A Breath Of Life       

 

A hyperbaric chamber is built to withstand pressure. There are two types:  monoplace (one person) and multiplace chambers. The Richmond Hyperbaric Health Center has a 6 person multiplace chamber. At sea level the atmosphere exerts 14.7 psi (760 mmHg) of pressure on your body. This normal atmospheric pressure is referred to as 1.0 atmosphere absolute (ATA). By pressurizing the air inside the chamber we can achieve greater pressures. Most treatments are between 1.3 and 2.5 ATA. This increased pressure enables more oxygen to dissolve in the body's tissues and fluids. The result is increased oxygen availability to tissues for healing.                                                

  How Do I Receive Oxygen?

In the chamber, the oxygen is supplied by a special mask or hood for a specific time period, normally 60 to 90 minutes. 

                                       

  Am I Alone In The Chamber?

You will be accompanied by a specially trained attendant and other clients who may be receiving therapy at the same time. You are always under the watchful eye of the attendant and an adult may accompany you into the chamber to give further assistance.

  How Often Are Treatments Given?

The length and frequency of treatments will vary depending on the type of illness. For most conditions clients are treated once or twice a day - Monday through Friday. The treatment will last 1 to 1.5 hours depending on the condition.  

  Are There any Safety Risks?

Special safety precautions are taken to ensure your safety at all times while inside the hyperbaric chamber. Special cotton clothing and footware must be worn during the oxygen treatment.

                                        For safety reasons, please do not wear:

Lipstick Make-up Watches
Hair Oil Nylons Hearing Aids
Hair Spray Synthetic Clothing Hard Contact Lenses
Ointments Jewelry Nail Polish

The following are PROHIBITED from entering the hyperbaric chamber:     

Cigarettes Lighter
Matches Knitting
Newsprint* Certain foods

 *Reading material such as books or magazines are allowed.

  Do The Changes In Pressure Cause Any Pain Or Discomfort?

You will feel fullness in your ears during compression - similar to the feeling sometimes experienced in elevators or flying in an airplane. Prior to beginning your treatments you will be shown how to "clear" your ears.

Pressure changes are done slowly enough so that most ear and sinus problems can be avoided. 

If during the chamber pressurization you feel any pain, or difficulty with clearing your ears, notify the attendant immediately. The attendant will stop the pressurization and assist you with equalizing the pressure.

With the increase in pressure there will be a temporary elevation of the temperature inside the chamber. Once the treatment pressure is reached the temperature will return to normal. 

During depressurization of the chamber, you may feel a "popping" sensation in your ears, which is the result of reducing pressure. It is important that you continue to breath normally. The ear "popping" is normal and does not require any special procedure. Breathe normally without holding your breath.

On rare occasions, clients receiving daily hyperbaric treatments may develop temporary changes in eyesight, which are usually minor. Vision will return to the pre-treatment level within 2 to 3 months after completion of the treatment.

Any Precautions?

  1. Smoking, alcohol and chronic coffee consumption decrease the amount of oxygen that can be transported by the circulatory system. It is strongly recommended that clients do not smoke during the course of their hyperbaric oxygen treatments. If the patient cannot stop a period of two hours before and two hours after treatment must be tobacco free.

  2. Good nutrition is important for healing. Increase antioxidant levels (vitamins E and C) and reduce or eliminate processed food consumption. 

  3. Please discuss your medications with your family physician. Some medications are contra-indicated during hyperbaric oxygen therapy. If medication is necessary during your treatment, please bring them with you so that you can take them at the correct time. Diabetics may need something sweet to maintain blood sugar levels during or just after treatment. HBO may reduce the need for anticoagulants. If you become ill with a cold, flu, or have sinus problems, you may not be able to clear your ears or your sinuses may cause pain during the pressure changes in the chamber. Please call the center at (604) 277-8608 and discuss with the Hyperbaric Staff whether you should cancel your treatments until you are feeling better.

                             For booking treatments please complete these forms. Thank you. 

Richmond Hyperbaric Health Center