What Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Explained Clearly
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a procedure in which a person breathes medical-grade oxygen inside a sealed, pressurised chamber, and this page explains what that process involves, how the equipment works, and what to expect if you are considering it.
How Does HBOT Work
The Science Behind HBOT, in Plain Language
Under normal conditions, oxygen is carried through the body almost entirely by red blood cells. When you breathe medical-grade oxygen inside a pressurised chamber, something different occurs. Oxygen dissolves directly into the blood plasma, the liquid component of blood, in greater concentrations than red blood cells alone can deliver.
This is a straightforward application of Henry's Law, a principle of physics that states the amount of gas that dissolves in a liquid increases in proportion to the pressure applied. The result is that oxygen-rich plasma can reach areas of the body that red blood cells may not access as efficiently.
This is the fundamental mechanism behind hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Normal Oxygen Transport
Under everyday conditions, oxygen is carried almost entirely by red blood cells bound to haemoglobin.
Henry's Law
The amount of gas that dissolves in a liquid increases proportionally with the pressure applied - a basic principle of physics.
Pressurised Breathing
Inside a hard-shell HBOT chamber, oxygen dissolves directly into blood plasma in concentrations red blood cells alone cannot achieve.
Increased Reach
Oxygen-rich plasma can reach tissues and areas of the body that red blood cells may not access as efficiently.
Hard Shell Hyperbaric Chamber
Not All Hyperbaric Chambers Work the Same Way
Understanding the difference between chamber types is important before you commit to any hyperbaric program. The International Hyperbaric Medical Association classifies chambers across three tiers based on pressure capability, oxygen delivery method, and regulatory status.
Tier 1 - Soft-Shell Chambers
Widely available at wellness centres across Australia. Typically reach a maximum of 1.3 to 1.4 ATA and use oxygen concentrators delivering around 90 to 95% oxygen via a mask. The pressure levels and oxygen concentration produced by a Tier 1 chamber are not the same as those used in peer-reviewed research.
Tier 2 Chambers - Inspiring Choices
Hard-shell chambers registered with the Therapeutic Goods Administration as Class IIb medical devices (ARTG 148448 and ARTG 511953). Pressurised to 3.0 ATA and filled with 99.8% medical-grade oxygen delivered via compressed cylinders throughout the entire chamber environment.
If you have been reading the published literature on HBOT, it is worth confirming what type of chamber and what oxygen delivery method the studies you have read were using.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Australia
What to Expect at Inspiring Choices
Every new client completes an eligibility assessment with one of our practitioners before any session begins. This is a thorough review of your health history, current circumstances, and goals, and it allows us to confirm whether HBOT is appropriate for you and to discuss program options.
Your first session is shorter than standard ongoing sessions, with additional time for orientation. Standard ongoing sessions run for approximately two hours in the chamber, with around 90 minutes at target pressure. A trained hyperbaric technician is present in the room throughout every session.
Eligibility Assessment
A thorough review of your health history, current circumstances, and goals. We confirm whether HBOT is appropriate before recommending any program.
Orientation Session
Your first session is shorter than standard. Additional time is set aside for orientation and a pre-session review with your practitioner.
Ongoing Sessions
Standard sessions run approximately two hours in the chamber, with around 90 minutes at target pressure. A trained technician is present throughout every session.
HBOT Pricing
Transparent Pricing Before You Commit
We provide clear information about session costs and program options so you can make an informed decision before you book anything. Our team will walk you through what a typical program involves and what to expect in terms of costs during your eligibility assessment. There are no surprises.
Request our pricing guide to get a straightforward overview before your first conversation with us.
Frequently Asked Questions About HBOT
What is hyperbaric oxygen therapy and how does it work?
What is the difference between a hard-shell and a soft-shell hyperbaric chamber?
Is hyperbaric oxygen therapy safe?
How many sessions are typically involved?
Do I need a referral to access hyperbaric oxygen therapy at Inspiring Choices?
Can I access other services at the clinic alongside my HBOT sessions?
Next Step
Together We Can Determine If We Are the Right Fit
Book a consultation with our team and we will walk you through our services, our process, and whether Inspiring Choices is appropriate for your health goals.