Many patients ask us:
“If I feel great, why would I stop hyperbaric oxygen therapy?”
“Can I ever have too much?”
The answer: Breaks are not only safe — they’re essential to getting the best results.
Why Breaks Matter
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is very safe when supervised properly, but your body responds best when therapy comes in cycles. Think of it like exercise — progress happens during rest as much as during the workout itself.
The Power of “Air Breaks”
During a session, patients switch briefly from 100% oxygen to normal air. This:
- Prevents oxygen overload
- Triggers healing signals inside your cells (called the “oxygen paradox”)
- Promotes anti-inflammation, tissue repair, and even stem cell growth
Air breaks are one of the reasons HBOT is so effective today.
The Three Waves of Healing
Healing doesn’t stop when you leave the chamber. Breaks at every level help your body recover and improve:
- Within a session – Short air breaks protect you and boost results.
- Weekend pauses – Even two days off each week enhance the “oxygen paradox.”
- Treatment cycle breaks – After about 30–40 dives, we recommend a two-week rest. Patients often notice they keep improving during this pause.
What Patients Notice
- Better endurance and strength after rest periods
- Continued healing momentum for weeks, even without new sessions
- Renewed progress once therapy resumes
In other words: the time you spend outside the chamber is just as important as the time you spend inside.
The Bottom Line
If your doctor recommends a pause, don’t worry — it’s part of the plan. HBOT works in waves. Rest periods allow your body to reset, recharge, and build on the progress you’ve already made.
Breaks don’t stop healing. They make it stronger.
