How to Prepare for and Get the Most from a Hyperbaric Chamber Session

Stepping into a hyperbaric chamber for the first time can feel exciting, curious, and even a little unfamiliar and that is completely normal. These oxygen-enriched environments are designed to be gentle, calming, and comfortable, offering a pocket of stillness in an otherwise busy world.

Whether you’re an athlete looking for mindful post-exercise support, someone exploring a new self-care practice, or simply curious about the experience, this guide walks you through everything you need to know before your first session.

What Exactly Is a Hyperbaric Chamber?

A hyperbaric chamber is a softly pressurised environment that allows you to breathe air at slightly higher density than usual. This creates a feeling of deep relaxation and enhanced oxygen presence. 

Cell Life chambers operate at comfortable, wellness-friendly pressures designed for calm breathing and mindful rest. There’s no medical supervision, no needles, no complex devices – just a quiet space to unwind.

What to Expect During a Session

A typical session lasts 45 to 90 minutes, depending on your routine or the studio you’re visiting. Here’s how the experience usually flows:

1. Settling In

You’ll enter the chamber, take a seat or lie down, and get comfortable. Most people bring something calming like music, breathwork audio, or simply the intention to rest.

2. Gentle Pressurisation

The pressure increases slowly, similar to the sensation of an airplane descending. Your ears may lightly “pop” as they equalise.

3. Quiet Time

Once the chamber reaches the set pressure, the environment becomes peaceful. Soft airflow, steady breathing, and stillness create a meditative space that many people find grounding.

4. Decompression

Toward the end, the chamber gradually returns to normal air pressure. This also feels like an airplane descent, smooth and comfortable.

Most first-time users finish the session feeling refreshed, calm, and centred.

How to Prepare Before Your Session

Preparation is simple, but a few tips can help you have the best possible experience:

1. Stay Hydrated

Drink water before your session, hydration supports overall comfort in any wellness practice.

2. Eat Lightly

A light snack before your session can help you settle in comfortably. A heavy meal may make you feel sluggish.

3. Dress Comfortably

Soft, breathable clothing is ideal. You’ll mostly be sitting or lying down, so think “cozy Sunday morning,” not “gym performance wear.”

4. Bring Something Calming (If You Want)

Many users treat the experience like a mini retreat!

5. Arrive With an Open Mind

Every person experiences their first session differently. Some feel deeply relaxed; others feel quietly energised afterward.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Session

1. Focus on Your Breath

Slow, steady breathing helps your body settle into the pressurised environment. Some users follow simple breathing rhythms like: 4 seconds inhale, 6 seconds exhale.

2. Treat It Like Mindful Time

Sessions are ideal for disconnecting from screens, noise, and busyness. Think of it as a structured rest period,  a rare space to simply be.

3. Build It into Your Routine

Just like stretching, sauna, or meditation, the benefits of an oxygen-rich environment tend to feel most noticeable when enjoyed regularly. Athletes often incorporate sessions into their post-exercise support routines, while others use them as part of weekly self-care.

4. Stay Consistent

Some people enjoy sessions a few times per week; others prefer once-weekly visits. There’s no “right” rhythm, only what feels good for your lifestyle.

5. Listen to Your Body

If you need to stretch, adjust positions, or simply breathe more slowly, feel free. The chamber is your space.

For Athletes: Maximising Post-Exercise Support

While Cell Life never makes therapeutic claims, many athletes appreciate the calming, oxygen-supported environment after intense training or competition.

What athletes say they enjoy:

For Wellness Seekers: Making It a Ritual

If you’re using the chamber as part of a self-care practice, consider pairing sessions with:

Many users describe this time as a grounding ritual and a way to reconnect with their bodies, quiet their thoughts, and release stress.

Common Questions from First-Time Users

“Will I feel claustrophobic?”

Most chambers are surprisingly spacious, with windows and lighting that create a peaceful environment. Many first-time users say the experience feels more like being in a cosy pod than an enclosed space.

“Can I use my phone?”

Due to the oxygen enriched environment that is in the chambers we do not endorse bringing your phone into the chamber. We advise having your playlist, podcast You can bring your phone inside, though many choose not to. The quiet setting is ideal for disconnecting.

“Is there a right way to equalise my ears?”

A gentle swallow, yawn, or jaw shift usually does the trick. Staff can guide you before your session.

“How will I feel afterward?”

People often describe feeling clear-headed, relaxed, light and calm. But every experience is unique — go in with curiosity rather than expectation.

Creating a Mindful Routine with Cell Life

Cell Life chambers are designed for safe, calm wellness experiences with gentle pressure, soft airflow, and user-friendly controls. Whether you’re building personal wellbeing habits or integrating sessions into a wellness studio, the goal is the same: supporting balance through breath, presence, and relaxation.

Your first session is just the beginning — the more familiar the environment becomes, the more naturally it can fit into your daily or weekly rhythm.

The Takeaway

Preparing for a hyperbaric chamber session is simple: drink some water, wear comfortable clothes, and bring an open mind. Once inside, the space becomes a sanctuary — a moment to breathe deeply, settle your thoughts, and enjoy a rare kind of stillness.

By embracing the experience with intention, you’ll discover why so many people integrate these sessions into their self-care, athletic recovery, and overall wellness routines.