An important lesson that the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us is to be aware of toxic air pollutants and the importance of oxygen.
Moreover, the dangers of our planet heating up due to climate change are already looming on us to do something urgently.
In this field, a hyperbaric chamber is a revolutionary machine. It is built in a cylindrical, glass, horizontal cubicle shape for patients to lie down on and is attached to a system to monitor oxygen levels.
You might be wondering if it is only for critical patients and hospital use. Well, with the integration of advanced technology into medical science, now you can get a hyperbaric chamber for home.
It is used for purposes such as healing and relief from asthma, beauty treatments to improve aging skin, etc. Also, learn about Wearable Technology and GPS Trackers by reading this article.
To help you understand it in detail, we here provide information about the evolution of home hyperbaric chamber, their types, functions, and protocols for easy use at home.
What is a Hyperbaric Chamber and Its Use?
The hyperbaric chamber is used for Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) to heal acute sickness caused by carbon monoxide poisoning, gangrene, damaged skin grafts, etc. They are also used to cure infections in which tissues lack proper oxygen.
As mentioned above, it is a glass cubicle where patients lie down and breathe pure oxygen through controlled air pressure levels of 1.5 to 3 times higher than the average atmospheric level.
When you fill the blood with an appropriate amount of oxygen, it opens the blood vessels that were blocked and this helps in repairing the tissues, restoring normal body function. It is only available after a medical prescription, and an understanding of how to use it is necessary.
But what prompted its invention, and who is recommended to use it? We will learn about it in the following article.
History of Hyperbaric Chamber
More than 350 years ago, Hyperbaric Medicine was being experimented in different ways. It is also called Hyperbaric Oxygenation therapy to supplement controlled oxygen flow.
The British physician, Henshaw, believed that this therapy could assist in digestion, respiration, and expulsion of sputum, and could cure many pulmonary infections.
In 1832, this idea was revived by Emile Tabarie in France, who designed a pneumatic chamber of iron with two tubes of hydraulic pressure with a compressor and another allowing ventilation.
With more similar devices being created for multiple people to enter a large chamber, its use became popular in Europe and later in North America.
For many years, the results of this treatment were questioned as some incidents of barotrauma were reported, and it was only used to cure the injuries of deep-sea divers.
Over time, as technology progressed and the multiple healing properties of oxygen were discovered, it is now being used in some wellness centers.
With controlled levels of oxygen, it is available for home use, with an easy-to-use mechanism and no need for an assistant nurse.
Types of HBOT
Different levels of compressed oxygen are used for healing in HBOT, however, it also depends on the severity of the symptoms and condition.
There are two types of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy mostly used:
Monoplace Chamber: It is built only for one person and has a long, plastic tube that looks like an MRI machine. After the patient enters the chamber, slow pressurized oxygen is released for a specific time.
Multiplace Chamber: This one is built like a room where two or more people can sit comfortably. The rest of the procedure is the same with people breathing pure oxygen through masks or hoods.
Patients are advised to take deep, slow breaths like in Meditation and the sessions last from 45 minutes to 300 minutes depending on the type of treatment.
STATISTICS The graph shows the growth and forecast of global HBOT market demand from 2022 to 2029.
Clinic-to-Home Treatments
Though there is more research to be done regarding the healing time and effectiveness of this therapy, it is easily available for home use as well.
From clinics of big hospitals, this treatment has progressed to specialized spas to cure skin infections and radiation injuries.
While the advanced technology has helped create a portable machine that can be ordered online and delivered at home, it requires a doctor’s prescription and proper setup instructions for optimal performance.
Nowadays, you won’t even need a nurse for assistance and monitoring, and with just a switch, you can start the therapy.
This is especially beneficial for people who are recovering from severe injuries and are at bed rest. They don’t have to travel to the hospital for treatment for every session.
Understanding the Protocols of Using HBOT at Home
For first-time users and those who are still trying to adjust to the way this treatment works, you should follow the necessary protocols while using Hyperbaric Chambers at home.
Always consult an experienced physician before starting his therapy, who will inform you if it is suitable for your medical condition or not.
Opt for a branded and well-known HBOT provider with industry and government safety regulations and warranty certifications.
Follow the safety precautions as instructed by the health care provider, understanding its type and features.
Check that the Hyperbaric Chamber provider helps with the installation and proper placement, following the manufacturing guidelines.
You should also check if the company offers regular maintenance to ensure chamber safety.
Final Thoughts
Our lives are nothing without oxygen and leading the cause of clean air are the home hyperbaric chambers.
As it demands surges, it also indicates people’s increased awareness about advanced medical equipment that can be ordered for home use.
With appropriate installation and monitoring devices attached to it, the HBOT is truly a lifesaver for many who are suffering from acute illnesses.
