+ Contraindications

Absolute:

• Collapsed lung or Pneumothorax
• This is the only absolute contraindication and no person with suspected or diagnosed pneumothorax should go under hyperbaric

Relative:

• Asthma
• Current upper respiratory infections, chronic sinusitis or sinus problems
• High fever
• Severe Emphysema or other breathing problem

Claustrophobia

• Some clients may suffer Claustrophobia. This is managed by maintaining communication, use of relaxation techniques and mild sedation, If necessary. If you have a problem with this condition please let us know.

Barotrauma or pain in the ears

• This is probably the most common concern but still only represents 10% of clients. Please be aware of clearing techniques that were previously mentioned, particularly if you experience problems when flying or are congested.

When Considering HBOT, please ask your technician about any of the following conditions as it may pertain to you.

COMPRESSIVE BRAIN LESIONS – SUBDURAL HEMATOMA, INTRACRANIAL HEMATOMA Mild Hyperbaric Therapy is contraindicated for existing compressive brain lesions. If you have compressive brain lesions or suspect that they are an issue, you must have a doctor’s clearance to use our chamber. If you have experienced compressive brain lesions in the past and have already been “cleared from your doctor” to resume normal activity, you may continue with your mHBOT treatments.

DIABETES / INSULIN DEPENDENT Insulin dependency may result in a drop in blood sugar while in the chamber. We ask that you follow these suggestions.

• Take a blood sugar reading prior to your treatment and again after your treatment
• Keep with you a protein bar, piece of candy, or whatever you use if faced with a “drop” in the normal management of your condition.

MEDICATIONS Mild Hyperbaric Therapy may slightly enhance the effectiveness or increase the metabolism (decrease the effectiveness) of any medication you are taking. It is recommended that you have the dosage and frequency of medications monitored and adjusted by your physician.

OTIC BAROTRAUMA Injury to the eardrum is extremely unlikely to occur with mild hyperbaric therapy.) As the chamber is pressurized and depressurized you must be able to equalize the pressure in your ears to acclimate to the pressure changes. Many patients experience a mild “popping” sensation in the ears during the pressurizing and depressurizing of the chamber. Communication with your technician during this time will prevent any negative experiences.

PNEUMOTHORAX (collapsed lung) If you have or suspect that you have a collapsed lung, you will not be allowed in the chamber without written doctor’s clearance.

PREGNANCY To err on the side of caution, we will not administer hyperbaric treatments during the first trimester. After this time, it may be beneficial to both mother and child.

PULMONARY HYPEREXPANSION This condition is extremely rare with mild hyperbaric therapy. To be safest, please do not hold your breath during decompression, just relax and breathe normally.

SEIZURES Mild Hyperbaric Therapy is not associated with causing or inducing seizures. If you are prone to seizures, please notify your technician prior to treatment. If a seizure is experienced in our clinic, our protocol is to remove the patient from the chamber and to make the individual as comfortable as possible. We will call 911 if necessary.

SENSITIVITY TO CHEMICALS, ODORS, OR HAVE ALLERGY Please avoid wearing heavy colognes, perfumes, lotions, essential oils or smelly clothes. The smells may linger in the chamber and have an adverse effect on another patient. If you are very sensitive to chemicals, odors or have severe allergies, please notify staff in advance so the proper measures can be taken to assure your comfort.

+ Equalizing Your Ears

Techniques:

• Try to swallow or yawn, we have suckers, fruit snacks or gum available if you need something to help you swallow. Turn your head to one side and swallow, then turn to the other side and swallow. Repeat if necessary.
• The Valsalva Maneuver – Pinch your nose closed, close your mouth and lift the front-tip of your tongue towards the roof of your mouth. Attempt to blow through your pinched nose (short and sharp) but not too forcefully. This directs air from your throat into your ears and sinus air spaces.
• A third method combines these techniques: try swallowing and wiggling your jaw while blowing gently against your pinched nose. Now that’s coordination.

