9 Essential Steps to Prepare for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy at Home
Get ready for your Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy at home with these 9 essential steps.
So, you’ve decided to try hyperbaric oxygen therapy at home? That’s fantastic! I have done the same, but like any treatment, preparation is key to ensuring everything goes smoothly.
To help you get ready for your HBOT sessions, I’ve put together a straightforward guide to walk you through the essential steps—from choosing the right equipment to taking care of your body before and during treatment.
Who Am I?
My name is Dr. Mark Chern, and my obsession over the past 1.5 years has been the potential interventions we could use to improve brain function — this is especially so in relation to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
One of the interventions I have been exploring is hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), which I have been experiencing and documenting on my website, reversebrainage.com, and here in my Substack.
I use a hard case hyperbaric oxygen chamber at a pressure of 2.0 ATA. This is akin to placing myself 10 meters (or 33 feet) underwater — and then breathing in pure oxygen.
Read on as I outline the 9 important steps to prepare for hyperbaric oxygen therapy at home!
1. Chat with Your Healthcare Provider
First things first, you really should talk to your healthcare provider. This is crucial to determine if home-based HBOT is right for you. They’ll assess your health and give you advice that is customized to your unique situation.
If you are beset with one or more medical conditions, especially they relate to the lungs, getting the green light from a professional is crucial from a safety point of view.
2. Understand How HBOT Works
HBOT isn’t just about breathing oxygen; it’s about breathing pure oxygen at higher pressures (typically 2 or more times normal atmospheric pressure). According to research, this helps to increase oxygen levels in your blood and tissues, which can promote healing, reduce inflammation, and improve overall health.
It’s a pretty powerful process, so knowing what’s happening in your body can help you feel more confident as you move forward.
3. Choosing the Right Chamber
Next, it’s time to pick a hyperbaric chamber. There are different types out there, from portable soft-shell chambers to more permanent, hard-shell units.
Think about what works best for you — you may have to consider the following:
Is it important that you can install it and uninstall it? Soft chambers are easier to move aroun
Is it easy to maintain and how to maintain the machine?
Am I willing to pay for this type of chamber? The hard-shell chamber will cost much more than the soft chamber.
Finding the right chamber is an important step in setting yourself up for success.
Also read: Is It OK to Do Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Every Day?
4. Adjust Your Diet
What you eat can impact how well HBOT works for you. For the best results, it’s a good idea to avoid alcohol, carbonated drinks, and caffeine for a little while before starting your treatment.
This study shows that these substances can interfere with how your body absorbs oxygen, so making a few dietary adjustments can help you get the most out of your sessions.
5. Dress Right and Remove Personal Items
When it’s time for your hyperbaric oxygen therapy at home session, make sure to wear loose-fitting and 100% cotton clothes. It is important to feel comfortable in the chamber
Also, the humidity and temperature of the air in the room is important. This is particularly important in tropical climates where it may get too warm in the chamber. The converse is true in the cold of winter, in which case, a heated room might be more appropriate.
6. Keep Track of Your Health
Make it a habit to check in with your health before each session. If you’re not feeling well — whether it’s a cold or something more serious — it’s best to skip the session. Being sick can interfere with how well the therapy works, so listen to your body and only proceed when you’re feeling your best.
Also read: 5 Reasons to Think Twice About Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
7. Plan Your Sessions
Your HBOT sessions will usually last between 60 minutes to two hours, depending on your desired protocol. You might be going in daily or several times a week, especially if you’re following a long-term treatment plan.
Make sure to plan your sessions around your schedule so you can stay consistent with your therapy.
8. Be Aware of Potential Side Effects
Although HBOT is generally safe, it’s important to be aware of possible side effects. Research highlights some common issues related to HBOT include ear discomfort, lung expansion problems, and in rare cases, oxygen toxicity.
Keeping in touch with your healthcare provider throughout the process is always helpful. This means that you are not managing treatment in isolation and possible ignorance.
9. Know the Contraindications
There are certain situations where HBOT might not be recommended, such as after recent eye surgery, during pregnancy, or if you have active tuberculosis. Make sure to clear it with your doctor before starting HBOT, especially if any of these apply to you.
Also read: Dr. Joe Dituri: Hyperbaric Medicine Expert Who Lived 100 Days Underwater
Ready to Experience HBOT?
Preparing for hyperbaric oxygen therapy at home might seem like a lot of steps, but once you break it down, it’s manageable and definitely worth the effort. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your treatment is as safe and effective as possible. Take your time, listen to your body, and most importantly, enjoy the experience!
If you’re still unsure about trying HBOT, you can read about my personal experiences with it here!