FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

TOP 6 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW TO HAVE A GREAT SESSION...

1. No smoking. Cant get in our chamber if you smoke anything within 3 days. Negates the oxygen and smells up the chamber. (Includes cigars, cigarettes, cannabis)
2. Please arrive clean and dont wear perfume or cologne.
   
3. Stop drinking anything 90 minutes before session so you don't have to urinate during the session, but please don't skip any meals and good idea to bring something to eat immediately after. Usually stimulates hunger / digestion.
4. If you have ANY mobility issues, bring someone to help you. We can not lift you.
5. No food or gum inside the chamber.

WHAT IS MILD HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY (HBOT)?
HBOT is a method of delivering extra oxygen into the body, mainly through the process of increasing the pressure that the body is normally under. In terms of HBOT, pressure is normally quantified in ATA and currently we are all standardized to be less than 1.0 ATA of atmospheric pressure. When someone undergoes hyperbaric therapy, the pressure becomes greater than 1.0 ATA and in hospitals and wound care centers can typically reach 2.0 or even 3.0 ATA. Each atmospheric pressure represents 33 feet of seawater, so at 2.0 ATA, it would be equivalent for you to be at a depth of 33 feet below sea level. Once at this depth, 100% oxygen will be administered for the full duration of the treatment, which normally lasts for 60 to 90 minutes per session, and this procedure can be repeated twice per day with a 4-hour break in between. For chronic or hard-to-heal wounds, this dosage is typically repeated daily from anywhere between 10 and 80 hours.

The FDA approves hyperbaric treatments for the following  conditions:

1. Decompression Sickness,
2. Gas embolism,
3. CO and Cyanide poisoning,
4. Gas Gangrene,
5. Selected aerobic and anaerobic soft tissue infections,
6. Osteomyelitis,
7. Intracranial abscess,
8. Management of Fungal disease,
9. Radiation injury to tissue,
10. Exceptional blood loss/anemia,
11. Crush injury/ compartment syndrome,
12. Ischemia reperfusion injuries,
13. Skin grafts and flaps, Healing in selected problem wounds, treatment of thermal burns.

Many doctors and clinical researchers in the field of hyperbaric medicine believe that HBOT may help many more conditions and improve quality of life. Please be aware that if you are using this to treat a medical condition other than the above conditions, then the FDA considers this an off-label treatment and wishes you to make sure that you have sought out all FDA-approved treatments first and fully understand the benefit to risk ratio before making your decision.

WHAT IS MILD HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY (HBOT)?
Mild HBOT represents a lower pressurized chamber, generally under 1.5 ATA, and typically at 1.3 ATA. These lower atmospheric pressures (representing roughly only 10 feet below sea level) allow for greater safety, while still allowing for the delivery of much higher levels of oxygen into the tissues. The FDA has cleared Mild HBOT as an approved treatment for those suffering from altitude sickness, where oxygen levels can become dangerously low at higher elevations -- a condition that is life threatening. The extra oxygen delivered through m-HBOT is so significant that it can be enough to help reverse this life threatening condition!

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MILD HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY (m-HBOT)?
One of the key determinants of HBOT is pressure and the greater the pressure, the greater the amount of dissolved oxygen into the body. Note, it does not take much pressure to deliver extra amounts of physiologically- available oxygen. During m-HBOT, the added pressure allows extra oxygen to be absorbed and transferred from the lungs into the blood, causing a greater saturation of blood oxygen levels. As this rich oxygenated blood makes its way to damaged tissue, extra oxygen is now readily available and can be potentially utilized for enhancing tissue repair and regeneration while also still being able to provide its potent anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effects. The FDA once again cautions the use of HBOT, including m-HBOT if its not used for one of the approved medical conditions, in this case altitude sickness. Although these lower pressures have both been reported to have significant benefits, which are now being supported and validated though clinical research trials, we would still encourage you to follow the FDA guidelines in looking into "medically approved" options if you are looking at using m-HBOT to help with a medical condition.

WHAT IS TARGETED HYPERBARIC THERAPY (t-HBOT)?
t-HBOT is Targeted Hyperbaric Therapy. At Taos Hyperbaric and Colonics Center, Low Level Light Therapy is combined with HBOT in order to increase the oxygen levels to localized tissue. Normally this is done in low pressure chambers (m-HBOT) to help increase the dose of oxygen delivered to localized tissue without increasing the systemic blood oxygen levels that would normally be required to reach these thresholds needed in localized tissue. Basically it points to an area of the body to help deliver the effects of HBOT to that focused area. Both therapies have been individually shown to exert positive effects, but the combined approach has recently been reported to have much greater effects. While still in its research phase, t-HBOT may prove to be a powerful tool for localizing the effects of HBOT.