Nasal Decongestants

If you have a history of problems with the ear when flying or traveling in the mountains you may wish to use nasal decongestants before the first few With young children tilt their head back and put one drop of pediatric (baby) nose drops in each nostril one and a half to two hours before HBOT. Wait 5-10 min. and then put a second drop in each nostril. Use Afrin or a similar nasal spray 20-30 minutes after the nose drops. Do not repeat the nasal spray.

Pressure Equalization Tubes (P.E.T.)

• If you cannot equalize the pressure in your ears with any of the various maneuvers or nasal decongestants, a physician can insert P.E.T. through your ear drum. This relatively painless, outpatient procedure has few complications and the tubes can remain in place during the course of your treatment.
• If you have P.E.T. inserted, you must not get water in your Use earplugs or apply a little water-based gel rather then petroleum jelly, to a small cotton ball and place it in your outer ear canal before washing or bathing.

+ Pressurization

As the chamber is being pressurized, air presses on your eardrums and pushes them inwards. This will be painful unless you equalize your ears to be able to reach the treatment depth. Please signal the attendant immediately if you have discomfort in your ears or sinuses. Don’t wait until it really hurts. The operator will stop pressurizing and decrease the pressure until you equalize. When you’re comfortable they will resume pressurizing. Our attendants are experienced at dealing with patients with special needs and are willing to work with you as required.

+ What about smoking and other odors?

Smoke and other odors on your clothes are accentuated within the confines of the pressurized chamber. DO NOT smoke in the clothes you will be wearing in the chamber! If you are wanting better results from your HBOT treatments please abstaining within 2-hours pre and post treatment. Please do not use strong scented perfumes, essential oils or deodorants.

+ Is it warm inside?

The air warms as we pressurize and cools as we depressurize. There are two fans inside the chamber when you need extra cooling and if you find yourself getting cold during treatment we have blankets you can take in with you. If you tend to get warm bring a pair of shorts and a tank top with you.

+ What if I miss a treatment due to an illness?

Please call as soon as you can to cancel your appointment. Time in the chamber is valuable and there are others waiting to get in. The sooner we know that you are ill and won’t make it, the sooner we can fill your slot.

+ What is the recommended treatment schedule?

This will depend on your desired results. Most people may choose to do one session daily but you can also choose to have 2 sessions in one day. The end result is the same. The leading proponents of HBOT recommend a minimum of 20 treatments and preferably up to 40 in the initial schedule with treatments being as close together as possible. Two sessions a day with 4 hours between the start of each session is recommended to speed up desired results. These treatments are cumulative. After forty treatments, reevaluate your condition for discernible benefits before proceeding

+ Are there any side effects to HBOT?

The biggest side effect is that you may feel better, more relaxed and clear minded. Some clients may notice vision changes if they undergo treatments utilizing 100% oxygen with a hood under deeper pressures. This is very rare with Mild Hyperbaric treatments. Visual acuity will return to its pretreatment condition with 3 or 4 months after your treatments end.

+ How does the air the chamber stay fresh?

The chamber is pressurized with filtered outdoor air and is ventilated continuously.

+ How long does each treatment last?

Treatments last a minimum of 60 minutes. Pressurizing the chamber takes 5-15 minutes depending how slow we need to go for the clearing of your ears. A timer is set for 60 minutes once you are at pressure. After your session timer goes off we will start to depressurize (for 5-10 minutes). Allow up to 90 minutes for each treatment session.

+ Do I have to breath 100% oxygen or ambient air?

The choice is yours. Depending on which chamber you are in, we have the capability of having you breathe 100% medical grade oxygen, various levels of medical grade oxygen, 95% concentrated oxygen from an oxygen concentrator or ambient air.

+ What is mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy?

Mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy represents a lower pressurized chamber typically 1.3 ATA. Most clinical research has been done on hyperbaric pressures of 1.5 ATA or greater. Lower pressures allow for greater safety and still can deliver much higher levels of tissue oxygenation. We offer both mild and higher pressure chambers.