Our bodies rely on a constant supply of oxygen to stay alive. 

Oxygen is used by the body to produce energy (at a cellular level). 

If we are able to raise the amount of oxygen we have available in the body to an optimal level, we create an environment conducive for health , vitality and healing

A hyperbaric oxygen chamber is a vessel that creates an increase in atmospheric pressure (1,3 ATA) by using an air compressor wherein the occupant breathes oxygen-enriched air (95% oxygen). This creates a physiological process known as "hyperoxia"; which is the level at which the oxygen carrying capacity within the body is optimised. In other words, it oxygenates the cells in one's body.

At pressure, more oxygen is delivered to each cell of the body and so enhances the bodies natural healing process.

The oxygen chamber does not cure, but rather accelerates the recovery process and creates an optimal environment wherein the body can heal itself.

Oxygen is used by our bodies to generate energy. This energy is essential for many vital functions within our bodies. In addition to this basic vital function, having high levels of oxygen in cells and tissue has the following known benefits:

1) Fibrogenesis

2) Production of collagen

3) Stem cell production

4) Anti- inflammatory

5) Promotes tissue healing and repair

FDA (US food and drug administration) clearance of a medical device includes a determination that the device has the same intended use as, and is as safe and effective as, another legally U.S.-marketed device of that type. As of July 2021, the FDA has cleared hyperbaric chambers for the following disorders:

• Air and gas bubbles in blood vessels
• Anemia (severe anemia when blood transfusions cannot be used)
• Burns (severe and large burns treated at a specialized burn center)
• Carbon monoxide poisoning
• Crush injury
• Decompression sickness (diving risk)
• Gas gangrene
• Hearing loss (complete hearing loss that occurs suddenly and without any known cause)
• Infection of the skin and bone (severe)
• Radiation injury
• Skin graft flap at risk of tissue death
• Vision loss (when sudden and painless in one eye due to blockage of blood flow)
• Wounds (non-healing, diabetic foot ulcers)

In addition to the above conditions, those using HBOT treatments have also seen beneficial results with broader recovery and health related conditions such has soft tissue (muscle, tendon and ligament recovery), bone healing, damaged tissue healing in body parts including the brain (concussions, alzheimers, cerebral palsy, autism) and  fibromyalgia.

The fundamental difference lies in the pressure. HBOT (Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy) technically refers to everything above 1 ATA (Atmosphere), but UHMS (Undersea & Hyperbaric Medical Society) states that for clinical hyperbaric therapy, the pressure needs to exceed 1,4 ATA whilst breathing near 100% Oxygen.

mHBOT (medium hyperbaric Oxygen therapy) ranges between 1 ATA and 1,4 ATA whilst breathing Oxygen enriched air.

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The oxygen chamber at Cape Oxygen and Recovery Centre operates at 1,3 ATA and yields approximately 95% Oxygen enriched air at a flow rate of 10 liters per minute.

Hyperbaric therapy conducted at 1,3 ATA dramatically reduces claustrophobia and barotrauma events that frequently occur at higher pressures, whilst still maintaining an excellent level of hyperoxia.

Regarding safety, high-pressure environments carry a higher risk, while the use of mild pressure chambers significantly reduce the occurrence of adverse events and is therefore considered very safe to use and operate.

Oxygen in high doses can become toxic if it is inhaled for long periods of time or excessive pressures. The protocols of the chamber used by the Cape Oxygen and Recovery Centre means that these values of toxicity are never approached, making it impossible for a occupant to run any risk of Oxygen toxicity.

The bottom end of the Oxygen toxicity curve typically only starts to become a risk at ± 1,57 ATA in excess of 5 hours of exposure. The Cape Oxygen Chamber regulates at 1,3 ATA for 1 hour (max 1,5 hours) at a time. Used in this way there is zero chance of Oxygen toxicity occurring. 

Contraindications can be considered relative and/or absolute. HBOT and mHBOT are not recommended with the presence any absolute contraindication.

