Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) might sound futuristic, but it has actually been used for many applications for more than a century. Originally developed to treat decompression sickness in deep-sea divers (you probably learned about “the bends” in school), this remarkable therapy has found applications in mainstream medicine.
It’s now being used to support everything from injury recovery to cognitive function.
At Sabrael Wellness, we offer softshell HBOT sessions in a calming, spa-like setting so you can experience the benefits of oxygen therapy safely, comfortably, and on your schedule. You can get started here.
A Quick Dive into History: From the Ocean Floor to the Clinic
Some people claim that hyperbaric oxygen devices were first discovered in the 1600s. While we’re not quite sure about the nature of said devices, it’s clear that people have been experimenting with pressurized chambers and their benefits for quite some time.
In the early 1800s, scientists discovered that divers exposed to rapid pressure changes could develop a dangerous condition known as “the bends” or decompression sickness. The solution? A sealed chamber where atmospheric pressure could be gradually controlled and pure oxygen delivered to the body—helping nitrogen bubbles dissolve and relieving symptoms.
Over time, HBOT expanded beyond diving injuries. It became a recognized medical treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning, non-healing wounds, radiation injury, and serious infections. Today, HBOT is used both in hospitals and wellness clinics to support healing and recovery at a cellular level.
What Symptoms and Conditions Can HBOT Help With?
While some applications of HBOT are FDA-approved and hospital-based, many individuals benefit from regular wellness-focused HBOT sessions for issues like:
- Fatigue and brain fog
- Poor circulation and cold extremities
- Chronic inflammation
- Migraines and headaches
- Post-surgical or injury recovery
- Immune system support
- Long COVID symptoms
- Aging-related cognitive decline
By flooding your body with oxygen in a pressurized environment, HBOT provides your cells with exactly what they need to repair, regenerate, and thrive.
What Is a Softshell HBOT Machine?
At Sabrael Wellness, we use softshell chambers. These are flexible, portable, and designed for safe use in a wellness setting. The chamber is pressurized to about 1.3 ATA (atmospheres absolute)—a gentle increase compared to hospital-grade hard chambers, but enough to create real, measurable biological effects.
Once inside the chamber, you’ll breathe in concentrated oxygen while the air pressure increases around you. You can relax, lie back, and even take a nap while the therapy works its magic. Sessions typically last 60–90 minutes and are completely noninvasive.
How Does Softshell HBOT Compare to Other Modes?
In summary, softshell HBOT is ideal for wellness support, chronic inflammation, fatigue, brain fog, and recovery from physical exertion. It’s comfortable, noninvasive, and safe for frequent use.
But softshell chambers are just one mode of HBOT. You may find these other options at hospitals or various wellness clinics. Here’s how they compare to others:
- Hard-shell monoplace chambers: These are found in hospitals and deliver 100% medical-grade oxygen at higher pressures—usually 2.0 to 2.4 ATA. Patients lie in a clear acrylic tube, and the entire chamber is pressurized. These units are FDA-approved for treating serious conditions like carbon monoxide poisoning, radiation burns, severe infections (e.g., necrotizing fasciitis), and non-healing wounds in diabetic patients.
- Multiplace chambers: These larger, hospital-grade units can accommodate multiple people at once and are typically used in military or emergency settings. Patients wear oxygen masks while sitting in a pressurized room. These chambers allow for medical staff to be present inside during treatment and are used for complex cases that may require monitoring or intervention.
- Oxygen hoods and masks in pressurized rooms: Sometimes used in research or rehabilitation centers, this hybrid model allows people to receive oxygen in a shared pressurized space with individual oxygen delivery systems like masks or hoods. It’s less common but still clinically relevant in some specialized settings.
The Science: How Pressure and Oxygen Work Together
So, how does HBOT work on a cellular level?
With the average person, red blood cells transport oxygen from the lungs to tissues throughout the body. This system works well when oxygen demand is low and blood flow is optimal. But when circulation is impaired—due to injury, inflammation, or chronic illness—typical oxygen delivery isn’t enough, and this can slow healing and increase stress on your cells.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy changes this process through pressure. Inside the pressurized chamber, you’re not just breathing in concentrated oxygen—you’re absorbing it in a completely different way. The increased pressure forces oxygen to dissolve directly into your blood plasma, lymph fluid, and even cerebrospinal fluid. This dramatically raises oxygen levels throughout the body—up to 10–15 times normal concentrations—without relying solely on red blood cells.
What does this mean for your body? Even tissues with restricted blood flow—like wounds, inflamed joints, or damaged nerves—can suddenly receive the oxygen they’ve been deprived of. This oxygen-rich environment kickstarts a series of healing responses at the cellular and molecular level, including:
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Increased stem cell release
HBOT stimulates the release of stem cells from bone marrow into the bloodstream. These undifferentiated cells are the body’s repair team, capable of regenerating tissues damaged by injury, inflammation, or disease.
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Improved mitochondrial function
Mitochondria are your cells’ power plants, producing energy (ATP) from oxygen and nutrients. By boosting available oxygen, HBOT enhances mitochondrial efficiency, helping your body recover from fatigue, boost mental clarity, and improve endurance.
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Reduction in inflammatory markers
Chronic inflammation is at the root of many diseases. HBOT helps downregulate pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress, allowing the body to move from a state of damage to repair.
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Enhanced white blood cell activity
Oxygen supports immune cells in identifying and destroying pathogens more effectively. It also improves their ability to clean up cellular debris, reducing infection risk and accelerating tissue healing.
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Angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation)
In response to increased oxygen, the body initiates the growth of new capillaries in areas of low circulation. This long-term adaptation supports sustained healing and better nutrient delivery well after therapy sessions end.
Over time, these benefits can add up to better energy, clearer thinking, faster recovery, and overall resilience.
Ready to Experience It for Yourself?
Your wellness journey is personal—and at Sabrael Wellness, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re recovering from injury, managing chronic inflammation, or just want to feel your best, our softshell HBOT chamber offers a noninvasive, relaxing, and scientifically-backed tool to help you get there.
Book your session today and discover how oxygen—delivered the right way—can transform your health.
