Clinical hyperbaric chambers come in two main forms, plus a third category often confused with them.
Monoplace chambers
A monoplace chamber treats one person at a time and is pressurized directly with 100% oxygen. The patient reclines in a clear acrylic tube and can see out; a technician monitors from outside. Monoplace chambers are the workhorse of outpatient HBOT — private, comfortable, and efficient.
Multiplace chambers
A multiplace chamber is a walk-in room pressurized with air, in which patients breathe oxygen through masks or hoods. Because staff can be inside, multiplace chambers suit critically ill patients, emergencies, dive medicine, and anyone needing hands-on care during treatment.
What about "soft" chambers?
Soft-sided or "mild" chambers reach only about 1.3 ATA and are usually filled with compressed air, not oxygen. That is a small fraction of the clinical oxygen dose. They are marketed for wellness but are not equivalent to medical HBOT — when comparing facilities, always ask two questions: what pressure, and what gas.
Educational content, not medical advice — see our medical disclaimer. Terms in dotted teal link to the glossary.