Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Glossary
A customer-friendly glossary covering mild HBOT basics, pressure terms, chamber components, oxygen and air systems, materials, safety, setup, maintenance, and ownership options.
What This Glossary Is For
This page helps visitors understand the language used around hyperbaric chambers before comparing chamber styles, oxygen setups, materials, accessories, rental options, and purchase plans.
Helpful Note
This glossary is educational and product-focused. It should not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations from a licensed healthcare professional.
HBOT Basics
Core terms customers should understand before comparing chambers or speaking with a specialist.
Mild HBOT
Mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy refers to the use of a lower-pressure chamber, commonly used in wellness, recovery, and at-home support settings.
Hyperbaric Chamber
A pressurized chamber designed to create an environment above normal atmospheric pressure while the user relaxes inside.
Soft Shell Chamber
A flexible hyperbaric chamber often used for home wellness and recovery support because it is portable and easier to set up than many hard shell systems.
Hard Shell Chamber
A rigid chamber typically used in clinical or professional environments and often associated with higher pressure capabilities.
Session
A single period of time spent inside the chamber. Session length can vary based on the chamber, user goals, and professional guidance.
Wellness Use
A general term for non-emergency use focused on recovery, relaxation, performance support, and overall wellness routines.
Expanded Pressure Terms
Pressure language used in HBOT, chamber specifications, gauges, compressor specs, and product comparisons.
ATA
Atmospheres absolute. ATA measures total pressure inside the chamber, including normal atmospheric pressure plus added chamber pressure.
ATM
Atmosphere. One ATM is approximately normal air pressure at sea level. In HBOT, ATA is usually more precise because it refers to absolute pressure.
PSI
Pounds per square inch. PSI is commonly used when discussing compressors, valves, pressure gauges, and chamber operating pressure.
PSIG
Pounds per square inch gauge. PSIG measures pressure above the surrounding room pressure, not total absolute pressure.
kPa
Kilopascal. A metric pressure unit often found in international equipment manuals, compressor specs, or pressure-rated component details.
KPI
KPI usually means key performance indicator, not pressure. If someone writes KPI in a pressure context, they may mean kPa.
Bar
A metric pressure unit sometimes used in compressor, valve, and pressure-rated equipment specifications.
mbar
Millibar. A smaller pressure unit sometimes used in atmospheric pressure, altitude, and technical equipment readings.
Absolute Pressure
Total pressure measured from a vacuum reference point. ATA is an absolute pressure measurement because it includes atmospheric pressure.
Gauge Pressure
Pressure measured above surrounding room pressure. Many chamber gauges show gauge pressure rather than absolute pressure.
Operating Pressure
The target pressure level the chamber is designed to reach and maintain during normal use.
Working Pressure
The normal pressure range a chamber or component is intended to operate within during regular use.
Pressure Leak
Unwanted air loss from the chamber, tubing, zipper, port, or valve that can make it harder to reach or hold pressure.
Seal Integrity
How well the zippers, seams, valves, and ports prevent air loss while the chamber is pressurized.
1.3 ATA
A common mild HBOT pressure level. It means the chamber environment is about 1.3 times normal sea-level atmospheric pressure.
1.5 ATA
A higher pressure level sometimes discussed in mild or low-pressure hyperbaric settings, depending on chamber design and intended use.
More HBOT Terms
Common words used when explaining oxygen therapy, chamber styles, and customer use cases.
Hyperoxia
A state where the body is exposed to higher-than-normal oxygen levels. It is often discussed when describing oxygen-rich environments.
Normobaric Oxygen
Oxygen delivered at normal room pressure, outside of a pressurized chamber environment.
Hyperbaric Oxygen
Oxygen used while the body is in a pressurized environment. Chamber pressure separates hyperbaric use from normal oxygen use.
Monoplace Chamber
A chamber designed for one person at a time. Many home and personal-use chambers fall into this category.
Recovery Routine
A planned schedule that may include chamber sessions along with hydration, rest, stretching, physical therapy, or wellness support.
Training Walkthrough
A guided explanation of how to set up, operate, clean, and safely use the chamber system.
Component Terms
Physical parts customers may compare when choosing a hyperbaric chamber.
Frame
The support structure that helps shape and stabilize the chamber. Frames may be metal, PVC, or another design depending on the model.
Chamber Shell
The main body of the chamber that holds pressure and surrounds the user during a session.
Inner Bladder
The internal pressure-holding layer of some soft chambers. It helps contain the pressurized environment.
Outer Cover
The outside protective layer that helps shield the chamber body and may improve durability, appearance, and handling.
Zipper System
The entry and sealing system used on many soft shell chambers. Quality zipper design supports easier entry, exit, and pressure sealing.
Zipper Seal
The sealing area around the zipper system that helps the chamber hold pressure after it is fully closed.
Zipper Pull
The handle or tab attached to the zipper that helps the user or caregiver open and close the chamber.
Zipper Track
The path the zipper follows as it opens and closes. A clean, aligned track supports smoother operation.
Viewing Window
A clear chamber window that improves visibility, helps reduce closed-in feelings, and allows caregivers to monitor the user.
