What to Expect During Your Hyperbaric Treatment
Starting a new medical therapy can feel unfamiliar, but your comfort and peace of mind come first. Here is exactly what happens from the moment you arrive at our Barrie clinic.
Your Step-by-Step Treatment Journey
Every session follows a calm, structured routine designed for safety, efficacy, and relaxation.
Initial Physician Consultation & Health Assessment
Before your first treatment, you will meet with Dr. Rishi Parihar or our on-site hyperbaric physician. We review your medical history, current medications, previous surgeries, and specific healing goals. We perform a gentle ear and lung examination, check baseline vitals, and review your OHIP coverage to ensure hyperbaric therapy is safe and appropriate for your condition.
Preparing for Your Chamber Session
To maintain strict safety standards in our 100% medical oxygen environment, you will change into clinic-provided 100% pure medical cotton scrubs. We ask patients not to wear petroleum-based skin creams, perfumes, hair gels, makeup, jewelry, or battery-operated devices (like watches or cell phones) into the chamber.
Entering the Monoplace Chamber
You will recline comfortably on a cushioned, adjustable stretcher that slides smoothly into our clear acrylic monoplace chamber. You have unobstructed 360-degree views of the room and natural light. You can comfortably sit up slightly or lie completely flat, with cozy pillows and warm blankets provided.
Pressurization & Ear Equalization (~10–15 Minutes)
As the chamber gently pressurizes with pure medical oxygen, you will feel a mild sensation of warmth and ear fullness, exactly like descending in an airplane or driving down a mountain road. Our technician guides you through simple ear-clearing techniques (swallowing, yawning, or gently blowing against pinched nostrils). We can slow down, pause, or adjust the rate at any second based on your comfort.
The Treatment: Rest, Watch TV, or Nap (~60–90 Minutes)
Once at prescribed therapeutic pressure (usually 2.0 to 2.4 atmospheres absolute), the ear sensation stops completely. All you have to do is relax and breathe naturally! You do not need an uncomfortable tight face mask because the entire chamber is filled with pure medical oxygen. You can watch movies, Netflix, or TV on your personal screen, listen to podcasts, or simply close your eyes and sleep.
Decompression & Returning to Your Day (~10 Minutes)
At the end of your session, the pressure is gradually and gently lowered back to normal room pressure. Your ears will automatically equalize (like ascending in an elevator). Our team assists you out of the chamber, checks your vitals (and blood sugar if diabetic), and you change back into your street clothes. You are free to drive yourself home, return to work, and resume all normal daily activities immediately.
Preparing for Your Treatment: Safety Guidelines
Because pure 100% medical oxygen is used, hyperbaric medicine follows strict, hospital-grade fire safety standards.
What to Bring
- Valid Ontario Health Card (OHIP)
- List of current medications and dosages
- Comfortable slip-on shoes or socks
- Any reading glasses (wire-rimmed or plain plastic only, no electronics)
Items to Avoid (Safety Protocol)
- Petroleum-based lotions, hair oils, or cosmetics on day of treatment
- Jewelry, watches, hearing aids, and metal hairpins
- Cell phones, tablets, or electronic devices inside chamber
- Lighters, matches, or smoking materials
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I feel claustrophobic inside the chamber?
This is a common question patients ask. Our chambers are constructed from clear acrylic cylinders, allowing an unobstructed 360-degree view into our open clinic room. A certified technician is stationed beside your chamber throughout the entire session. Most patients who initially express concern about claustrophobia find the open view and continuous communication comfortable and reassuring.
How many treatments will I need?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a cumulative medical therapy. Depending on your diagnosis: sudden hearing loss typically requires 10 to 20 daily sessions; non-healing diabetic wounds and osteomyelitis typically require 20 to 40 sessions; and radiation tissue injuries usually require 30 to 40 sessions. Sessions are typically scheduled once daily, Monday through Friday.
How does it feel on my ears?
During the first 10 minutes of pressurization, you will feel pressure in your ears similar to flying or driving down a mountain. Clearing your ears by swallowing, chewing, or yawning resolves the sensation quickly. Once you reach full pressure, your ears feel completely normal for the rest of the treatment.
Can I drive myself to and from appointments?
Yes! HBOT does not impair your reaction times or cause drowsiness. The vast majority of our patients drive themselves to our Barrie clinic, complete their 90-minute session, and drive directly home or back to their workplace.
Is this covered by OHIP?
Yes. For all approved conditions—including sudden hearing loss, diabetic foot ulcers, chronic bone infections, radiation injuries, and compromised grafts/flaps—hyperbaric therapy at Simcoe Hyperbarics is 100% covered by OHIP. There are no out-of-pocket costs for approved care.
Ready to Begin Your Healing Journey?
Our compassionate team is ready to answer any questions and walk you through the process. 100% covered by OHIP with no out-of-pocket fees for approved conditions.