What is HBOT
What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) refers to breathing oxygen at pressures higher than normal atmospheric pressure. Inside a pressurised chamber, users breathe concentrated oxygen at 1.2 to 2.0 ATA (atmospheres absolute). At elevated pressure, oxygen dissolves into blood plasma in addition to being carried by haemoglobin.
HBOT is studied across a range of contexts, from athletic recovery and general wellness through to clinical research settings. HBOT Australia chambers are sold as wellness equipment - not as medical devices - and this page is provided for educational reference only.
How It Works
The mechanics of pressurised oxygen
At normal atmospheric pressure (1.0 ATA), oxygen is carried almost entirely by red blood cells. When you increase pressure to 1.5 or 2.0 ATA while breathing high-purity oxygen, the solubility of oxygen in plasma increases dramatically - following Henry's Law of gas solubility.
This is the underlying mechanism most often discussed in published HBOT research. The biological effects observed in different study contexts continue to be the subject of academic investigation - this page does not present any specific health outcome as established or guaranteed.
Sessions typically run 30 to 90 minutes. Most protocols involve repeated sessions over days or weeks depending on the intended application.
Chamber Types
Soft-shell vs hard-shell chambers
Hard-shell chambers are rigid stainless steel cylinders that can reach 2.0 ATA and above. They are designed for clinical or semi-clinical settings - gyms, dedicated home rooms, or allied health practices. The HBOT Australia hard-shell chambers weigh approximately 250 kg and run on a rotational valve system adjustable under operation.
Soft-shell chambers use a flexible TPU enclosure that pressurises to 1.3-1.5 ATA. They are significantly more accessible in terms of cost, weight (around 20 kg), and physical footprint. The HBOT Australia soft chamber uses heat-welded TPU construction - no glue, no stitching - which eliminates off-gassing and seam failure over time.
For most home users and athletes, a soft-shell chamber operating at 1.3-1.5 ATA delivers meaningful results at a fraction of the cost of a hard-shell unit.
Applications
Who uses HBOT and why
Athletes & Active Individuals
Elite athletes and active individuals commonly incorporate HBOT sessions into their training routines. Use is typically self-directed as part of a broader wellness regimen.
Sleep & Daily Wellbeing
Some chamber owners report changes in sleep and daily wellbeing. These are personal experiences and are not guaranteed outcomes - results vary by individual.
Post-Training Sessions
Owners often incorporate sessions during intensive training blocks. Use patterns are individual; HBOT Australia does not prescribe protocols for any specific outcome.
Energy & Focus
Some users describe shifts in energy levels and mental clarity over time with consistent use. These reports describe personal experience only and are not therapeutic claims.
General Wellness & Longevity
Wellness-focused individuals incorporate HBOT alongside other lifestyle practices such as cold exposure, breathwork, and structured nutrition. Use is non-clinical and self-directed.
Biohacking & Optimisation
HBOT is one of several tools commonly explored by performance-oriented individuals as part of a structured wellness routine.
Pressure & Dosage
Understanding ATA - pressure settings and protocols
ATA stands for Atmospheres Absolute - the total atmospheric pressure inside the chamber. 1.0 ATA is standard sea-level pressure. A session at 1.3 ATA means the chamber is pressurised to 1.3 times normal atmospheric pressure.
Soft chambers typically operate at 1.3 to 1.5 ATA. Hard chambers can reach 1.5 to 2.0 ATA. Higher pressure is not always better - the appropriate level depends on the intended use. For general wellness and athletic recovery, 1.3 to 1.5 ATA is a common range. Clinical and research protocols at higher pressures are conducted under qualified supervision in dedicated facilities.
Session length varies. A common starting point is 60 minutes, though protocols range from 30 to 90 minutes depending on the individual and goal. Frequency also matters - most users do 5 sessions per week during an initial block, then move to maintenance.
Safety
Safety, contraindications, and what to expect
HBOT is considered safe for the vast majority of healthy adults. The most commonly reported side effect is mild ear pressure during pressurisation, similar to descending in an aircraft. This typically resolves with gentle equalisation techniques.
Absolute contraindications are rare but include untreated pneumothorax (collapsed lung). Relative contraindications that require discussion with a healthcare professional include certain respiratory conditions, recent ear surgery, active infections, and some medications.
HBOT chambers sold in Australia for personal and commercial wellness use do not require a prescription. HBOT Australia sells chambers as wellness equipment. Anyone with significant existing medical conditions should consult their healthcare provider before starting a protocol.
Research
What the evidence says
A curated index of 30 peer-reviewed studies on hyperbaric oxygen research. Each citation links to the original PubMed entry and DOI. HBOT Australia does not make medical claims - this content is provided for educational reference only.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy improves neurocognitive functions and symptoms of post-COVID condition: randomized controlled trial
Zilberman-Itskovich S, Catalogna M, Sasson E, et al.
