HBOT is an abbreviation for hyperbaric oxygen
therapy. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a medical treatment which enhances the
body’s natural healing process by delivering oxygen under pressure, increasing
the oxygen content in the blood and in the cerebral spinal fluid, flooding the
tissues with oxygen.
How does HBOT
work?
Hyperoxygenation - By increasing the oxygen dissolved in
the plasma (the liquid portion of the blood), the lymphatic fluid, and the
cerebrospinal fluid, HBOT increases the oxygen available to damaged tissues,
stimulating healing.
Neovascularization - HBOT stimulates blood
vessel formation (angiogenesis) and collagen (connective tissue) formation in
areas that were previously resistant due to lack of oxygen.
Hyperoxia
enhanced antimicrobial activity - HBOT reduces or eliminates the effects of
toxic substances, bacteria, viruses, and yeast by increasing the tissue oxygen
levels.
Hyperoxia enhanced immune response - HBOT activates the
white blood cells to fight infection, promoting resistance to infection, as well
as wound healing. HBOT also helps to reduce inflammation and oxidative
stress.
What conditions are treated with HBOT?
HBOT is FDA
approved to treat air or gas embolism, carbon monoxide & cyanide poisoning,
crush injury & acute traumatic ischemia, decompression sickness, delayed
radiation injury, diabetic foot ulcers, enhanced healing of problem wounds,
exceptional blood loss, gas gangrene, intracranial abcess, necrotizing soft
tissue infections, osteomyelitis (refractory), skin grafts and
flaps(compromised), and thermal burns.
Portable hyperbaric chambers are
cleared by the FDA to treat acute mountain sickness only. All other conditions
treated by portable hyperbaric chambers are considered off-label uses. Many of
these uses are quite commonplace internationally, in countries such as Russia,
China, Japan, Italy, and the U.K. However, because these conditions are
considered off-label in the U.S., it means that insurance companies don’t have
to reimburse you for the treatment of these conditions with HBOT, saving them
billions of dollars. It also means that Big Pharma’s highly profitable
blockbuster drugs will continue to be the first course of treatment for these
conditions, despite their exorbitant costs, toxic side effects, and detrimental
long term effects on your health.
How does HBOT treat so many
different conditions?
HBOT treats the underlying disease process that
causes and perpetuates a wide variety of chronic conditions. HBOT is used
therapeutically to treat conditions in which tissues have been damaged by oxygen
deprivation. When the oxygen is restored to these tissues, much of the lost
function returns. HBOT also helps to reduce inflammation and promote wound
healing throughout the body and the brain.
Are there many published
studies on HBOT?
There are over 30,000 published scientific studies
on HBOT.
What is mild HBOT?
Mild HBOT is hyperbaric oxygen
therapy at low pressures, typically at 1.3 ATA - 1.5 ATA. Mild HBOT is
available in portable hyperbaric chambers at 1.3 ATA - 1.5 ATA with compressed
room air.
What is hard HBOT?
Hard HBOT is hyperbaric
oxygen therapy at higher pressures, typically above 1.5 ATA. Hard HBOT is
available in monoplace or multiplace chambers with 100% oxygen.
What
is the difference in clinical outcomes between mild HBOT & hard HBOT?
While hard HBOT results in greater oxygen saturation in the tissues,
many conditions respond better to mild HBOT. In all of the clinical trials to
date, there has been virtually no difference in clinical outcome between mild
HBOT with room air and hard HBOT with 100% oxygen. Please contact your doctor
regarding which type of HBOT is best for you.
What happens during the
treatment?
For many people, a session in a hyperbaric chamber is no
different than an airplane flight. You need to able to clear your ears to be
comfortable. Once you have descended to pressure and your ears adjust, you will
feel completely normal in the chamber.
If you are in a portable chamber
with room air, you can bring a portable computer or an ipod into the chamber,
along with beverages, blankets, and pillows. If you are in a large enough
chamber, you can sit, stand up, exercise, or sleep. If you are in a smaller
chamber, you can lie down and read, listen to music, or watch
videos.
What is the standard treatment protocol?
Many
doctors recommend an initial group of 40 sessions, one or two per day, for 60 to
90 minutes each, 5 to 7 days per week. After a two to four week break, a second
round of 40 sessions is usually recommended. For chronic conditions, people
often do hundreds of sessions over a period of years. Please contact your
doctor to discuss the best protocol for your condition.
What is the
typical cost of the treatment?
