The use of hyperbaric therapy dates back to 17^th century, with Henshaw developing the first hyperbaric chamber (domicilium) in 1662. Such chambers were used in various complications until 1877, and in 1879, it was employed in surgery to extend the time for safe anesthesia. The therapy was reported to have a positive effect on people who work as sea divers or at high altitudes and have health problems.

HBOT

HBOT stands for hyperbaric oxygen therapy https://oxyhelp.com/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-treatments/. To avoid oxygen toxicity, early hyperbaric therapies used air instead of oxygen to avoid oxygen toxicity.

Dragger discovered in 1930 that pressurized oxygen could be effective as an alternative to air, whereas it was used for the first time in the United States in 1940 to flood the tissues of deep sea divers suffering from decompression sickness (oxygen deprivation).

Following that, HBOT was used against carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning in 1960. Nowadays, the therapy is used to cure wide range of conditions including cyanide poisoning, crush injuries, gas gangrene, chronic or acute occlusion of blood flow in arteries, osteomyelitis (unresponsive to other treatments), necrotizing infection of soft tissues, gas or air embolism, healing of diabetic wounds, actinomycosis, chronic radiation damage, compromised skin flaps, and many others ^{2, 3}.

Mode of Action of HBOT

Oxygen is essential for metabolism, rejuvenation, healing, healthy aging, brain performance, stress reduction, and limiting lactic acid production in muscles. The healing of wounds and the normal functioning of cells are both dependent on metabolism, and energy required to carry out the metabolic reactions is provided by respiration.

The primary goal of HBOT is to flood the tissues deprived of oxygen with oxygen for an extended period of time. To accomplish this, the person enters a chamber and inhales pure oxygen (up to 95%) at a pressure 1.5 to 2 times greater than the normal air pressure.

The oxygen concentration is not increased to 100% to avoid toxicity and the risk of causing an explosion. As a result, blood receives an adequate supply of oxygen to facilitate tissue repair and metabolism restoration⁴. The FDA has approved the HBOT for thirteen complications but additional approvals are being sought⁵.

HBOT Chambers Benefits and Risks

The majority of our problems are caused by insufficient supply of oxygen to body cells. At cellular level, oxygen infusion has the power to fuel our brain, improve focus, rejuvenate skin, heal wounds, suppress anaerobic lactic acid fermentation during strenuous exercise, and aid in injury recovery.

HBOT is effective in hastening the healing of oxygen-depleted tissues and many other such situations where a plentiful supply of oxygen can help, nevertheless risks are associated with it.

The advantages include:

Lifesaving therapy
Healthy aging
Encourages the formation of collagen and new skin cells
Non-invasive
Tolerable by various populations
Inexpensive
Low-risk

HBOT complications are uncommon, but they must be considered. Middle ear trauma caused by oxygen pressure is the most common risk. Other disadvantages include:

Paralysis
Oxygen toxicity
Pain in joints
Seizures
Claustrophobia

These risks can be avoided if the user’s history is properly documented, particularly diabetes, hypertension, AIDS, gas in the lungs, and pregnancy ⁶.

Hard-shell vs Soft-shell Hyperbaric Chambers

Two types of hyperbaric chambers are manufactured by companies: Hard-shell and soft-shell hyperbaric chambers. The major differences are as follows ⁷:

Hard-shell chambers	Soft-shell chambers
Hard body	Inflatable soft material
FDA approved	Not FDA-approved
They are used by physicians and clinicians	They can be personally used by mountaineers, sea divers, in fitness centers, or even in homes
up to 95% oxygen concentration	24% oxygen concentration
High oxygen pressure up to 2 ATA	Low oxygen pressure up to 1.5ATA
With 2 ATA and 95% oxygen, arterial oxygen level is 1824 mmHg	With 1.3 ATA and 24 percent oxygen, the blood oxygen level is 230 mmHg
Many clinical studies have proved it effectiveness	No real study has been reported till date for its efficacy
Antibacterial and antifungal effect due to ROS generation	No antibacterial or antifungal effect

The Choice of Hyperbaric Chamber for Home

Despite the sophisticated manufacturing and improved technology, the use of hyperbaric chamber at home is not welcomed due to risks associated with it. Even then for non-medical use and to choose one for home, one must carefully look for certain features as follows:

High quality material
Additional quiet pressure release valves
Heat welded seams
Adjustable ATA pressure
There must be pressure data display both inside and outside
They must display as mandatory the CO2 level inside the chamber

Precautions and Protocols to Follow while Getting HBOT

Though soft-shell chambers are mild, with oxygen concentration slightly higher than in air, some precautions must be taken prior to therapy ⁸. For example:

The user must stay hydrated and should avoid carbonated drinks and alcohol before therapy.
The diabetic user must check the blood sugar level before undergoing HBOT.
In case of taking any medication containing alcohols or other such chemicals, the user must consult with physician in advance.
The smoking or use of tobacco is prohibited during HBOT sessions
Do not take the therapy even if you have mild cold, fever, or sinuses infection. Because it can result in inner ear damage.
The user must clean his or her ears of excess wax and dirt, and HBOT is not recommended if there has been a recent ear infection or surgery.
It is preferable to enter and exit the chamber with the assistance of a family member or friend.
The user can overcome claustrophobia by becoming acquainted with the chamber prior to therapy.
Electronic devices and metallic objects are not permitted in some hard-shell chamber, only Oxyhelp chambers can allow you to use mobile phones or tablets at home-based hard shell hyperbaric chambers.

Oxyhelp Hyperbaric Chambers for non-medical use

Oxyhelp Industry GmbH is a manufacturing company based in Europe that supplies hyperbaric chambers internationally. The materials and other components used to construct chambers are acquired from Japan, the United States, Germany and Spain.

The manufacturer’s primary goal is to deliver mild hyperbaric chambers for non-medical use at homes, spas, fitness and wellness centers, beauty salons, and professional athletes training centers, as well as to develop hard hyperbaric chambers for clinical use.

The hyperbaric chambers operate at maximum 2 ATA pressure to ensure users’ safety. The developing company is one of a kind in terms of uniqueness, robustness, quality, design, safety, and price.

Furthermore, the digitally controllable system and safety measures in design, attract the customers from all over the world. In addition, Oxyhelp is the only manufacturer that provides users with set of protocols for tracking their overall performance.

They are considered to be the best hard shell hyperbaric chamber that you can buy in this moment for personal use.