How To Best Prepare for HBOT

Please read carefully — this information is very important and must be reviewed before your first Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy session.
Following these preparation guidelines will help ensure your treatment is safe, comfortable, and effective.

As previously mentioned, HBOT is a completely safe, noninvasive, and painless procedure. The most common sensation is a mild pressure in the ears during the compression and decompression phases—similar to what you feel in an airplane during ascent or descent. Usually this feeling eases or disappears once the chamber reaches its working pressure.

Before your Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy session, here are some important preparation steps and tips to help make your experience as smooth and effective as possible:

• HBOT may not be ideal for everyone. If you have conditions such as uncontrolled sinus issues, ear problems, recent surgery, or certain lung diseases, your physician should evaluate whether HBOT is safe for you.
• Make sure your primary doctor (or referring physician) provides us with a full list of your current prescription and over-the-counter medications. Some medications may interact differently under hyperbaric conditions.
• If you are feeling unwell (cold, ear infection, sinus congestion, etc.), please contact us ahead of time to decide whether to proceed or reschedule.

• Unless instructed otherwise, eat a light, nutritious meal about 1–2 hours before your session. Avoid heavy, oily, or gas-producing foods.
• Do not consume alcohol, carbonated beverages, or caffeine immediately before your treatment.
• Stay well hydrated, but avoid excessive fluid intake right before entering the chamber.

• Tobacco and nicotine reduce oxygen delivery to tissues and may diminish the benefits of HBOT. We recommend avoiding them throughout your treatment course.
• At a minimum, do not smoke (or vape) for at least 2 hours before and 2 hours after your session.

• Please wear clean, 100% cotton clothing—for example, cotton shirts and pants or pajamas. Synthetic fabrics (nylon, polyester, etc.) can present hazards in high-oxygen environments.
• We can also provide cotton garments and shoe covers if needed.
• Remove all jewelry, watches, hair clips, pins, metallic accessories, and piercings.
• Refrain from applying lotions, creams, oils, perfumes, deodorants, or makeup on the day of treatment.

• Synthetic clothing or accessories
• Hairpieces made of synthetic materials
• Battery-powered devices (phones, smartwatches, hearing aids, etc.)
• Ointments, gels, aerosol sprays, or flammable substances
• Metallic objects or jewelry

If you must bring medications, discuss them ahead of time with our team to verify whether they are safe to use before, during, or after the session.

• Do not get a manicure or pedicure (including gel or shellac polish) within 24 hours before your treatment. Some nail products contain volatile or flammable components that can pose risks in a high-oxygen environment.
• Avoid using nail hardeners or similar products in the 24 hours prior.
• Ensure your skin is clean and free of any cosmetic or topical agents before arriving.

• Because pressure changes are involved, your ears and sinuses should be clear before the session.
• Gently clean your ears (avoid aggressive cotton swabs) to reduce wax buildup.
• If you have known ear, sinus, or Eustachian tube issues (history of barotrauma, ear surgery, frequent congestion), please notify us and your physician before starting.
• Techniques like swallowing, yawning, or gently performing the Valsalva maneuver help equalize pressure during compression and decompression.

• Inform our staff about all medications, vitamins, and supplements you are taking.
• Some drugs may require adjustment for hyperbaric sessions (e.g. certain antibiotics or chemotherapy agents).
• If you typically take something at or near your appointment time, let us know so we can coordinate (before, during, or after) safely.

• Please arrive 10–15 minutes before your scheduled time to allow for check-in, screening, and orientation.
• Bring your photo ID and insurance or referral documentation (if applicable).
• You may bring a paper book or magazine (no electronics) to help you relax during treatment; we’ll provide a safe place to store your personal items.
• Plan transportation accordingly. If you feel lightheaded or uneasy afterward (rare, but possible), have someone accompany you or avoid driving immediately after your session if advised.

• You’ll remain seated or lying down comfortably while the chamber is pressurized.
• You may hear gentle air movement, compressor sounds, or feel slight warmth.
• Continue to equalize your ears as needed. Our staff is there to monitor and assist.
• You can relax and enjoy your time—our state-of-the-art hyperbaric chambers are equipped with built-in TVs, allowing you to watch your favorite movie or listen to music during treatment. You can stream Netflix, HBO, YouTube, and more to make your session both relaxing and enjoyable.
• Throughout the entire treatment, you will never be left unattended. A trained hyperbaric technician remains present at all times and will communicate with you through the built-in phone and intercom system to ensure your comfort and safety.

• Once decompression is complete, you’ll exit the chamber slowly.
• Some patients feel mild fatigue, lightheadedness, or a slight “fullness” in the ears—these effects generally resolve quickly.
• Drink water, rest if needed, and avoid heavy exertion immediately afterward.