One of the most common questions we get asked here at Morelli Medical is this: is a hyperbaric chamber the same as a decompression chamber? There is a ton of overlap, so we totally understand the confusion surrounding a hyperbaric chamber vs decompression chamber.
Both are pressureized chambers. Both can be used to treat decompression sickness. Both can be monoplace (single-person units) or multiplace (more than one person fits inside). But that’s where the similarities end and the differences begin.
With hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), you’re inhaling 100% oxygen at full pressure. That’s why these chambers work so well for speeding up recovery rates, improving cognitive function, and supporting faster healing.
But a lot of decompression chambers use room air, mainly focused on pressure adjustment rather than increasing oxygenation. These machines are most often relied on for military, commercial diving, and emergency use rather than general wellness.
We’ll look at some more differences between the decompression chamber vs hyperbaric chamber below to help you gain a stronger understanding of which is right for you. But we feel pretty confident saying you’ll be better suited to HBOT. And we here at Morelli Medical offer the industry’s best hyperbaric chambers for sale. So, take the next step today!
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Quick Look at the Hyperbaric Chamber vs Decompression Chamber Differences
|
Feature |
Hyperbaric Chamber |
Decompression Chamber |
|
Primary Purpose |
Delivers oxygen therapy for healing and recovery |
Used to treat decompression sickness in divers |
|
Oxygen Delivery |
100% oxygen at increased atmospheric pressure |
May or may not involve supplemental oxygen |
|
Typical Users |
Patients with wounds, inflammation, neurological conditions. Anyone looking to feel better physically or mentally. |
Divers, hyperbaric medical staff, emergency responders |
|
Session Length |
60–90 minutes, often in a series |
Time varies based on severity of decompression sickness |
|
Treatment Frequency |
Daily or multiple times per week for a set period |
Typically used acutely and infrequently |
|
Home Use |
Available in soft chamber models for home |
Not available for home use |
What is a Hyperbaric Chamber?
These are sealed, pressurized environments where a person breathes in concentrated oxygen (typically 100%) at levels higher than normal atmospheric pressure. What’s the point, though?
HBOT can increase your blood’s oxygen-carrying capacity, helping it reach deeper into plasma, lymph, and other fluids so it can reach damaged tissues or areas with limited blood flow. The common theme is HBOT may support better healing and recovery outcomes.
There are two main types of hyperbaric chambers: monoplace (for one person) and multiplace (for multiple people, often used in hospitals). The chamber is pressurized to around 1.3 to 3.0 ATA (atmospheres absolute) during a session, depending on the treatment goal. Most sessions are 60-90 minutes long.
So what are the most common use cases for HBOT? FDA-approved applications include carbon monoxide poisoning, diabetic foot ulcers, and radiation tissue damage. But most users rely on it for something else entirely.
For instance, athletes use it to speed up recovery. Biohackers rely on it to support brain function. People with chronic fatigue or autoimmune issues often report improved energy and clarity after consistent use.
The point is, these machines aren’t just found in clinical settings anymore. People who just want to feel better faster, or perform their best cognitively/physically, are bringing the benefits of HBOT into their homes.
Whether you want a hard shell hyperbaric chamber or soft shell hyperbaric chamber, Morelli Medical makes it easy to invest in yourself. You get the lowest prices online with hassle-free financing.
Really, this is one of the major differences between a hyperbaric chamber vs decompression chamber - accessibility. With that said, let’s explain the other half of this comparison and its applications.
What is a Decompression Chamber?
These are also sealed, pressurized environments. They’re used for a very different purpose, though.
A decompression chamber’s main job is to treat decompression sickness (also known as “the bends”), a condition that occurs when a diver ascends too quickly, causing nitrogen bubbles to form in the bloodstream. These bubbles can cause joint pain, dizziness, paralysis, or even death if you don’t act fast.
That’s why you’ll mostly find these chambers used by the military, professional dive teams, and offshore oil workers. They're built to rapidly increase and then gradually decrease pressure, mimicking a controlled ascent from deep underwater. This lets trapped nitrogen safely dissolve back into the bloodstream so it can be exhaled through the lungs.
Now, here’s where things get tricky in comparing a decompression chamber vs hyperbaric chamber. Some of these systems do administer oxygen during treatment - effectively making these the same as HBOT. But not all do that. Because the main goal is pressure normalization.
You’ll see similar chambers used in aviation or spaceflight to simulate altitude and train personnel for low-oxygen environments. But, you won’t find these in clinical or wellness settings. That’s where the biggest distinction between a hyperbaric chamber vs decompression chamber lies.
Is a Hyperbaric Chamber the Same as a Decompression Chamber?
So is a hyperbaric chamber the same as a decompression chamber? Not quite, although some sources (like Google’s AI feature) will tell you yes. There’s more nuance at play.
