What Are the Dangers of Personal Hyperbaric Chambers?

A hyperbaric chamber is a controlled room were people are subject to high pressures of pure oxygen, and personal chambers can be purchased and installed in the home. The treatment helps people suffering from "the bends," which can occur in scuba diving accidents; various ulcers; burns; and carbon monoxide poisoning. However, the treatment does not come without risks, which can range from minor to severe.

Ear and Sinus Pressure

• Because hyperbaric chambers rely on high-pressure environments for treatment, some people might find the experience painful if sensitive to pressure. Specifically, the high pressure could lead to pain either in the ears or the sinuses.

Anxiety Attacks

• Personal hyperbaric chambers are not intended to be roomy, and as a result a person using them will find himself in a tight space for prolonged periods of time, usually alone. If a person has difficulty staying calm in tight spaces, he could suffer from anxiety attacks as a result of being in the chamber. A person considering purchasing a personal chamber should be sure he can tolerate the small space for the treatment period. Using it initially with someone in the room might be helpful if he does have a panic attack.

Fire

• A fire cannot burn without oxygen, and because a hyperbaric chamber is full of pure oxygen, it can be a fire risk. The chamber, when filled, will be extremely flammable and could explode if the oxygen is exposed to an open flame or high heat source.