If you wish to self-refer to use our services you should commit to an initial intensive course of treatment. Depending on the health concerns of each individual client, this may be 3 to 5 treatments per week for up to 20 treatments, followed by regular maintenance sessions for example once weekly.
Due to Covid-19 it may be necessary for staff to self-isolate therefore we may need to pause your course of treatment at short notice.
In order to obtain the treatment protocol for you, we will need to email a full health background to our own medical adviser, Petra Kliempt BSc (hons) MPH, PhD, Honorary NHS Specialist Trainer in Hyperbaric Medicine, before you come for your first session. You must provide us with all diagnosed health conditions and details of all medications and treatment you are having. You are strongly advised to inform your GP or Consultant before attending for oxygen therapy at our premises and it is your responsibility to do so.
During your session
Our centre has a barochamber which can seat six people in comfort. Currently we are accepting a reduced number of clients per session due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Once seated, the operator will show you how to put on your mask. The strap is adjustable to ensure a comfortable fit. The mask has two hoses, one for 100% oxygen which is delivered via a one-way system, and the other for exhaled air. The masks have a non-return valve.
Some clients breathe normally just as they would outside the chamber, others inhale and exhale deeply. It is purely a matter of choice but be aware that actively breathing during the session can be surprisingly tiring.
Your oxygen mask should be worn throughout the entire session which will last for approximately 90 minutes. If you need to take a break or have a drink of water, please have your disposable mask ready to place over your mouth and nose and if possible inform the other clients in your session that you will be removing your oxygen mask for a time.
Once all clients are seated the operator will close the door seal and begin pressurisation. This is where the air pressure increases slowly, and you may feel slight ear discomfort similar to that experienced when flying in a commercial aircraft.
It normally takes 5-10 minutes to pressurise the barochamber to the required depth.
There will be some noise during this time, as the chamber is pressurised, and also the noise of breathing via your oxygen mask. We have a communication system which enables clients to speak to the operator at any time, and also for the operator to inform the clients that the required depth has been reached and that to tell clients that the session is ending and that depressurisation is about to begin.
Non-verbal communication can aid communication during the session as follows:
Thumbs up = ok
Thumbs down = there is a problem
Hand out flat = Stop
If you experience discomfort in your ears due to the pressure, please signal the operator.
The ears can be cleared by removing your mask, having a drink of water, by pinching your nose and breathing down deeply, or by the operator reducing the pressure in the chamber until you are comfortable.
If you are in severe discomfort you must inform the operator who can then end the session by depressurising the chamber gently.
There are a number of items prohibited in Barochambers. It is the responsibility of each client for making sure that none of these items are taken into the oxygen chamber:
1. MOBILE PHONES
2. MATCHES AND LIGHTERS.
3. SMOKING MATERIALS.
4. EXPLOSIVE DEVICES.
5. AEROSOLS.
6. SWEETS/ CHEWING GUM/ FOOD/ALCOHOL.
7. LOOSE BATTERIES.
8. CHEMICAL CLEANERS.
9. SOLVENTS.
10. VOLATILE DRUGS.
11. GLASS BOTTLES.
12. WATCHES.
13. THERMO FLASKS.
14. HAND & BODY WARMERS.
15. HANDBAGS.
16. SUGAR,FINE POWDERS AND FLAMABLE FOODS.
17. PETROLEUM BASED GREASES AND FLUIDS.
18. CAR KEYS
19. IPADS/ TABLETS,
20. KEYS.
21. FIT BITS OR ANY FITNESS TRACKERS
When the session is coming to an end, the operator will inform clients that re-pressurisation is about to occur.
Please keep your oxygen mask on.
When the chamber has been fully de-pressurised, the operator will open the door of the oxygen chamber and will direct you to take off your oxygen mask and replace it with your disposable mask. Due to Covid-19 restrictions we need to do this on a one client at a time basis.