Supporting a Loved One Through Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: A Caregiver's Guide to 30+ Sessions
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.
Many hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) courses involve 20 to 40 or more sessions, usually on weekdays. For the person in treatment, steady support makes a real difference. The most helpful things a caregiver can do are plan the schedule and transportation, help with questions and paperwork, watch for side effects, and look after their own energy too.
The Part No One Talks About
When someone you love starts HBOT, the conversation usually focuses on the patient: the condition, the science, the goals. But if you're the spouse, adult child, friend or neighbor who is driving, scheduling and worrying, you're part of the treatment team too.
Daily sessions for weeks can feel like a second job. It helps to know what to expect and where you can make the biggest difference.
What a Typical Course Looks Like
The number of sessions depends on the condition. Wound care and radiation injury often involve 30 to 40 treatments, while other indications are shorter. Sessions are commonly held five days a week, and each visit can take well over an hour once check-in, pressurization, treatment and depressurization are included. Your loved one's physician will set the plan, and it can be adjusted as they progress.
7 Ways to Help
Own the calendar. Put every appointment on a shared calendar, and plan around the first few weeks. Consistency matters in HBOT, so missed days can slow progress.
Handle the rides. Some patients feel tired after sessions, and others are treated for conditions that make driving difficult. Ask the care team whether your loved one should drive themselves.
Be the memory. Come to the first consultation if you can. Write down the instructions, the medication list and the questions. Phones aren't allowed in the chamber, so you are often the one who can be reached during a session.
Know the day-to-day basics. Cotton clothing, no electronics in the chamber, and a heads-up to the team about colds or congestion. Our team goes over the rules before the first visit.
Notice and report. Ear pressure, unusual fatigue and changes in vision or mood are worth mentioning. Encourage your loved one to tell the technician right away if something feels wrong during treatment, since the team can talk with them the whole time.
Keep spirits up. Bring a book or music for the wait, plan a small treat after sessions, and mark milestones like "ten down." Long courses are easier when progress is visible.
Help with paperwork. Coverage and referrals can be confusing. Keep copies of authorizations, bills and letters in one folder, and ask our team to help with insurance questions.
Take Care of Yourself, Too
Caregivers often put themselves last. Rotate rides with another family member if you can, keep your own appointments, and let others help when they offer. A rested caregiver is a better support for the patient.
Can Family Come Inside the Chamber?
In many cases family members wait outside during treatment. Ask our team about our policy before the first visit.
Safety and Expert Care
At Bay Area Hyperbarics, our team treats the whole family as part of the care plan. We explain each step, answer questions and keep patient safety at the center of every session.
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
How many HBOT sessions will my loved one need? It depends on the condition. Many courses run from about 20 to 40 or more sessions, and the physician will set and adjust the plan.
Can my family member drive themselves to HBOT? Often yes, but it depends on how they feel and the condition being treated. Ask the care team.
Is it okay to miss a day? Occasional misses happen, but consistency helps. Tell the clinic early so they can reschedule.
Can I stay with my loved one during treatment? Policies vary by chamber type. Most family members wait outside, and the patient can speak with the team through an intercom.
What should I watch for after sessions? Tiredness and mild ear fullness are common. Call the clinic about ear pain, vision changes, or anything that worries you.
Supporting someone who's considering HBOT? Call our team. We're happy to answer your questions too.
Supporting someone who's considering HBOT?
