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What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy? Everything You Need To Know

What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy? Everything You Need To Know

What is hyperbaric oxygen therapy?

It's a therapeutic practice where a person breathes in nearly 100% oxygen inside a pressurized chamber, which allows the body to absorb more oxygen into the bloodstream than it normally would at sea level.

This increased oxygen intake supports healing, reduces inflammation, and improves overall wellness. At Drip IV, we offer soft-shell hyperbaric oxygen therapy. This safe and non-invasive option helps clients improve energy, mental clarity, and  recovery through consistent oxygen exposure in a pressure-controlled environment. Whether you're an athlete, a busy professional, or someone managing chronic fatigue or brain fog, HBOT may be a natural solution to help restore your vitality.

  1. What Does a Hyperbaric Chamber Do?

  2. What Conditions Can Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Help With?

  3. Are Soft Shell Hyperbaric Chambers Effective?

  4. What Does a Hyperbaric Chamber Session Feel Like?

  5. Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Safe?

  6. How Many Sessions of Hyperbaric Chamber Therapy Are Needed?

  7. Does Insurance Cover Hyperbaric Chamber Therapy?

  8. Pros and Cons of Soft Shell Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?

  9. Frequently Asked Questions

  10. Final Thoughts


CTA: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Webpage CTA

What Does a Hyperbaric Chamber Do?

A hyperbaric chamber increases the atmospheric pressure around your body, which helps your lungs absorb more oxygen than you normally would while breathing room air. This extra oxygen enters the bloodstream and reaches areas with reduced circulation, such as damaged tissues or inflamed joints, accelerating the body's natural healing processes.

At Drip IV, our soft-shell hyperbaric chamber operates at 1.3 ATA (atmospheres absolute), providing sufficient pressure to enhance oxygen delivery without the risks or complications associated with higher-pressure, hospital-grade chambers. The goal is to promote recovery and general wellness, not to treat acute medical emergencies.

What Conditions Can Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Help With?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is FDA-approved for certain medical conditions. Still, it is also widely used in wellness settings to support overall health. While soft shell chambers are not approved for treating life-threatening conditions, they are effective in helping clients manage a variety of issues:

fatigue iconFatigue and burnout: HBOT can increase cellular energy by enhancing mitochondrial function and improving oxygen availability, thereby reducing feelings of exhaustion.

 

brain fog iconBrain fog and mental clarity: Oxygen-rich environments help the brain function more efficiently, supporting focus and short-term memory.

 

joint pain iconInflammation and joint pain: Enhanced oxygen delivery can reduce swelling and promote faster recovery from physical strain or injury.

 

muscle recovery iconMuscle recovery: Athletes and fitness enthusiasts use HBOT to speed up post-workout recovery and reduce delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).

 

skin health iconSkin health and aging: Some evidence suggests HBOT can stimulate collagen production and support anti-aging processes.

 

sleep quality iconSleep quality: Users report improved restfulness, likely due to reduced inflammation and enhanced brain oxygenation.

 

These uses make HBOT a valuable wellness service, especially when combined with other regenerative therapies.

Are Soft Shell Hyperbaric Chambers Effective?

Soft shell chambers are effective for non-emergency, wellness-oriented goals. While they don’t provide the same level of pressure (2.0+ ATA) used in hospital settings, soft shell chambers still offer meaningful physiological benefits:

  • Tissue oxygenation improves at 1.3 ATA when combined with high oxygen flow, thereby supporting healing processes.
  • Stress reduction and relaxation occur naturally in the calm, pressurized environment of the chamber.
  • Immune function may benefit from improved cellular activity and oxygen delivery.
  • Recovery support is well-documented among athletes using soft-shell HBOT regularly.

For general wellness, soft shell chambers strike a balance between safety, comfort, and effectiveness. They're ideal for proactive health maintenance rather than acute care.A woman making a salad in her kitchen promoting total wellness.

What Does a Hyperbaric Chamber Session Feel Like?

During a soft shell HBOT session, you’ll lie comfortably inside a padded, inflatable chamber. As the pressure gradually increases, you might feel a mild popping in your ears, similar to what you feel during takeoff in an airplane. This pressure equalizes quickly and doesn't cause discomfort for most people.

The oxygen is delivered straight through the chamber, so no need for a mask or headset, and most people spend the hour relaxing, listening to music, or even taking a nap. The chamber is spacious enough to stretch out, and there’s no sensation of confinement or tightness.

