Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) involves breathing 100% pure oxygen inside a pressurised chamber. Healthcare professionals provide guidance to ensure the treatment is safe and effective.
Before treatment begins, you will attend an interview with a specialist in hyperbaric and diving medicine.
Referral
A referral is required.
All referrals are reviewed by a physician. If accepted, you will receive an SMS and be placed on the waiting list for an interview.
Interview
The doctor will:
Assess whether treatment is appropriate
Identify any contraindications
Explain the treatment and next steps
The interview is required before treatment. Different procedures apply in emergency cases.
The interview typically lasts 30–60 minutes and includes:
Questions about your health and medications
A basic examination, if needed
Wound assessment, if applicable
Language:
Interviews are usually conducted in English. You may bring someone to assist or request a translator.
After the Interview
Location
Landspítali Fossvogur, 2nd floor, E2
Register with your kennitala at the self-service machine in the main reception
Follow the on-screen instructions
Wait in the brown waiting room
Do not check in with the staff in the waiting room, as they belong to another department.
Scheduling
Appointments are scheduled based on medical priority, not in the order referrals are received.
If waiting times are long, interviews are usually scheduled shortly before treatment begins.
HBOT Treatment Process
Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before each session.
Have breakfast before the treatment begins.
Stay well-hydrated throughout the day.
Hard contact lenses and hearing aids are prohibited in the chamber.
Refrain from smoking or using tobacco products several hours before the session.
You may bring a book to read or Sudoku puzzles and a pencil, but newspapers, magazines, and books with plastic covers are not allowed.
Wear specialized clothing for the treatment.
Ensure safety by leaving behind restricted items such as lighters and heat-producing electrical devices.
Remove hair and skincare products containing oil-based substances due to fire risk.
Arrive at least 10–15 minutes before the scheduled treatment time.
Remove your shoes at the entrance to the treatment area.
Change into the provided clothing and socks. Cotton or cotton-blend undergarments are allowed, but wool and silk materials are strictly prohibited.
Remove all metal items before entering the chamber.
Electric devices, phones, watches, and music players are strictly prohibited in the chamber.
If you have long hair, tie it back and wear the provided hair cover.
Use the restroom before the treatment begins.
Treatment
Enter a sealed chamber, often with other patients.
Air pressure is gradually increased above normal atmospheric pressure (1 to 1.8 bar).
The pressurization process takes 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the condition being treated.
Once the target pressure is reached, an oxygen mask is worn to breathe pure oxygen.
Total Treatment Time
Please follow these safety recommendations:
Do not fly or travel to high altitudes for 24 hours
Avoid strenuous exercise for 4 hours after treatment (Walking, swimming, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation are permitted)
Stay well hydrated
Avoid alcohol
Avoid smoking for several hours
are taking medication or have had changes to your prescriptions.
have a cold, fever, or feel unwell.
are wearing a medical patch.
have tooth pain or a temporary filling.
are pregnant or suspect you may be pregnant.
have a history of epilepsy.
