Choosing A Professional Hyperbaric Chamber For Your Medical Practice

Hyperbaric therapy is used to treat or alleviate symptoms for a variety of conditions. Perhaps you are considering buying a hyperbaric chamber for your private practice, medical clinic, or treatment center. It is certainly something that can allow you to provide enhanced patient care.

Finding the right chamber is essential, but the decision is not easy. There are many factors to consider when it comes to professional hyperbaric chamber sales. This guide will help you learn more about the technology involved and how to choose the right equipment.

Explaining Hyperbaric Therapy

Perhaps you have heard of hyperbaric therapy, also called hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) before. This type of treatment uses concentrated oxygen delivered via a pressurized chamber. Historically, it was used to treat decompression sickness, as a result of scuba diving. 

However, it can have other clinical uses when used in the proper setting. A hyperbaric chamber works by pressurizing the air up to three times higher than normal air pressure. This causes the lungs to collect more oxygen, which then, gets carried throughout the rest of the body via the bloodstream.

The increased oxygenation in the blood helps promote cell regeneration, detoxification, immune support, and improved neurological function.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy vs. Mild Hyperbaric Therapy 

There are actually two basic categories of hyperbaric chambers and equipment, high pressure and low pressure.

High-pressure hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is probably the most familiar of the two. It’s designed to deliver more than 2-atmosphere absolutes (ATAs) of oxygen. These machines are found most often in hospital settings where they are used to treat acute illnesses, injuries, or conditions.

A low-pressure hyperbaric chamber delivers pressure below 2 atmosphere absolutes, typically around 1.3-1.5 ATA. This is called “mild hyperbaric therapy” or mHBOT. The lower pressure can make it useful for treating certain chronic conditions.

mHBOT are sometimes purchased by consumers for personal use. They are also suitable for use in clinical settings outside of a hospital, such as medical clinics, treatment centers, and physician offices.

5-Point Professional Hyperbaric Chamber Sales Guide

Buying a hyperbaric chamber for your practice or clinic might be a sound investment. However, there are 5 important things to consider when making your purchase.

1. Ensure the Machine is FDA-approved

Pay attention to the company supplying the hyperbaric chamber. In the U.S., only three manufacturers make chambers that are FDA-approved. If you go outside the United States, you may not be able to guarantee the safety, quality, and efficacy of the equipment.

Even when buying within the U.S., you still need to do your research. The FDA’s MAUDE Report (Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience) contains information regarding reports and incidents with hyperbaric chambers.

Do a search and look for brand or model reports that indicate problems with split seams, blown zippers, or windows that rupture or break on the seams.

2. Choosing a Configuration

You can find upright or prone hyperbaric chambers. There is no difference in the effectiveness of treatment based on the design. The one you choose may be based on preference. 

Since hyperbaric chambers are enclosed, some patients may experience claustrophobia if they’re lying down. It’s the same reason some people have trouble being inside a closed MRI machine. 

A vertical chamber may be more comfortable for these patients. If patients aren’t able to stand during the whole treatment, you can place a chair inside the chamber.

3: Choosing an Oxygen Concentrator

Mild hyperbaric chambers can be outfitted with an oxygen concentrator, which enhances the effectiveness of treatment. There are a few reasons to consider adding this extra piece of equipment for your machine. It may depend on your clinical needs and how you plan to use the equipment.

What difference does an oxygen concentrator make?

The air we normally breathe (ambient air) contains 20 percent oxygen and 80 percent nitrogen. A concentrator removes nitrogen from the ambient air inside the chamber and supplements it with extra oxygen.

A hyperbaric chamber with a concentrator heightens the amount of oxygen in the blood plasma by up to 4 times. This means that 1 hour of therapy in a chamber that uses an oxygen concentrator is equal to 4 hours in a regular chamber. 

When considering a concentrator, there are two basic issues: Backpressure and flow.

Backpressure (psi) makes it easier for the chamber to produce higher levels of pure oxygen. The higher the concentrator pressure, the more oxygen that is produced. You can find concentrators that rely on 10psi or 20psi.

Flow refers to how many liters of oxygen flow per minute. Some concentrators offer 5 or 8 liters of flow. This might not be high enough to bypass the 4psi pressure of the chamber. In order to be effective, the concentrator should allow 10 liters of flow.

4. Choosing a Compressor

A compressor is a motor that works to inflate and pressurize the chamber. Some manufacturers offer two compressors, so there is a backup in case one fails.

It’s important to find a compressor that comes with a release valve, as well. This will cause the chamber to automatically turn off and deflate if anything goes wrong or the CO2 levels get too high.

5. Choosing a Size

Hyperbaric chambers come in many different sizes and models. Hyperbaric machines are measured by circumference, diameter, and length. You will need to consider the size of the room where you plan to put the machine. It is also a good idea to think about your patient population. 

Be sure to go over our review of the 5 best professional mild hyperbaric chambers.

Enhance Patient Care With Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be beneficial for many kinds of chronic medical conditions. It can help you provide more comprehensive care in a medical clinic, physician office, or treatment center. Of course, professional hyperbaric chamber sales is not something you should approach lightly.

Use this guide to help you find the right model. If you have questions or would like a quote, contact us and we will be happy to help.