At Drip IV, our team monitors every session to ensure your comfort and safety from start to finish.

Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Safe?

Yes, HBOT, especially in soft shell chambers, is considered very safe for the general population. It is a non-invasive, drug-free option with minimal side effects. Here’s what you should know:

  • Common sensations include ear pressure, mild warmth, or temporary tiredness following a session.
  • Rare side effects might include sinus discomfort or minor lightheadedness.
  • Pre-existing conditions, like certain lung diseases or untreated sinus issues, may require a conversation with a healthcare provider before starting HBOT.

Soft shell chambers, operating at lower pressure, significantly reduce the risk of oxygen toxicity or barotrauma. With proper guidance and session oversight, most users experience only positive results.

How Many Sessions of Hyperbaric Chamber Therapy Are Needed?

The number of sessions depends on your personal wellness goals. Here's what you can generally expect:

Logo - Drip IV BR (250 x 250 px) (2)-1

1-3 Sessions

Ideal for short-term recovery, relaxation, or a trial experience.

Logo - Drip IV BR (250 x 250 px) (3)-1

5-10 Sessions

Common for managing inflammation, fatigue, or enhancing cognitive performance

Logo - Drip IV BR (250 x 250 px) (5)-1

Ongoing Sessions

Weekly or bi-weekly sessions are often used to support lifestyle goals, such as fitness, focus, and stress management.

Does Insurance cover Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?

HBOT is only covered by insurance when used to treat specific FDA-approved medical conditions, and only in certified hospital-grade facilities. These conditions include:

  • Carbon monoxide poisoning
  • Gas embolism
  • Decompression sickness
  • Radiation tissue damage
  • Chronic wound healing (in diabetics)
  • Skin graft or burn complications

Since Drip IV offers wellness-based therapy in a soft shell chamber, insurance does not cover these sessions. However, our pricing makes HBOT accessible:

  • $95/hour for non-members
  • $80/hour for members
  • $50/hour when added to any of our other services

This allows clients to enjoy the benefits of HBOT without the red tape of insurance billing or referrals.

Pros and Cons of Soft Shell Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Pros Cons

✅  Non-invasive and drug-free, making it a safe wellness option.

✅  Accessible without a prescription, perfect for proactive health

✅  More affordable than hard shell alternatives, especially with bundled pricing

✅  Effective for boosting recovery, energy, and focus when used regularly

✅  Comfortable and relaxing environment, ideal for stress relief

❌  Lower pressure than a medical-grade chamber, which limits its use for critical conditions

❌  Not covered by insurance, so it's an out-of-pocket service

❌  Requires multiple sessions to see consistent, lasting benefits.

❌  Not a substitute for medical treatment if you have serious health conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Final Thoughts

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has evolved from a niche medical treatment into a powerful tool for wellness, recovery, and performance support. While hospital-grade chambers are used to treat serious medical conditions, soft shell hyperbaric chambers, like the one at Drip IV in Lafayette, offer a safe, accessible, and effective way to experience the core benefits of HBOT without the clinical setting.

Whether you're looking to boost mental clarity, reduce inflammation, speed up recovery, or simply give your body more of what it needs to perform at its best, soft shell HBOT can be a valuable part of your health routine. With minimal side effects, relaxing sessions, and no need for a prescription, it’s an easy step toward better energy, focus, and overall vitality.

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog regarding the potential benefits of micronutrients is for informational purposes only. While micronutrients may offer various health benefits, we do not make any claims or guarantees regarding the effectiveness of these nutrients for specific health conditions. Micronutrients should not be considered a treatment for any illness or medical condition. Our goal is to offer supportive therapy to the body, and we recommend consulting with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet or supplement routine.


About Drip IV

Drip IV Logo-1Drip IV is a leader in the delivery of intravenous micronutrient therapies servicing both Lafayette and Baton Rouge, Louisiana. As a drip infusion bar, we provide Semaglutide for weight loss, NAD+,  and IV nutrition therapies for EnergyHydrationImmunityPerformance & Recovery, which may benefit COVID-19 and Long COVID symptoms and recovery. Our Baton Rouge location is proud to offer Stem Cells and aesthetic services like BOTOX, Dysport, Xeomin, and Lip Fillers.

Lafayette: 4906 Ambassador Caffery Pkwy, Bldg. B, Lafayette, LA 70508
Baton Rouge: 7731 Perkins Rd STE 135, Baton Rouge, LA 70810

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