Can You Bring Your Phone or Read a Book During HBOT? A Session Logistics Guide
Lisa St. John, M.S.
Lisa is our Clinic Director and Founder. She earned her Master's degree from Harvard University, completed a Fellowship at Stanford University, and has spent the last 30 years working in the healthcare field.
You've booked your first hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) session, and now you're wondering: can I scroll my phone, catch up on a podcast, or bring a book to pass the time? Here's the honest, practical answer — and why the rules exist.
Short Answer: No Phone, but Books Are Usually Fine
Phones and other electronic devices are not allowed inside the chamber during treatment. This isn't an arbitrary rule — it's a fire safety standard. According to the National Fire Protection Association's Health Care Facilities Code (NFPA 99), no unapproved electronic devices are permitted inside a hyperbaric chamber, even chambers pressurized with regular air rather than pure oxygen. The reasoning is straightforward: batteries and electronic components can generate small amounts of heat or a spark, and in an oxygen-enriched, pressurized environment, even a small spark carries real fire risk.
This applies to:
Smartphones and tablets
Smartwatches and fitness trackers
Laptops
Hearing aids (unless a specific model has been cleared)
Any battery-powered device
Books and magazines are generally allowed at most facilities, since paper products don't carry the same ignition risk as batteries or electronics. That said, policies can vary slightly by clinic, so it's worth confirming with your specific provider before your first session.
So How Do You Pass the Time?
Most patients find the time goes faster than expected once they know what's actually available:
Reading — a book or magazine is a reliable way to pass 60–90 minutes
Music or audio — many chambers include a built-in communication and audio system, so you can often listen to music or a show through the chamber itself, without needing your own device
Communication with your care team — chambers are equipped with an intercom or phone line so you can talk to your technician at any point during treatment
Rest — many patients simply close their eyes and relax; fatigue after a session is common, so some use the time to rest rather than stay stimulated
Why the Rule Matters More Than It Might Seem
Fire risk in hyperbaric chambers isn't a theoretical concern raised for its own sake — it's the reason hyperbaric medicine takes electronics restrictions this seriously across the industry, regardless of which specific facility you visit. Following this rule is one of the simplest things you can do to keep your own session safe.
What to Expect Before You Go In
Before your first session, your care team should walk you through exactly what you can and can't bring, so there are no surprises. If you're unsure about a specific item — a hearing aid, a medical device, anything battery-powered — ask ahead of time rather than finding out at check-in.
Safety and Expert Care
At Bay Area Hyperbarics, our team reviews what you can bring before every new patient's first session, so you can plan ahead and feel comfortable once you're in the chamber.
Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. This article is for educational purposes and does not replace medical advice from your care team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my phone into a hyperbaric chamber? No. Phones and other battery-powered electronics are prohibited in hyperbaric chambers due to fire safety standards (NFPA 99), which apply across the hyperbaric medicine industry.
Can I read a book during HBOT? Generally, yes — books and magazines are typically allowed since they don't carry the same fire risk as electronics. Confirm with your specific clinic, as policies can vary slightly.
Can I listen to music during my session? Bay Area Hyperbarics chambers include a built-in communication / audio system that allows patients to listen to music without needing a personal device.
Why aren't phones allowed in hyperbaric chambers? The chamber environment is pressurized and oxygen-enriched, and even a small spark from a battery or electronic component can pose a serious fire risk in that setting.
Have questions about what to expect during your first HBOT session? Reach out to our team — we'll walk you through everything before you go in.
