Is hyperbaric oxygen therapy safe?

HBOT at Citrin Longevity is doctor-supervised and calibrated to each patient's physiology. Side effects are rare and typically limited to mild ear pressure during pressurization, which resolves as the body equalizes. We conduct a full intake assessment before any treatment begins to identify contraindications.

How many sessions before I notice a difference?

Some patients report improved recovery and reduced joint inflammation after 3 to 5 sessions. Cognitive effects often become noticeable around the same range. The most significant and lasting improvements typically develop over a 20-to-40-session course tracked against your baseline biomarkers.

Is this the same as the HBOT chambers you find at wellness spas?

No. Consumer-grade soft chambers are fixed at 1.3 ATA and are typically pressurized with ambient air only. Research does support some therapeutic benefit at 1.3 ATA, particularly for inflammation and recovery. The clinical chambers at Citrin Longevity operate between 1.3 and 2.0 ATA, using an oxygen compressor to deliver concentrated oxygen rather than relying on ambient air alone. Pressure is adjusted based on your clinical goals, and higher pressures dissolve significantly more oxygen into plasma, which expands the range of therapeutic applications and the depth of physiological effect. The pressure your protocol calls for is determined by your doctor, not selected from a menu.

Can I use HBOT alongside other Citrin Longevity protocols?

Yes. HBOT is frequently stacked with red light therapy, IV therapy, and VASPER. The combination is particularly effective for recovery-focused patients. Your ND will design the sequencing of therapies based on your goals and the data from your initial assessment.

What should I wear and how do I prepare for a session?

Wear loose, comfortable clothing and leave jewelry, watches, and hard contact lenses at home (soft contact lenses are okay). We ask that you skip perfume and hairspray, since the chamber environment is oxygen-rich. Our West Hollywood team walks you through the full prep list before your first visit so nothing is a surprise.

Should I eat before my HBOT session?

Yes. Have a light meal or snack within an hour or two of your appointment, since blood sugar can dip slightly during treatment. We suggest going easy on caffeine and avoiding alcohol beforehand. Our team reviews these details with you so you arrive feeling steady and comfortable.

I get claustrophobic. Can I still do this?

Most patients who feel uneasy in tight spaces do well. The chamber is a roomy unit with clear panels, so you can see the room the entire time and stay in contact with our team. You set the pace, and we can slow pressurization or pause the session whenever you ask.

Will the pressure hurt my ears?

The most common sensation is mild ear fullness during the first few minutes, similar to landing in an airplane. We coach you on simple equalizing techniques like swallowing, yawning, or a gentle Valsalva before you begin. If your ears need a moment, tell us and we slow the pressure until you are comfortable.

Can I bring my phone or work during a session?

Yes. The chamber is pressurized with air, not pure oxygen, so cell phones may be used inside. Many patients read, answer email, or simply rest. Sessions run long enough that bringing something to occupy the time tends to make the experience more relaxing.

Who should not do hyperbaric oxygen therapy?

HBOT is not appropriate for everyone. People who are pregnant, have an untreated collapsed lung, certain lung conditions, an active cold or ear infection, or specific implanted devices may need to wait or avoid it. This is why our team completes a full clinical intake first and screens for contraindications before any session is scheduled.

Why does clinical HBOT cost more than the deals I see online?

Price usually reflects three things: chamber type, the pressure it actually reaches, and the medical oversight behind it. Low-cost soft chambers cap at 1.3 ATA with ambient air, which is only therapeutic for certain conditions. At Citrin Longevity you are paying for a clinician-led protocol, hard-shell chambers, and care calibrated to your biomarkers.

What can I do after a session, and can I drive myself home?

You can drive yourself and return to your normal day. Some patients feel a little tired afterward as the body's repair response kicks in, so we suggest drinking water and taking it easy if you feel it. One thing to plan around: avoid air travel for about 24 hours before and after a session.

How is this different from a home or inflatable hyperbaric chamber?

Inflatable home units run at 1.3 ATA with concentrated room air and no clinical supervision. Our chambers reach therapeutic pressure inside a controlled, doctor-led setting, and your protocol is built from your lab data rather than a one-size schedule. The difference is both the pressure delivered and the medical structure around it.

Can HBOT support healthy aging and longevity?

Hyperbaric oxygen has been studied for its effects on circulation, inflammation, and cellular repair, which are areas of strong interest in longevity research. We frame it as one tool for recovery and healthy aging, not a cure for anything specific. Our Los Angeles team tracks your markers over time so the protocol stays matched to your goals.

Why are there red light panels inside the chamber?

Our OxyCell chamber includes red-light panels so two recovery modalities can run in the same window of time. Red light has been studied for skin, circulation, and cellular energy support, and pairing it with pressurized oxygen is a way our team makes a session more efficient. Whether to use it is part of how your protocol is sequenced.