What to Expect During a Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Session: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you are considering hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), knowing what happens during a session can help you feel confident and prepared. HBOT involves breathing 100% medical-grade oxygen inside a pressurised chamber to support healing, recovery, and overall wellbeing.
This guide explains each stage of a hyperbaric oxygen therapy session at OXYplus Newcastle, from arrival and preparation through to treatment and aftercare.
Overview: How a HBOT Session Works
A hyperbaric oxygen therapy session follows a structured process designed to ensure safety, comfort, and effectiveness. Each visit includes:
Check-in and consultation
Health assessment
Pre-treatment preparation
Oxygen therapy inside the chamber
Post-treatment checks and aftercare
Every step plays an important role in maximising the benefits of HBOT.
Arriving for Your HBOT Session at OXYplus Newcastle
When you arrive at OXYplus, you will be welcomed by a trained member of our team who will guide you through the check-in process. We take time to explain the session, answer questions, and ensure you feel comfortable before treatment begins.
Initial Consultation and Check-In
During your first visit, your technician will:
Review your health history and treatment goals
Explain how hyperbaric oxygen therapy works
Answer any questions you may have
Confirm your treatment plan and session length
Transparency and clear communication are a priority at OXYplus.
Pre-Treatment Health Assessment
Before entering the chamber, a brief health assessment is carried out to ensure HBOT is safe and appropriate for you.
This may include:
Blood pressure and pulse checks
Review of current symptoms
Blood glucose checks for diabetic clients
This assessment allows treatment to be tailored to your individual needs and helps ensure a safe experience.
Preparing for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Proper preparation is essential for safety inside a high-oxygen environment. You will receive a clear “what to expect” guide before your appointment.
Key Preparation Guidelines
Before entering the chamber, you will be asked to:
Remove jewellery, watches, and electronic devices
Avoid cosmetics, perfumes, deodorants, oils, or hair products
Wear comfortable clinic-approved clothing
Avoid alcohol and smoking before treatment
Eat a light meal 1–2 hours beforehand
These steps reduce risk and help create a safe treatment environment.
Entering the Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber
At OXYplus, we use single-occupant medical-grade monoplace chambers, allowing for personalised treatment and close monitoring.
Once inside the chamber:
The door is securely sealed
Pressurisation begins gradually
You lie comfortably throughout the session
The chamber is clear, well-lit, and designed to minimise feelings of confinement.
During the HBOT Session
Pressurisation Phase
At the start of the session, pressure increases slowly over several minutes. You may notice a sensation of fullness in your ears, similar to flying. Your technician will guide you through simple techniques such as swallowing or yawning to relieve pressure.
Breathing Pure Oxygen
Once the target pressure is reached, you will breathe 100% medical-grade oxygen via a BIBS mask. In this pressurised environment, oxygen dissolves more efficiently into the bloodstream, supporting tissue oxygenation and cellular repair.
Sessions typically last 60–90 minutes, depending on your treatment plan.
You can communicate with the technician at any time during the session.
Completing the Session and Decompression
At the end of treatment, chamber pressure is reduced gradually over 5–10 minutes. This controlled decompression allows your body to return comfortably to normal atmospheric pressure.
Once the chamber is opened, your technician will assist you out and carry out a brief post-treatment check.
Post-Treatment Checks and Aftercare
Health Check
After your session, vital signs may be rechecked, and your ears assessed to ensure pressure has equalised comfortably.
Some people feel:
Slight fatigue
Increased thirst
Mild hunger
These effects are temporary and normal.
Aftercare Guidance
You may be advised to:
Drink plenty of water
Eat a light meal
Rest if needed
Avoid strenuous activity immediately after treatment
OXYplus provides clear aftercare guidance to help you maximise the benefits of HBOT.
Managing Common Concerns
Ear Pressure
Our team will coach you through safe techniques to manage ear pressure throughout the session.
Claustrophobia
OXYplus chambers feature large viewing panels and can be depressurised quickly if needed. Technicians remain in constant communication to ensure comfort and reassurance.
Benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
With consistent sessions, HBOT may support:
Faster tissue healing
Reduced inflammation
Improved circulation
Enhanced recovery from injury or fatigue
Immune system support
Benefits are cumulative and vary depending on individual health goals and conditions.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Newcastle at OXYplus
At OXYplus Newcastle, we deliver professional, evidence-based hyperbaric oxygen therapy using:
Medical-grade monoplace chambers
100% pure oxygen via BIBS masks
Personalised treatment plans
Trained supervision and strict safety protocols
Whether you are supporting recovery, performance, or overall wellbeing, our team ensures every session is safe, comfortable, and tailored to you.
Book Your HBOT Session with OXYplus
If you are looking for hyperbaric oxygen therapy in Newcastle Upon Tyne, OXYplus offers a professional and personalised approach you can trust.
Book your consultation today and learn what to expect from your first HBOT session.