What to Expect: Hyperbaric Oxygen Single Session (60 Minutes)
By Be The Change Health & Wellness Center | October 12, 2026
Appointment-only | Wheelchair accessible | Card payments accepted
A lot of people come in a little nervous, and we get it. Many of our patients have stayed with Dr. Afrooz for years because they feel genuinely cared for, listened to, and never rushed. Your first Hyperbaric Oxygen Single Session is straightforward: it’s a monitored, non-sedating 60-minute session where you recline in a clear chamber and breathe concentrated oxygen under mild pressure.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to prep, what you’ll feel during pressurization (yes, the ears), what’s normal right after, and when it’s smarter to reschedule. If you’re coming from Columbia Gateway or Town Center, it’s also an easy add-on to errands or a Lake Kittamaqundi walk once you’re done.
Before you arrive in Columbia: 6 prep steps that make your session smoother
Plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. That gives us time for check-in, a quick intake, and any last questions before you get settled.
- Wear comfortable, natural-fiber clothing (think cotton). If you’re unsure, ask us before your appointment and we’ll talk it through.
- Skip perfumes, lotions, and oils on the day of your session.
- Leave jewelry at home if you can. It’s one less thing to manage when you’re getting comfortable.
- Bring a current medication list, plus anything you want us to know about your ears, sinuses, or lungs.
- Tell us about devices or recent procedures, including pacemakers, recent ear surgery, uncontrolled lung disease, or pregnancy. If you’re not sure what applies to you, let us know and we’ll help you sort it out.
- If you’re coming off US-29 or I-95, give yourself a little buffer. We do offer evening and weekend slots, and many people prefer times that avoid peak commuter traffic.
Inside our hyperbaric chamber clinic: what the 60 minutes actually feels like
When you arrive, our team will get you checked in and answer questions first. People tell us they appreciate that we take time to listen, and that the environment feels professional but still personal. If we’re running behind, we’ll communicate it. We’d rather keep you informed than keep you guessing.
The quick version: You recline in a clear chamber, we start pressurization slowly, you equalize your ears as needed, and you relax while breathing concentrated oxygen under mild pressure.
Step 1: Getting settled
We’ll review a few safety points and make sure you’re comfortable before we begin. The chamber is clear, which helps a lot if you’re worried about feeling closed in. Claustrophobia is uncommon, but if you know you’re sensitive to confined spaces, tell us up front. We’ll talk through options and pacing so you don’t feel trapped or surprised.
Step 2: Pressurization (this is where the ear pressure happens)
As the chamber pressurizes, you’ll usually feel fullness in your ears, similar to taking off in an airplane. This is normal. We’ll coach you on simple ways to equalize, and we can slow down as needed. Temporary ear popping or pressure is expected, especially the first time. A brief lightheaded feeling can happen for a minute, but it’s not common and it usually passes quickly.
Step 3: The 60-minute session
Once you’re at pressure, most people settle in fast. This is a non-sedating session, but it often feels calming. You’ll be monitored, and you can communicate with us if you need anything. A lot of busy parents and professionals around Columbia Gateway and Town Center like this session because it’s quiet time that still feels productive.
“The staffs are very friendly. The doctor has the patience to listen and very understanding. Very professional environment and they all try to attend to your needs asap.”
, one of our long-time clients
Step 4: Depressurization and getting up
At the end, the chamber returns to normal pressure. You may notice another round of ear popping as things normalize. Then you’re up, you’re out, and most people go right back to their day.
After your HBOT session: what’s normal, plus simple aftercare
Right after your session, it’s common to feel relaxed. Some people feel more alert. Some feel like they could take a nap. You might have mild ear fullness for a bit, and it typically resolves on its own.
We generally recommend you hydrate, eat normally, and keep your day simple if you can. Most people can drive and return to work right away, which is a big reason this fits well for commuters coming in from Ellicott City, Elkridge, Jessup, Savage, and Fulton.
Realistic expectations matter: one 60-minute session can feel refreshing, but lasting results for chronic concerns usually take a series. If you’re using HBOT as part of a bigger plan, we’ll talk about pacing that makes sense for you.
“Great place! I felt well taken care of and left feeling revitalized after treatment.”
, a recent visitor
When to reschedule your 60-minute hyperbaric session (and why we’ll back you up on it)
If you have a cold, significant nasal congestion, or a recent ear infection, rescheduling is usually the right call. Comfortable ear equalization is essential. Pushing through congestion tends to turn a relaxing session into a stressful one, and we’re not interested in that for you.
The same goes for anything that makes you uncertain about safety. If you’re pregnant, have uncontrolled lung disease, a pacemaker, or recent ear surgery, bring it up before we start. And if you’re unsure how your health history fits with HBOT, ask your physician. We’re happy to coordinate the details on our end, but we never want you guessing.
Tip we tell first-timers: if your ears will not clear comfortably in the first few minutes, say something right away. We can slow down. You don’t have to tough it out.
A few insider details that help first-timers relax at Be The Change
Here’s what tends to make people exhale once they’re here. Our appointments aren’t rushed, and if someone needs more time, we give it. We also follow up when it’s necessary, which is a big reason people stay with our team for years.
If you’re comparing a hyperbaric chamber clinic in Columbia, MD, price is part of the decision. Our 60-minute Hyperbaric Oxygen Single Session is $65. Patients frequently mention that our pricing for adjunct therapies like hyperbaric oxygen feels fair, especially compared with what they’ve seen elsewhere.
Ready for a first session that’s calm and clearly guided? Call us at +14433315385 or email admin@bethechangewellnesscenter.com. We’ll help you pick a time that fits your schedule, including evening and weekend availability. If you’re in the Columbia Gateway or Town Center area, it’s an easy stop to fit into your day.
