.png)
Welcome back to our educational series focusing on mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy! So far we’ve learned about what it actually is and what the benefits are as well as the science behind how it works. Today we discuss what to expect during a session.
As you now know, mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy, or mHBOT, involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber at a slightly higher than normal level of atmospheric pressure to enhance the body's intake and utilization of oxygen. Healing and recovery time is improved, cellular metabolism becomes more efficient, and various other aspects of general health and wellness benefit due to better oxygen circulation.
What will you experience during a session?
Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (mHBOT) is a non-invasive and generally painless treatment. Pressurizing/depressurizing feels like taking off and landing while in an airplane. Your ears may feel a pressure change that is typically alleviated on it’s own or by opening/closing your jaw. Once you are at full pressure, you feel completely normal and can relax, take a nap, listen to music or podcasts, scroll on your phone - whatever makes you happy!
Here’s what to expect in a session:
Entering the Chamber
You will enter the hyperbaric oxygen chamber which is a soft sided, single-person pill shaped capsule that sits at ground level. Inside the chamber is a mattress and pillow so you will be comfortable during the session.
The Sound of Air
As the session starts, you will hear the sound of air flowing into the chamber as the pressure increases. It’s a bit loud, but not invasively so, and it quickly becomes white noise.
Pressure Sensation
Similar to ascending or descending in an airplane, you might feel a fullness in your ears as the pressure changes. This is because the eustachian tubes in your ears are adjusting to the pressure difference. You can relieve this sensation by yawning, swallowing, or performing the Valsalva maneuver (gently blowing with your nose and mouth closed).
Treatment Duration
Once up to full pressure, the session lasts 60 minutes, during which you can read, listen to music/podcasts, or rest. It is safe to bring your mobile device inside the capsule during the session. Communication with the outside is possible in case of discomfort.
Warmth
As the pressure increases, the temperature inside the chamber might also increase, causing a mild warmth. We provide you with a small fan to take inside the chamber in case you begin to feel overly warm.
Ending the Session
When the session ends, the pressure in the chamber will gradually decrease back to the normal atmospheric level. You may again feel the need to equalize the pressure in your ears as this happens.
It is important to note that individual experiences vary, and some people might experience minor side effects like ear discomfort or sinus pressure.
Next week we’re putting our science nerd hats on again and discussing the powerhouse of the cell. Brownie points to those that can tell us what the powerhouse of the cell is prior to next week’s edition!
Ready to get started with mHBOT now?! Call us at (402) 934-9931 to schedule your appointment or you can request an appointment online by clicking below. We offer both memberships and a la carte packages to suite our client’s individual needs.