My Experience in a Hyperbaric Chamber

I recently went to DeLorey Chiropractic in De Pere to use their hyperbaric chamber, as I bid on and won sessions at my kids’ school fundraising auction. Here is what I learned about hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT).

Why try a hyperbaric chamber? In a pressurized chamber, you receive 100% pure oxygen. This increases oxygen levels in the blood and enhances your body’s healing process at the cellular scale. It helps decrease both swelling and inflammation, making it a whole-body treatment. It is even considered safe for children.

To start, call ahead to make an appointment and plan enough time so you are not rushed. I recommend 2.5 hours for the first time as you go through a 30-minute consultation, 20 minutes of explanation, and about 10 minutes of paperwork. The consultation explains a lot about how oxygen gets into your body better when pressurized. I really enjoyed it as Dr. DeLorey is very knowledgeable. Once in the chamber, you’re there for over an hour as you stay at pressure for an hour plus about 10 to 15 minutes each pressurizing and depressurizing.  

Before you get in the chamber, you're asked to go to the restroom. Then you’re given a choice of Pur Gum to chew to help equalize pressure. (Honestly, the pressure was not even as bad as riding on a plane.) Once you enter the chamber, you are given a mask with oxygen, a walkie-talkie to communicate if needed as they check in on you often, and noise-canceling headphones if in the Grand Dive (larger one). You are allowed water (only) inside the chamber. My first time was in the Grand Dive, which is the large soft chamber with a very comfortable, fluffy chair. Other dives I went between the Grand Dive and Vitaerus chamber, which is a lay-down chamber, which is also very comfortable. The staff are great at explaining everything and are very kind and knowledgeable, including teaching the use of diving signs. I loved that they asked, “How was your dive?” and called it my “first dive.” 

Tips: You cannot wear anything that smells or anything with a battery. I had to take off my Oura ring and, of course, no phone. It’s very comfortable, so I read a book for over an hour. You definitely want to use the restroom right before getting in because you’re in the chamber for about an hour and a half. Also, since you use diving signs, do not show “thumbs up,” only the “OK” sign, meaning you’re all good. Another hint is to be sure your sinuses are clear, as one time my ears did hurt. The staff was great at responding to my walkie-talkie and then slowed the pressure until I could clear my ears. It’s why they constantly say, “pressure and crackling are ok, pain is not.”

As you do more dives, you’ll go a little more quickly into the dive, as it’s amazing how quickly you can acclimate to different pressures once you're used to it. Most dives take about an hour and a half from start to finish.

Also, I did one dive in the hard chamber. I needed a different mask in this chamber, as it takes you to a higher pressure. You can use a sit-up pillow or lie down. It has a reading light if you like to read while diving, as I do.

My biggest takeaway was how rested and refreshed I felt. One fun thing to me was how quickly my cut knuckle healed once I was consistent with my dives. Before, my knuckle seemed to not completely heal before I’d bump it and hurt it again. Within a week of consistent dives, it was healed enough that it didn’t hurt every time I bumped it.

DeLorey Chiropractic has soft and hard chambers depending on the amount of pressure that you need. They also offer discount packages. If you purchase a package, you can keep your oxygen mask for other sessions in a cubby at the office. Much more info is found on their YouTube channel: DeLorey Chiropractic.

There are a few other places in the Green Bay Area that offer Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: Eden Healing Oasis, Club Five Health, and some hospitals.

Have you ever tried a hyperbaric chamber? What was your experience? I definitely plan to do it again as I feel I need it!

Written by Ashley Damp whose personal experience in a hyperbaric chamber was between 9.5.25 and 12.26.25.