Contraindications

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy – Important Information

At O₂ North West®, your safety always comes first.

The pressures used within our clinic (1.4 ATA and 1.5 ATA) are generally very well tolerated by most people. However, there are some situations where it is better to postpone your session until you are feeling better.

When Should I Reschedule My Session?

Please do not attend your appointment if you are currently suffering from:

• Ear pain or an ear infection
• Blocked ears or difficulty equalising pressure
• Nasal congestion
• A cold, flu or viral infection
• A sinus infection
• A chest infection or persistent cough
• A fever or acute illness
• A severe headache or migraine
• A recent eardrum injury
• Recent ear surgery

In most cases these are temporary issues and, once resolved, you can book and attend your session as normal.

If you’re unsure, simply give us a call. We’d much rather answer a quick question than have you travel unnecessarily.

Medical Conditions

Some medical conditions may require a discussion before treatment can begin. These include:

• Type 1 Diabetes (Monitoring is highly recommended before and after sessions)
• Epilepsy or seizure disorders
• Pregnancy
• Previous lung injuries or certain respiratory conditions
• Untreated pneumothorax (collapsed lung)

The owner and operator of O₂ North West® is himself a Type 1 diabetic and daily HBOT user, with a history of significant musculoskeletal injuries. This reflects an important principle of hyperbaric therapy: a medical condition does not automatically mean treatment is unsuitable. Safe treatment depends on the individual, their current health status, and an appropriate assessment process.

COPD

Unfortunately, due to insurance restrictions, we are currently unable to accept clients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

This is an insurance requirement rather than a reflection of whether HBOT may be beneficial for an individual. If you have COPD and are seeking treatment, we are happy to recommend alternative medically supervised facilities that may be able to assist.

Our Approach

Our goal at O₂ North West® is simple: to provide Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy safely, professionally and honestly.

We do not believe in creating unnecessary barriers to treatment, nor do we believe in taking unnecessary risks. Every person is different, and many people living with long-term health conditions safely use Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy every day.

If you have a question about whether HBOT is suitable for you, please get in touch. We’ll always give straightforward advice and, where appropriate, point you in the right direction.

Claustrophobia

Some people worry that they may feel claustrophobic inside a hyperbaric chamber. In reality, most clients are very surprised by how comfortable the experience is.

Our chambers at O₂ North West® are bright, spacious and designed to allow plenty of natural light inside. Each chamber also features multiple viewing ports, allowing clients to see out throughout their session.

You are never left alone and can communicate with us at any time during treatment.

If you have concerns about claustrophobia, please let us know before your first session. We’ll explain exactly what to expect, answer any questions, and ensure you’re comfortable before treatment begins.

In our experience, most people settle in very quickly and are often surprised at how relaxed they feel once the session gets underway.

Should you wish to stop a session at any time, the chamber can be safely and gradually returned to normal pressure.