The Evolution of Hyperbaric Chambers
The first hyperbaric chambers were nothing more than repurposed naval torpedo tubes. These crude decompression chambers simply used air under pressure. Over time, researchers began adding 100 percent oxygen, realizing it had significantly greater healing benefits when used under pressure.
Modern Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is built on this principle: delivering 100 percent oxygen at pressures up to 3 ATA (atmospheres absolute).
This combination enhances the body’s natural healing by saturating tissues with oxygen in ways that normal breathing cannot.
But not everyone in the industry is doing it right.
Some providers still use liquid oxygen systems that date back decades. Others flood a chamber with oxygen in risky ways, failing to follow safety standards. Thankfully, modern clinics use oxygen concentrators, which are safer and just as effective. But even there, the market has been flooded with imitations and shortcuts.
The Rise of the “Wannabe” Chambers
Soft-shell hyperbaric chambers began to appear, often made of reinforced vinyl. They looked impressive but delivered limited results. Some clinics marketed these devices as “almost as effective” as hard chambers. Others began using steel tubes with small windows, creating claustrophobic environments with very limited visibility or comfort.
Then came a new idea: give the patient an oxygen mask and pressurize the chamber with normal air. This is where things get even more misleading.
At first glance, it sounds the same. But in reality, it is not. Breathing oxygen through a mask in a pressurized room is not the same as being fully surrounded by 100 percent oxygen. You miss the critical benefits of oxygen being absorbed directly through the skin and even into areas like the cornea of the eye, where diffusion plays a key role.
These copycat systems often claim to be so safe that patients can enter fully clothed, with phones or other personal electronics in hand. But the presence of static electricity in a 100 percent oxygen environment is a serious hazard. No responsible clinic would allow that level of risk.
Why It Matters
The effectiveness of Hyperbaric Oxygen treatment depends on more than just the idea of oxygen and pressure. It relies on how it is delivered and why you are using it. For example, if you are seeking cosmetic benefits, full-body oxygen saturation is essential. The same goes for cellular healing, eye health, and overall recovery. If the system falls short, so do the results.
At Noah Clinics, we do things differently.
What Sets Noah Clinics Apart
Our hyperbaric chambers are built to the highest safety and performance standards. Rather than relying on outdated designs or soft materials, our chambers are engineered using robust, high-grade materials that exceed traditional medical standards.
We use state-of-the-art oxygen concentrators to ensure consistent, clean oxygen delivery. Every patient is provided with medical-grade cotton garments and given a full safety briefing before entering the chamber. We eliminate any potential sources of static, and no personal electronics are allowed inside.
Instead of distractions like phones, we provide a high-definition television and audio system, allowing patients to relax in comfort while their body heals. The atmosphere is calm and supportive, allowing for complete focus on recovery and wellness.
The Bottom Line
If you are considering hyperbaric oxygen therapy, make sure you are getting the real thing. The difference between high-quality Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and a poor imitation is more than comfort, it is about results and safety.
At Noah Clinics, we do not believe in shortcuts. We believe in real science, real healing, and real outcomes. If you are ready to experience HBOT the way it was meant to be, we are here to help.
Schedule your consultation today and see what true hyperbaric therapy can do for your health.
Written by Elias Tzanides, MD, FACP
