What Actually Happens in a Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Session
Written by Becky Lumsden, founder of PURE Spa & Beauty · Updated July 2026
If you've never done it, "climbing into a pressurised oxygen chamber" can sound a bit more sci-fi than it really is. In practice, an HBOT session is one of the calmest hours in your week. Here's exactly what happens, start to finish, so you know what to expect before your first visit.
In short: you settle into a comfortable chamber in loose clothing, it's gently pressurised above normal atmospheric pressure, and you rest while breathing 90–95% oxygen for 30, 60 or 90 minutes. Most people read a book or magazine, or simply switch off. Afterwards the chamber depressurises slowly and you get on with your day. Sessions at PURE start at £45.
Your session, step by step
Arrival & a quick chat
Your therapist welcomes you, talks you through how the session works and answers any questions. There's no need to prepare anything in advance — just arrive in comfortable clothes and ready to relax.
Settling into the chamber
You get comfortable inside the chamber, which is roomier and more relaxed than most people expect. You're welcome to bring a book or a magazine — for safety we don't allow phones or other electronics inside the chamber, so it's a proper chance to switch off.
Gentle pressurisation
Over a few minutes the chamber is pressurised a little above normal atmospheric pressure. You may notice a mild fullness in your ears, just like on a plane — swallowing or yawning clears it easily. Your therapist stays close throughout.
Rest & breathe
This is the easy part: for 30, 60 or 90 minutes you simply rest and breathe the oxygen-rich air. There's nothing to "do" — many people find it a rare chance to be genuinely still.
Depressurise & back to your day
At the end, the chamber returns gently to normal pressure and you step out. There's no downtime — people head straight back to work, the gym, or home.
How long and how much?
| Session | Length | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Single session | 30 minutes | £45 |
| Single session | 60 minutes | £85 |
| 6-session course | 6 × 30 minutes | from £225 (£37.50/session) |
| HBOT Access Pass | 5 / 10 / 30 sessions | from £345 |
Not sure which length to start with? A 30-minute session is the easiest way to try it. If you think you'll go regularly, a course or an Access Pass brings the per-session cost down. See all options on the HBOT guide.
What people notice — and a note on the research
People use HBOT for recovery, energy and relaxation, and describe the sessions themselves as calming. It's worth being straight about the evidence: research is continuing to explore hyperbaric oxygen's role in general wellbeing, and large-scale trials in wellness settings are still limited. We share how our own clients get on in our HBOT news & research updates — real experiences, described honestly.
The best way to know how HBOT feels for you is to try a session. There's no commitment, and your therapist guides you through every step.
Book an HBOT session from £45 →
Where to book
HBOT is available at four PURE spas: Edinburgh (Lothian Road), Glasgow (West Nile Street), Aberdeen (Union Square) and Witney Lakes, Oxfordshire.
Your questions, answered
What happens in a hyperbaric oxygen therapy session?
You settle into a comfortable chamber in loose clothing, it's gently pressurised above normal atmospheric pressure, and you rest while breathing 90–95% oxygen for 30, 60 or 90 minutes. Afterwards the chamber depressurises slowly and you carry on with your day.
How long does an HBOT session last?
30, 60 or 90 minutes, plus a few minutes each side for gentle pressurising and depressurising. A 30-minute session is £45 and 60 minutes is £85.
What does it feel like?
Calm and undramatic. As the chamber pressurises you may feel a mild ear-fullness like on a plane, which clears by swallowing or yawning. After that you simply rest.
What should I wear?
Comfortable, loose clothing. Your therapist explains everything and settles you in, so there's nothing to prepare beyond arriving relaxed.
New to HBOT? Start with the full hyperbaric oxygen therapy guide →, or see whether buying a chamber or using one at a spa → makes more sense for you.