Structurally, yes - these chambers are more or less the same. Each manipulates air pressure to influence the human body. But in function and intent, they serve very different roles. And we think that matters enough to separate them.
A hyperbaric chamber is designed to deliver high levels of oxygen under pressure for healing and recovery. A decompression chamber, on the other hand, is used to safely normalize pressure for someone suffering from rapid decompression, typically after a dive or exposure to high-altitude environments.
This is to say you could probably use HBOT for decompression, but you’d find using a decompression chamber for things like accelerated wound healing or cognitive performance a bit ineffective.
Hyperbaric Chamber vs Decompression Chamber: Key Differences to Consider
These chambers are not the same in terms of how they’re used. There’s a lot to unpack here, so let’s put the hyperbaric chamber vs decompression chamber side by side below and show you exactly where they vary from one another.
Primary Use Cases
The easiest way to split up the decompression chamber vs hyperbaric chamber is through their use cases. Hyperbaric chambers saturate your body with oxygen to help with wound healing, inflammation, brain fog, fatigue, and more. They’re part of a broader wellness or clinical routine.
On the other hand, decompression chambers solve one problem: decompression sickness. They’re used in emergency or training situations by divers, aviators, or people who work at extreme altitudes. You won’t use one unless you have to.
In this sense, HBOT is way more versatile for general wellness. You can rely on these chambers to improve performance as an athlete or working professional. You can use it to get back to feeling like yourself after a surgery, injury, or battle with a chronic condition.
In other words, you use HBOT because you want to.
How Treatments Feel
Even the experience in a hyperbaric chamber vs decompression chamber is different.
Our customers love using HBOt because it feels calm and comforting. You can sit or lie down (depending on the type of hyperbaric chamber in question). Either way, you just relax and breathe. Maybe you listen to a podcast or your favorite album, perhaps you read a book. Some people even take a nap or meditate.
You might feel a bit of pressurization happening around you, but it’s gentle - like flying in an airplane. Most people don’t even notice anything happening. That’s not the case with a decompression chamber, though.
For one, you’ll enter the chamber stressed because it’s technically a medical emergency. You’ll also feel pretty sick going in. The pressure changes are more aggressive and often uncomfortable, especially during emergency treatments. The goal isn’t relaxation - it’s survival!
Session Length and Frequency
Most HBOT sessions last 60 to 90 minutes and are done in a series - anywhere from to 40 sessions depending on the condition. Some people incorporate it weekly or even daily as part of a long-term wellness routine.
In contrast, decompression treatments vary based on how serious the situation is. Sessions may be short or last several hours, but they’re rarely repeated unless the person is exposed again. These aren’t part of anyone’s wellness schedule. The goal is to avoid them altogether.
Cost and Accessibility
Hyperbaric chambers are becoming much more accessible, especially with the rise of portable hyperbaric chambers like those at Morelli Medical. You can buy one if you want to bring the benefits of HBOT into your home and avoid the ongoing expense and hassle of clinic visits. Otherwise, expect to pay $150 to $250 per treatment - that adds up fast.
Decompression chambers are only found at diving facilities, military bases, or specialty hospitals. They’re not for sale to the public, and access is limited to emergency use. They’re not something you shop for. There’s something you hope you never have to use.
Which is Right For You?
It should be pretty obvious which makes sense for you in comparing a hyperbaric chamber vs decompression chamber. Are you struggling with decompression sickness? Hopefully you have a decompression chamber nearby - because the clock is ticking!
But HBOT is worth looking into whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing chronic fatigue, trying to boost brain performance, or just want to age a little more gracefully. It’s a tool you can bring into your home and your routine.
We make that process simple at Morelli Medical by offering the lowest prices in the country on top-tier hyperbaric chambers, guaranteed. We also have hassle-free financing options so you can take the stress out of investing in your health and happiness.
Our support team is actually here to help, whether you have questions before you buy or months into using your chamber. It all starts with a conversation, so reach out now or shop our selection!
Closing Thoughts on Our Decompression Chamber vs Hyperbaric Chamber Comparison
That does it for our breakdown of the differences between a hyperbaric chamber vs decompression chamber. While they look similar and have a little overlap in terms of mechanism, they’re used for different purposes and in different scenarios.
One is a life-saving tool for divers in distress. The other is a wellness technology changing lives far beyond emergency medicine. If you're exploring HBOT for recovery, longevity, or overall well-being, there's no question: a hyperbaric chamber is the right choice.
We have a similar comparison resource on the differences between cryotherapy vs hyperbaric chamber if you want to learn more. Otherwise, it’s time to bring the best home hyperbaric chamber into your space today. Morelli Medical is here to help.
Browse our collection of home-use hyperbaric chambers or talk to a specialist today!