Composition and Characteristics of Portable Hyperbaric Chambers

At present, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is clinically used as an adjunct treatment for various diseases. However, conventional hyperbaric chambers are large, require complex installation, and have high environmental demands, limiting their use in special situations and individualized treatments. Portable hyperbaric chambers were initially designed for the emergency treatment of altitude sickness. After improvements, new portable hyperbaric chambers have enhanced practicality, safety, and effectiveness, making the widespread application of hyperbaric oxygen therapy possible in special environments and community settings.

Composition of Portable Hyperbaric Chambers

Portable hyperbaric chambers originated from a lightweight woven bag invented by Igor Gamow, designed to treat altitude sickness. It used a foot pump to generate a pressure of 113.6 KPa, increasing oxygen partial pressure to alleviate hypoxia. With advancements in technology, modern medical portable hyperbaric chambers are primarily composed of a soft chamber body, pressure gauge, valves, an air compressor, and an oxygen concentrator (or oxygen tank).

The chamber body is formed from high-strength airtight fabric, offering durability and foldability. It features an inlet and outlet sealed with a double-sided zipper. Additionally, it is equipped with a pressure gauge, double-sided pressure relief valves, and a residual pressure release valve. After inflation, the chamber forms a cylindrical space approximately 2 meters long, similar in size to a sleeping bag. The pressurization process typically takes less than 10 minutes.

Portable hyperbaric chambers are available in various models, including horizontal, seated, and single or double-person configurations, meeting the requirements of hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Characteristics of Portable Hyperbaric Chambers

Compared to conventional treatment chambers, portable hyperbaric chambers have the following key characteristics:

Portability

Conventional hyperbaric chambers occupy large spaces and involve complex installations. Transporting them requires specialized equipment, vehicles, or ships, making them unsuitable for rapid emergency response. In contrast, portable hyperbaric chambers are made from composite airtight fabric, which is lightweight and compact. They can fit into backpacks or suitcases, and the small, lightweight air compressors and oxygen concentrators are easy for a single person to carry.

Safety

Most portable hyperbaric chambers use air pressurization combined with oxygen masks for inhalation, ensuring controlled oxygen concentration within the chamber and minimizing safety hazards. The chamber body is made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) composite fabric, specifically the polyether type, widely applied in medical, firefighting, and defense industries. This material is flame-resistant, wear-resistant, cold-resistant, and highly elastic, ensuring the safe use of portable hyperbaric chambers in complex environments.

Practicality

Portable hyperbaric chambers are easy to transport and require minimal space once deployed. They are not restricted by environmental conditions, making them suitable for use on ships, vehicles, and other confined environments. The simplified operational design allows single-person operation, with inflation and pressurization completed within minutes. Once inside the chamber, users can begin oxygen therapy immediately, saving valuable time. After brief training, both patients and their families can operate the chamber proficiently. In cases of mild conditions, individuals can receive oxygen therapy at home or in community settings.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy not only increases the oxygen content in the body but also regulates inflammation and boosts immunity to prevent diseases. Numerous studies have demonstrated the unique therapeutic effects of hyperbaric oxygen on the human body. Therefore, hyperbaric oxygen therapy should not be limited to auxiliary treatments but should also be considered a primary treatment method for various diseases.

With their portability, safety, and practicality, portable hyperbaric chambers enable personalized, on-demand, and versatile hyperbaric oxygen therapy. This innovation will promote the widespread application of hyperbaric oxygen therapy and provide a viable solution for emergency medical use in special environments.