Multiplace and Monoplace hyperbaric chambers: What’s the difference?

Learn the important differences between multiplace and monoplace hyperbaric chambers—and how to choose which is right for you

 

Are you or a loved one considering hyperbaric oxygen therapy?

Before you choose a hyperbaric treatment center, it’s important to understand what type of chamber you’d like to be treated in.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be delivered in either a multiplace hyperbaric chamber or a monoplace hyperbaric chamber. Both types of chambers are deemed medical grade as certified by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA-99) and are FDA-approved to treat 14 different medical conditions.

However, there are some important differences between the two that you should know before making a selection.

 

What is a multiplace hyperbaric chamber?

Multiplace chambers are very large and can hold more than one patient at a time. They are usually used in a hospital setting, where medical teams can come in and out as needed. Lifesaving medical equipment can also be present inside the chamber.

In a multiplace chamber, the whole room is pressurized to the same depth and patients wear a hood or a mask to breathe in the oxygen.

A multiplace hyperbaric chamber (source)

There are some disadvantages to multiplace chambers. Some patients may find it uncomfortable to use a hood or mask to breathe the oxygen. A multiplace chamber also means that many people are sitting or lying in an enclosed area, which could cause additional discomfort—especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Because the entire chamber is pressurized to the same depth, patients cannot be treated with individualized hyperbaric protocols that have been designed for their specific medical condition.

 

What is a monoplace hyperbaric chamber?

A monoplace chamber is made of clear acrylic and holds one patient at a time. The entire chamber is pressurized and filled with 100% oxygen which the patient breathes in normally, without the need for a hood or mask.

The patient lies on a bed and is monitored via intercom and camera by a trained hyperbaric technologist. For safety reasons, nothing is allowed within the monoplace chamber during treatment—this includes cell phones and reading materials.

Our monoplace hyperbaric chambers

Because no hood or mask is needed during treatment, many patients find monoplace hyperbaric chambers more comfortable and less claustrophobic than multiplace chambers.

Another advantage is individualized care. When you’re treated in a monoplace chamber, a customized hyperbaric protocol can be created specifically for you, your personal needs, and your medical condition.

 

Different types of monoplace chambers

It’s also important to know the difference between hard monoplace chambers and soft chambers.

Hard monoplace chambers, which we use at Hyperbaric Healing Treatment Center, can be pressurized up to 3.0 atmospheres and are FDA-approved to treat 14 different medical conditions.

Soft chambers (also known as mild hyperbaric chambers or portable hyperbaric chambers) cannot achieve internal pressures over 1.3 atmospheres. They are authorized by the FDA only for the treatment of acute mountain sickness. It’s currently not known whether these types of chambers can help with other medical conditions.

Learn more here:

What’s the difference between hard and soft hyperbaric chambers?

 

A patient relaxing while receiving treatment

Our treatment options

At Hyperbaric Healing Treatment Center, we have four state of the art Sechrist 3600 monoplace hyperbaric chambers, capable of pressures up to 3.0 atmospheres. We are proud to treat patients for a variety of insurance-approved and off-label medical conditions.

Each chamber has a privacy curtain, and comes equipped with streaming capabilities so you can relax and watch a movie or TV show during treatment.

Unlike many other hyperbaric facilities, we take insurance as well as out-of-pocket patients, and we require no minimum commitment for the number of treatments. Our caring team of trained hyperbaric specialists will create an individualized hyperbaric protocol just for you, with a recommended number of treatments customized for your specific condition and individual needs. During your time with us, we’ll continuously evaluate your recovery to make adjustments to your treatment plan as needed.

 

Want to learn more about our hyperbaric facility?

We welcome you to visit our Patient Experience page or contact us today.

 

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