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10 Things to Know Before Your Medical Hyperbaric Oxygen Session at CNS

CNS Hyperbaric Center

10 Things to Know Before Your Medical Hyperbaric Oxygen Session at CNS

At Lakeshore Hyperbaric, a division of Chicago Neurological Services, we are dedicated to offering the most advanced and effective medical-grade hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) available today. Our facility uses Perry medical-grade hyperbaric chambers—considered the gold standard in the industry—to ensure an unmatched level of safety, comfort, and healing potential. For patients seeking support for neurological recovery, wound healing, or systemic inflammation, our approach provides results-driven care tailored to your medical needs.

If you're preparing for your first HBOT session—or even considering whether HBOT treatment in Chicago is right for you—there are some important things to know. This guide offers medical HBOT session tips Chicago patients can trust, along with HBOT safety tips Chicago healthcare providers recommend. Read on to understand how to get the most out of every session at the best HBOT clinic Chicago has to offer.

1. What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves breathing 100% oxygen in a pressurized chamber. This high-pressure environment enables oxygen to dissolve more efficiently into your bloodstream, allowing it to reach tissues throughout your body at concentrations that are impossible to achieve under normal conditions.

This enhanced oxygenation can:

HBOT treatment Chicago patients pursue can address a variety of conditions, including:

As part of the best HBOT clinic Chicago offers, we frequently coordinate with specialists at Chicago Neurological Services to integrate HBOT with broader medical care.

2. Wear Comfortable, Approved Clothing

One of the top medical HBOT session tips Chicago patients should know is that what you wear matters. We provide 100% cotton garments specifically designed for use inside the hyperbaric chamber. Synthetic fabrics, which can become flammable in high-oxygen environments, are not allowed.

Our staff ensures you’re fully prepared and dressed comfortably before each session begins. Proper attire is one of the simplest but most important HBOT safety tips Chicago clinics emphasize.

3. Avoid Hair Products, Lotions, and Cosmetics

Before your session, make sure your skin and hair are free of lotions, oils, deodorants, and hair products. These substances often contain alcohol or petroleum, which can be flammable in a pressurized, oxygen-rich environment.

By coming to your appointment clean and product-free, you help us maintain a safe, pure environment inside the chamber—one of the foundational HBOT safety tips Chicago patients should always follow.

4. Remove All Jewelry and Metal Items

Safety inside the chamber is a top priority. As a result, no metal items or jewelry are allowed during your session. This includes:

The best HBOT clinic Chicago patients rely on will always prioritize your well-being by providing a thorough safety checklist before treatment.

5. Entertainment is Encouraged

At Lakeshore Hyperbaric, we believe healing should also be comfortable. That’s why our Perry chambers include access to entertainment such as Netflix, music, audiobooks, or podcasts. This makes each session not only effective but also enjoyable.

Many patients find that the time flies by—and that watching their favorite show can transform the session into a relaxing break. If you’ve been meaning to catch up on a series or podcast, this is your chance.

6. Sessions Are Relaxing and Stress-Free

Each session takes place in an individual, transparent chamber where you can recline comfortably. You’ll be breathing 100% oxygen while fully monitored by a trained technician, ensuring a safe and calming experience.

Contrary to what some may assume, HBOT treatment Chicago patients receive is not stressful. Most people find the experience deeply relaxing—some even take naps during their sessions.

One of our top medical HBOT session tips Chicago patients appreciate is to view each session as an opportunity for mental and physical reset.

7. Ear Pressure? Here’s How to Handle It

As the chamber pressurizes, you may feel a popping or fullness in your ears—similar to what you’d feel during airplane takeoff. This sensation is completely normal and easily managed using basic techniques like:

This is one of the most common HBOT safety tips Chicago providers offer before your first treatment. Our team will coach you through this process so you feel confident and comfortable throughout the session.

8. Stay Hydrated and Rest Afterward

Hydration plays a big role in how your body processes increased oxygen levels. After each session, drink plenty of water and give yourself time to relax. This is particularly important during the first few sessions as your body adjusts to the therapy.

Some patients feel energized after treatment, while others may feel drowsy—that’s normal. Following this medical HBOT session tip Chicago patients find especially helpful will support optimal results.

9. Sessions May Last 60–90 Minutes

The length of your session will depend on your condition and treatment goals. On average, treatments last 60 to 90 minutes. Patients with neurological conditions or post-surgical recovery plans may require longer or more frequent visits.

We provide a personalized treatment plan after your initial consultation. By working with CNS physicians, we make sure your care is coordinated and efficient.

If you’re looking for the best HBOT clinic Chicago has for neurological recovery, wound care, or chronic conditions, our collaborative approach stands out.

10. Consistency Is Key to Results

One HBOT session is rarely enough to see full results. Most conditions benefit from a series of 10, 20, or even 40 sessions depending on severity and individual goals. We will monitor your progress regularly and update your care plan as needed.

Combining HBOT with supportive therapies from Chicago Neurological Services—such as IV therapy, neuro-rehab, or functional medicine—can enhance outcomes even more. This integrated approach is what makes HBOT treatment Chicago patients receive at our clinic so effective.

Your consistency, paired with our expert care, is the foundation of lasting success.

Final Thoughts: Where Healing and Innovation Meet

At Lakeshore Hyperbaric, we’re proud to be recognized as the best HBOT clinic Chicago has to offer, delivering world-class care with a personalized touch. From your first visit to your final follow-up, we prioritize your comfort, safety, and health outcomes.

Whether you're recovering from surgery, managing a chronic illness, or seeking support for neurological healing, we’re here to help you thrive. Our Perry medical-grade chambers, physician-guided protocols, and commitment to excellence make us a trusted partner in your recovery.

Ready to experience the benefits of HBOT? Book a consultation today and discover why patients consider us the leader in HBOT treatment Chicago.

Let us help you breathe new life into your health—safely, comfortably, and confidently—with the support of the best HBOT clinic Chicago has to offer.

Author
Image of Lenny Cohen, MD Lenny Cohen, MD Brain health is complex and affects everyone. An expert physician and diplomate of the American Board of Neurology and Psychiatry, Dr. Lenny Cohen is committed to personalized care and to helping patients understand their condition, feel their best and live each day optimally and comfortably. Leveraging the latest brain research and experience seeing thousands of patients, Dr. Cohen and his team’s approach to comprehensive brain health is a gamechanger in the new world of brain longevity. Integrating Neurology, IV infusion therapy, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Hyperbaric Therapy, Chicago Neurological Services is the only center in Chicago to holistically treat the brain and neurological pathology.

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