Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do Hyperbaric Oxygen Chambers with pressures below 1.4ATA work?
According to the guidelines from the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society, the clinical setting of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) requires a pressure of at least 1.4 ATA, as stated in the 14th Edition of the 2019 Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Indications.
Hyperbaric oxygen chambers operating below 1.4 ATA are noted to offer only a placebo feel good effect. Research by Niza et al. indicates that HBOT at 1.4 ATA enhances blood flow in peripheral tissues’ small blood vessels by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system due to elevated oxygen levels. With nearly pure oxygen administered at 1.45 atmospheres, oxygen diffusion extends approximately 75 micrometers from capillaries into tissues, resulting in an oxygen pressure of about 950 mmHg in small arteries. This level of pressure ensures adequate oxygen diffusion from blood plasma to all cells throughout the body.
Consequently, hyperbaric oxygen chambers operating below 1.4 ATA fail to offer the genuine advantages of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in enhancing overall well-being. This therapy aims to elevate energy levels, support faster recovery, reduce inflammation, enhance cognitive function, and promote better sleep and skin health.
2. Why are Hard Shell Hyperbaric Oxygen Chambers not necessarily better than Soft Shell Hyperbaric Oxygen Chambers?
1. Pressure: Beware of judging the effectiveness of hard shell oxygen chambers solely based on their appearance. It is essential to consider the atmospheric pressure of the chamber. Despite their sturdy design, some hard shell chambers may operate at just 1.35 ATA, rendering them ineffective for therapeutic purposes. According to guidelines from the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society, clinical efficacy requires a pressure of at least 1.4 ATA, as outlined in the 14th Edition of the 2019 Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Indications. Chambers operating below this threshold may only induce a placebo fell good effect. This is why O2genes cocoons maintain a minimum pressure of 1.4 ATA. Hyperoxia is the causal factor behind the beneficial effects achieved through these treatments.
Effects of HBOT at 1.4 ATA – The findings of Niza et al. reveal the effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) at 1.4 ATA, indicating an increase in blood flow within peripheral tissues’ small blood vessels. This enhancement is attributed to the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system due to elevated oxygen levels. Moreover, when nearly pure oxygen is administered in an environment at 1.45 atmospheres, oxygen diffusion extends approximately 75 micrometers from capillaries into tissues. As a result, this establishes an oxygen pressure of about 950 mmHg in the small arteries, ensuring sufficient oxygen delivery to all body tissues through diffusion from blood plasma to cells.
Effects of HBOT at 1.5ATA – Research conducted by Fratantonio et al. demonstrates the effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) at 1.5 ATA (atmospheres absolute), revealing an increase in tissue oxygen levels that subsequently triggers cellular responses. Studies indicate that this elevated oxygen level in healthy individuals results in an increase of specific proteins responsible for cellular responses to oxygen changes. Furthermore, there is an observed increase in glutathione and MMP9, an enzyme, suggesting that this treatment causes oxidative stress. These findings underscore that the augmented oxygen levels at 1.5 ATA elicit cellular responses regulated by certain proteins.
An increase in oxidative stress helps the body to:
– Strengthen The Immune Response: Oxidative stress can help the body fight infections. Immune cells use reactive oxygen species (ROS) to kill invading pathogens.
– Strengthen the Cells’ Defenses: Low levels of oxidative stress can act as a signal for cells to adapt and strengthen their defenses, a process known as hormesis.
– Wound Healing: Controlled oxidative stress can promote tissue repair and healing by stimulating cell proliferation and migration.
2. Oxygen Concentration: Check if your hard shell chamber is truly an oxygen chamber. Some hyperbaric chambers only dispense ambient air, which consist of nitrogen and other gases, instead of pure oxygen. O2genes Hyperbaric Oxygen Cocoon ensures high efficacy and can go up to 96% concentrated oxygen.
3. Safety: There are many hard shell chambers in the market, but how safe are they exactly?
Have you heard of the explosion of the hyperbaric oxygen chamber in a hospital in Jakarta?
Key things to check: Material of the Chamber. Many of the hyperbaric oxygen chambers are assembled on site, which means that the small metal parts are being pieced together to form the chamber. This results in possible gaps between the chambers if the pieces are not welded tightly together. With possible gaps in the chambers, the chances of air and pressure leakage is high, and may lead to side effects such as baro ear trauma or injuries.
Unlike most hyperbaric oxygen chambers on the market, which are made of aluminum alloy, O2genes’ hard shell chambers are constructed from a single piece of stainless steel. Stainless steel is more robust and capable of withstanding high pressure. Additionally, it is resistant to rust and corrosion. Because the chamber is made from a single piece of stainless steel rather than multiple welded parts, it is significantly stronger, and the risk of air pressure leaks is eliminated.
3. Is 1.4 ATA better than 1.5 ATA?
Yes, at 1.5ATA, there is more hyperoxygenation as compared to 1.4ATA.
In addition, we can expect enhanced penetration with oxygen and nutrients reaching deeper into the tissues.