Wellness vs Medical: What’s the difference?

Spa hyperbaric oxygen therapy and mainstream (medical) hyperbaric oxygen therapy differ in their purpose, equipment, and required medical oversight. Spa hyperbaric chambers are typically used for wellness and cosmetic purposes, offering mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy (mHBOT) in a soft-shell chamber. Mainstream hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), on the other hand, utilizes hard-shell chambers with 100% pure oxygen, primarily for medical treatments in hospitals or clinics, requiring medical clearance.

 
Here’s a more detailed comparison:

Wellness Hyperbaric (Mild HBOT)

Pressure: 1.3–1.5 ATA (mild)

Oxygen: Ambient air or up to ~90% via a mask (not 100% oxygen chamber)

Chamber Type: Soft-sided, portable, or wellness spa-style units

Purpose:

  • – General well-being
  • – Anti-aging
  • – Workout recovery
  • – Sleep improvement
  • – Mental clarity and energy boost

Availability: No prescription needed in many countries (depending on regulations)

Regulation: Not FDA-approved for treating diseases

Scientific Backing: Limited clinical evidence for most claimed wellness benefits

Pros:

  • – Non-invasive
  • – Easy access
  • – Fewer risks

Cons:

  • – Less effective oxygen saturation
  • – Not suitable for medical conditions

Medical Hyperbaric (Clinical HBOT)

Pressure: Typically 2.0–3.0 ATA (can go up to 6.0 in special cases)

Oxygen: 100% oxygen in a sealed chamber (monoplace) or via mask/hood (multiplace)

Chamber Type: Rigid, hospital-grade units

Purpose: Treatment of FDA-approved or globally recognized conditions, such as:

  • – Diabetic foot ulcers
  • – Radiation injury
  • – Carbon monoxide poisoning
  • – Decompression sickness
  • – Gas embolism

Availability: Requires prescription and medical supervision
Regulation: Strictly regulated (e.g., FDA in the U.S.)
Pros:

  • – Evidence-based
  • – Treats serious conditions
  • – Reimbursable by insurance (for approved uses)

    • Cons:

    • – More expensive
    • – Be able to equalize pressure in the ear

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      Summary:

      Feature

      Wellness HBOT

      Medical HBOT

      Pressure

      1.3–1.5 ATA

      2.0–3.0+ ATA

      Oxygen

      Air or ~95% O2 via mask

      100% oxygen

      Regulation

      Not medically approved

      Strictly regulated

      Use Case

      General wellness

      Specific medical conditions

      Access

      Over-the-counter/spas

      By prescription only

      Insurance Coverage

      No

      Often, for approved uses