DO I HAVE TO BREATHE 100% OXYGEN OR AMBIENT AIR?
Traditionally, hyperbaric oxygen is defined as breathing 100% oxygen under pressure. However, ambient air still contains 21% oxygen, and when you breathe it under pressure, more oxygen will get transferred into the body. More importantly, the extra oxygen enters the blood plasma (liquid) and gets oxygen into much deeper areas (i.e., where inflammation impedes blood flow) and in places where red blood cells cannot normally reach. This is a great technique to achieve greater levels of oxygen without the associated risks of being in high oxygen environments.

WHAT IS THE RECOMMENDED SCHEDULE?
When looking for the full regenerative benefits, the reported benefits using HBOT or m-HBOT have typically been from those who have had one to two sessions per day (with a 4-hour interval between the start of each session for those who have 2 sessions per day). People who live nearby may choose to do one session daily. The leading proponents of HBOT recommend a minimum of 20 sessions and preferably up to 40 in the initial schedule. Following 40 sessions, you may re-evaluate for discernible benefits before proceeding. If you have local areas of concern, you may combine this procedure with Low Level Light therapy, providing a focused approach, which we have found has even provided noticeable benefits when applied once or twice per week.

HOW LONG DOES EACH SESSION LAST?
Typically, sessions last a minimum of 60 minutes. Pressurizing the chamber typically takes 5-10 minutes (up to 25 min.). Upon reaching your scheduled depth, you will receive a timed 60 minutes session (on average), after which we depressurize the chamber (for 5-10 minutes) and your session will be completed. Allow up to 1.5-hours for each session. 30-minute sessions are becoming increasingly more popular for quicker energy boosts, particularly in m-HBOT.

IS THERE A DOCTOR ON SITE?
We do NOT have a doctor on site. We provide low-pressure hyperbaric therapy (m-HBOT), which has an impeccable safety record. Further, we follow (and have been trained by) a leading naturopathic physician and expert in HBOT, Dr. Ratansi, ND. He is also our hyperbaric advisor and can help answer any questions that you may have regarding HBOT. Dr. Ratansi is also able to talk to your current healthcare provider(s) and help to determine, integrate, and personalize your hyperbaric health program. We encourage you to take advantage of this valuable service.

DO I NEED TO HAVE A PRESCRIPTION TO GO INSIDE THE CHAMBER?
****  You do NOT need a prescription for High Altitude Sickness ****
You need a prescription if you have a CONTRAINDICATION for undergoing HBOT.
Please see the Contraindication List given below.

As mentioned previously, we are well trained to run and operate the chamber and have one of the leading experts in this field, Dr. Ratansi, ND is our hyperbaric advisor. He has summarized a safety-screening exam for your local doctor/practitioner, and can help facilitate to speak to your doctor directly if needed.  

WHAT ARE THE RISKS, CONTRAINDICATIONS, AND AREAS OF CONCERN?
Performed in a clinical setting, m-HBOT has repeatedly been shown to be extremely safe. The only noted side effects have been limited to higher-pressure chambers used to treat acute life-threatening conditions in hospitals, and even those side effects are very rare, It should be noted that the only absolute contraindication for undergoing HBOT is a collapsed lung (pneumothorax). 

Areas of concern would be:

• Severe lung or heart disease: This is because we would not want fluid to build up into the lungs.
• Uncontrolled Diabetes: This is because we do not want the blood sugars to drop too low if HBOT was combined with patient self administered overdose of diabetic drug therapy.
• History of Seizure or Uncontrolled fever: This is because we would be concerned with exacerbating seizure activity, particularly if blood sugars are low.
• Changes in Vision: This is rare and a temporary change in vision that has been associated with higherpressure chambers and not m-HBOT. Changes in vision include getting either a little worse (Myopia) or better (Presbyopia). Note: these cases are rare and associated with higher oxygen dosages. If you notice any changes, please let the attendant know and don?t worry, as the vision tends to go back to its originalstate within 3 months from discontinuing the sessions. For that reason, it is not advised to change prescriptions during this time period.
• History of Cataracts: Though HBOT cannot cause cataracts, this procedure may cause formed cataracts to mature more quickly
• Pregnancy: As a precautionary measure, with no studies to support why not, HBOT is not used during pregnancy unless with a doctor's prescription.
• Current upper respiratory infections, chronic sinusitis or sinus problems: These conditions cause a higher probability of problems during pressurization and are generally recommended to be treated before going into HBOT. Must be able to clear your ears.
• Claustrophobia: Some clients may suffer from Claustrophobia. This is managed by maintaining communication, use of relaxation techniques and mild sedation, if necessary. If you have a problem with this condition, please let us know.

