What to Expect
A Breath for Life has a large purpose-built chamber which can comfortably sit 5 people.
Sessions take a total of around 1.5 hours.
If you have any specific requirements (like wheelchair access or a need for an accompanying carer/parent), we are very happy to accommodate but please let us know in advance, to ensure sufficient space.
You may then rest, read, listen to music, sleep…
It’s your opportunity to relax and get better!
No smoking materials, matches, lighters or vapes are allowed in the chamber.
Here’s a temporary video of a quick tour of the facilities here at A Breath For Life
Typically, you will be sharing the chamber with other people, so please avoid using perfumes, aftershaves or other strongly scented products.
You can wear normal clothes and you are welcome to bring a book or an electronic device e.g. mobile phone, tablet, laptop, games … to help pass the time. There is Wi-Fi available. Headphones can also be used and are recommended.
To minimise the risk of fire, please note that any device capable of producing a spark or flame must be left outside the chamber. Similarly, we recommend that car keys are not taken in as they can be activated by the pressure, which can cause their batteries to fail.
If you need to use any medication during your session this is fine. Inhalers, tablets, sprays or any other types of medicine can be used as required. Some people find a saline nasal spray helps with sinus and ear equalisation.
Once everyone is sat comfortably…
The operator will slowly increase the pressure. You may feel a sensation similar to that experienced when coming in to land in an aeroplane. Before your session, the operator will show you simple techniques that you can use to equalise (or “pop”) your ears to allow for this pressure change.
You can eat and drink during a session, and sometimes chewing or sucking a sweet can help you to equalise ear pressure. If your ears are uncomfortable, please let the operator know via the intercom; there are a few things that they can do to help you to successfully equalise them.
You may also notice a slight increase in temperature. There are fans which can be activated to help cool if you need them.
When the pressure reaches 10 feet equivalence, the operator will speak over the intercom to ask you to put on your mask or hood.
The 100% oxygen delivered through sealed masks and hoods, under pressure is the Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT). The mask or hood can be removed at any time if required, but should obviously be replaced as soon as possible for maximum effect.
The operator will gradually increase the pressure to the equivalent of 24 to 33 feet (1.75 to 2 ATA) and then remain at this pressure for 1 hour. The pressure reached is determined by the operator.
After an hour at this pressure, we gradually decompress back to normal atmospheric pressure. At 10 feet you may remove your masks or hoods.
The temperature will cool down during this phase.
After the session…
You should not feel many after-effects, however your ears may pop for a little while afterwards.
Your body is having a little workout, so some people find that they feel quite weary.
Most people feel that they sleep better after a session!
Pure oxygen can leave you feeling dry, so having a drink of water afterwards is always a good idea to keep hydrated while your body is working away. You should drink a little more later in the day too.