Accept No Imitations
In recent years, there has been a troubling rise in the number of clinics offering so-called Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) using soft-shell chambers, often marketed under the umbrella of “wellness,” “day spa,” or “alternative medicine.” These facilities may be run by chiropractors, dentists, acupuncturists, or other practitioners who do not hold the clinical credentials required to prescribe or supervise HBOT.
Let’s be clear: while HBOT is an incredibly powerful and safe medical treatment when administered correctly, unqualified administration can lead to dangerous, even tragic, outcomes.
Understanding the Difference: Hard-Shell vs. Soft-Shell Chambers
Soft-shell hyperbaric chambers, also called mild chambers, are often no more robust than a heavy-duty vinyl bag with a zipper. They may resemble a cross between a portable sauna and an overinflated duffel bag, claiming to be airtight and able to deliver therapeutic oxygen.
But here’s the reality:
- These chambers typically cannot exceed 1.3–1.5 ATA (atmospheres absolute), far below the 2.0–2.8 ATA required to treat many medical conditions.
- Most soft-shell systems use oxygen concentrators, which often fail to deliver a consistent or medically effective concentration of oxygen.
- Mechanical failures are not uncommon, and patients are frequently unsupervised, sometimes even operating the chamber themselves.
The risks? A treatment that is not just ineffective, but potentially hazardous.
The Myth of 21% Oxygen at Pressure
Some proponents argue that even atmospheric air (21% oxygen) under mild pressure can trigger healing. Historically, this concept dates back to improvised caisson chambers used in projects like the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge, designed to prevent decompression sickness, not to treat complex conditions.
Trying to replicate clinical outcomes using soft-shell chambers and room air is akin to breathing through a garden hose at the bottom of a pool. It’s not only inadequate, but also unsafe when done without proper protocols, oversight, and equipment.
Why Safety and Standards Matter
Every serious incident related to HBOT tends to have a few things in common:
- Unsupervised self-treatment
- Use of poorly maintained or substandard equipment
- Unqualified personnel delivering therapy
- Lack of medical oversight or emergency preparedness
At best, these practices offer no benefit. At worst, they can result in catastrophic injury.
How NOAH Clinics Does HBOT Differently
At NOAH Clinics, patient safety, clinical efficacy, and ethical care are the foundation of our approach to hyperbaric therapy.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Medical Oversight: Every patient is evaluated by a certified hyperbaric physician to determine candidacy and rule out any contraindications.
- Top-Tier Equipment: We use state-of-the-art, hard-shell hyperbaric chambers that meet and exceed Navy-grade standards, engineered for both safety and precision.
- Expert Staff: Our HBOT technicians are all highly trained and experienced, including ENT specialists with current certifications.
- Full-Spectrum Care: We treat both on-label and off-label conditions, grounded in current medical research and literature.
- Concierge Model: Our patients receive 360-degree care in a supportive, attentive environment where you’re not just treated, you’re heard.
Your Health Deserves the Real Thing
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is not a wellness trend or spa treatment; it is a medical intervention with powerful healing potential. When done correctly, it’s a game-changer. When done irresponsibly, it’s a risk.
At NOAH Clinics, we’re committed to providing HBOT the right way, with precision, professionalism, and compassion.
Book a free consultation today and discover what HBOT can do for your health journey.
