About hyperbaric

What a hyperbaric session is, what the numbers mean, and how to choose the right chamber for your practice.

What hyperbaric means

A hyperbaric chamber is a sealed space where the air pressure is raised above normal. Guests rest inside while the chamber is gently pressurized, typically breathing concentrated oxygen through a mask or headset, then the pressure is slowly brought back down. A session usually takes about an hour.

Hyperbaric chambers are FDA-regulated prescription medical devices, cleared for specific indications. ARK sells them to licensed practices for use within those indications and under the supervision your state requires.

What ATA means

Pressure is measured in atmospheres absolute, or ATA. At sea level you are at 1.0 ATA. Every additional 1.0 ATA is roughly the pressure you feel 33 feet under water.

Pressure	Feels like	Where you find it
1.3–1.5 ATA	About 10–16 feet under water	Soft-shell chambers, such as the ARK Flex line
2.0 ATA	About 33 feet under water	Hard-shell chambers, such as the ARK Solo, Solo Tube and Duo
Up to 3.0 ATA	About 66 feet under water	Clinical and large multiplace chambers, under professional supervision

Soft shell or hard shell

Soft shell

Zippered, reinforced fabric chamber on an internal frame
About 1.3–1.5 ATA
Lighter and movable
Lower price and the simplest installation
ARK Flex, Flex Seat and Flex Access

Hard shell

Rigid steel or composite pressure vessel
Up to 2.0 ATA in our collection
Touchscreen controls and larger windows
Delivery, installation and staff training quoted with the chamber
ARK Solo Tube, Duo and Solo, plus the walk-in Lounge, Lounge XL and Sanctuary

What a session is like

Settle inGuests change into cotton clothing, leave phones and electronics outside, and lie back or take a seat.
PressurizationOver several minutes the pressure rises. Ears feel full, like a plane coming in to land; swallowing or yawning clears them.
At pressureGuests rest, read or listen, with an intercom on hard-shell models.
Slow returnPressure comes down gradually before the door opens.

How to choose

Who will use it. First-time clients often find a seated model the easiest to try.
Lying or seated. Lying chambers suit longer sessions; seated chambers suit reading, conversation and quick turnover.
Mobility. If you serve older or mobility-limited clients, look at the roll-in ARK Flex Access.
Pressure. Soft shell for an accessible entry; 2.0 ATA hard shell for a quieter, more substantial chamber.
Space and power. Measure the room and doorway, and photograph your electrical panel. We review them before any deposit.
Budget. Leasing spreads the cost into a monthly line you can set against session revenue.

Safety basics

Guests should speak with their physician before starting, especially with ear, sinus or lung concerns, or during pregnancy.
Nothing that can spark or burn goes inside: no phones, electronics, lighters, lotions, oils or aerosols. Wear cotton.
Never smoke or allow open flame near the chamber or oxygen equipment.
Equalize the ears during pressurization, and stop the session if anything feels uncomfortable.
Follow the manufacturer’s operating guide, keep a trained staff member present for hard-shell sessions, and supervise children at all times.
Confirm your state’s rules on ownership, operation and medical supervision before purchase.