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Before buying an mHBOT cabin: what does science say about oxygen therapy?
Oxygen is the most fundamental fuel of the body - but the pressure and concentration at which it reaches the cells make a difference. If you are considering buying or renting an oxygen cabin, it is worth understanding what happens in the body under mild positive pressure.
The mHBOT, that is, mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy is now backed by a substantial body of research. In this article we look at what the studies say - and at which technical parameters are worth watching when choosing a cabin on that basis.
The parameters of the cabin - pressure, oxygen concentration, treatment time - determine what the device can do.
What happens in the body? The mechanism of action of mHBOT
The 2019 review in the Journal of Physiological Sciences (Harada et al., Mild hyperbaric oxygen: mechanisms and effects) examined how cells and tissues respond to mild positive pressure and an elevated oxygen level.
According to the research, under mild positive pressure oxygen is carried not only by the red blood cells but also by the blood plasma. This may mean that oxygen also reaches tissues to which the circulation carries blood only to a limited extent - which is one reason why the maximum pressure value is such a key figure on the data sheet of a hyperbaric cabin.
What happens in the cells?
- More efficient mitochondrial function - the power plants of the cells may produce more energy.
- More ATP - this molecule supplies the energy for almost every life process.
- More active regeneration - restorative processes may start up faster.
The mild pressure, typically 1.2-1.3 atmospheres, does not place a strain on the body, so mHBOT cabins can also be used in a home environment - unlike clinical hyperbaric chambers above 2 atmospheres, which require continuous professional supervision.
Mild hyperbaric oxygen may increase mitochondrial function and ATP production, so the cells may produce energy more efficiently.
Harada et al., J Physiol Sci, 2019
What physiological effects have researchers studied?
The Harada review and the experiments connected to it described favourable changes in several organ systems. The points below may help you decide whether your own cabin would serve your goals.
- Energy and performance - an increased oxygen supply may raise energy metabolism. That is why a hyperbaric cabin appears in the equipment of many sports clubs, often alongside the CRYOTHERAPY TOOLS .
- Regeneration - tissue repair may speed up and inflammatory processes may subside sooner.
- Mitochondrial health - better metabolism and a stronger immune response may accompany regular use.
- Oxidative balance - according to researchers, the antioxidant defences of the cells may become more balanced over the longer term.
Mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy may not only deliver more oxygen into the body, it may also stimulate the energy production of the cells.
Harada et al., Journal of Physiological Sciences, 2019
What to look out for when choosing an oxygen cabin
Some very practical considerations also follow from the research results. It is worth going through these before deciding:
- Pressure value - mHBOT studies were typically carried out in the 1.2-1.3 ATA range; look for this on the manufacturer data sheet.
- Oxygen concentration - the output of the concentrator supplied with the cabin determines how enriched the air you breathe is.
- Treatment time and comfort - regularity is what counts, so the internal dimensions, getting in and the ventilation are important considerations too.
- Noise level and space requirement - with home use these often decide whether you really use it every day.
Take a look at the oxygen cabins
Browse the mHBOT cabins available, or ask us about the terms of rental.
Regularity is the key - which is why it may be worth having at home
The consistent lesson of the studies is that the effect of oxygen therapy depends on regularity. A single session on its own brings little; continuous use may give a more lasting result. If you would like to try it first, this is what the oxygen therapy treatments at the Imagine Health Center is possible - and after that it is easier to decide whether buying your own cabin is worthwhile.
