HBOT is non-invasive, natural therapy in which you breathe nearly pure oxygen (~95%) while in a pressurized chamber. The combination of oxygen and atmospheric pressure pushes a large amount of oxygen into your plasma and blood, and more oxygen becomes available to tissues and organs within the body. This provides for natural healing processes in the body, producing several therapeutic effects.

People report benefits such as improved sleep, energy and performance, improved mental clarity, better skin. The increase in oxygen enables faster healing, improved oxygen flow to damaged tissues and reduces inflammation. This therapy is known to trigger physiological responses to support healing. Research shows these include:

- Anti-inflammatory - reduction of inflammatory cytokines and increase in anti-inflammatory cytokines.
- Increased ATP production - helping to heal the mitochondrial cells (the energy powerhouses)
- Increased capacity for wound healing
- Angiogenesis/neovascularisation - increase in nerve healing factors, enhancing the development of new blood vessels
- Anti-microbial/microbiome balancing - a reduction in anaerobic pathogens and an increase in aerobic probiotics, promoting the body’s natural defence mechanisms.
- Vasoconstriction - decrease in edema and swelling from damaged tissues
- Increase in oxygen perfusion - increased oxygen in blood and plasma promotes healing in damaged tissues, supporting cellular function.
- Stem cell release
- An increase in SOD (Superoxide Dismutase) - a mechanism against oxidative stress from factors like ageing, exercise or certain diseases.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy has been shown to help with numerous conditions. These include conditions in neuropathy, neurological conditions, it can promote faster recovery and healing, it can help with balancing the immune system, sports performance, anti-ageing and more.

Some conditions it could help manage symptoms of are chron's disease, MS, Lyme disease, autism, dementia, stoke, PTSD, parkinsons, disc herniation, cerebal palsy, fibromyalgia and cancer, arthritis, to name a few. HBOT sessions can even help a hangover!

Please refer to the following links for information on studies done with HBOT.
https://hbotusa.com/hbot-research-by-category/

https://hyperbaricexperts.com/latest-research/

If you are looking to do HBOT session for a specific reason, research and advice is encouraged so that you can make an informed decision for your personal situation.

During your first visit you will complete a new client intake form, and we will explain how the chamber works and what you can expect. Your session will begin with the chamber gradually increasing in pressure. During this time, you may notice a feeling of fullness or popping in your ears, similar to what you experience on an airplane. This usually lasts around 10 minutes and can be eased by swallowing or yawning. The same sensation may occur again as the chamber gently returns to normal pressure at the end of your session.

While inside, you’ll breathe a steady supply of approximately 95% oxygen through a comfortable mask. Most people find the experience calming, restorative, and deeply relaxing. You’re welcome to bring your phone or other entertainment into the chamber to listen, watch, or simply rest during your treatment.

There’s no complicated preparation needed for HBOT, but a few simple steps will help you get the most from your session.

Please avoid lotions, perfumes, and petroleum-based products before treatment.

Do not to eat a heavy meal or drink fizzy drinks right beforehand.
It’s also best to avoid coffee, alcohol, and smoking before your sessions due to their vasoconstrictive effects, which can reduce treatment efficacy.

Wear loose, comfortable clothing and socks — ideally made from natural fibres.
When you arrive for your first session, we’ll ask you to complete a short health form so we can safely prepare you for your treatment

HBOT is considered very safe for most people.
At HBOT Bristol, we use a UK-made soft-shell chamber operating at up to 1.5 ATA. The therapy is non-invasive, drug-free, and generally well tolerated, with built-in safety features for a secure experience.

Side effects are uncommon and usually mild — most often a feeling of pressure in the ears, similar to flying, which our team will help you manage. If you have a cold and can’t clear your ears easily, it’s best to wait until you’re feeling better.

Rare side effects may include temporary dizziness or vision changes. Oxygen toxicity is extremely rare and typically only occurs at much higher pressures than those used here.

As with any therapy, HBOT may not be suitable for everyone — particularly those with uncontrolled ear or sinus issues, certain lung conditions, or specific medications. We screen all clients before their first session and recommend speaking with a healthcare professional if you have any pre-existing conditions.

Although HBOT is generally safe, it may not be appropriate for certain individuals due to certain contraindications. Some of the contraindications for hyperbaric oxygen therapy include:

- Pneumothorax: Individuals with an active pneumothorax, or collapsed lung, should not undergo HBOT as it can cause the lung to expand further and cause additional damage.
- Recent surgery: Individuals who have recently undergone surgery on the ears, face, or eyes, should not undergo HBOT until the surgical wound has fully healed.
- Severe lung disease: Individuals with severe lung disease such as emphysema, chronic bronchitis, or severe asthma should not undergo HBOT.
- Certain medications: Individuals taking certain medications should not undergo HBOT. Including bleomycin, cisplatin, doxorubicin, disulfiram and mafenide.
- Pregnancy: Pregnant women are usually not recommended for Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy.
- Cold/flu or sinus issues - You can not undergo HBOT if you are not able to clear the pressure in your ears.
- Heart failure - HBOT can make the condition worse.

Every patient does a screening form at their first visit to ensure safety and suitability of the therapy.

The number of sessions varies for each person. Some people notice benefits such as increased energy, better sleep, and reduced inflammation after just 1–3 sessions (HBOT can even help ease a hangover!). For acute or chronic conditions, it’s more common to complete 10–40 sessions, depending on your individual goals and health needs. For the best results, HBOT sessions are most effective when completed close together — consistency helps your body make the most of the oxygen-rich environment, supporting steady progress in healing, recovery, and overall wellbeing.