Hyperbaric oxygen therapy utilizes two main types of chambers: hard sided and portable hyperbaric chambers. Portable hyperbaric chambers have limited pressure capabilities, but hard sided chambers are found in medical settings thanks to their ability to treat various conditions. If you’re looking to try true hyperbaric oxygen therapy, it’s important to choose a provider with hard-sided chambers to experience the health benefits.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy increases blood oxygen levels, aiding in healing and fighting infections. Portable options may seem convenient, but hard sided chambers provide superior benefits. This is thanks to them being capable of higher pressures, using 100% oxygen, and offering superior therapeutic benefits compared to portable units.
What is a Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber?
A hyperbaric oxygen chamber is a specialized medical device used for hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), a treatment that involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized environment. Chambers come in different types, such as a portable hyperbaric chamber or as a hard-sided chamber.
These chambers are designed to increase air pressure 2 to 3 times higher than normal atmospheric pressure. The elevated pressure allows the lungs to gather significantly more oxygen than would be possible at normal air pressure.
The increased oxygen levels in the blood help fight bacteria and reduce inflammation. They also supply your muscles with energy which can help to reduce the effects of fatigue.
The importance of pressure in hyperbaric therapy lies in its ability to dissolve more oxygen into the blood plasma. This allows it to reach oxygen-starved tissues more effectively and stimulate the body’s natural healing processes.
Why a Portable Hyperbaric Chamber Isn’t Ideal
While it may offer convenience for home use, a portable hyperbaric chamber has significant limitations compared to medical-grade hard sided chambers.
Also known as mild hyperbaric chambers, these soft-sided, inflatable units typically achieve pressures of only 1.5 – 1.7 atmospheres absolute (ATA), which is insufficient for true HBOT. Portable chambers also use ambient air rather than pure oxygen, further reducing their efficacy.
The convenience of portable hyperbaric chambers comes at the cost of reduced therapeutic potential, making them unsuitable for treating serious conditions like:
- Non-healing wounds
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Decompression sickness
While they may be easy to transport and set up, these devices are FDA-approved only for treating altitude sickness and not for other medical conditions that benefit from HBOT.
The Gold Standard: Hard Sided Hyperbaric Chambers
A hard sided hyperbaric chamber is superior to a portable option for several key reasons. These medical-grade devices are constructed from rigid materials like metal or acrylic, allowing them to withstand significantly higher pressures.
Hard sided hyperbaric chambers can achieve pressures of 2-3 ATA, which is essential for true therapeutic effects. This higher pressure capability enables the delivery of 100% oxygen, dissolving it more effectively into the bloodstream and tissues than portable alternatives.
Hard sided chambers come equipped with advanced safety features and precise pressure control systems, ensuring optimal treatment conditions and patient safety. The medical-grade equipment and rigorous standards of hard sided chambers make them the preferred choice for clinical settings and serious therapeutic applications.
Why Hard Sided Chambers Are Considered True HBOT
Hard sided hyperbaric chambers are considered true hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) because they meet the strict medical definitions and standards set by regulatory bodies like the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS). This combination of high pressure and pure oxygen is essential for achieving the therapeutic effects of HBOT.
Unlike mild hyperbaric oxygen treatment, hard sided chambers are recognized by medical professionals and regulatory agencies as the gold standard. They comply with safety standards set by organizations like the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
These chambers are capable of treating a wide range of FDA-approved conditions, including:
- Non-healing wounds
- Compromised skin grafts and flaps
- Decompression sickness
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Radiation (soft tissue and bony necrosis)
- And more!
Trust Limb Preservation Center of East Tennessee
Limb Preservation Center of East Tennessee is your trusted source for true HBOT and limb preservation treatments. Unlike a portable hyperbaric chamber with limited therapeutic benefits, we only use medical-grade hard sided hyperbaric chambers. We have two hard-sided chambers to treat patients at our facility in Lenoir City, TN, providing the necessary pressures and 100% oxygen concentration required for effective treatment.
Our experienced team specializes in wound care and limb preservation, follows strict safety protocols, and adheres to FDA-approved treatment guidelines. With state-of-the-art equipment and evidence-based care, Limb Preservation Center of East Tennessee offers you the highest standard of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for optimal healing and limb salvage outcomes.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy increases blood oxygen levels, aiding in healing and fighting infections. A portable hyperbaric chamber offers convenience, but hard sided units are the medical gold standard. They provide true HBOT with higher pressures and 100% oxygen, delivering superior therapeutic benefits for serious conditions, unlike portable options.
Limb Preservation Center of East Tennessee is the newest and most advanced wound care practice in Lenoir City, Tennessee. Are you looking for experienced wound care that’s convenient and near home? Call Limb Preservation Center of East Tennessee at 865-770-5462 or request an appointment online to arrange a comprehensive chronic wound evaluation with our wound healing experts.
