What happens during treatment?
You will go into a multiplace chamber - able to accommodate several patients with a technician, who will be inside, with you at all times.
Oxygen will be delivered via a comfortable mask or hood, allowing you to relax and read while the treatment is going on.
Once comfortably inside the chamber, you will be aware of air slowly being pushed into the chamber - called compression. At this point you will feel a fullness in your ears similar to that felt in an aircraft.
Once you feel this you should clear your ears. This is most easily done by moving
your lower jaw around or blowing through your nose while holding your nostrils
between your fingers, with your mouth closed.
You will be shown this in detail by the technician. If you feel any discomfort,
tell the technician who will be able to help you. At the end of the treatment
the mask or hood will be removed and the air inside the chamber slowly released.
This is called decompression.
You will feel your ears pop again, which is normal, but you will feel no pain.
Total treatment takes about 1 hour 40 minutes for daily cases, while emergency
cases can take up to 12 hours.
How do I prepare?
It is important to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled treatment.
Please do not smoke for about two hours before and after your oxygen treatment. We suggest that if at all possible you should stop smoking as this will help wound healing.
No alcohol prior to treatment.
Eat a regular meal before treatment, especially if you are diabetic. Some diabetic patients may need to slightly reduce insulin dosage.
Take your medications (if any) as usual. But remember to tell the doctor what they are or if they have been changed.
If you have a cold or sinus congestion tell the doctor before going into the chamber.
Prohibited items
Certain things cannot be brought into the chamber. If you are not sure, ask the technician.
Petroleum Jelly or other ointments
Synthetic Clothing (Cotton clothing is fine)
