Many decision-makers in the healthcare industry balk at the price of hyperbaric chambers. A new hard-sided hyperbaric chamber costs north of $50,000, after all.
But even though the price tag is steep, buying an HBOT chamber outright offers many benefits for wellness facilities.
First, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is an emerging treatment. Although it has been used in the U.S. since the early 20th Century, it’s seen a recent surge in popularity among athletes and biohackers, with shout-outs on A-list wellness podcasts. As a result, the demand for HBOT is growing fast.
Additionally, one session of hyperbaric oxygen therapy can cost between $100-$500, making it possible for facilities to recoup their investments. A clear ROI case can be made for a hyperbaric chamber.
Curious about the cost of a hyperbaric oxygen chamber for your wellness facility?
As a leading distributor of state-of-the-art HBOT chambers, Hue Light USA wanted to create a guide for potential buyers. Here, we explore hyperbaric chamber costs, financing options, maintenance requirements, and more.
How Much Does a Hyperbaric Chamber Cost?
The costs depend on the type of hyperbaric chamber you choose. The two most common types of commercial hyperbaric chambers include: soft-sided and hard-sided chambers. Here’s a cost breakdown by type:
Hard-Sided Hyperbaric Chamber Costs
Hard chambers are typically installed in wellness and healthcare facilities. Hard HBOT chambers are popular in spas, wellness centers, hospitals, and cosmetic surgery recovery centers.
Hard-sided chambers are cost-intensive. A new chamber, for example, can cost between $30,000 to $150,000. Ultimately, the cost depends on features, size and capabilities.
Our Hyperbaric Oxygen Capsule starts at $39,950, for instance, and includes a three-year warranty.
Hard capsules tend to reduce leakage and thus can deliver a higher percentage of oxygen. This is the greatest advantage of a hard-sided chamber.
Soft-Sided Hyperbaric Chamber Costs
Soft-shelled HBOT chambers tend to be portable or semi-portable. Their shells are made with softer materials, like heavy-duty vinyl. Since they’re portable, soft-sided chambers are used in the field to treat decompression or altitude sickness, and they’re popular for home use as well.
The cost of a soft-sided HBO chamber tends to be much more affordable, with some chambers starting at $6,000. These chambers cannot reach 100% oxygen, and instead deliver about 25% oxygen at lower pressure levels.
Weighing the Costs: Should Your Facility Buy a Hyperbaric Chamber?
Deciding whether to invest in new wellness equipment isn’t a decision that should be taken lightly. There are many factors to consider. Start by assessing demand, and then, perform a cost analysis. Here are some tips to determine if the benefits outweigh the costs for your practice:
1. Assess Client Need and Demand
Does hyperbaric oxygen fit your brand mission? Do your clients need or want the service?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy naturally complements a variety of spa and wellness services, including:
- Red light therapy
- Cryotherapy
- Ice baths
- Float tanks
- Traditional medical services like wound care
Offering hyperbaric therapy can be a powerful tool for attracting new clients, especially if there is demand in your area.
2. Perform a Thorough Cost Analysis
Factor in all upfront costs. This includes the initial cost of the hyperbaric chamber, as well as equipment add-ons like:
- An electrical line conditioner (~$800)
- An oxygen concentrator (~$1500)
- Ventilation system modifications (optional)
- Marketing costs (optional)
Additionally, you may want to research insurance reimbursement. For example, hyperbaric oxygen is covered by Medicare Part B; however, it’s only covered for certain conditions. Typically, insurance reimbursement depends on specific conditions and your location.
3. Develop a Financial Model
Create a financial model that factors in the ongoing costs of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. This may include:
- Initial investment
- Operational expenses
- Maintenance costs
- Estimated revenue from HBOT treatments
You may also want to explore financing options. We offer a variety of medical equipment financing options, allowing you to secure up to $100,000 in capital to purchase equipment.
Reasons to Buy a Hyperbaric Chamber
Here are a few reasons why you should consider adding a hyperbaric chamber to your wellness offerings:
1. Demand for HBOT Is Growing
A 2020 survey found that 90% of hospitals in the survey were offering hyperbaric oxygen therapies and 70% of clinics. The therapy continues to grow in demand, in part due to:
- Expanding applications – HBOT is finding use in treating a wider range of conditions, including sports injuries and chronic wounds.
- Uses for general wellness – Many are turning to hyperbaric oxygen for general wellness and to support anti-aging or skincare regimens.
- Cost-effectiveness – Compared to surgery, HBOT is a cost-effective alternative for certain conditions.
2. Low Operating Costs
The per-treatment costs of offering hyperbaric oxygen therapy are low, and include labor, utilities and marketing.
Some estimates suggest planning to invest about $2000 to $3000 in yearly maintenance. However, HBOT treatments cost from $100 to $500, depending on the length of the treatment and number of treatments purchased.
3. ROI Potential
Wellness centers can see a return on investment quickly with hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Calculating the return on investment for medical devices is complex; however, when properly marketed, HBOT can be a revenue driver for wellness clinics.
Wrapping Up
Hyperbaric oxygen chambers may seem cost-prohibited for wellness clinics, and they require a significant upfront investment. However, as hyperbaric oxygen therapy gains in popularity, this form of therapy can be a powerful marketing tool and revenue driver for clinics.
Interested in adding hyperbaric oxygen therapy at your wellness facility? Contact Hue Light USA today to learn more about our state-of-the-art hyperbaric chambers and wellness equipment.