Frequently Asked Questions

What to expect during a hyperbaric oxygen therapy treatment?

· The first stage is compression in which the chamber is brought to the recommended pressure.

· Your ears may feel “plugged” as the pressure is raised, similar to an airplane taking off as it increases altitude. Simple swallowing, yawning, or performing the Valsalva maneuver will "pop" the ears releasing this pressure, bringing your ears back to normal hearing and comfort levels.

· Once reaching comfortable and effective levels, the chamber is maintained at this pressure (depth) and client breathe 100 percent oxygen through a mask.

· After a recommend duration of desired oxygen pressure is achieved, the chamber is slowly and safely depressurized and the treatment is finished.

How long does a treatment last?

A typical treatment generally lasts one hour. Your healthcare provider may occasionally recommend longer sessions as necessary. If needed, our technicians are available to work with your physician to determine what treatment plan time is best for your situation.

How many treatments will I need, and how often?

The number and frequency of Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatments needed varies with the specific condition or goal being addressed. Each client will be given a recommended treatment plan depending on objectives, and state of illness or injury. Many of our clients use Hyperbaric treatments as part of their regular health and wellness routine Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is cumulative with continued benefits. A treatment plan can be most effective when a client completes a targeted course or series.

Are there any side effects?

When performed by a trained technician, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is safe and effective. There is no recovery period, so you can resume your daily activities immediately. The most common side effect is barotrauma to the ears and sinuses caused by the change in pressure. This may result in temporary ear discomfort, hearing difficulty or fullness in the ear. To minimize this effect, clients are educated on techniques to promote adequate clearing of the ears during therapy.

*For our clients who travel, we recommend abstaining from a session 12 hours before or after flying.

Do you need a referral for Hyperbaric Oxygen?

We accept clients either by self or physician referral. Clients are guided by our staff and given a customized treatment plan based on their specific needs. For more information please call us at 310-620-8736 or email us at info@santamonicahyperbaricoxygen.com. You can also schedule your first appointment below.