Hard HBOT in a hyperbaric clinic
typically costs $250 per session, or $10,000 for 40 sessions. Thus, the
standard HBOT protocol costs $20,000 for 80 sessions. Since many people go on
to do hundreds ofsessions over a period of years, the costs can be very
high.
Soft HBOT in a portable chamber typically costs $75 - $100 per
session with room air, and $150 per session with an oxygen concentrator. Thus,
the standard HBOT protocol costs $6,000 - $12,000 for 80
sessions.
Portable chambers can be rented for $1,500 - $3,000 per
month, and you can do unlimited sessions in one month’s time. However, since it
takes several months to complete the standard protocol, and many people do
hundreds of sessions over a period of years, renting a chamber is impractical in
the long run. However, renting a chamber enables you to familiarize yourself
with mild HBOT before committing to buy a chamber.
Our portable chambers
range in price from $5,495 to $15,995, and they have excellent resale value. For
most conditions, portable hyperbaric chambers are your best
investment.
What is a SPECT scan?
A SPECT scan shows brain
function by mapping blood flow in the brain (cerebral perfusion). The scans show
areas of hypoperfusion, where brain activity is too low, and hyperperfusion,
where brain activity is too high. Before and after SPECT scans show the changes
in brain activity resulting from HBOT. The cost of a SPECT scan is
approximately $3,000. Please contact your doctor to see if before and after
SPECT scans are advisable.
How safe is
HBOT?
HBOT is incredibly safe. The most common problem experienced by
people undergoing HBOT is problems equalizing the pressure in their
ears.
How safe are hyperbaric chambers?
The greatest
risks come from 100% oxygen under pressure, which is extremely flammable.
Monoplace hard chambers use 100% oxygen under pressure, so safety precautions
must be taken when using these chambers. Portable chambers with room air are
incredibly safe, as room air under pressure is not flammable.
Why do
so few doctors know about HBOT?
Few medical schools offer classes or
training in hyperbaric medicine. Big Pharma is primarily responsible for the
medical education of doctors, starting when they are medical students and
continuing throughout their careers. The majority of clinicians are on Big
Pharma’s payroll. Approximately 80% of continuing medical education courses are
sponsoredby Big Pharma. Approximately 90% of advertising in medical journals is
for prescription drugs. Big Pharma has turned doctors into highly paid pill
pushers who are often oblivious to the dangerous side effects of many of the
drugs that they prescribe. It’s no wonder that most doctors know little about
the health benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
How can I learn
more about HBOT?
The most comprehensive book about HBOT is "The Oxygen Revolution: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: The
Groundbreaking New Treatment for Stroke, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Arthritis,
Autism, Learning Disabilities and More" by Paul Harch, M.D. This book is geared toward individuals who would
like to learn more about how HBOT works and what conditions it treats. The book
explores the science behind HBOT, as well as the case histories of patients who
have benefited from HBOT.
Portable Hyperbaric Chambers FAQ
How do your portable hyperbaric chambers compare with other portable hyperbaric chambers on the market?
Our chambers are 35% to 50% less expensive than comparable portable hyperbaric chambers. They are significantly larger than comparably priced chambers. The 40" chamber is large enough for two adults to sit up inside the chamber, and an adult can sleep or exercise inside the chamber. A child less than 40” tall can stand up inside the 40" chamber. A child can sit up inside the 23" or 28" chamber. An adult can walk into the vertical chamber.
The interior of our chambers is incredibly bright compared to comparable chambers. You enter our chambers from the side, which is easier than the top entry of comparable chambers. Our oil-less compressors are quieter and more energy efficient than comparable compressors. Our internal PVC frame does not contain heavy metals, unlike comparable frames. Our chambers pressurize and depressurize with the touch of a button, which is easier than the manual controls on comparable chambers. You can pause the compression and decompression if you need more time to clear your ears.
If you purchase an overpriced chamber, it can lose as much as 50% of its value within months of ownership. Because our chambers are so reasonably priced, they have excellent resale value.
What is included with your chambers?
Each chamber comes with 1-2 top windows, 1-2 end windows, 2 inflation valves,1-2 auxiliary valves, an airtight two-way zipper, an external pressure gauge, medical grade hoses, a mattress, a compressor, inflatable bolsters, a travel bag, a carbon filter, and an internal PVC frame (optional on the 23" chamber).
Can I use your chambers by myself?
