Our customers constantly ask us for help choosing between a hard shell vs. soft shell hyperbaric chamber. This is often the first step in choosing a hyperbaric chamber, so we’ve put together this soft vs hard hyperbaric chamber comparison to help you weigh your options.
A soft-shell hyperbaric chamber is more affordable, easier to set up/move around, and provides mild pressure for straightforward routines. This is the best hyperbaric chamber for home use.
On the other hand, a hard-shell hyperbaric chamber is better suited for higher-pressure protocols, clinical-grade performance, or situations where someone wants the most controlled environment possible. They’re more expensive and often not a good fit for home use.
Choosing between hard and soft-shell chambers just comes down to your goals, your available space, your budget, and how often you plan to run sessions. We’ll help you navigate all the details below in our hard shell vs. soft shell hyperbaric chamber comparison.
Just know a personalized recommendation is a click or call away at Morelli Medical. Our team helps families and clinics pick the perfect chamber on a daily basis, and we can do the same for you. We stock the best brands at the lowest prices online, with hassle-free financing. Act now!
“After 3 weeks of regular use, I sleep deeper, wake up clearer, and my stress levels feel lower. The controls are intuitive, and the build is really solid, feels pro-grade. Huge thank you to Morelli for the walkthrough on day 1.” - Brianna
“Big thanks to the team at Morelli Medical for their support throughout the ordering and delivery process! I bought the Space 60 for my practice, and it has been amazing for my patients.” - Emily
“I've been using the chamber for weeks now and have experienced a big improvement in my health. If you're suffering from a health issue, give HBOT a try.” - Brian
Hard Shell vs. Soft Shell Hyperbaric Chamber (Fast Facts)
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What to Consider |
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Typical Pressure Range |
1.3–1.5 ATA (mild HBOT) |
Up to 2.0+ ATA (higher pressure) |
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Best Fit For |
At-home wellness, chronic fatigue, mild TBI or recovery support |
Clinics, advanced protocols, users needing stronger treatment plans |
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Setup Location |
Spare room, office, bedroom, small dedicated space |
Dedicated treatment room with more space and ventilation |
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Comfort & Experience |
Soft-sided, quiet, lower-pressure sessions that feel gentle |
Rigid walls, more clinical feel, highly controlled environment |
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Installation & Mobility |
Lightweight, easier to move or reposition |
Heavy, permanent or semi-permanent placement |
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Typical Use |
Individuals and families wanting daily access at home |
Clinicians, performance centers, serious long-term HBOT users |
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Upfront Cost |
Lower entry cost for home HBOT |
Higher initial investment, designed for intensive use |
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Oxygen System Pairing |
Pairs well with high-output concentrators for mild HBOT |
Works with advanced oxygen systems for higher-pressure protocols |
Benefits of a Hard Shell Hyperbaric Chamber
Hard-shell hyperbaric chambers are what you’ll find in professional settings. They support stronger pressure ranges, a more controlled treatment environment, and clinical-grade performance for a wide variety of ailments.
Higher Pressure Capability (Up to 2.0 ATA and Above)
These chambers can reach pressure levels soft-shell models simply can’t because of their durable construction. Operating at 1.75-2.0 ATA gives the body access to way more dissolved oxygen, which can make all the difference in treating neurological conditions, managing post-surgical recovery, or accommodating long-term therapeutic plans.
Clinical-Grade Construction and Long-Term Durability
These chambers are built from rigid materials designed to stay stable under higher pressures day after day. The structure feels solid, the pressure stays consistent, and the system holds up over years of frequent use. They’re not cheap, but you get what you pay for!
Larger Interior Space for Users Who Need More Room or Mobility Support
Hard-shell chambers typically have more space inside. That makes a big difference for taller users, those who feel claustrophobic, or anyone who wants to change positions during a session.
Another bonus for caregivers is that it can sometimes be easier to assist someone into a hard-shell chamber. The rigid doorway doesn’t collapse or shift. Many of these are wheelchair accessible, too.
Better Fit for Complex Medical Protocols
Some treatment plans require strict pressure control, extended sessions, or integration with higher-flow oxygen systems. Hard-shell chambers support these needs with steady internal pressure, precision controls, and compatibility with advanced oxygen setups.
They’re the ideal fit for any sort of clinical setting, whether you’re trying to streamline recovery with athletes using HBOT or you want to outfit your hospital with a chamber. These are the types of hyperbaric chambers we recommend for any professional application.
Benefits of a Soft Shell Hyperbaric Chamber
Anyone looking to bring the benefits of HBOT into their home will find that a soft-shell chamber makes more sense. These portable hyperbaric chambers are more affordable and practical - and they work just fine for a lot of ailments that could benefit from HBOT.
Comfortable Mild-Pressure Sessions Suitable for Daily Use
Soft-shell chambers typically run at 1.3-1.5 ATA. It feels gentle, but the body still gets plenty more dissolved oxygen than it would under normal atmospheric conditions. This is a solid range for supporting faster recovery from workouts, assisting wound healing, or improving cognition.
People say the sessions feel nice and chill. They enjoy quiet airflow, mild pressure changes, and a comfortable interior for sitting or lying down in. Perfect for making HBOT a part of your daily routine.
Simple Setup for At-Home Treatment
These chambers are built for real households, not medical facilities. Most models assemble in a spare bedroom or office with minimal tools. Caregivers can operate them without complicated controls. The process is as simple as getting in, zipping up, and pressing start once the chamber is inflated.
We said above that hard-shell units can be easier to get into/out of than their soft-shell counterparts - but that’s mostly talking about clinical transfers. If you aren’t dealing with wheelchairs, transfer boards, or assisted lifts, a soft-shell unit is super simple. They’re lower to the ground and easier for people with limited mobility.
