What Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy? How HBOT Works
Updated October 20, 2026 · 4 min read
Oxygen is the most basic thing your body needs. Every cell uses it to make energy and repair itself.
So what happens when you give your body more of it, more efficiently? That's the idea behind hyperbaric oxygen therapy at iCRYO Mauldin.
Here's what HBOT is, how it works, what a session feels like and who it's for.
What Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
"Hyperbaric" means higher-than-normal pressure. During HBOT, you rest inside a chamber where the air pressure is increased while you breathe concentrated oxygen.
Normally, oxygen travels through your body attached to red blood cells. Under pressure, extra oxygen also dissolves directly into your plasma, the liquid part of your blood. That lets more oxygen reach your tissues.
Medical HBOT vs. Wellness HBOT
Hospitals use high-pressure hyperbaric chambers for specific FDA-approved conditions, such as decompression sickness, carbon monoxide poisoning and certain non-healing wounds.
Wellness centers like iCRYO offer hyperbaric sessions for general wellness and recovery goals. iCRYO Mauldin uses the OxyHealth Vitaeris 320, a soft-shell mild hyperbaric chamber that operates at about 1.3 ATA. See What Is Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
How HBOT Works
- Pressure increases inside the chamber
- You breathe concentrated oxygen
- More oxygen dissolves into your plasma
- Oxygen reaches tissues throughout the body, supporting energy and repair
Curious why that's different from wearing an oxygen mask? Read Hyperbaric Chamber vs. Supplemental Oxygen.
What a Session Feels Like
- Screening. We review your health history before your first session.
- Settle in. Lie down inside the Vitaeris 320, and we zip the soft chamber closed.
- Pressurization. As pressure rises, your ears may feel full, like on a plane. Swallowing or yawning helps.
- Relax. Rest, listen to music or nap.
- Depressurization. Pressure slowly returns to normal.
Most people find sessions peaceful, a rare hour to unplug.
Who Uses Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
- Athletes supporting recovery from training
- Active adults recovering from hard efforts
- People recovering from procedures (with their doctor's approval)
- Wellness-focused adults looking for energy and overall support
See the full list in Hyperbaric Oxygen Benefits.
Who Should Talk to a Provider First?
HBOT isn't right for everyone. Tell us if you have a recent ear or sinus problem, a cold or congestion, lung conditions, are pregnant, are claustrophobic or have certain medical devices or conditions. We'll screen you before your first session.
Mild Hyperbaric Therapy at iCRYO Mauldin
iCRYO Mauldin uses the OxyHealth Vitaeris 320, a 32-inch soft-shell chamber that operates at about 4 psi (roughly 1.3 ATA). It's a gentle, relaxing way to experience hyperbaric therapy. Learn more in What Is Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Myths vs. Facts
Myth: "It's the same as breathing from an oxygen tank." Fact: The added pressure is what makes hyperbaric therapy different. It helps more oxygen dissolve into your blood plasma. Read Hyperbaric Chamber vs. Supplemental Oxygen.
Myth: "Hyperbaric chambers are only for divers." Fact: Hospitals use them for several approved medical conditions, and wellness centers offer sessions for recovery and overall wellness.
Myth: "It feels claustrophobic and uncomfortable." Fact: Most people find sessions calm and restful. Ear pressure is the most common sensation, and it's usually relieved by swallowing or yawning. Let us know if you're claustrophobic, and we'll talk it through.
Myth: "One session is all you need." Fact: Many of the benefits people look for are associated with a series of sessions.
Ready to take a deep breath?
Hyperbaric Oxygen in Mauldin, SC
iCRYO Mauldin is at 100 N Main St STE. B, Mauldin, SC 29662, on North Main Street with free on-site parking. We welcome clients from Simpsonville, Greenville, Fountain Inn, Five Forks, Taylors and Greer.
Questions? Call (864) 478-7429.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy FAQs
What is hyperbaric oxygen therapy?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) involves breathing concentrated oxygen inside a pressurized chamber. The increased pressure helps more oxygen dissolve into your blood and reach your tissues.
What does a hyperbaric session feel like?
You'll relax inside the chamber while it pressurizes. Your ears may feel full, like on an airplane, and you can relieve it by swallowing or yawning. Most people find it calm and restful.
How long is a hyperbaric session?
Sessions commonly last about 60 minutes, depending on your plan.
Is hyperbaric oxygen therapy safe?
HBOT is generally well tolerated when screened and supervised. Ear pressure is the most common side effect. Our team screens every client before their first session.
iCRYO Mauldin Team
The iCRYO Mauldin team helps clients across the Upstate South Carolina look and feel their best.
Related Articles
Hyperbaric Oxygen Benefits for Recovery and Wellness
From recovery to healing support, here are the potential benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy and what research shows. iCRYO Mauldin, SC.
Hyperbaric Chamber vs. Supplemental Oxygen: What's the Difference?
Why not just use an oxygen mask or oxygen bar? Learn how a hyperbaric chamber delivers oxygen differently and when each option makes sense.
How Many Hyperbaric Sessions Do You Need?
One session or a series? Learn how many hyperbaric oxygen sessions people typically do, how often to go and how to plan your HBOT routine in Mauldin, SC.
What Is Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy? Inside the Vitaeris 320
Learn how mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy works, what the soft-shell Vitaeris 320 feels like and who it's for at iCRYO Mauldin, SC.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Recovery in Greenville SC
Learn how hyperbaric oxygen therapy accelerates healing, boosts brain function, and supports recovery for Greenville SC patients. Available at iCRYO Mauldin.
Learn more about Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Mauldin, SC
View the Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy service page →