Hyperbaric Oxygenation Therapy
OxyGeneration offers simple, painless, non-invasive Hyperbaric Oxygenation Therapy.
The air we breathe is made up of 21% oxygen, and for those of us living in Galway, at sea level, we live at normal air pressure measured at 1.0 ATA. Hyperbaric Oxygenation Therapy (HBOT) involves breathing in high concentration oxygen, between 90% - 96%, while at an increased air pressure of 2.0 ATA, twice the pressure as normal.
The pressure increases the amount of oxygen your blood can carry compared to normal air pressure. We need oxygen to function and when tissue is injured, it requires even more of it to heal. Having an increased amount of oxygen in our blood enables the oxygen to reverse low oxygen states (hypoxia), and regulate the body’s immune response, and initiate processes such as the creation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis).
At OxyGeneration, we have a state-of-the art purpose-built multi-person chamber (14-seat) which safely creates this pressurised environment, and through the oxygen delivery system, clients breathe in high-concentration oxygen during a session. OxyGeneration provides non-emergency hyperbaric oxygen therapy for 80 minutes sessions in line with FDA and EUBS standards. Please see the FAQ for more technical information on suitability for HBOT and on the chamber.
How It Works
Hyperbaric Oxygenation Therapy allows a person to breathe high concentration oxygen (90-96%) at twice the air pressure at sea level (2.0 ATA). The red blood cells (haemoglobin) become saturated with oxygen, therefore, the extra oxygen is dissolved in the blood plasma. This means more oxygen can be carried by the blood than at normal air pressure.
This means your blood carries more oxygen around your body. The extra oxygen reaches tissues that are low in oxygen (called hypoxic tissue) and helps them heal. It stimulates the release of growth factors, which are natural substances that tell the body to repair damaged tissue. The extra oxygen also helps regulate the body’s immune system, supports the growth of new blood vessels (angiogenesis), and encourages the production of stem cells that help with healing.
In addition, oxygen can reduce inflammatory cytokines, which are substances that causing swelling and inflammation. HBOT can help with calming inflammation, fighting bacterial infections, and stimulating the growth of new blood vessels (angiogenesis), collagen (connective tissue), skin cells and bone.
What to Expect at OxyGeneration
Our HBOT sessions are structured along the following steps:
You are required to arrive 45 minutes before the start of your first scheduled session. This is to allow time to fit you with your oxygen facemask, show you how to use it and familiarise you with the clinic, chamber and equalising techniques for your ears.
Returning clients are required to attend 15 minutes before the start of their session.
When you arrive, you need to check in with the team at reception. Then you can relax in our lounge area, use the facilities (including disabled), get your mask ready and put personal items into the lockers. Plus note that certain items are not permitted in the chamber. Please see the FAQ for a full list.
When it’s time, one of our team members will ask that everyone enters the hyperbaric chamber and takes a seat. They will run through safety procedures, answer any questions you may have, and if required, help you prepare your mask.
The chamber is then closed and as people settle in, have a chat or read their book the chamber is pressurised to the required level. This process takes approx. 10 minutes, and like on a plane, you may notice the change in pressure in your ears. For most people a yawn or wiggle of their jaw works to equalise their ears.
Once the pressure is reached, an announcement is made on the intercom advising clients to put on their individual oxygenation masks, which are connect to the delivery system behind each seat. Don’t worry, you can breathe in normal air without a mask at all times during the session but it’s the mask that delivers the oxygen required for hyperbaric oxygenation therapy. The chamber will stay at the required pressure for an hour.
After this period, another announcement will be made informing clients that the chamber will commence depressurisation, which takes 10 minutes or so. This change in pressure causes the temperature in the chamber to fall a few degrees, so we recommend having a jumper or extra layer if chilly! Once the chamber is completely depressurised, the door is opened and clients can exit the chamber.
From start to finish, clients will be in the chamber for approximately 80 minutes during which they may read, relax, watch the installed television screen or otherwise occupy themselves.
Customised & Group Sessions
Please note, if you have booked custom sessions for your sports team, medical research group, or a child the above may vary depending on the extent of customisation.
Procedures may vary depending on conditions at the time. Team members will clearly outline requirements at time of booking.