Article reviewed by: Dr. Sturz Ciprian, Dr. Tîlvescu Cătălin and Dr. Alina Vasile
How much does a hyperbaric therapy session cost?
In the modern medical industry, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is considered one of the most innovative treatment methods. This regeneration and healing therapy is gaining more and more popularity due to its remarkable benefits on the human body.
The benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy are remarkable as it can be used in the treatment of various conditions such as traumatic injuries, burns, bedsores, osteomyelitis and even neurological disorders.
In addition to the many beneficial effects on the physical body, hyperbaric oxygen therapy also has a positive impact on mental health. The release of oxygen into our body stimulates the brain and can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. A list of indications already approved by ECHM and FDA can be found in the following sections:
Acute indications: https://hyperbarium.com/en/indications/acute
Chronic indications: https://hyperbarium.com/en/indications/chronic
What is the price of a session in the hyperbaric chamber?
Before comparing hyperbaric chamber therapy prices, the most important thing is to make sure you know the main differences between HBOT and mHBOT chambers.
The most important, but not the only, technical differences are given by the purity of the oxygen used in the therapy, as well as by the working pressure, expressed in absolute atmospheres (ATA).
In Romania, the price of a therapy session in HBOT rooms (medical devices) usually varies between 400 and 700 Lei. In the Hyperbarium Oradea clinic, the cost of a single session in the hyperbaric chamber is 500 Lei, and the cost drops to 400 Lei for a minimum number of 20 sessions. In most countries with a well-developed medical system, such as Austria, Germany, France or Italy, the price usually exceeds 300 Euros/session, reaching 600 Euros/session in some clinics.
In these hyperbaric chambers, only treatment schemes targeted and standardized by ECHM and UHMS are applied, which follow an oxygen exposure time of approximately 80-90 minutes, depending on the treatment scheme. Added to this is the time required for compression and decompression (approximately 30-40 minutes). And the pressure in medical HBOT chambers is up to 3 ATA, while the oxygen purity must be at least 99.5%.
Price of therapy in mHBOT capsules (non-medical)
In contrast, in the (non-medical) mHBOT hyperbaric chamber or capsule, the total duration of a session usually varies between 60 and 90 minutes. The pressure in these chambers is approximately 1.3 ATA, and the oxygen purity can vary between 24% - 90%, with no mandatory minimum standard for any of these characteristics. The price of a session in such capsules in Romania usually varies between 180 - 300 Lei.
Although European regulations prohibit the promotion of mHBOT chambers in the context of medical treatments, several cosmetic salons and certain medical clinics promote therapies in mHBOT chambers as a medical treatment.
This creates confusion for both patients and some doctors, who often receive unclear information about the actual features of hyperbaric chambers.
Another important aspect to specify is that the ATA pressure is composed of the value of the atmospheric pressure (1 bar) + the value of the additional pressure in the hyperbaric chamber. So in reality the value of 2 bar should be compared with 0.3 bar, which we find in most non-medical mHBOT cameras.
Due to the markedly inferior characteristics, mHBOT chambers (non-medical) are only approved for one condition (Acute Mountain Sickness) and should under no circumstances be used in other conditions where hyperbaric therapy is indicated.
Is HBOT room treatment settled by CAS?
In contrast, in the (non-medical) mHBOT hyperbaric chamber or capsule, the total duration of a session usually varies between 60 and 90 minutes. The pressure in these chambers is approximately 1.3 ATA, and the oxygen purity can vary between 24% - 90%, with no mandatory minimum standard for any of these characteristics. The price of a session in such capsules in Romania usually varies between 180 - 300 Lei.
Although European regulations prohibit the promotion of mHBOT chambers in the context of medical treatments, several cosmetic salons and certain medical clinics promote therapies in mHBOT chambers as a medical treatment.
This creates confusion for both patients and some doctors, who often receive unclear information about the actual features of hyperbaric chambers.
Another important aspect to specify is that the ATA pressure is composed of the value of the atmospheric pressure (1 bar) + the value of the additional pressure in the hyperbaric chamber. So in reality the value of 2 bar should be compared with 0.3 bar, which we find in most non-medical mHBOT cameras.
Due to the markedly inferior characteristics, mHBOT chambers (non-medical) are only approved for one condition (Acute Mountain Sickness) and should under no circumstances be used in other conditions where hyperbaric therapy is indicated.
Is HBOT room treatment settled by CAS?
Hyperbaric oxygenation treatment has a cumulative effect, so for maximum effectiveness, the number and duration of sessions, chamber pressure and oxygen purity are all important to the success of the treatment. The number of sessions as well as the treatment protocol can only be determined after a consultation with a hyperbaric medicine specialist.
The future of hyperbaric therapy
Hyperbaric therapy is an innovative and promising method of treatment that has a huge potential to heal and regenerate the human body. Its remarkable benefits and positive impact on mental health make hyperbaric therapy an attractive option for patients and doctors.
However, it is important to understand that hyperbaric therapy is not suitable for all conditions and that each case must be evaluated individually. It is essential that patients talk to their doctor about available treatment options and make informed decisions about hyperbaric therapy.
In the future, hyperbaric therapy is expected to continue to evolve and become an important component of modern medicine. Research and studies in the field will continue to bring new discoveries and innovations, opening doors to new treatment and healing options.
Hyperbaric therapy has the potential to change patients' lives and bring hope to the treatment of conditions that until now had no effective solutions. With wider access and better information, hyperbaric therapy can become a standard option in the treatment of many conditions, bringing significant improvements in patients' quality of life.
To safely benefit from the studied effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, it is important to ensure at least three things:
- The hyperbaric chamber is medically accredited and operated by certified personnel according to the rules in force.
- The pressure in the chamber can reach 3 ATA. (ATA pressure is composed of the value of the atmospheric pressure 1 bar + the value of the additional pressure in the hyperbaric chamber)
- Oxygen inspired during therapy must have a purity greater than 99.5%. For more technical details, but also for information on the different types of hyperbaric chambers, click here: Medical HBOT chambers or mild HBOT chambers?
