What to Expect During Your First Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment Session

Starting any new medical treatment can feel intimidating, especially when it involves a pressurized chamber. At Elite Wound Care Center in Palm Harbor, we want our patients to feel informed and comfortable before their first hyperbaric oxygen therapy session. Here is everything you need to know about what the experience is actually like.

Before Your Session

Your first visit will begin with a thorough evaluation by one of our wound care physicians. They will review your medical history, examine your wound, and determine whether HBOT is appropriate for your specific condition. If you are approved for treatment, you will receive detailed instructions about how to prepare.

On the day of your session, you should wear comfortable, loose-fitting cotton clothing. You will need to remove jewelry, watches, hearing aids, and any electronic devices before entering the chamber. Avoid using lotions, perfumes, deodorants, or hair products, as these can contain petroleum-based ingredients that should not be brought into the oxygen-rich environment.

Inside the Chamber

Our facility uses monoplace chambers, which are designed for one patient at a time. You will lie comfortably on a padded platform that slides into the clear, cylindrical chamber. The chamber has a transparent shell, so you can see the treatment room around you at all times.

Once the chamber is sealed, a technician will gradually increase the pressure. This process, called compression, takes about 10 to 15 minutes. During compression, you may feel fullness or pressure in your ears, similar to what you experience during airplane takeoff. Swallowing, yawning, or gently pinching your nose and blowing will help equalize the pressure.

During Treatment

Once the chamber reaches the prescribed pressure, you simply relax and breathe normally. The pure oxygen fills the chamber, and your body absorbs it through your normal breathing. A typical treatment session lasts 90 minutes to two hours at full pressure.

Many patients watch television, listen to music, or simply rest during their session. Some patients even fall asleep. Our staff monitors you continuously throughout the treatment and can communicate with you through an intercom system at any time.

After Your Session

At the end of treatment, the technician gradually reduces the pressure over 10 to 15 minutes. This decompression phase is comfortable and most patients barely notice it. You can resume your normal daily activities immediately after your session.

Some patients report feeling slightly lightheaded or fatigued after their first few sessions, but these effects are temporary and typically resolve quickly. You may also notice that your ears feel slightly full for a short time afterward.

How Many Sessions Will You Need?

Your physician will prescribe a treatment plan tailored to your wound type and severity. Most patients receive treatments five days per week for four to eight weeks, totaling 20 to 40 sessions. You will have regular wound evaluations throughout your treatment course to monitor your progress.

Ready to get started? Call Elite Wound Care Center at (727) 787-7077 to schedule your first consultation.