Hyperbaric Medicine
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Hyperbaric Medicine

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Treatment Details

About the chamber

  • DHMC's hyperbaric chamber is 119 inches long and 42 inches wide. It allows a patient to lie down comfortably. The spaciousness of the chamber helps those who may otherwise be claustrophobic. If claustrophobia is an issue, we can offer medication to help during treatment.

  • The hyperbaric chamber at DHMC was custom-built by Gulf Coast Hyperbarics. The chamber is used to treat approved medical indications and also for research.

Photo of hyperbaric chamber

Preparing for treatment

  • Avoid using deodorants, hairsprays and ointments before treatment.

  • Remove hearing aids, dentures, hard contact lenses, wigs, retainers, removable dental partials, and jewelry before entering the chamber.

  • You will wear 100% cotton scrubs we supply while you are in the chamber.

  • If you have a cold or the flu you may not be treated in the chamber that day.

During treatment

  • During your treatment you will lie on a padded stretcher in the hyperbaric chamber. The chamber is an enclosed space, like a very small submarine, with four porthole windows, and adjustable lights.

  • We will provide pillows and blankets to make you as comfortable as possible while in the chamber.

  • The therapy does not hurt. You feel as if you are breathing normal air. The only way you would know the pressure is changing is by a popping feeling in your ears, similar to what you might feel in a descending airplane. We are committed to making your treatment as comfortable and relaxing as possible.

  • The average treatment time from start to finish may be up to two hours.

  • You can listen to music or perhaps enjoy a video or TV show. Many patients choose to listen to a book on tape while in the chamber.

  • A hyperbaric specialist will be interacting with you all the time during treatment, answering your questions and attending to your needs.

During your course of therapy

  • We will be very involved with both you and your physician during your course of therapy.

  • In general, most patients receive therapy five days a week for several weeks. This may vary according to your specific needs.

  • We will give you vitamin E to take daily.

  • If you are a wound care patient, we will also instruct you about the types of dressings and ointments that can be used during your course of therapy.