Hard Shell vs Soft Shell: Choosing the Right Hyperbaric Chamber for Home Wellness Use

As interest in at-home wellness solutions continues to grow, more people are exploring hyperbaric chambers as a way to support their lifestyle. Whether you’re an athlete, health-conscious individual, or someone simply looking to optimise your recovery, understanding the difference between hard shell and soft shell hyperbaric chambers can help you make an informed decision that fits your goals and environment.

What Are Hyperbaric Chambers?

Hyperbaric chambers are sealed environments where the air pressure is increased above normal atmospheric levels. In wellness settings, these chambers are used to allow users to relax in a pressurised environment with enhanced oxygen exposure.
This experience is part of a broader wellness routine—complementing exercise, sleep, and a balanced lifestyle. These chambers are not medical devices and are not intended to diagnose, treat, or alleviate any disease or injury.

Types of Chambers: Hard Shell vs Soft Shell

There are two primary types of chambers available for wellness use at home:

1. Soft Shell Hyperbaric Chambers

• Pressure Range: Typically supports lower pressure levels (1.5 ATA or below)
• Portability: Lightweight and inflatable; easy to transport or store
• Setup: Requires minimal space; ideal for home or small studio environments
• Use Case: Great for those seeking general wellness benefits in a more casual setting

2. Hard Shell Hyperbaric Chambers

• Pressure Range: Can reach higher pressures (often up to 2.0 ATA)
• Durability: Rigid structure designed for more intensive or frequent use
• Comfort: Often offers more space and built-in features for longer sessions
• Use Case: Ideal for users wanting a more immersive experience or aiming to integrate frequent sessions into their weekly routine

Safety and Supervision

Whether you’re using a hard or soft shell chamber, it’s essential to follow guidelines issued to you by Cell Life. When purchasing any of our chambers, Cell Life will give professional instruction and ongoing support to ensure safe use and setup.

Who Might Consider Home Use?

A home wellness chamber might be suitable if you enjoy regular sessions at a wellness centre and want to supplement that at home or prefer the convenience of an on-demand wellness experience or want to support your recovery and relaxation without needing to travel.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right Cell Life hyperbaric chamber for use comes down to your lifestyle, preferences, and how often you plan to use it. The Cell Life Hard shell chambers offer a more robust and immersive experience going to a wellness dive depth of 2.0ATA, while the Cell Life soft shell chambers provide flexibility and convenience, going to a dive depth of 1.5ATA.
Whatever your choice, remember: hyperbaric chambers should be part of a broader commitment to wellbeing—including movement, rest, nutrition, and mindfulness.

Explore Our Chamber Range

Curious about which option suits your needs? Contact the Cell Life team to learn more about wellness-focused chambers designed for comfort, simplicity, and support.