Preparing for Your First Dive: A Checklist

To ensure a smooth and safe experience here is a First Session Checklist and a Contraindications List.

To get the most out of your 1.8 ATA session, please follow these simple steps:

  • [ ] Hydrate: Drink a glass of water or electrolytes about 30 minutes before your session.
  • [ ] Eat Lightly: A small meal is fine, but avoid large, heavy meals or carbonated drinks immediately before your session to prevent digestive discomfort under pressure.
  • [ ] Clothing: Wear comfortable, breathable clothing (100% cotton is best) to minimize static electricity. Bring a clean pair of socks.
  • [ ] Bathroom: Use the restroom right before your session so your relaxation isn’t interrupted!
  • [ ] Entertainment: Bring a book, tablet, or phone (set to “Airplane Mode”) and your favorite headphones.
  • [ ] Remove “Pressure-Sensitive” Items: Leave high-end fountain pens or strictly airtight containers outside, as the pressure changes may cause them to leak.

Here is what you can expect to feel during your first session:

During the Session

  • Ear Pressure (The “Pop”): As the chamber pressurizes, you will feel a fullness in your ears, very similar to ascending or descending in an airplane. You’ll need to “equalize” frequently by yawning, swallowing, or using the Valsalva maneuver.
  • Temperature Fluctuations: As the air compresses, the cabin can feel slightly warmer. Once the pressure stabilizes, the temperature usually levels out, but you might feel a slight chill during the “off-gassing” at the end.
  • Static Electricity: Because the environment involves dry, moving air and synthetic materials, you might notice a bit of static on your skin, hair, or clothing. It’s harmless, but definitely a “fizzy” sensation!
  • A “Cocoon” Effect: Soft chambers have a slight give to them. You may feel a gentle sense of being hugged as the walls become firm and the internal space reaches its set atmosphere (usually 1.3 ATA).
  • White Noise: The constant flow of air from the concentrator creates a rhythmic, humming sound. Many people find this meditative and use the time to nap or read.

After the Session

  • Lightheadedness or Dizziness: It is common to feel a bit “floaty” or slightly dizzy immediately after exiting. This is usually just your body readjusting to standard atmospheric pressure and the sudden increase in oxygen.
  • The “Oxygen High”: Many first-timers report a sense of mental clarity, alertness, or a mild euphoric feeling shortly after their session.
  • Increased Thirst: Oxygen therapy can be surprisingly dehydrating at a cellular level. You might feel a strong urge to reach for a glass of water right away.
  • Detox Fatigue: On the flip side, some people feel a wave of tiredness a few hours later. This is often a “Herxheimer-like” response as the body begins processing toxins and repairing tissues.
  • Tingling Sensations: You might feel a slight “fizzing” or tingling in your extremities (fingers and toes) as your circulation improves and oxygen-rich blood reaches smaller capillaries.

Pro Tip: Wear comfortable cotton clothing to minimize that static electricity and bring a bottle of water for the drive home!

Safety First: Contraindications

While 1.8 ATA hyperbaric therapy is extremely safe for most people, there are specific conditions that require a doctor’s clearance or may prevent you from using the chamber.

Absolute Contraindications (Do not use)

  • Untreated Pneumothorax: A collapsed lung that has not been treated is the only absolute reason to avoid HBOT.

Relative Contraindications (Consult your doctor first)

  • Active Ear or Sinus Infections: If you cannot “pop” your ears due to a cold or infection, wait until you are clear.
  • Severe Emphysema or COPD: Chronic lung conditions require a physician’s oversight.
  • Pregnancy: While there is no evidence of harm, we generally advise waiting until after delivery as a precaution.
  • Certain Medications: Specifically Bleomycin (chemotherapy), Cisplatin, or Disulfiram (Antabuse).
  • Recent Ear Surgery: Please wait until your ENT gives the “all clear.”
  • Pacemakers: Most modern pacemakers are pressure-rated, but you must check your specific model’s depth rating.

PubMed References for Safety & Guidelines

  1. On Contraindications & Patient Selection:
    • Reference: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Indications.
    • Summary: This clinical review from the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) outlines the gold standard for who should—and should not—receive hyperbaric treatment, emphasizing the safety profile of the procedure.
    • PMID: 28613486
  2. On Ear Safety (Barotrauma Prevention):
    • Reference: Prevention of middle ear barotrauma during hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
    • Summary: This study reviews the efficacy of “slow descent” protocols and the use of decongestants or specific maneuvers (like the Valsalva) to ensure patient comfort, particularly in “mild” pressure settings.
    • PMID: 26152102
  3. On Device Safety (Electronics in Chambers):
    • Reference: Fire safety in hyperbaric chambers.
    • Summary: This paper discusses safety protocols for materials and electronics in pressurized environments, justifying the preference for cotton clothing and “low-voltage” personal devices in a controlled setting.
    • PMID: 22164903
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