Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a provisionally accepted, innovative medical treatment that has been gaining popularity in recent years.
HBOT involves the administration of 100% oxygen at a greater-than-normal atmospheric pressure delivered in a hyperbaric chamber. Hyperbaric chambers are pressurized capsules that provide hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) medical treatment.
The types of chambers used for HBOT can be fitted with an array of unique features, such as a closed-circuit television, an alarm system, electrical outlets, and a ventilation system, ensuring a safe environment during treatments. With the many features they can include, chambers can give off a sterile, hospital-like atmosphere, allowing doctors to provide medical care to their patients effectively. To achieve the best results, there are various types of hyperbaric chambers.
The most common types are hard and soft hbot chambers, as well as multiplace and monoplace hbot chambers. Ultimately, each type of personal hyperbaric oxygen chamber offers benefits, including number of patients they can accommodate, cost, and level of pressure they provide.
Types of Hyperbaric Chambers: Monoplace vs Multiplace
There are two main types of hyperbaric chambers: Monoplace and multiplace chambers. Here’s a short overview of the differences:
Monoplace hyperbaric chambers accommodate a single patient, delivering 100% oxygen directly within the pressurized chamber. Multiplace chambers, on the other hand, can accommodate multiple patients, typically providing oxygen through individual masks, while the chamber itself is pressurized with regular air.
Monoplace Chambers
A monoplace chamber is a pressurized chamber that accommodates one person at a time. Patients lay down inside these chambers and are subjected to 100% oxygen at higher atmospheric pressure levels. The pressure level can ultimately be set to meet specific medical needs.
Such particular control of the environment allows doctors to provide the greatest possible therapeutic outcome over time. This helps patients with various conditions, such as chronic wounds, decompression sickness, and stroke-induced paralysis, regain their quality of life.
Pros:
Monoplace chambers offer significant advancements, including more spaciousness for individuals (compared to multiplace chambers). This allows for more comfort and relaxation during HBOT sessions.
Cons:
Monoplace HBOT chambers tend to cost more.
Multiplace Chambers
Multiplace chambers can simultaneously accommodate two or more people for treatment with compressed air or pure oxygen. Patients must wear a special mask to breathe the oxygen. An organized team of technicians works diligently around the clock to operate the chamber and monitor its function while patients receive their treatments.
Pros:
By having more than one person in the chamber during treatments, this type of therapy is often more cost-effective and convenient for both patients and caregivers alike.
Cons:
Patients may feel uneasy during the treatment sitting in a room full of other people (especially those you don’t know). Moreover, they may even feel claustrophobic, thus making the environment difficult to relax in.
Image Credit: Medspace
Soft vs Hard HBOT Chambers: Key Differences
The materials used to construct different types of hyperbaric chambers can vary widely. Strong, metal materials form the outside of hard HBOT chambers, for example, while soft HBOT chambers are generally built with heavy-duty vinyl sides. A key difference between hard and soft hyperbaric chambers is the oxygen levels they provide. Some key differences include:
Soft-Sided Hyperbaric Chambers
Also known as soft HBOT chambers or mild hyperbaric chambers, soft-sided hyperbaric have sides made from soft materials. This chamber is usually for individuals looking to reap the benefits of this hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the comfort of their homes. It does not require visiting an established treatment center. A soft hyperbaric chamber can provide an oxygen level of only 21%, compared to the 100% oxygen found in monoplace or multiplace chambers.
Pros:
Soft-sided chambers can be used in the comfort of your home, and a doctor’s recommendation is not needed. They are suitable and approved for the treatment of mountain sickness.
Cons:
The FDA does not approve soft-side chambers for treatments (apart from mountain sickness). They can provide only 21% oxygen. Thus, they aren’t very effective.
Hard-Sided Hyperbaric Chambers
Hard-sided HBOT chambers have become famous for their therapeutic benefits because they provide a higher oxygen concentration than soft-shell chambers. They can deliver 100% oxygen, unlike soft-based chambers.
The FDA officially approves them to treat a wide range of medical conditions, ranging from surgically damaged tissue and carbon monoxide poisoning to wound healing and infection. Furthermore, studies are revealing an even more comprehensive array of applications; recently, other indications, such as cancer treatments, as an anti-aging therapy, for traumatic brain injuries, and to facilitate wound healing following cosmetic procedures, have seen encouraging results.
Pros:
A hard hyperbaric oxygen chamber provides 100% oxygen, and they tend to be more durable, sleeker, and more comfortable than soft HBOT capsules.
Cons:
These capsules tend to cost more, and they aren’t as portable as soft-sided chambers.
Which Type of Hyperbaric Chamber Should You Choose?
The most common type of hyperbaric chamber is the monoplace, which is used in medical facilities, clinics, athletic training facilities, and spas around the world. These chambers are easier to operate, and they tend to cost comparatively less than multiplace chambers.
In terms of which type to choose: Most consumers, spas, and wellness facilities have to decide between hard-sided and soft-sided chambers. Traditionally, for at-home use, soft chambers have been preferred, due to the cost and portability. Soft chambers tend to be helpful for improving and athletic performance or treating acute altitude sickness, however, due to the lower oxygen levels, their efficacy for wound healing, neurogenerative disease, etc., is limited.
Hard HBOT chambers like Hue Light hyperbaric oxygen capsule has been shown to provide a range of benefits, including:
- Accelerates wound healing
- Expedites nitrogen gas excretion from within the body
- Helps to improve cognitive function
- Improves stagnant hypoxic state of the cells
- Increases the effects of chemotherapy and other cancer treatments for treating malignant tumors
- It helps leukocytes (white blood cells) fight off infections, including gas gangrene, necrotizing fasciitis, osteomyelitis, and many more
- HBOT helps treat acute sports-related brain injuries (like concussions)
Why Choose Hue Light USA for Your Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
At Hue Light USA, our monoplace hard-sided hyperbaric capsule offers state-of-the-art therapy through HBOT technology. HBOT is the third phase of BAHI Therapy, Hue Light’s exclusive wellness plan that includes vibration therapy, photobiomodulation light therapy, and molecular hydrogen inhalation therapy.
Our innovative approach allows high-quality treatments to take place in a comfortable environment for patients to enjoy the benefits of this revolutionary therapy. We understand the importance of staying informed, which is why we’re here to answer any of your questions. Our knowledgeable staff will guide you along the way, so don’t hesitate to reach out!