Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can help people with a variety of medical conditions, including: 

• Difficult-to-heal diabetic foot ulcers
• Sudden hearing or vision loss (certain types)
• Persistent bone infections (osteomyelitis)
• Tissue damage from radiation treatments (including radiation cystitis and osteoradionecrosis)
• Chronic, non-healing wounds
• Certain urologic conditions
• Carbon monoxide poisoning

There are additional, less common conditions that may also benefit from treatment with hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

U-M Health’s hyperbaric chamber is called a “multiplace chamber.” This means more than one person can be in the room (the chamber) at a time. We use a multiplace chamber to make sure that patients don’t feel claustrophobic or isolated. It is a comfortable -- even social -- environment. Patients are seated in large, comfortable leather chairs. Our chamber holds up to 10 patients per treatment. 

An attendant fits patients with specialized hoods, through which they will receive oxygen. While in the chamber, patients can read, watch TV, and change position. Standing up and moving around is permitted. An attendant is always available to monitor and address any patient needs.

How long do patients stay in the chamber? 

Each treatment session lasts about two hours. During your time in the chamber, you’ll wear a hood for 30 minutes, followed by a 10-minute break without the hood. This cycle repeats three times during each visit. 

Most conditions require a series of daily treatments over several weeks or months, as prescribed or referred to by your physician. Before starting, medical clearance is often needed. Our trained attendants always monitor the chamber to quickly help with any urgent medical needs. We provide you with the highest quality care during every visit.

Patients will hear a hissing sound as the chamber is pressurized (descent). They may feel warm for a few minutes at the beginning. Like an airplane cabin, patients might feel pressure or squeezing in their ears, sinuses, or teeth. Ear pressure may be relieved by yawning, swallowing a sip of water, or chewing gum (water and gum are provided). Patients should tell the attendant if they notice pain in their ears or other areas. 

When the pressure is released (ascent) at the end of the treatment, patients will feel cool. During ascent, ear symptoms are much less likely; patients can simply relax and breathe normally.

Some patients may experience problems with their ears due to pressure changes. It is important to notify the attendant if you experience ear pain during treatment or between treatments. Vision changes can also occur in some patients, which might be due to changes in focal distance or cataracts. As with ear troubles, patients should notify an attendant or other medical professional if they notice their vision worsening during their treatment cycle.

While rare, some patients can experience seizures during treatment because of the high levels of oxygen.  This is very uncommon with the safety precautions we have built into our treatment plans.  Our chamber is continually monitored by our attendants to immediately identify and assist if any type of urgent medical situation arises.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is administered by the U-M Health Wound Care Clinic. Call the clinic at 734-936-9795 with questions regarding this therapy or for information on how to refer a potential patient.