Our chambers are incredibly easy to use for self-treatments. All of the exterior controls are duplicated in the interior of the chamber, and the zipper is double sided.
Are your chambers approved by the FDA?
Our chambers are Class II Medical Devices that are cleared by the FDA for the treatment of acute mountain sickness. The chambers are cleared for home and office use.
Can I use an oxygen concentrator with your chambers?
Our chambers can be used with an oxygen concentrator. However, the FDA has not approved the use of oxygen concentrators with any brand of portable hyperbaric chambers, so this is considered an off-label use.
Why are your chambers so much less expensive than comparable portable hyperbaric chambers?
Buying a portable hyperbaric chamber from a well known company is like buying a brand name brand prescription drug. You are overpaying because of the excessive marketing and advertising costs. Buying a portable chamber from Healing Dives is like buying a generic drug. You are getting a great deal because our advertising and marketing costs are minimal, since everything is done on the Internet. The cost to manufacture a portable hyperbaric chamber is the same, no matter who makes it, but we operate on low profit margins, and we pass the savings on to our customers.
Why is my doctor encouraging me to purchase an expensive chamber from him, rather than a reasonably priced chamber from Healing Dives?
Never underestimate the power of medical marketing. Doctors often prescribe new, brand name prescription drugs when generic drugs are just as effective, but are a fraction of the cost, due to the massive marketing efforts of the pharmaceutical industry. The medical equipment industry is no different. Some portable hyperbaric chamber manufacturers target their marketing efforts at doctors, who are highly compensated for each chamber sale. These doctors will lose thousands of dollars in profits if you purchase your chamber from another source. As a result, they will do all they can to discourage you from buying a chamber from anyone but them.
Is it easy to assemble your chambers?
Our chambers are incredibly easy to assemble. Even if you are not mechanically inclined, you can assemble your chamber in approximately 15 minutes. The chamber comes with an instruction manual and a set-up DVD, and we provide unlimited tech support by phone during the set-up process. If you prefer, our technician can fly to your house anywhere in the world and set up your chamber, as well as instruct you and your family in its operation. However, few people require this level of service.
Where are your chambers manufactured?
Our chambers consist of an inflatable bag, a compressor, hoses, gauges, valves, a mattress, a frame, a travel bag, an instruction manual, and a set-up DVD. The inflatable bag is manufactured in Europe. All of the other components are manufactured and assembled in the U.S. by Summit to Sea.
How long have you been manufacturing portable hyperbaric chambers?
Our team of experts have been manufacturing portable hyperbaric chambers since 1982.
What kind of testing is done on your chambers?
The chambers are tested at a maximum pressure of 1.5 times the operating pressure. They are burst tested at 1500 millibars.
Is financing available?
Our chambers can be financed or leased for both business and personal use with no money down. Consumer financing is available with 0% interest for up to 21 months. Commercial leasing is available with a $1 buyback at the end of the lease term. We also offer fully amortized consumer and commercial loans. Monthly payments start at $150. Please contact us for information on these financing options.
Can I rent a chamber?
We offer monthly rentals on all of our chambers. A monthly rental will introduce you to hyperbaric oxygen therapy without the financial commitment of purchasing a chamber. Monthly rentals start at $995.
Do I have to pay sales tax?
You will pay no sales tax or handling fees on your chamber purchase.
Do I need a prescription?
In the U.S., the chambers must be sold to or on or the order of a state licensed practitioner. If your doctor is not familiar with hyperbaric oxygen therapy, we can put you in touch with physicians with expertise in HBOT.
How long is your warranty?
The chambers come with a one-year warranty for materials and workmanship, with an optional extended warranty of up to 5 years.
Do you offer a money back guarantee?
We’re so sure that you will like the chambers that we offer a 7-day money back guarantee. If you don’t like your chamber for any reason, you can return your chamber for a full refund less shipping costs, so long it is in its original condition. We don’t charge restocking fees.
Do you ship your chambers internationally?
We ship our chambers via FedEx International. Please contact us for a custom shipping quote.
How do I reserve a chamber?
We accept cash, personal and business checks, wire transfers, PayPal, as well as all major credits, including MasterCard, Visa, American Express, and Discover.
How long will it take for my chamber to arrive?
The demand for our chambers is so great that you must pre-order your chamber. Your chamber will be shipped as soon as it has cleared final production and inspection. Please allow 1-2 weeks from the time you place your order for your chamber to ship. Rush orders are also available - contact us for details.
