applications, or research is provided for educational purposes only.
If you have a diagnosed medical condition, significant health concern, or are seeking HBOT specifically to treat an illness or injury, consult an appropriately licensed healthcare professional.
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Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is well known for treating scuba and deep-sea divers affected by the rapid change in pressure around them. But did you know that HBOT is also used to treat a variety of other health problems, including carbon monoxide poisoning and diabetic foot ulcers?