Preparing for Your HBOT Session: The Definitive Patient Checklist

Discover the essential protocols for a safe, comfortable, and clinically successful hyperbaric experience. Learn how to prepare your body and your belongings for your next session at TorontoHyperbaric.ca.

Intro: Success Starts Before You Arrive

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is an active medical treatment that relies on the precise coordination of physics and biology. To maximize the cellular benefits of high-pressure oxygen—and to ensure the absolute safety of our purely oxygenated environment—there are several critical steps that every patient must take before their first and subsequent sessions. At TorontoHyperbaric.ca, we pride ourselves on providing a frictionless clinical experience. Our preparation protocols are designed to minimize your stress and maximize your healing potential.

In this guide, we provide a definitive, step-by-step checklist to prepare your body, your clothing, and your mind for a world-class hyperbaric session at our Revivo Neurology hub.

1. The 100% Cotton Rule: Our Primary Safety Standard

In a medical-grade hyperbaric chamber, we utilize 100% medical-grade oxygen at pressures significantly higher than sea level. In this environment, safety is governed by the principles of chemistry and thermodynamics.

Why 100% Cotton?

Synthetic materials like polyester, nylon, and spandex are prone to creating static electricity “sparks.” In a high-oxygen environment, even the smallest spark can be a significant hazard. For this reason, we require every patient to change into 100% medical-grade cotton scrubs or wraps provided by our facility.

The Protocol: Upon arrival, you will be shown to a private changing area where you can switch into our sanitized, comfortable cotton wear. We provide everything you need to ensure that you are 100% safety-compliant.

2. Prohibited Items: What to Leave in Your Locker

For your safety and the safety of our technical team, certain items are strictly prohibited inside the hyperbaric chamber. These items fall into two categories: fire hazards and pressure-sensitive devices.

Strictly Prohibited Items Include:

Electronics: Smartphones, tablets, laptops, e-readers (Kindle), smartwatches, and fitness trackers (Fitbit). These devices contain lithium-ion batteries and circuits that can be unstable under high-pressure oxygen.
Fire Hazards: Matches, lighters, and any type of ignition source.
Personal Grooming Products: Please do not apply perfumes, colognes, hairsprays, makeup, or oil-based skin lotions on the day of your treatment. These products can be flammable in a high-oxygen environment.
Pressure-Sensitive Items: Fountain pens (which will leak) and certain types of hearing aids (please consult with your technician).

Allowed Items:

Reading Material: You are welcome to bring a physical, paper-based book or magazine.
Water: You may bring a clear, plastic water bottle (non-carbonated).
Comfort: Our chambers are equipped with televisions; our technicians will help you select a movie or series to watch during your session so you don’t need to bring your own entertainment.

1. The 48-Hour Dietary and Lifestyle Prep

High-pressure oxygen therapy increases the metabolic demand on your body as it begins the work of cellular repair and stem cell mobilization.

Hydration: The Key to Comfort

Hyperbaric oxygen can have a slight drying effect on the mucus membranes. It is essential to be well-hydrated before your session. We recommend increasing your water intake for 24-48 hours before each session. Proper hydration also makes it much easier to “pop” or equalize your ears during the pressurization (descent) phase.

Nutrition: Light Meals vs. Fasting

We recommend eating a light, healthy meal 1-2 hours before your session. Avoid heavy, gas-producing foods, as the increase in pressure can cause these gases to expand during decompression, potentially leading to mild abdominal discomfort. Do not come to your session on a completely empty stomach, as the “oxygen high” can occasionally cause a drop in blood sugar for some patients.

4. The “No-Smoking” Rule: A Clinical Requirement

This is perhaps the most critical lifestyle protocol for hyperbaric patients.

Carbon Monoxide and Oxygen Competition

Smoking (including e-cigarettes and vaping) introduces carbon monoxide (CO) into your bloodstream. Carbon monoxide has a 200-times greater affinity for your hemoglobin than oxygen does. Effectively, CO “locks” your blood cells, preventing the very oxygen we are providing from being delivered to your tissues.

The Protocol: You MUST NOT smoke for at least one hour before and one hour after your hyperbaric session. For patients seeking neurological or surgical recovery, we strongly recommend a complete cessation of smoking during your entire 20-40 session course to maximize the biological results of the therapy.

5. Medical and Medication Communication

Your technician is your primary recovery partner. It is essential to communicate any changes in your health on the day of your treatment.

Cold and Flu Symptoms

If you are experiencing a cold, sinus congestion, or ear infection, please let us know immediately. Congestion can make it difficult to equalize the pressure in your ears, which may necessitate a temporary pause in your treatment until the symptoms resolve.

New Medications

While most medications are perfectly compatible with HBOT, some (such as certain chemotherapy drugs or topical steroids) require specialized clinical timing. Always inform our team if your physician has started you on a new medication since your initial assessment.

6. Arrival Logistics at 525 Markham Rd

Our facility is designed for high-efficiency clinical care.

Timing Your Arrival

We ask that you arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled session time. This allows you ample time to check in, perform the safety screening, and change into your cotton treatment wear without feeling rushed.

Parking: We offer ample, free, and accessible ground-level parking immediately in front of our entrance.
The 90-Minute Window: A standard session—including descent, treatment, and ascent—typically lasts between 90 and 100 minutes. Please ensure your personal and childcare schedule accounts for this window of focused healing.

7. Summary: Your Path to a Successful Recovery

Preparing for your HBOT session is a simple but vital part of your healing journey. By following these definitive safety and lifestyle protocols, you ensure that your body is in the optimal state to receive the life-changing benefits of high-pressure medical oxygen.

If you would like to talk through the process before booking, visit our contact page or review the facility details.