● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Types of
Hyperbaric Therapies
While there are many different
manufacturers and designs of hyperbaric chambers, there are only 2 basic types
of units, high-pressure hyperbaric systems and mild hyperbaric chambers, also
referred to as portable hyperbaric chambers.
The type of chamber used will depend on the condition to be treated and
physician’s protocol.
High-pressure, or hospital grade, hyperbaric chambers, pressurize to 35
pounds per square inch (PSI) under normal therapy conditions, where as portable
hyperbaric chambers typically pressurize to 4-5 PSI. Both types of chambers have shown benefits in medical studies to
many chronic conditions. However, the
two types of hyperbaric have distinct advantages and disadvantages:
Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Chambers
(Portable Hyperbaric Chambers)
|
Portable Hyperbaric Advantages |
Portable Hyperbaric Disadvantages |
|
·
Relatively low purchase price between $10,000-
$25,000 ·
Inexpensive to operate ·
Requires little space ·
No need to renovate facility for oxygen or
electricity requirements- uses regular electrical outlet ·
Modest staffing requirements/ patients can
self-load for home use ·
Ease of portability of chamber for relocation ·
Air-over system means extra oxygen is not required ·
Less depressurization time- relatively quick exit ·
No risk of fire |
·
Limited pressure capability ·
Chamber body while durable, is not as durable as
stainless steel ·
Chamber materials may cause problems with severely
chemically sensitive people ·
Patient isolated during treatment ·
Inability to suction patient ·
Not accessible by gurney for patients
with immobility ·
Inability to use some diagnostic and/or
therapeutic equipment while patient is in chamber |
High Pressure Hyperbaric Oxygen
Chambers
High Pressure Hyperbaric Advantages
|
High Pressure Hyperbaric Disadvantages |
|
·
Greater working pressure- allows more flexibility
in treatment ·
Durability- chamber often made of stainless steel ·
Stainless steel chamber does not cause problems
with chemically sensitive people ·
Constant patient attendance ·
Ability to use a variety of
electrically generated signals during therapy ·
Ability to conduct intensive care
activities during treatment ·
Gurney systems allow for easy treatment
of patients with lack of mobility ·
Insurance reimbursable for certain
circumstances |
·
Higher capitalization requirements ·
Major space requirements; basement and/or ground
floor level limitations ·
Higher operating costs ·
Larger and experienced staffing requirements ·
Risk of decompression sickness in
internal personnel ·
Facility fire-associated decompression
requirements ·
Significant equipment maintenance and
system upkeep requirements ·
Associated fire hazard with pure oxygen
environment ·
Risk of oxygen toxicity as well as
increased risk of complications from pneumothorax and/or tension pneumothorax
and arterial air embolism developing during decompression ·
Permitting requirements by FDA, local
health department, and fire marshal |
Hyperbaric
Oxygen
Another consideration in hyperbaric oxygen therapy is the
oxygen itself. High pressure chambers are usually designed to use enriched or
pure oxygen, however, in some cases, an oxygen concentrator is used. Oxygen concentrators take ambient air, or
the surrounding air, and turn it into up to 95% oxygen. While mild hyperbaric chambers typically use
oxygen concentrators, a tank of 100% oxygen can be used as well. Oxygen concentrators provide 5% less oxygen
than pure oxygen tanks, but are considered much safer in terms of operation and
fire hazards.
Oxygen Concentrator
|
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
|
·
No need to renovate facility for oxygen ·
No chance of oxygen toxicity ·
No need for oxygen tank supplier- uses ambient air ·
Little operation costs- uses ambient air |
·
Less oxygen absorption |
100% Pure Oxygen
Advantages
|
Disadvantages |
|
·
Greater percentage of oxygen infused in body |
·
Can be a fire hazard ·
Possibility of oxygen toxicity to patient ·
Facility must be renovated ·
Oxygen tanks must be ordered from supplier and
delivered ·
Expense of oxygen tanks |
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