Valves
Parts that help regulate airflow, pressure release, and chamber operation. Valves are key to pressure control and safety.
Manual Release Valve
A valve that allows the user or operator to manually release pressure from the chamber in a controlled way.
Automatic Relief Valve
A pressure-control valve designed to open automatically when pressure reaches a preset safety level.
Pressure Gauge
A dial or digital display that shows the chamber’s pressure level during pressurization, session use, and depressurization.
Pressure Display
A screen or readout that allows the user or operator to monitor current chamber pressure while the system is running.
Pressure Port
A connection point used to measure, monitor, or route pressure information from the chamber to a gauge or sensor.
Oxygen Port
A chamber connection point where oxygen tubing may enter the chamber and connect to a mask or cannula setup.
Air Line Connector
A fitting that connects the compressor hose or air supply line to the chamber system.
Barbed Fitting
A ridged connector used to grip flexible tubing and help create a secure hose connection.
Threaded Fitting
A screw-style connector used on certain valves, gauges, hoses, or equipment ports to create a secure connection.
Reducer Fitting
A fitting used to connect tubing or ports of different sizes within the air or oxygen system.
Y-Connector
A split connector that allows one line to branch into two lines, depending on the chamber or oxygen accessory setup.
Inline Connector
A connector used to join two sections of tubing or hose in a straight line.
Clamp Ring
A ring-style fastener that helps secure hoses, fittings, or certain chamber connections.
Seal Ring
A ring-shaped seal used around ports, fittings, or connectors to help prevent air loss.
Carry Handles
Handles attached to the chamber or equipment bag to make moving, positioning, or transporting the system easier.
Equipment Bag
A storage or transport bag used for the chamber, hoses, accessories, or smaller system components.
Control Panel
The area on a device where switches, indicators, alarms, flow controls, or displays are located.
Indicator Light
A light on the equipment that may show power status, operation status, alerts, or system readiness.
Air Diffuser
A part that helps spread incoming airflow more evenly inside the chamber for comfort and circulation.
Interior Mat
A removable or built-in mat that adds comfort and helps create a cleaner interior surface for the user.
Customer-Friendly Education
A glossary page helps visitors feel more confident before contacting AHS, booking a consultation, renting a chamber, or comparing models.
- Use simple definitions instead of technical overload.
- Link terms to product pages, comparison pages, and chamber guides.
- Add photos later for frames, valves, windows, compressors, and concentrators.
Compressor, Air Concentrator & Oxygen System Terms
Terms related to chamber compressors, air concentrators, oxygen concentrators, airflow, oxygen delivery, and accessory connections.
Air Compressor
A device that supplies airflow to pressurize the chamber and support the chamber’s operating environment.
Compressor Output
The amount of air a compressor can move and deliver to the chamber, usually described by airflow capacity and pressure capability.
Duty Cycle
How long a compressor is designed to run before needing rest or cooling time. A strong duty cycle supports longer sessions.
Oil-Free Compressor
A compressor that does not use oil in the air compression chamber, helping reduce maintenance and prevent oil from entering the airflow path.
dB Rating
Decibel rating. This number describes how loud the compressor or concentrator may be during operation.
Air Concentrator
A device or system used to support chamber airflow. In some product language, this may refer to an air supply unit paired with the chamber.
Air Filtration
The process of reducing dust, particles, or contaminants from air before it enters the chamber or equipment system.
Airflow Control
The ability to manage how much air moves into, through, or out of the chamber system.
Oxygen Concentrator
A device that takes in room air and concentrates oxygen for delivery through tubing, mask, or cannula depending on the setup.
Oxygen Purity
The concentration level of oxygen produced by an oxygen concentrator, often shown as a percentage in product specifications.
Flow Meter
A visual control or gauge that shows how many liters per minute of oxygen are being delivered.
Molecular Sieve
The internal material in many oxygen concentrators that helps separate nitrogen from room air so oxygen concentration increases.
Setup & Maintenance Terms
Practical terms for home placement, routine care, equipment checks, and long-term usability.
At-Home Setup
The space, power access, ventilation, and arrangement needed to use a chamber in a home environment.
Footprint
The amount of floor space the chamber and equipment require when fully set up.
Clearance
The extra space needed around the chamber for entry, exit, airflow, tubing, and safe operation.
Filter Replacement
The routine process of replacing air or oxygen system filters to support cleaner operation and equipment longevity.
Cleaning Protocol
Recommended steps for wiping, disinfecting, drying, and caring for chamber surfaces and accessories.
Inspection Checklist
A simple list used before or after sessions to check zippers, valves, tubing, filters, cords, seams, and general condition.
Rental, Buying & Service Terms
Terms that support customers comparing rent, rent-to-own, purchase, and payment options.
Rental
A short-term option where a customer uses a chamber for a set rental period instead of purchasing it upfront.
Rent-To-Own
An option that allows customers to begin with rental-style payments while working toward ownership over time.
Single Payment Purchase
Buying the chamber upfront with one payment instead of using a payment plan or rent-to-own option.
Delivery & Setup
The process of receiving the chamber, placing it in the correct space, connecting accessories, and preparing it for use.