Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)

Most wellness centers use soft-shell inflatable chambers designed for relaxation, not medical therapy. These units operate at much lower pressures and do not create true hyperbaric conditions.

At the Institute for Human Optimization, we use a medical-grade hard chamber capable of reaching therapeutic pressures under physician oversight. This allows for precise pressurization, monitored oxygen delivery, and adherence to international hyperbaric safety standards.

No. Soft chambers (often called “mild HBOT”) generally operate around 1.1–1.3 ATA, which is only slightly above normal atmospheric pressure. At those levels, there is minimal to no meaningful increase in dissolved oxygen in the plasma.

Medical-grade hard chambers can reach clinically therapeutic pressures (typically 1.5–2.0+ ATA, depending on protocol). These pressures are what enable the physiological changes described in the hyperbaric oxygen literature. Soft chambers may feel relaxing, but from a physiology standpoint, they are closer to sitting in a mildly pressurized tent than receiving true HBOT.

The entire research base on Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is built on hard chambers or chambers capable of reaching specific ATA pressures. These systems allow pressure, oxygen, and time to be controlled precisely—conditions that are required to reproduce the effects seen in clinical studies.

In short, pressure + oxygen + time must all be present. Soft chambers cannot reliably provide the pressure component, which is why we perform HBOT exclusively in a medical-grade hard chamber.

When delivered in a clinical environment with proper evaluation, HBOT is generally well tolerated. At IFHO, your safety is central to how we design and deliver therapy.

We follow international hyperbaric safety guidelines, including HBOT International recommendations and oxygen-handling standards. Every patient is screened for potential contraindications, including certain lung conditions, ENT issues, medications, and recent health changes, before being cleared for treatment.

In a high-oxygen, pressurized environment, items like electronics, batteries, and chargers become fire and ignition risks. For that reason, the following are strictly prohibited in the chamber:

• Phones, smartwatches, earbuds, tablets, laptops
• Batteries and battery-powered devices
• Lighters, vapes, or ignition sources
• Chargers, cables, and extension cords

This is not specific to IFHO—it is a core element of hyperbaric safety worldwide.

Many personal care products contain oils, alcohols, or aerosolized compounds that can behave differently in an oxygen-rich, pressurized space. To reduce fire risk and maintain air quality, we ask that you avoid:

• Lotions, body oils, and petroleum-based products
• Hair products, sprays, or styling products
• Perfume, cologne, or fragranced body products
• Aerosol deodorants or sprays of any kind

You’ll receive a written preparation checklist before your first session so you know exactly how to arrive.

For safety, HBOT is performed in 100% cotton or approved medical garments. Synthetic or stretchy fabrics, personal blankets, and non-approved clothing are not permitted in the chamber.

Our team will provide compliant garments and linens, as well as secure storage for your personal belongings, so you can relax knowing everything is in alignment with hyperbaric safety standards.

Most people find HBOT to be calm and restorative. The primary sensation you may notice is gentle pressure in your ears during the pressurization and decompression phases, similar to taking off or landing in an airplane.

Your technician will coach you through ear equalization techniques and monitor you throughout the session. Once at pressure, many patients rest, meditate, or even nap while the therapy runs.

There is no single “right” number of sessions for everyone. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is prescribed based on your goals, diagnostics, and broader clinical picture.

That said, evidence-based HBOT is almost always delivered as a structured series, not as an occasional once-in-a-while session. Low-frequency use (for example, once or twice a month) may feel relaxing but generally does not reflect how HBOT is used in medical protocols.

At IFHO, your plan is designed after a full evaluation and is structured around consistent, repeated sessions over a defined period—so you’re following a purposeful, physician-directed protocol rather than “trying a chamber” here and there.

Candidacy is determined through a comprehensive medical review that may include your history, lung and ENT status, medications, imaging, and overall risk profile. Certain conditions—such as untreated pneumothorax, some lung diseases, or active sinus and ear issues—may represent contraindications.

Your physician will walk you through potential risks, benefits, and alternatives before any treatment plan is finalized.

Yes—when clinically appropriate and safely supervised. HBOT may be integrated with regenerative medicine, recovery protocols, Biological Audit®️ findings, or Executive Health programs as part of a comprehensive plan.

Any integration is done intentionally, with safety and long-term outcomes driving the decision—not simply adding HBOT as a stand-alone wellness service.