Soft-Shell vs Hard-Shell HBOT Chambers: Which Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Is Right for You?
If you’ve been hearing about Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) whether from athletes, wellness experts, or friends you might be wondering what all the excitement is about. This unique therapy uses gentle air pressure and oxygen to help your body absorb more of what it already needs most: pure O₂.
But once you start looking into it, you’ll find two main types of chambers soft-shell and hard-shell and it’s easy to get confused. Don’t worry in this post, we’ll explain the difference, what to expect, and why many people in the UK are choosing 1.5 ATA soft-shell HBOT for everyday wellness and recovery.
Soft-Shell HBOT: Gentle, Comfortable, and Accessible
Soft-shell chambers (sometimes called mild hyperbaric chambers) are flexible, fabric-lined systems that reach up to 1.5 ATA roughly the same pressure as being 15 feet underwater.
You’ll sit or lie comfortably inside while the chamber gently pressurises. You simply breathe 98% purified oxygen through a mask as you relax many people even nap or read during their session.
Benefits clients often report:
Enhanced energy and mental clarity
Quicker post-workout or travel recovery especially for hikers such as those doing treks up mount Kilimanjaro for instance due to the lack of oxygen the treks involve at high altitude.
Support for circulation and tissue oxygenation, can help victims who have suffered strokes and concussions to the brain.
Deep relaxation and reduced fatigue, increases atp production and up regulates the mitochondria which then helps the body create more energy.
(Note: mild HBOT is classed as a wellbeing treatment in the UK and is not a replacement for hospital-based medical HBOT.)
Hard-Shell HBOT: The Medical Model
Hard-shell hyperbaric chambers are the rigid metal or acrylic systems found in NHS and private hospitals. They reach higher pressures 2.0 to 3.0 ATA and fill the entire chamber with 100% medical oxygen.
These are used under medical supervision for specific, NHS-recognised conditions such as:
Decompression illness (the “bends”)
Carbon monoxide poisoning
Severe wounds or radiation injury
While extremely effective for those conditions, hospital HBOT is not typically used for general wellness or recovery.
Why We Use 1.5 ATA Chambers
At our UK facility, we use 1.5 ATA soft-shell chambers a level that offers enhanced oxygen uptake compared with 1.3 ATA systems while keeping the experience gentle and comfortable.
Every session includes:
A pre-treatment health check for suitability and checks on clients use of medications which may interfere with the safety of the session
Supervision by trained HBOT technicians, a HBOT technician will take you through the safety features and explain what to expect throughout the session
Controlled pressurisation and decompression, we at Just Breathe do this in a calm and slow manor to prevent any discomfort when decompressing.
Medical-grade oxygen and clean, sanitised equipment
The result? A calm, restorative session that leaves you refreshed without the intensity of hospital-grade HBOT.
Is It Safe?
Yes. HBOT at 1.5 ATA has a very low risk profile. You may feel mild ear pressure (like on an aeroplane), which eases as your body adjusts. We guide you through equalisation techniques and monitor every session for comfort and safety. All equipment is serviced regularly and operated in line with UK health and safety standards.
Choosing What’s Right for You
If you’re managing a serious medical condition, always speak with your GP or consultant about hospital-based HBOT options.
But if your goal is:
To support your wellness and energy,
To recover faster after sport, training, or travel,
Or simply to feel sharper and more balanced,
then a soft-shell 1.5 ATA HBOT session is a safe, effective, and enjoyable place to start.
Final Thoughts
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy isn’t just for hospitals anymore it’s becoming a cornerstone of modern wellness and recovery.
Our UK-based soft-shell HBOT centre brings the benefits of enhanced oxygenation into a calm, accessible space where you can unwind and recharge.
Ready to experience the difference? Book your introductory session today at justbreathehyperbarics.com and discover what a little extra oxygen can do for you.
