Who Cannot Use a Hyperbaric Chamber?

Updated: 07/06/2026

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, or HBOT, helps your body get more oxygen while you rest inside a pressurized chamber. This extra oxygen may support healing, lower swelling, and help the body recover. HBOT can be helpful, but it is not safe for everyone. Some health conditions may make this treatment risky.

Dynamic Spine and Sport Rehabilitation can help you decide if HBOT is right for you. In this guide, we will explain who cannot use a hyperbaric chamber, what safety rules to follow, and what you should wear in the chamber.

Can Anyone Use a Hyperbaric Chamber?

No, not everyone can safely use a hyperbaric chamber. HBOT works well for many people, but it can cause problems for those with certain health conditions. Before starting treatment, a doctor will check your health to make sure you can safely handle HBOT. They will review:

• Your lungs and breathing
• Heart health
• Ear and sinus problems
• Medications you take
• Any history of seizures or other serious conditions

This checkup helps your provider spot potential risks before treatment starts, choose the right pressure and treatment plan for your needs, and make your HBOT sessions safer, more comfortable, and more effective.

Who Should Not Use a Hyperbaric Chamber?

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) can help many people heal and recover, but it is not safe for everyone. Certain health conditions, medications, or physical limitations can make treatment risky.

Before starting HBOT, a doctor should evaluate your health to make sure the therapy is safe for you. Below, we explain the main groups of people who should avoid using a hyperbaric chamber.

Collapsed Lung Risk

People with an untreated pneumothorax (collapsed lung) should not use a hyperbaric chamber. The pressure in the chamber can worsen trapped air in the chest, which could become life-threatening.

Ear And Sinus Issues

HBOT changes the pressure around your body, which can hurt your ears and sinuses. Avoid treatment if you have:

• Severe sinus infections
• Ear infections
• Blocked Eustachian tubes
• Recent ear surgery

These conditions can make it hard to equalize pressure and may cause pain or injury.

Severe Lung Disease

Patients with serious lung problems may face higher risks during HBOT. Conditions that need extra caution include:

• Severe emphysema
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Lung cysts or blebs
• History of spontaneous pneumothorax

These lung conditions can increase the risk of problems during treatment. A doctor should check your lungs before you start HBOT.

Heart Conditions

Some heart conditions need extra care before HBOT. A doctor should check your heart first if you have:

• Congestive heart failure
• Weak heart function
• Serious heart disease

Extra oxygen and pressure may affect how your heart works, so a health check helps keep treatment safe.

Seizure History

High oxygen levels in HBOT can sometimes trigger seizures, though this is uncommon. People with epilepsy, past seizures, or certain brain or nerve conditions should talk to their doctor before starting treatment. Your doctor can adjust the therapy or take extra precautions to keep you safe.

Pregnancy Considerations

HBOT may pose risks for pregnant women because research on its safety is limited. A doctor decides if treatment is necessary, usually only in special or emergency cases. The doctor checks the health of both the mother and baby before treatment. The doctor also monitors them closely during HBOT to help prevent problems.

Medication Restrictions

Some medicines can increase the risk of side effects during HBOT or affect how the treatment works. These include:

• Doxorubicin
• Bleomycin
• Cisplatin
• Disulfiram

Tell your doctor about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements you take. Your doctor can review them and make sure HBOT is safe for you.

Claustrophobia Concerns

Because hyperbaric chambers are enclosed spaces, individuals with severe claustrophobia may experience anxiety or panic during treatment. In some cases, doctors may suggest relaxation techniques or mild medication to help patients stay calm during the session.

Who Should Use HBOT With Caution

Some health problems do not always stop you from using HBOT. But a doctor must check them first. These problems can make HBOT riskier. A health check helps your doctor decide if HBOT is safe for you. Conditions that require extra medical evaluation include:

• Pregnancy
• Uncontrolled high fever
• Recent ear surgery or chest surgery
• Optic neuritis
• Certain lung diseases that cause carbon dioxide retention, such as severe COPD

People with these conditions may still receive HBOT if a specialist determines the potential benefits outweigh the risks. A full medical evaluation is important before starting treatment. 

At Dynamic Spine & Sport Rehabilitation, Joe, our founder and a member of the Nevada Physical Therapy Board, helps ensure patients receive proper evaluation and guidance before starting therapy. Call 702‑685‑1607 today to learn more or schedule your consultation with our skilled rehab specialist in Las Vegas.

What Cannot Go Inside a Hyperbaric Chamber?

Because oxygen-rich environments increase fire risk, strict safety guidelines must be followed. Items typically prohibited inside a hyperbaric chamber include:

• Lighters and matches
• Cell phones
• Tablets and laptops
• Smart watches
• Battery-operated electronics
• Aerosol sprays
• Perfumes
• Alcohol-based products
• Vape devices
• Cigarettes
• Heating pads
• Electric blankets
• Flammable liquids
• Certain cosmetics

Following these precautions helps prevent fire hazards in the oxygen‑rich environment of the chamber. These safety checks are also part of the screening process doctors use when determining who cannot use a hyperbaric chamber safely.

What Materials Should Not Be Worn in a Hyperbaric Chamber?

Some clothing materials can create static electricity or increase fire risk in the oxygen‑rich environment of a hyperbaric chamber, which is one of the safety factors doctors consider when determining who cannot use a hyperbaric chamber safely.

Materials that should not be worn include:

• Polyester
• Nylon
• Spandex or elastane
• Acrylic fabrics
• Rayon
• Wool
• Fleece
• Microfiber
• Synthetic blends (poly‑cotton or other mixed synthetic fabrics)
• Clothing with metallic threads or conductive fibers

Most clinics require patients to wear 100% cotton clothing, including cotton shirts, pants, socks, and undergarments. Cotton produces much less static electricity and is considered safer for hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Conclusion

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy offers many health benefits, but it is not safe for everyone. Knowing who cannot use a hyperbaric chamber lowers risks and keeps the treatment safe and effective.

Always talk with a qualified healthcare professional before you start treatment. A medical checkup lets your doctor decide if hyperbaric oxygen therapy is right for your condition.

If you have questions about who cannot use a hyperbaric chamber, contact Dynamic Spine & Sport Rehabilitation. Our team reviews your health history and helps you decide if this treatment is safe for you. Call 702‑685‑1607 today to learn more or schedule a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can hyperbaric oxygen therapy cause heart problems?

Serious heart problems are rare, but high oxygen levels can affect the heart in some patients. People with heart disease should see a doctor before HBOT to make sure treatment is safe.

Can you sleep in a hyperbaric chamber?

Yes, many patients feel relaxed and comfortable enough to sleep during HBOT. The chamber allows calm, quiet sessions that help the body rest while receiving oxygen therapy.

How deep does a hyperbaric chamber go?

Most medical chambers increase pressure to 1.5 to 3 times normal air pressure. This extra pressure helps the body absorb more oxygen to support healing and recovery.

Is hyperbaric oxygen therapy safe?

HBOT is safe for most qualified patients under trained medical supervision. Following safety protocols and medical evaluation reduces risks and ensures effective treatment.

What should I wear during HBOT?

Patients should wear 100% cotton clothing to avoid sparks from synthetic fabrics. Avoid perfumes, lotions, oils, or anything flammable inside the chamber to stay safe.