Portability for Treatment Flexibility
One of the biggest benefits of soft-shell chambers is how lightweight and portable they are. We have customers who buy one for themselves and run a successful protocol. Then, maybe a friend or family member encounters an ailment that would benefit from HBOT. You can effortlessly break the chamber down and let someone else use it!
Even within your home they can be quickly and easily repositioned as needs change. For instance, maybe you have one set up in your spare bedroom but have a guest coming by. It’s not hard to relocate it to the garage or basement for a weekend.
This is the ideal way to tap into the benefits of HBOT for renters, people who relocate often, or anyone who doesn’t want a permanent installation.
Lower Upfront Cost Compared to Hard Shell Chambers
The hyperbaric chamber cost is probably the biggest barrier to entry our customers have. But here’s the good news - you can get a soft-shell chamber for as little as $7,500! That’s a fraction of what you’d pay for a hard-shell chamber.
Even at this lower price point you’re still getting the benefits of HBOT without compromising. It just makes more sense for families who are trying to find a way to justify adding a chamber to their home. It’s also a compelling benefit for facilities trying to elevate their patients’ treatment protocols.
Morelli Medical has the lowest prices online along with hassle-free financing, too - so you can make the investment in health and wellness without stressing. But if you’re still on the fence, let’s take a closer look at the hard shell vs. soft shell hyperbaric chamber below.
Hard Shell vs. Soft Shell Hyperbaric Chamber: Which is Right For You?
Be clear - both sides of the soft vs hard hyperbaric chamber comparison have their place. Soft-shell chambers are great for people who want a practical yet powerful at-home HBOT regimen. Hard-shell chambers are the better fit for clinical settings.
Choosing between a hard shell vs. soft shell hyperbaric chamber really is that simple - but we’ll break down all the key differences below to help you feel more confident in which best suits your needs.
Pressure Capability and Treatment Goals
The biggest difference between a soft vs hard hyperbaric chamber is the pressure they’re capable of accommodating. Soft shell chambers typically fall into one of these categories:
That’s more than enough for general wellness, cognitive support, chronic fatigue, or long-term recovery routines. These pressures feel comfortable, and most people tolerate them immediately.
But if you want a 2.0 ATA hyperbaric chamber, you’ll need to go with a hard-shell chamber. Anything over 1.5 ATA, really, calls for a more rigid frame - otherwise the shell could burst. These systems are better for someone with very specific targets or who is working with a clinician recommending a stronger treatment range.
User Comfort and Interior Space
Both chambers can be plenty comfortable, but there are slight nuances here in comparing the hard shell vs. soft shell hyperbaric chamber.
Soft-sided chambers feel relaxed and cushioned. They have a low entry point for mobility-challenged users, too. People find them “gentle,” which can make it easier to relax, listen to music, or meditate during the session. Part of this has to do with their lower noise.
On the other hand, hard-shell chambers approach comfort differently - often by providing more internal space for the user to sit or lie down while they receive their treatment. They also have more noticeable mechanical noise. It’s not necessarily annoying or disruptive, but it’s not as easy to ignore. The trade-off is steady pressure control and more room inside the chamber.
Setup Requirements and Installation
Another major distinction between the soft vs hard hyperbaric chamber is how easy it is to incorporate one into your space.
As you know now, soft-shell chambers assemble with minimal tools and can be placed in a spare bedroom, office, or wellness room. They’re lightweight enough to reposition and don’t require special flooring or ventilation.
In contrast, hard-shell chambers need more planning. They’re bigger and heavier. More often than not, you’ll need to install these in a dedicated room - one that you don’t need to use for anything else going forward, since moving the chamber after installation is impractical. Delivery teams often help with placement and setup for these reasons.
Budget and Long-Term Cost
Ultimately, your decision between a hard shell vs. soft shell hyperbaric chamber will probably come down to cost. One of these is far more accessible than the other, as you can see below - these are our starting prices for each type of chamber:
- Our most affordable soft-shell chamber: $7,499
- Our most affordable hard-shell chamber: $24,999
You get what you pay for to some extent. But soft-sided chambers are perfectly fine for individuals or families beginning HBOT at home. Financing makes them even more accessible.
Hard-shell chambers are well worth the investment for hospitals or healthcare facilities trying to help their patients recover better, though. The extra cost can be traced back to higher performance and a longer lifespan.
But either way, you can rest assured you’re getting the best value for your money here at Morelli Medical. So, whether you’re looking for a soft-shell chamber for home use or a hard-shell chamber for your clinic, take the next step today!
Let Morelli Medical Help You Choose the Ideal Hyperbaric Chamber
Morelli Medical carries one of the largest selections of soft-shell and hard-shell hyperbaric chambers online. Every model in our catalog has been handpicked from one of the industry’s most trusted brands, such as Macy-Pan or OXYREVO. You’re getting the best of the best.
Our team knows these systems inside and out, from real-world comfort differences to the technical details that matter when comparing models. Count on us for clear guidance, competitive pricing, direct access to manufacturer info, and US-based support.
With a price-matching guarantee and straightforward financing terms, there’s no better place to start with HBOT - be it from the comfort of home for your own health journey, or in your clinic for your patients. Get in touch for a personalized recommendation today!
Wrapping Up Our Soft vs Hard Hyperbaric Chamber Comparison
We hope this hard shell vs. soft shell hyperbaric chamber has left you with total clarity on which best suits your needs. Each has its pros and cons. Just think about what matters most to you - practicality and affordability vs performance and longevity.
Morelli Medical carries the top selection of both chamber types, backed by real product specialists and a nationwide technician network. Our team is on standby right now. We’re ready to answer your questions, talk over your needs, and pinpoint the perfect solution.
Get matched with the exact hard-shell or soft-shell chamber that fits your pressure needs, space, and long-term treatment goals now!