Randomised controlled trial (n=73) from the Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research, Tel Aviv University. Participants received 40 sessions of HBOT or sham treatment. The study measured cognitive performance, symptom burden, quality of life, and cerebral blood flow via MRI. Published in Scientific Reports.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy increases telomere length and decreases immunosenescence in isolated blood cells: a prospective trial
Hachmo Y, Hadanny A, Abu Hamed R, et al.
Prospective trial (n=35) from Tel Aviv University. Adults aged 64+ completed 60 HBOT sessions over 90 days. The study measured telomere length and senescent cell percentages in isolated blood cells before, during, and after the protocol. Published in Aging (Albany NY).
Hyperbaric oxygen induces late neuroplasticity in post stroke patients - randomized, prospective trial
Efrati S, Fishlev G, Bechor Y, et al.
Randomised prospective trial examining chronic stroke patients 6 months to 3 years post-event. The study used SPECT brain imaging to measure cerebral activity changes following a 40-session HBOT protocol and assessed neurological function using standardised scales. Published in PLOS ONE.
Hyperbaric treatment for children with autism: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial
Rossignol DA, Rossignol LW, James SJ, et al.
Multicentre, randomised, double-blind, controlled trial (n=62 children) examining HBOT vs slightly pressurised room air. Outcomes included standardised assessments of behaviour, language, and social function. Published in BMC Pediatrics.
Effects of intermittent hyperbaric oxygen on self-reported pain and functional outcomes in a human model of delayed-onset muscle soreness
Babul S, Rhodes EC, Bhambhani YN, Lepawsky M.
Controlled trial using an eccentric exercise model to induce predictable muscle damage. Measured self-reported pain, muscle function, and strength recovery outcomes in participants receiving HBOT vs sham. Published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine.
Hyperbaric oxygen: its mechanisms and efficacy
Thom SR.
Review article examining proposed mechanisms underlying HBOT effects, including plasma oxygenation, reactive oxygen species signalling, stem cell mobilisation, angiogenesis, and anti-inflammatory pathways. Authored by a researcher at the University of Pennsylvania. Published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
Hyperbaric oxygen induces a cytoprotective and angiogenic response in human microvascular endothelial cells
Godman CA, Chheda KP, Hightower LE, et al.
In vitro study examining how HBOT affects human endothelial cells. Measured expression of heat shock proteins, VEGF, and HIF-1 alpha - markers associated with cellular stress response and new blood vessel formation. Published in Cell Stress and Chaperones.
Systematic review of hyperbaric oxygen in the management of chronic wounds
Roeckl-Wiedmann I, Bennett M, Kranke P.
Systematic review of randomised controlled trials examining HBOT as an adjunct in chronic wound management, including diabetic foot ulcers and radiation injury. Assessed trial quality and outcomes across included studies. Published in the British Journal of Surgery.
Cognitive enhancement of healthy older adults using hyperbaric oxygen: a randomized controlled trial
Hadanny A, Daniel-Kotovsky M, Suzin G, et al.
Randomised controlled trial (n=63 adults aged 64+) from the Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine. Participants completed 60 HBOT sessions over 90 days. Cognitive performance was measured via standardised batteries before and after the protocol. Published in Aging (Albany NY).
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy ameliorates pathophysiology of 3xTg-AD mouse model by attenuating neuroinflammation
Shapira R, Solomon B, Efrati S, et al.
Pre-clinical study using a triple-transgenic mouse model. Examined effects of HBOT on amyloid burden, tau phosphorylation, and neuroinflammatory markers. Published in Neurobiology of Aging.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can improve post concussion syndrome years after mild traumatic brain injury - randomized prospective trial
Boussi-Gross R, Golan H, Fishlev G, et al.
Randomised prospective crossover trial (n=56) examining adults with persistent post-concussion symptoms 1-6 years after mild TBI. Used SPECT imaging and standardised cognitive batteries before and after a 40-session HBOT protocol. Published in PLOS ONE.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can induce angiogenesis and regeneration of nerve fibers in traumatic brain injury patients
Tal S, Hadanny A, Sasson E, Suzin G, Efrati S.
Imaging study (n=15) examining post-TBI patients using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and dynamic susceptibility contrast MRI before and after a 60-session HBOT protocol. Measured cerebral perfusion and white matter microstructure. Published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience.
Treatment of persistent post-concussion syndrome due to mild traumatic brain injury: current status and future directions
Hadanny A, Efrati S.
Review article examining current evidence and proposed mechanisms for HBOT in chronic post-concussion syndrome. Discusses imaging biomarkers and trial design considerations. Published in Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics.
The effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on post-training recovery in jiu-jitsu athletes
Branco BHM, Fukuda DH, Andreato LV, et al.
Controlled study examining trained jiu-jitsu athletes following standardised exertion protocols. Measured biochemical recovery markers (creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, lactate) and self-reported soreness across HBOT versus control conditions. Published in PLOS ONE.
Hyperbaric oxygen as an adjuvant for athletes
Ishii Y, Deie M, Adachi N, et al.
Review article examining published HBOT studies in sports medicine contexts including delayed-onset muscle soreness, ankle sprain recovery, and ligament injury. Discusses proposed mechanisms relevant to athletic populations. Published in Sports Medicine.
