A multiplace hyperbaric oxygen therapy chamber is designed to provide 100% pure oxygen at higher-than-normal pressure. They are FDA-approved to treat many different medical conditions, and they can be highly effective for a number of off-label conditions, too.

Multiplace chambers can accommodate up to 6 people at a time, which is why they are most often found in hospitals or trauma centers where patients can’t exactly wait around for their turn in a monoplace chamber.

Let’s take a closer look at how hyperbaric oxygen therapy is administered in a multiplace chamber.

What to Expect in a Multiplace HBOT Chamber

There are two big differences between multiplace and monoplace HBOT chambers.

The first is that the patient will have to share the space with other people.

The second is that instead of breathing normally in a chamber that is filled with high-pressure oxygen, the patient must wear a mask or hood through which 100% oxygen is pumped.

The masks are what you would expect in this situation and resemble the masks used by paramedics when they need to help their patients breathe. Hoods, on the other hand, provide the same direct stream of oxygen, but they surround the whole head.

The room air pressure is not as high as a monoplace chamber because they traditionally use compressed room air at 21% oxygen. This means patients can receive treatments while wearing their normal clothes and can bring other items into the chamber with them (reading materials, etc.).

These chambers are also useful when specialized seating or wheelchair space is required.

Patients in the chamber can stand, sit, or, in some cases, lay down in order to increase their comfort levels, and each chamber should be equipped with a communications system so they can speak with staff members at any time.

Is a Multiplace Chamber Right for You?

While the FDA has approved these types of chambers for a range of treatments, there are some disadvantages that should be noted.

The biggest concern is that many patients feel uncomfortable wearing a mask or hood for an entire treatment.

On top of that, sharing the same, enclosed area with a number of strangers can add to any feelings of anxiety or claustrophobia the patient may be feeling.

Finally, since multiplace chambers aren’t pressurized to the same level as monoplace chambers, they aren’t going to be quite as efficient, so patients may require more sessions. It’s also harder to customize the procedure to a patient’s exact needs, which can also lower the effectiveness of each treatment.

Still, they are approved for treating some serious conditions, so if it’s your only option, you can say it’s the right option.

However, monoplace chambers do offer a higher level of comfort, privacy, and effectiveness, so it may be worth your time to explore all of your options.

If you have any questions about these chambers or our procedures, be sure to contact us to learn more. We’re here to answer all your questions. When you make the most informed decisions, you can ensure you get the best possible treatment and experience the benefits of hyperbaric oxygen for yourself.