Due to the pressure at which our chamber operates, relative contraindications are largely risk free but to be on the safe side, we ask that a doctor's clearance is obtained for any of the below relative contraindications.

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• Untreated Pneumothorax (absolute contraindication)
• Certain anti-Cancer drugs i.e. doxorubicin, bleomycin and cisplatinum (absolute contraindication)

• Chronic sinusitis and upper respiratory infections (relative contraindication)

• Seizure disorders (relative contraindication)

• Emphysema with CO2 intoxication (relative contraindication)

• Uncontrolled high fever (relative contraindication)

• History of thoracic surgery (relative contraindication)

• History of ear surgery (relative contraindication)

• Asymptomatic pulmonary blebs (relative contraindication)

• Congenital spherocytosis (relative contraindication)

• Significant pulmonary obstructive disease (e.g. asthma, emphysema, obstructive bronchial disease, bullous pulmonary disease etc) (relative contraindication)

• Pregnancy

• Ear blockages and/or ear conditions

• Cystic Fibrosis

• Stage 3 or 4 Cancer.

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During the pressurisation and depressurisation process, the occupant may experience similar symptoms as flying in an aeroplane; mainly a mild discomfort in the ears easily removed with typical equalizing practices. The process of equalising the ears is explained to the occupant prior to the session. There should be no discomfort during the session. Pressure can easily be reduced by the occupant or the attendant if there is discomfort.

Bring along your devices. Its a great time to relax with a meditation or catch up on your latest Netflix series or read a book.

Phone & Tablet

You are welcome use your phone or tablet along and catch up on whatever needs doing. WhatsApp, news or Netflix.

Hyperoxia is created when a person breathes an increased Oxygen concentration within a pressurised environment above normal atmospheric pressure; which is considered one atmosphere (ATA).

When the process occurs, inspired Oxygen saturates the red blood cells and the excess dissolves in blood plasma, which raises the Oxygen tension in arteries, blood vessels and extracellular fluids.

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From this process, Oxygen is highly available to penetrate into all tissues and cells.

Once the process of hyperoxia has been created, a series of physiological benefits are triggered in the body. It is the co-adjuvant action of these favourable physiological events that assists in the improvement and management of many conditions.

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Recovery boots are used post exercise to aid and speed up leg muscle recovery.

These air-compartmentalised, massage boots using dynamic air compression to advance your wellness, help you to recover faster, improve your training, and maximize your performance. The pulse technology helps to increase circulation, revive muscles, and reduce swelling and is used by elite athletes and determined committed amateurs across the globe. 

Intermittent Pneumatic Compression devices mimic the anatomical muscle-venous pump to circulate blood from the extremities toward the heart to the lungs, where it is re-oxygenated, and then back to the heart to be re-circulated. Intermittent compression is thought to be a mechanical "squeezing" of the limb to push swelling out of the extremity and increase blood flow. This recirculation promotes not only reabsorption of interstitial tissue swelling but also promotes healing to injured tissue. Results indicate that a compression unit is more effective in decreasing Blood Lactate acid concentrations than passive recovery. These outcomes conclude that the Rapid Recover machine is a viable recovery tool, and that active individuals may benefit from the use of this modality. This machine is another tool in the clinician's tool box to use for the recovery of an athlete.

You can sit comfortably on our coach or on our yoga mat on the floor and relax in comfort as you zip into these giant air boots. The setting needed will be decided based on your needs and unique exercise schedule. For the next 30 minutes you can relax and enjoy some down time as the machinery does it work on your entire lower limb muscle system. Painless, pleasurable and highly beneficial

The need for fast and effective muscle / leg recovery is beneficial for all and any athletes. Cyclists, runners, swimmers, cross fit, rugby, hockey player and more. Post workout recovery or during multi-day endurance event recovery and muscle health are all areas where we see huge benefit and usage.