1. What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) at 1.5 ATA?

HBOT involves breathing 100% oxygen inside a soft-shell chamber pressurized to 1.5 atmospheres absolute (ATA). This increases oxygen absorption into your tissues, supporting healing, inflammation reduction, and tissue repair.

 2. What’s the difference between soft-shell and hard-shell chambers?

Soft-shell chambers are portable, operate at milder pressures (up to 1.5 ATA), and are more comfortable. Hard-shell chambers reach higher pressures (≥2 ATA) and are more clinical-grade but less accessible and may carry greater risk of barotrauma.

 3. Is using HBOT at 1.5 ATA safe?

Yes, when conducted under supervision with proper screening. This lower pressure reduces common risks such as ear or sinus injuries—while still offering therapeutic benefits.

 4. Can HBOT support recovery in cancer aftercare?

While HBOT is not a cancer treatment, it may aid healing post-radiation by improving tissue oxygenation and supporting recovery from radiation-induced injuries. A prospective study using 1.45 ATA showed sustained quality-of-life improvements in patients with severe radiation toxicity NCBI.

 5. Does HBOT benefit Long COVID patients?

Research shows mixed but promising results:

A randomised, placebo-controlled trial found no significant short-term quality-of-life gains after 10 sessions PubMed.

Other studies, including case reports and systematic reviews, report improved cognition, energy, and brain perfusion—but typically at higher pressures (≥2 ATA) WIREDPMCPubMedFrontiers.

Note: Most data stem from higher pressures; more research is needed for 1.5 ATA soft-shell contexts.

 6. What about HBOT for IBS or Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)?

In patients with severe, treatment-resistant IBD:

One systematic review found 78% improvement in Crohn’s disease and 100% in ulcerative colitis cases PMC.

A more recent review suggests HBOT may reduce inflammation, oxidative stress, and promote mucosal healing PMC.
These studies provide promising evidence, though many involve high-pressure protocols and small sample sizes.

 7. Are there benefits for general recovery, cognitive clarity, or brain fog?

Yes. Studies—even at higher pressures—show improvements in:

Cognitive function

Brain perfusion and microstructure

Physical stamina and cardiovascular function PMCFrontiers.

 8. What does a session feel like and how long?

Sessions typically last 60–75 minutes. Inside the chamber, many feel relaxed, often napping or listening to music. Some may experience mild ear pressure, similar to airplane changes.

 9. How many sessions are needed?

Many start with 10–20 sessions. Results vary depending on individual health needs and conditions. Longer protocols may be recommended for chronic concerns like fatigue or post-treatment recovery.

 10. Who Should Not Use Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) Without Medical Advice

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy at 1.5 ATA is generally very safe and well-tolerated. However, it may not be suitable for everyone, and in some cases, it is essential to consult your GP or healthcare provider before starting HBOT.

You should speak to a doctor first if you have or have had any of the following:

• Untreated pneumothorax (collapsed lung) – This is an absolute contraindication to HBOT.
• Severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) – Especially if it involves CO₂ retention or bullous lung disease.
• Upper respiratory infections or sinus congestion – These can make pressure changes uncomfortable or increase the risk of barotrauma.
• Recent ear surgery or untreated ear infections – May lead to complications during pressurisation.
• Pregnancy – Although low-pressure HBOT is considered low-risk, medical advice is still recommended.
• Certain types of cancer – If you’re undergoing cancer treatment, HBOT should be used only under medical supervision.
• Seizure disorders not well controlled – Oxygen can lower the seizure threshold in rare cases.
• History of chest surgery affecting lung function – Must be assessed individually. should not use HBOT?
  Absolute Contraindications (You Should NOT Use HBOT If You Have These)

These are strict no-go conditions, meaning HBOT is not recommended at all:

1.Untreated Pneumothorax (collapsed lung)

• Why: HBOT increases pressure in the lungs. This can cause a pneumothorax to worsen or rupture further.
• Note: If it’s treated (with a chest tube), HBOT might be allowed under close monitoring.

2. Certain Types of Chemotherapy

• Drugs like Doxorubicin (Adriamycin) and Bleomycin can become toxic when exposed to high oxygen levels.
• Why: HBOT can worsen their side effects or damage tissues.

3. Recent Ear or Sinus Surgery

• HBOT changes pressure rapidly and may cause damage or pain in healing tissues.

Caution Required or Doctor Approval Needed:

These don’t always rule out HBOT, but they require careful screening or modifications:

1. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) / Emphysema with CO₂ Retention

• Risk of air trapping and oxygen toxicity.
• Must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

2. Severe Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

• Risk of fluid overload and worsened symptoms due to increased oxygen pressure.

3. Fever or Upper Respiratory Infection

• Can make it hard to equalize ear pressure during HBOT.

4. Claustrophobia or Anxiety Disorders

• The chamber is enclosed. Some patients experience panic attacks or refuse treatment unless sedated or coached.

5. Pregnancy

• Generally avoided unless the condition is life-threatening (e.g., carbon monoxide poisoning). More research is needed on long-term effects.

6. History of Seizures

• Oxygen at high pressure can lower the seizure threshold (though risk is low). Monitoring is required.

❌ People Who Should Not Use HBOT Without Medical Clearance

• Those with lung disease involving air trapping (e.g. asthma with active wheezing).
• Those with untreated infections of the sinuses, ears, or teeth.
• Patients on certain chemotherapy or immune-suppressive therapies.
• Those with recent ear trauma, surgery, or implanted ear tubes. 
  
   

 11. What are the healing benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) at 1.5 ATA?

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) at 1.5 ATA supports the body’s natural healing by increasing oxygen delivery to tissues, which can help with a wide range of health benefits, including:

• Enhanced wound healing
• Reduced inflammation
• Improved immune function
• Increased energy levels
• Reduced fatigue and chronic tiredness
• Support for Long COVID recovery
• Relief from brain fog and improved mental clarity
• Accelerated recovery after surgery
• Support for radiation therapy side effects and cancer aftercare
• Reduced swelling and edema
• improved circulation and blood flow
• Enhanced muscle recovery after injury or exercise
• Accelerated healing of infections
• Reduced symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and IBS
• Support for neurological conditions such as stroke recovery
• Decreased oxidative stress
• Promotion of collagen formation and skin repair
• Relief from chronic pain
• Support for diabetic ulcers and non-healing wounds
• Improved oxygenation in ischemic tissues
• Enhanced detoxification processes
• Support for traumatic brain injury recovery
• Reduction in migraine frequency and severity
• Improvement in tinnitus symptoms
• Support for multiple sclerosis symptom management
• Promotion of stem cell mobilization
• Enhanced cognitive function and memory
• Support for chronic fatigue syndrome
• Improved sleep quality
• Enhanced overall wellbeing and vitality

HBOT is a safe, non-invasive therapy that can be used alongside conventional treatments to improve health outcomes and quality of life.

12. How many Sessions are recommended?

Typical Number of 1.5 ATA HBOT Sessions by Condition or Goal

• 5 sessions - General wellness, mild fatigue, initial immune support
• 10 sessions - Long COVID symptom management, mild post-surgical recovery, mild radiation side-effect relief
• 15 sessions - Moderate brain fog, mild IBS/IBD symptom support, chronic inflammation reduction
• 20 sessions - Cancer aftercare support, chronic wound healing, significant tissue repair
• 30 sessions - Stroke recovery support, severe chronic fatigue, neurological symptom improvement
• 40+ sessions - Advanced radiation injury, serious non-healing wounds, complex neurodegenerative or inflammatory conditions wellness, mild fatigue, initial immune support
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