Hyperbaric oxygen therapy

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is perhaps best known as a treatment for decrompession sickness, a condition that can result from scuba-diving. It involves breathing in 100 % medically pure oxygen in a special pressurized chamber. You breathe through an an oxygen mask while the chamber simulates the pressure of a dive to a depth of up to 10 meters. The increased pressure allows up to 14 times more oxygen to enter the bloodstream and the body’s cells via the alveoli.

Therapy sessions take place in a chamber that resembles a submarine or a small airplane cabin. You breathe in pure oxygen through an oxygen mask for the entire duration of the therapy. We determine the duration of the therapy together with you before your session. A session usually lasts between 60 and 90 minutes. You can get comfortable in the faux-leather seats while the chamber slowly builds up the required pressure. Your ears may pop or hurt a little. If this happens, we can pause the pressure build-up until your body has become accustomed to the pressure. You will have plenty of time to relax, answer emails, sleep or watch TV during the session, and you can communicate with the outside world via an intercom. This allows you to have a consultation during your HBOT session, if you wish.

• Hydration: Make sure you drink enough water to stay well hydrated.
• Light meal: Have a light meal before the session to avoid discomfort during the therapy.
• Comfortable clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothing so that you can make yourself at home in the pressure chamber.
• Bathroom: Go to the bathroom before starting the therapy, as the session can last up to 90 minutes.
• Medication and health conditions: Inform your doctor about any medication you are taking and discuss any health concerns with them in advance.

If you have booked a therapy session, you will receive a questionnaire to complete. You will find this below as a PDF file so that you can complete the questionnaire in advance and bring it with you to your appointment. If you answer "yes" to any of the questions, you will need to provide medical confirmation that you are able to undergo the treatment.

Your hearing may be temporarily impaired – similar to the feeling that some people experience during a flight or dive. Pressure equalization can help to alleviate this discomfort. You may also experience a tingling sensation in your limbs and a feeling of discomfort and restlessness during the therapy. You may also feel dizzy.

• People with lung diseases (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD], pneumothorax following lung surgery)
• People who cannot equalize pressure
• Pregnant women
• People with claustrophobia
• People who have a cold and problems with their paranasal sinuses (sinusitis or chronic sinusitis)
• People who have had ear surgery
• People with pacemakers
• People with asthma
• People who suffer from epilepsy
• People with cataracts

That depends on your needs. As a regimen, we recommend oxygen therapy two to three times a week. To maintain good health, it may be advisable to have it once or twice a week. If you are staying at the Grand Resort Bad Ragaz for a longer period, we recommend five sessions of HBOT with a break of one or two days between sessions. We will be happy to discuss your options at your first appointment.

• Two seats, one with reclining function
• Fine faux-leather seats
• Automatic sliding door with safety function
• LED lighting
• Air conditioning
• Audio/video entertainment system
• USB sockets