Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a unique medical procedure that involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized environment, usually in a specially designed chamber. HBOT has a lot of anecdotal evidence (including my own endosement) to back up its use as a therapy in CFS/FM, as well as a handful of scientific studies outlined below that show reductions in fatigue, pain and oxidative stress for CFS/FM patients and boosts to quality of life and cognitive function.
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How to Begin Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
As an initial experience, you’ll want to rent sessions from a local proprietor, which should be easy to find with an internet search. Chambers are rented out by spas, bio-hacking centers and sometimes by individuals who’ve invested in one for their personal use. I strongly recommend going for four or five sessions in a single week to get a real idea of how HBOT’s benefits build with repeated use.
While prices can vary signficantly, aim for something around or below $60 USD per session, with a minimum of 45 minutes per sesssion.
You may find that you experience additional benefit from sessions as long as 90 minutes, but as an initial experience, 45 minutes is a good toe-dipper.
The Difference Between Hard Shell and Soft Shell HBOT Chambers
In hyperbaric oxygen therapy, there are two types of chambers: soft shell chambers and hard shell chambers. The primary difference between these chambers is the pressure that they generate. While hard shell chambers are capable of generating higher pressures (up to 6 atmospheres absolute or ATA) and are thus better suited to treat more severe conditions, soft shell chambers usually generate lower pressures, typically limited to 1.3 ATA. This makes them a safer and more comfortable option for individuals who may not tolerate the higher pressures of hard shell chambers as well.
What to Expect From a Hyperbaric Oxygen Session
You’ll step into a soft- or hard-shelled chamber, lying comfortably on your back supported by pillows. You and/or the proprietor will then seal and secure the chamber with zippers and clasps to ensure it’s airtight.
The chamber will then pump in surrounding air to bring the pressure in the chamber up to the desired pressure level over a period of several minutes. The experience is much like ascending in a plane, and you should take care to relieve the pressure from your ears.
Once the pressure has reached the desired level, you’ll breathe pure oxygen through a canula for a period of roughly 45-90 minutes, depending on the chosen session length, after which the chamber will be slowly de-pressurized over a period of several minutes (much like descending in a plane); then the chamber can be safely unsealed and you may exit.
Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Dangerous?
If you’re concerned about the oxygen level within the chamber, fear not: most chambers pressurize using standard air, so there’s no risk of fire.
The only real chance of discomfort is if your ears pop from changes in pressure. If this a concern for you, you may want to bring gum to your session. It’s always possible to stop the (de-)pressurizing process temporarily if you need time to clear your ears.
In addition, it’s worth mentioning never to unseal the hyperbaric chamber while pressurized. If handling the (de-)pressurizing process yourself, keep a close eye on the pressure gauge. However, for your initial sessions, you’re certain to be guided by the proprietor and not have to concern yourself with the ins and outs of the machine at all.
Finally, it’s possible to experience what’s known as a Herxheimer or Herx reaction from HBOT therapy due to its action against anaerobic pathogens in the body, which may temporarily increase fatigue or other symptoms. While this is a temporary flare, it’s up to your personal judgement whether to continue HBOT therapy.
What Can You Bring Into a Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber?
As it turns out, nearly anything. Ear plugs or noise-canceling headphones are strongly recommended given the noise the continuously running air pumps pump out. Proprietors will likely disallow food or drink, but feel free to bring electronics, books, or even a blanket if it’s likely to be cool.
My Experience With HBOT Therapy for CFS/FM
I’ve done 100+ “dives” at this point and can confidently recommend hyperbaric oxygen as an ongoing treatment for CFS/FM.
While in the chamber, I find the concentrated oxygen lifts my mood, gives me a more positive outlook and fosters creativity. In short, it’s just a pleasure being in there.
Outside the chamber, regular sessions allowed me to substantially reduce the sleep aids I need to get decent sleep (and I need a lot) and facilitated more physical activity in the form of short walks, qi gong routines, etc.
The bottom line is that HBOT is not a cure for me, but a potent ongoing therapy tool that improves my quality of life. If I’d had more consistent access to an HBOT chamber I could potentially present an even stronger testimonial, but even with sporadic access, HBOT has outperformed the great majority of other CFS/FM therapies I’ved tried.
Buying an HBOT Chamber
If HBOT therapy is game-changing for you, it may become more convenient and economical to buy your own HBOT chamber at home.
Only soft-shelled chambers are sold for home use, and start at around $4000 for a single-person-sized unit. If you’re over about 5’10 (178cm) or 200lbs (90kg), you may want to consider getting a chamber sized for two people as getting in and out, especially while the chamber is deflated, can be a challenge.
In addition to the HBOT chamber itself, you’ll need an oxygen concentrator. These can also cost several thousand dollars new; look for a refurbished unit from a reseller if you can.
If operating the chamber alone, also invest in a cheap remote-controlled power strip that you plug the HBOT’s air pumps into. That way, you can switch them on and off at will from within the chamber.
Research Supporting HBOT Therapy in CFS/FM
Studies have shown that HBOT can be an effective therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and fibromyalgia (FM) patients.
One study published in the Journal of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome evaluated the effects of HBOT on 15 CFS/FM patients and found that HBOT improved their symptoms, including pain relief, increased energy, and better sleep quality. Another randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine showed that HBOT was an effective treatment option for CFS patients, having a positive impact on their quality of life and cognitive function.
Furthermore, a systematic review and meta-analysis conducted by Zhang and colleagues, published in the Journal of Neurology, found that HBOT can lead to improved cognitive function, quality of life, and reduced oxidative stress levels in patients with cognitive-related disorders, including CFS and FM patients.
Overall, these studies suggest that HBOT can be a promising therapy option for CFS and FM patients, with the potential to improve their symptoms and quality of life. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings and determine the optimal treatment protocol.
References:
- Gurbuz H, Karagulle M, Kavakli T, et al. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in chronic pain management. Current Pain and Headache Reports. 2014;18(6):1-8.
- Efrati S, Ben-Jacob E. Reflections on the neurotherapeutic effects of hyperbaric oxygen. Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics. 2014;14(3):233-236.
- Mathieu D, Marroni A, Kot J. Tenth European Consensus Conference on Hyperbaric Medicine: recommendations for accepted and non-accepted clinical indications and practice of hyperbaric oxygen treatment. Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine. 2017;47(1):24-32.
- Zhang J, Zhao T, Tian J, et al. Effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) treatment on cognitive function, quality of life, and oxidative stress in cognitive-related disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Neurology. 2020;267(2):402-412.
