Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: A Gentle, Restorative Approach to Wellness

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, commonly called HBOT, is a wellness therapy that uses increased air pressure and supplemental oxygen to support the body’s natural recovery processes. During a session, you relax inside a pressurized chamber while breathing oxygen through a mask.

At Gem State Integrative Medicine, Jennifer Petrie, MD, offers sessions in the UltraLux Comfort Plus Hyperbaric Chamber, a comfortable seated chamber designed to provide a calm, restorative experience. The chamber operates at 1.3 ATA, which is considered a mild-pressure hyperbaric environment. It includes a plush chair, an oxygen mask, and safety features that allow pressure to be increased and released gradually.

What Happens During HBOT?

Normally, we breathe air at standard atmospheric pressure. Hyperbaric therapy gently increases the pressure around you while you breathe oxygen.

In a 1.3 ATA chamber, the pressure is approximately 1.3 times normal atmospheric pressure. During a GemSIM session, you can expect to sit comfortably in the chamber while it slowly pressurizes. Some people notice a sensation of fullness in the ears, similar to the feeling of changing elevation in an airplane or driving through the mountains. Swallowing, yawning, or gently equalizing your ears can often help relieve this sensation. Once the session is complete, the chamber gradually returns to normal pressure before you exit.

The GemSIM Chamber Experience

The UltraLux Comfort Plus Hyperbaric Chamber is designed with comfort in mind. Rather than lying flat in a narrow chamber, you can relax in a seated position in a plush chair. The chamber uses an inflated frame and includes pressure-release systems intended to support gradual decompression.

A session is meant to be quiet and restful. Many people choose to use the time to relax, read a book, meditate, or simply take a break from the pace of daily life. The experience may be especially appealing to people who are looking for a supportive wellness routine that makes room for rest and recovery.

Possible Wellness Goals

People explore HBOT for a range of wellness goals. Depending on the individual, these may include support for:

  • Recovery after physical activity or demanding periods
  • General relaxation and stress support
  • Restorative self-care routines
  • Energy and overall vitality
  • Focus and mental clarity
  • Sleep-supportive routines
  • Whole-body wellness

What to Expect Before Your Session

Before beginning HBOT, the GemSIM team will review your health history, current medications, goals, and any concerns that could affect safety or comfort.

You may be asked about:

  • Ear, sinus, or respiratory symptoms
  • History of lung conditions
  • Claustrophobia or anxiety in enclosed spaces
  • Current medications and supplements
  • Recent illness, fever, or congestion
  • Pregnancy status
  • Prior surgeries or medical conditions

Is UltraLux HBOT Right for You?

UltraLux HBOT may be an option for people interested in adding a structured recovery and relaxation practice to their wellness routine. The best way to determine whether it fits your needs is through an individualized consultation.

At Gem State Integrative Medicine, your care begins with a conversation. Jennifer Petrie, MD, and the team can review your goals, discuss what a 1.3 ATA chamber experience is like, screen for safety considerations, and help you decide whether the UltraLux HBOT is an appropriate addition to your broader plan for health and well-being.

To schedule a visit or learn more about our integrative approach and if HBOT is right for you, contact our office at (208) 202-7247 or request an appointment through the website.