Treatment

Why Seek Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a powerful tool that can allow life-changing healing and greater functioning for people dealing with a wide array of health challenges including (but not limited to):

What Happens During Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Treatment

• You and a trained staff member remain in control of the process at all times.
• Session are approximately an hour in length.
• Bring a book to read, or a mobile device.
• You can also meditate or sleep comfortably.
• Please plan to arrive 5-10 minutes before your scheduled treatment time in order to check in with staff and prepare for treatment.

Fees For Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

NOTE: The average cost for hyperbaric oxygen therapy in Vermont is $400/hour. Our Affiliates are independently owned and operated treatment centers  who have committed to providing affordable treatment.  

Donations to Hyperbaric Vermont, a 501c3 nonprofit, allow us to continue educating the public about the applications of HBOT, train providers interested in making it available to their patients and clients, and supports our Patient Care Fund, which subsidizes treatment at our affiliated hyperbaric facilities for those with extreme need.

For those with extreme need, we have limited funds that may be available. Read our Financial Aid Policy. Contact us for more information.

Intake & Consent

A prescription is required for mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

How To Prepare For Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

• Wear comfortable clothing.
• Let us know about any changes in your medications and medical status.
• Empty your bladder just before your session.
• Please don’t bring any food or drinks into the chamber.
• However, if you have diabetes or are hypoglycemic, please bring a snack in case your blood sugar drops during treatment.

Side Effects Of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy is painless and non-invasive.

However, one possible side effect that may occur at the beginning and/or end of treatment (during compression and decompression) is a sensation of fullness in your ears, much like what you feel when you take off or land in a plane.

This feeling can be alleviated by yawning, chewing gum, or pinching your nostrils shut and exhaling gently through your nose.

For folks who may be claustrophobic, staff is trained to assist with this and can help you with any discomfort. A portable electronic device can also provide some good distraction.

While high-pressure oxygen therapy entails managing the safety risk of using 100% oxygen and the possibility of oxygen toxicity, mild HBOT, offers the same physiological benefits with only minor, temporary potential side effects, which may include barotrauma (temporary ear pain), mild sinus discomfort, and, rarely, temporary myopia.

Seizure from oxygen toxicity is a risk related to pressures typically greater than 2.0 ATA and is unheard of below 1.5 ATA.

Contraindications For Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Please note the following conditions may prevent you from using mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy:

• Congenital Spherocytosis
• COPD/Emphysema with air trapping
• Untreated Pneumothorax
• Upper Respiratory Infections
  • URIs can make it difficult for you to clear your ears.
  • This can result in inflammation of sinuses, or sinus squeeze.

You should also avoid HBOT if you’re taking any of these medications:

• Cisplatin*—a chemotherapy agent
• Doxorubicin (Adriamycin®)—a chemotherapy agent
• Mafenide Acetate (Sulfamylon®)—a topical cream used to prevent and treat bacterial or fungal infections

*HBOT increases the effectiveness of Cisplatin, and some oncologists are comfortable using HBOT in conjunction with it in order to lower dosage and protect against some of Cisplatin’s side effects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here is a whole list of frequently asked questions, with more information about Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy treatments.

It is the policy of Hyperbaric Vermont not to discriminate, especially with regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or disability.

The content and information provided here within is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a physician before pursuing any form of medical treatment, including hyperbaric oxygen therapy. No claims are made as to the effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the treatment of specific conditions. Hyperbaric Vermont makes no express or implied warranty regarding any health benefits that may be derived from the use of a hyperbaric chamber. A portable hyperbaric oxygen chamber is a Class II Medical Device, and as such its use or purchase requires a physician’s prescription.