Effects of pre-exposure to hyperbaric hyperoxia on high-intensity exercise performance
Kawada S, Fukaya K, Ohtani M, Kobayashi K, Fukusaki C.
Crossover trial examining whether HBOT exposure prior to exercise affects performance metrics during repeat-sprint and high-intensity protocols. Measured power output and blood lactate. Published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research.
The role of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in ischaemic diabetic lower extremity ulcers: a double-blind randomised-controlled trial
Abidia A, Laden G, Kuhan G, et al.
Double-blind randomised controlled trial (n=18) examining HBOT versus sham as an adjunct in ischaemic diabetic ulcers. Outcomes included wound area reduction and healing rate at 6-week and 12-month follow-up. Published in the European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy facilitates healing of chronic foot ulcers in patients with diabetes
Löndahl M, Katzman P, Nilsson A, Hammarlund C.
Randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial (n=94) examining adjunctive HBOT in chronic diabetic foot ulcers. Outcomes assessed at 1 year included complete healing rate. Published in Diabetes Care.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for chronic wounds
Kranke P, Bennett MH, Martyn-St James M, Schnabel A, Debus SE, Weibel S.
Cochrane systematic review examining HBOT as adjunctive therapy in chronic wounds, including diabetic and venous ulcers. Synthesised data across multiple randomised trials. Published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
Leach RM, Rees PJ, Wilmshurst P.
BMJ clinical review article presenting an overview of HBOT principles, accepted indications, and physiological basis. Published in the BMJ.
Hyperbaric oxygen stimulates vasculogenic stem cell growth and differentiation in vivo
Milovanova TN, Bhopale VM, Sorokina EM, et al.
Pre-clinical study examining stem and progenitor cell mobilisation in response to HBOT. Measured cell-population dynamics and differentiation markers in vivo. Published in the Journal of Applied Physiology.
Stem cell mobilization by hyperbaric oxygen
Thom SR, Bhopale VM, Velazquez OC, Goldstein LJ, Thom LH, Buerk DG.
Study examining circulating stem cell populations in human subjects following HBOT exposure. Measured CD34+ progenitor cell counts before and after sessions. Published in the American Journal of Physiology.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy activates hypoxia-inducible factor 1, which contributes to improved wound healing in diabetic mice
Sunkari VG, Lind F, Botusan IR, et al.
Pre-clinical study examining HIF-1 alpha pathway activity in response to HBOT. Measured molecular markers of angiogenesis and tissue repair. Published in Wound Repair and Regeneration.
Hyperbaric oxygen for acute carbon monoxide poisoning
Weaver LK, Hopkins RO, Chan KJ, et al.
Double-blind randomised trial (n=152) examining HBOT versus normobaric oxygen in acute carbon monoxide poisoning. Cognitive sequelae assessed at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months. Published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Case control study: hyperbaric oxygen treatment of mild traumatic brain injury persistent post-concussion syndrome and post-traumatic stress disorder
Harch PG, Andrews SR, Fogarty EF, et al.
Case-control analysis examining veterans with persistent post-concussion symptoms following mild TBI. Outcomes included standardised cognitive and symptom batteries before and after a 40-session HBOT protocol. Published in Medical Gas Research.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy and cancer - a review
Moen I, Stuhr LEB.
Review article examining the published literature on tumour biology and HBOT exposure across pre-clinical and clinical contexts. Discusses oxygenation of hypoxic tumour micro-environments. Published in Targeted Oncology.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for the adjunctive treatment of traumatic brain injury
Bennett MH, Trytko B, Jonker B.
Cochrane systematic review examining randomised trials of HBOT as adjunctive therapy in acute traumatic brain injury. Synthesised mortality and Glasgow Outcome Scale data. Published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
Pretreatment with hyperbaric oxygen and its effect on neuropsychometric dysfunction and systemic inflammatory response after cardiopulmonary bypass
Alex J, Laden G, Cale ARJ, et al.
Randomised controlled trial examining HBOT pretreatment in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass. Measured systemic inflammatory markers (IL-6, IL-8, IL-10) and neuropsychometric outcomes post-operatively. Published in the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery.
Hyperbaric oxygen treatment decreases inflammation and mechanical hypersensitivity in an animal model of inflammatory pain
Wilson HD, Wilson JR, Fuchs PN.
Pre-clinical animal study examining HBOT in a carrageenan-induced inflammatory pain model. Measured paw oedema and mechanical hypersensitivity thresholds. Published in Brain Research.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy ameliorates osteonecrosis in patients by modulating inflammation and oxidative stress
Bosco G, Vezzani G, Mrakic Sposta S, et al.
Clinical study examining inflammatory and oxidative-stress markers in patients with femoral head osteonecrosis receiving HBOT. Measured cytokine and antioxidant enzyme profiles before and after the protocol. Published in the Journal of Enzyme Inhibition and Medicinal Chemistry.
Institutional reference: Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) at uhms.org.