Is HBOT Safe for Children and Families?

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is best known for its use in specialist medical settings, but more families are exploring its potential for wellness and recovery at home. This naturally raises the question — is HBOT safe for children, and can families use it together?

HBOT for Children in Clinical Settings

In NHS and private healthcare environments, HBOT is used for both adults and children under certain conditions. These include emergencies such as carbon monoxide poisoning, decompression sickness, or recovery from certain radiation injuries. When prescribed for children in these circumstances, it is closely monitored by trained healthcare professionals, and the therapy has a long track record of safe use.

Paediatric HBOT is typically delivered at higher pressures in a hospital setting than you would find in a home chamber. In these cases, medical assessment ensures that a child is suitable for treatment, and the session is carefully supervised.

Home-Use HBOT — Lower Pressure, Greater Flexibility

CryoCube’s monoplace home HBOT chambers operate at 1.5 ATA — a gentler pressure than hospital-grade chambers — and deliver oxygen via a comfortable mask or hood system. This approach significantly reduces risks while still providing the benefits of increased oxygen delivery to the body’s tissues.

Families who wish to use HBOT for wellness, recovery, or sports performance may find this lower-pressure, home-based model particularly appealing. Sessions can be scheduled to suit daily routines, and there’s no need to travel to a clinic.

Important Safety Considerations

While HBOT is generally well-tolerated by children, it’s important to keep a few points in mind:

  • Medical clearance: Always check with your GP before starting HBOT for a child, particularly if they have any chronic health issues, ear or sinus problems, or recent surgery.
  • Pressure equalisation: Some children may need guidance on how to “pop” their ears during pressurisation, just as they might on an aeroplane.
  • Session length: Begin with shorter sessions to allow a child to get used to the environment.

The CryoCube Family Approach

Our home chambers feature clear viewing panels to avoid a closed-in feeling and come with straightforward instructions for safe operation. With nationwide delivery, professional setup, and a 30-day rolling contract, families can experience the benefits of HBOT without long-term commitments or travel costs.

At £480 per month, CryoCube’s rental service makes it possible to enjoy the advantages of oxygen-rich therapy in the comfort of your own home, at a time and pace that works for you and your family.

Sources

  1. NHS England – Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Services (All Ages) Service Specification (January 2025): https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-services-all-ages-Service-specification-January-2025.pdf
  2. NHS England – Reviewing Hyperbaric Oxygen Services: Consultation Guide (2024): https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/reviewing-hyperbaric-oxygen-services-consultation-guide/
  3. Aydin, F. et al. (2023) Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment in Children: Experience in 329 Patients. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10735713/