Hyperbaric Chamber Safety: Fire Risk, Ear Pressure, Contraindications and Best Practices

Short answer: The main risks of a hyperbaric chamber are fire in an oxygen-enriched environment, ear and sinus pressure injury (barotrauma), and using one when you have a condition that makes pressure unsafe. Reduce them by keeping ignition sources away, pressurizing slowly, getting medical clearance, and following the manufacturer's manual. Higher-pressure hard-shell chambers add risks and are generally used with a trained operator.

Last reviewed: September 2026. Educational only, not medical advice. See our disclaimer. The manufacturer's manual overrides anything here.

Fire risk

Oxygen does not burn on its own, but it makes almost everything else burn faster and hotter. Chambers and oxygen generators are safe when used as designed, and the risk comes from things brought into or near them.

• Keep flames, sparks, lighters, matches and heat sources such as heaters and sauna equipment well away from the chamber and the oxygen generator.
• Do not smoke or vape near the equipment.
• Follow the manual's list of what may and may not go inside. Battery-powered and electronic devices are a common concern, so do not bring one inside unless the manufacturer explicitly allows it.
• Place the oxygen generator where the manual specifies, in a ventilated spot with clear airflow.
• Avoid static-prone or highly flammable items, and check for oils and greases on fittings, which should not contact oxygen equipment.
• Keep a working smoke alarm and a fire extinguisher in the room.

Ear and sinus pressure

Pressure changes push on the ears and sinuses. Discomfort is common, and injury is possible if pressure rises faster than you can equalize.

• Equalize early and often by swallowing, yawning or moving your jaw.
• Pressurize slowly, and stop or slow down if you feel pain.
• Do not use the chamber with a cold, congestion, ear infection or sinus infection unless your physician says it is safe.
• Tell your physician if you have had ear surgery or ongoing ear problems.

Who should not use a chamber, or should ask first

Some conditions, such as an untreated collapsed lung, are reasons not to use a hyperbaric chamber at all. Others require a physician's judgment. Talk to your doctor before use if you have:

• lung disease, a history of a collapsed lung or chest surgery;
• ear, sinus or eye conditions or recent surgery on them;
• a fever, or a respiratory infection;
• a seizure disorder;
• a medical device or implant, or take medications your physician wants to review;
• claustrophobia or anxiety in enclosed spaces;
• pregnancy.

Children and anyone who cannot reliably tell you they are uncomfortable need medical guidance and supervision.

Oxygen exposure

Breathing high-concentration oxygen for long periods can cause side effects. Risk rises with pressure and time, and it is one reason session length and pressure follow a prescriber's instructions and the manual. At the low pressure of a mild chamber the risk is lower than in hospital chambers, but it is not zero. Hard-shell chambers rated up to 2.0 ATA carry higher risk and are generally used with a trained operator.

Best practices checklist

1. Get a prescription and medical clearance before your first session.
2. Read the whole manual, including how to release pressure quickly.
3. Inspect the chamber, zipper, hoses and gauges before every session.
4. Confirm the compressors run and the power-monitoring alarm works.
5. Keep ignition sources out of the room, and know your exits.
6. Pressurize and depressurize slowly, and equalize your ears.
7. Do not open the zipper until pressure has equalized.
8. Have another adult nearby, especially at first.
9. Stop if you feel unwell, and seek medical help for severe symptoms.
10. Follow the maintenance and cleaning schedule.

Built-in safety features to look for

• Dual (redundant) compressors, so one failure does not stop pressurization.
• Pressure release valves that cap the pressure at the rated level, such as 4.4 PSI (1.3 ATA) on Summit to Sea.
• Internal and external gauges or monitors.
• A power-monitoring alarm.
• A zipper designed to hold pressure and to be opened only when pressure is equal.

Summit to Sea chambers include dual compressors, pressure monitoring and relief valves. Ask every other brand the same questions. See the Hyperbaric Chamber Guide and every chamber we carry.

Read more guides, browse the hyperbaric chamber collection, or contact us.