WHAT TYPE OF CHAMBER IS USED?
Our chamber is an OxyHealth mild hyperbaric chamber that goes to a depth of 1.3ATA, allowing you to use the option of either filtered room air or higher oxygen concentrations through the use of an Air-Sep Medical Oxygen Concentrator. Our chamber provides a free-flow system of air, allowing the internal environment to remain continually fresh, while providing added safety measures for eliminating any fire concerns, by not allowing oxygen levels to build up to dangerous levels. OxyHealth hyperbaric chambers have had a flawless record in clinical activity.

HOW DOES IT FEEL?
As the chamber is being pressurized, air presses on your eardrums and pushes them inwards. This pressure feels similar to the pressure that you feel in your ears when you are flying in an airplane. The majority of people (90%) automatically and easily adjust to these pressure changes, while reporting no adverse effects. If you are in the 10% minority, then the only problem that you may experience with this is either discomfort or pain in your ears or sinuses, similar to that which you would feel if you were congested while landing from an airplane. The only difference is that you cannot tell the pilot on an airplane to stop. In the case of HBOT, we would encourage you to signal or radio the attendant immediately if you have discomfort in your ears or sinuses. Don't wait until it really hurts. The attendant will stop pressurizing and decrease the pressure until you are comfortable and able to equalize the pressure. When you're comfortable the attendant will resume pressurizing. Our attendants are well experienced at dealing with these cases and are willing to work with you as required. Here are some techniques in helping to equalize your ears: Try to swallow; yawn or drink sips of water. Turn your head to one side and swallow, then turn to the other side and swallow. Repeat if necessary. The Valsalva Maneuver: Pinch your nose closed, close your mouth and lift the front-tip of your tongue towards the roof of your mouth. Attempt to blow through your pinched nose (short and sharp) but not too forcefully. This directs air from your throat into your ears and sinus air passages. A third method combines these techniques: try swallowing and wiggling your jaw while blowing gently against your pinched nose. If you have a history of problems with the ear when flying or traveling in the mountains you may wish to use nasal decongestants before the first few treatments.

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE CLIENT?
Your role is quite simple: to show up on time, communicate with our staff and attendants each time, and let them know if there are any changes in your health. For example, you may have reported on your first visit that you were not pregnant, but when you come in for multiple visits it is your responsibility to let us know if there are any changes in your health, and in this example it would be if you are potentially pregnant. This is the reason why the checklist for on-going hyperbaric sessions must be answered each time you go into the hyperbaric chamber. This is for your safety and once again it is your responsibility to let us know each time you go in if there are any changes in your health.

IS IT WARM INSIDE?
We air condition the room keeping it 60 degrees which then is filtered and goes through the chamber during the session. The air warms slightly as we pressurize and cools slightly as we depressurize. Soft flannel blankets are available for you during your sessions. We suggest you wear soft loose fitting clothing during your hyperbaric sessions.

DO YOU CLEAN THE CHAMBER AFTER EVERY SESSION?
YES. We disinfect the entire inside of the chamber after every session  including any place your fingers could touch. You are given a fresh mask and the Low Level Light Technology is also disinfected. Our sheets and blankets are organic flannel and washed between each session. You are assured pristine clean and fresh environment each and every session.

WHAT ABOUT SMOKING AND OTHER ODORS?
Smoke and other odors on your clothes are accentuated within the confines of the pressurized chamber. AVOID the detrimental effect of smoking on HBOT results by abstaining 3 DAYS PRIOR YOUR SESSION.  WE WILL NOT LET ANYONE IN THE CHAMBER WHO SMELLS OF SMOKE, CANNABIS OR CIGARS.  

Please do not use strong scented perfumes or deodorants.