Educational content only, no medical advice or health claims.

What is a hyperbaric chamber?

A hyperbaric chamber is a sealed vessel where the air pressure is intentionally raised above normal atmospheric pressure (sea level = 1.0 ATA). Sessions follow a controlled profile: pressurize → hold → depressurize, operated by trained personnel and tracked with gauges, alarms, and logs.

How pressure works

• ATA (Atmospheres Absolute): The unit used to describe pressure inside the chamber.

• At higher ATA, gases behave differently in air and fluids. Pressure is increased gradually and decreased gradually to keep users comfortable and equipment within limits.

• Most people feel pressure changes in their ears, swallowing or yawning helps equalize.

What a typical session looks like

1. Pre-check: Operator reviews checklists, confirms site readiness, and explains equalization.

2. Pressurization: Pressure increases at a set rate; the operator watches gauges/alarms.

3. Steady state (hold): Chamber remains at the target pressure for a planned time window.

4. Depressurization: Pressure returns to 1.0 ATA at a controlled, comfortable rate.

5. Post-check: Operator logs the session, inspects equipment, and resets for the next user.

Core components you’ll see

• Pressure vessel: The rigid body (hard-side chambers use metal/acrylic structures engineered to specific ratings).

• Door system & seals: Hinges/latches, gaskets, and viewing windows designed for repeatable closure and leak control.

• Safety valves (OPVs/relief valves): Automatic valves that vent if pressure exceeds set limits; usually redundant.

• Manual dump / emergency equalization: Let's operators reduce pressure quickly but safely.

• Monitoring & controls: Analog/digital gauges, controller, alarms, and interlocks.

• Air supply & filtration: Compressors, filters/dryers, and check valves for clean, dry intake air.

• Environmental control: A/C cooling and drying to manage temperature and humidity and reduce condensation/fogging.

• Communications & lighting: Intercom, internal lighting, and viewing ports to keep users and operators connected.

Safety systems & procedures

• Redundancy: Multiple relief valves and independent indicators (don’t rely on one component).

• Interlocks & alarms: Prevent unsafe door operation and alert operators to off-nominal conditions.

• Checklists & logs: Standard operating procedures (SOPs) for pre-use, during use, and post-use; session details are recorded every time.

• Training: Operators are trained on pressurization rates, equalization coaching, emergency procedures, and routine maintenance.

Types of chambers (quick guide)

• Soft-side (“mild”): Portable, lower pressure range; different materials and infrastructure.

• Hard-side: Rigid construction, higher working pressures, expanded safety/monitoring, and more robust access options.

• Monoplace vs. multiplace: Single-occupant (compact footprint) vs. multi-occupant (larger infrastructure).

• Access options: Standard door sizes vs. gurney-friendly doors for smoother transfers where needed.

Environmental comfort & user experience

• Space: Interior diameter and bed length matter; more room usually feels less confining.

• Air quality: Cooling/drying keeps air comfortable and helps with visibility and electronics longevity.

• Noise management: Properly isolated compressors and airflow design reduce sound levels.

• Visibility/communication: Windows, lighting, and intercom support a calm, connected experience.

Installation & site readiness (high-level)

• Access path: Measure doorways, hallways, and turns for delivery and placement.

• Power & ventilation: Provide dedicated electrical circuits and airflow for support equipment.

• Placement: Ensure stable flooring, service clearances, and a safe operator station with a line of sight.

• Local oversight: Many jurisdictions use building/fire codes and may reference national safety standards; check requirements with your local authority before installing.

Operations & maintenance

• Daily: Visual checks, leak checks, gauge/alarm test, log review, and housekeeping.

• Scheduled: Filter changes, valve inspection, door seal inspection, fastener checks, and calibration of sensors per manufacturer guidance.

• Record-keeping: Maintain session logs, maintenance logs, and incident reports for traceability and quality control.

Myths vs. facts 

• Myth: “It’s just more oxygen.”
  Fact: It’s a pressurized environment. Pressure itself is a primary parameter, which is why safety valves, gauges, and trained procedures are essential.

• Myth: “All chambers are basically the same.”
  Fact: Materials, pressure ratings, access, monitoring, cooling, safety redundancy, and serviceability differ widely among models.

• Myth: “You can install one anywhere.”
  Fact: Requirements vary by location and occupancy type; always verify what your local authority expects before you plan a site.

Where Nova fits (at a glance)

• Construction: Hard-side chamber manufactured in the USA in an ASME-certified welding shop.

• Working pressure: Up to 2.0 ATA (single-place).

• Interior: 34-inch internal diameter, 7′6″ length, 7′ bed.

• Access: 30″ door (Nova) or 72″ × 22″ gurney-ready door (Nova Elite).

• Comfort & control: Integrated A/C cooling/drying, multiple redundant relief valves, active monitoring, installation + operator training included.