What will the patient feel during the treatment?
Once inside the chamber, patients will hear air beginning to circulate. Patients are able to see and talk with the chamber staff member, who will tell them when the gradual increase in pressure is begun. This is called compression. When the prescribed pressure (usually 2.0-2.4 ATA) is reached, the technician inside will place a hood over the patient’s head to receive 100% oxygen (the treatment gas) while in the chamber. The hood is clear plastic allowing unobstructed vision. The reoccurring fullness in the ears will stop and patients may rest or sleep during the remainder of the treatment. Patients may choose to read or watch a movie during the treatment which will last approximately 2 hours. At any time, bedpans and urinals are available for prolonged treatments. Near the end of your treatment, the staff will gradually decrease the chamber pressure. This is the decompression phase, which usually lasts for about 10 minutes. During decompression, patients will experience an automatic “p
