NUMA uses Monoplace hyperbaric chambers, which are designed to accommodate only one patient at a time. The hyperbaric chambers are compressed with air, and oxygen is given through facial masks.
Our chambers have a clear acrylic window that allows our trained technicians to closely monitor the patient and permits the patient to see outside of the chamber. Patients are observed throughout the session and able to communicate with the attending chamber operator via an intercom.
Read more about the benefits of oxygen therapy.
During your treatment, you are allowed to nap or read a book. The use of small devices such as a mobile phone or tablet for entertainment or work is also permissible. Food and drink are not allowed in the chamber for your safety.
There are several stages during a typical treatment.
At the start of the treatment session, oxygen starts flowing in through the oxygen mask, and pressure in the chamber gradually increases. You may start feeling a fullness sensation in the ears, similar to ascending or descending in an airplane. This fullness should only last about 10-15 minutes and an experienced NUMA hyperbaric chamber operator will guide you to relieve any ear pressure. Once treatment pressure is reached, you can relax and breathe normally. Near the end of the treatment session, the hyperbaric technician will gradually decrease the pressure in the chamber which takes about 10 minutes. During this decompression stage, it is common for patients to experience a slight popping sensation in the ears as a result of the change in pressure. The majority of our patients find hyperbaric oxygen therapy sessions to be relaxing.
We hope that each session with NUMA will leave you feeling peaceful and relaxed.
We advise loose-fitting cotton clothing, avoidance of cosmetics, perfumes, hair sprays, deodorants and jewellery. The chamber operators need to know if any medications, including non-prescription drugs, are being taken by the patient, and patients are advised not to take alcohol or carbonated drinks for four hours prior to treatment.
Both nicotine and caffeine cause blood vessels to constrict and may reduce the effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. We strongly advise avoidance of all tobacco during the period of your treatments and thereafter if at all possible.
Please have a light, nutritious meal one to two hours before your scheduled treatment. If you have diabetes, your blood glucose will be checked before and after each treatment, because hyperbaric oxygen treatments can occasionally lower blood glucose levels.
Please see our pricing page for full details on cost.
You may read more on other Frequently Asked Questions on Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.
