What to Expect

Learn how to prepare and what will happen when you visit Olmsted Medical Center (OMC) for hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT).

How to Get Ready

Stay safe during HBOT by not bringing or wearing certain items into the HBOT chamber. These include:

  • Alcohol- or petroleum-based products
  • Hairspray or hair oils
  • Hearing aids
  • Makeup or nail polish
  • Metallic items, such as jewelry, watches, and coins
  • Perfume or aftershave
  • Wigs or hairpieces

What Will I Wear?

You'll be given a 100 percent cotton garment to wear during therapy. Leave other clothing items outside the chamber.

Before Treatment

Tell your doctor if you take any prescription or over-the-counter medications or if the medications you take change over the course of your treatment.

Before a treatment session, tell your doctor if you have symptoms of an illness like:

  • Chills
  • Cold
  • Cough
  • Influenza (flu)
  • Nausea
  • Sore throat
  • Vomiting or diarrhea

For Patients With Diabetes

If you have diabetes, follow a healthy diet and take your medications to control your blood sugar level. Your doctor will check your blood sugar before HBOT.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Chambers Image

How to Prepare & What to Expect

Your treatment will take place in one of the OMC advanced hyperbaric chambers, nicknamed "Yogi" and "Boo-Boo."

During Therapy

The pressure and temperature in the chamber will increase as your chamber fills with 100 percent oxygen. The temperature can change to suit your preference.

You may feel fullness in your ears. Ask your HBOT technician how to clear the pressure. During treatment, you'll be able to watch movies or TV shows, or take a nap. 

Take a virtual tour of OMC's Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Chamber.

After Therapy

After treatment, the pressure in the chamber will return to a normal level and the chamber will feel cooler. 

Side Effects of HBOT

You may have:

  • Vision changes that are temporary and go away a few weeks after you stop therapy
  • Tiredness

These symptoms are normal. You don't need to change your eyewear prescription during HBOT.

Tobacco Use

Throughout treatment, avoid smoking or using tobacco products. Tobacco can make it harder for your wound to heal.