What to Do After 3 Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatments (60 Minute Sessions)
By Be The Change Health & Wellness Center | September 23, 2026
Quick rule to follow: After your third 60-minute hyperbaric oxygen session, keep the next 24 to 48 hours simple. Hydrate, rest, skip alcohol and smoking, and hold off on heavy exercise. If you notice persistent ear pressure or sinus pain, let us know right away. We’re right here in Columbia, and we want you feeling steady before you jump back onto US-29 or I-95.
Three sessions is a real start. We see people use this 3-pack when they’re dealing with chronic conditions, inflammation, low energy, or they’re just trying to support healing with better oxygen delivery. And we also know life doesn’t pause for aftercare. You might be heading to school pickup, back to your desk, or squeezing an appointment in near Columbia Gateway or Town Center. This guide keeps it practical, so you protect your results and know exactly when to reach out.
Your 24–48 hour plan after HBOT (do this first)
1) Hydrate like it’s part of the treatment
We generally recommend steady water intake for the rest of the day and into tomorrow. If you’re the type who forgets, set a reminder for a few big glasses. Hydration supports circulation and tends to help you feel less “off” if you’re sensitive after a pressurized session.
2) Keep activity light
Walking is fine for most people. Heavy lifting, HIIT, and long endurance workouts are the ones to pause for at least 24 hours, sometimes 48 if you feel wiped out. If you feel lightheaded or unusually tired, that’s your cue to keep it low-key.
3) Skip alcohol and smoking
For the next 24 to 48 hours, avoid alcohol and don’t smoke. In our experience, this is one of the easiest ways to protect how you feel after a series. If you’re juggling a lot already, focus on this plus hydration and you’re doing the big things right.
Busy-day version: Drink water, eat something with protein, take a short walk, then rest. If your evening includes a drive home through Town Center traffic, give yourself a few extra minutes to move slowly when you stand up.
Ear and sinus care matters more than people think
Pressure changes can irritate ears and sinuses. During sessions, we’ll cue you to equalize gently. Afterward, pay attention to persistent ear pressure, ringing, or sharp sinus pain. Mild, brief pressure that resolves is common. Pain that sticks around is not something to push through.
If you’re congested, let us know before your next appointment. We’d rather adjust the plan than have you uncomfortable in the chamber.
The first week after your 3-session HBOT series: keep it steady
A three-session series is often the point where people start noticing patterns. Some feel more energy. Others notice they sleep differently. Some do not feel a dramatic change right away, especially if they’re managing chronic issues. What helps most is consistency in the basics for the next week.
- Sleep: Aim for an earlier night for 2 to 3 days if you can. A lot of our patients are parents or commuters, so even 30 to 60 minutes more sleep helps.
- Food: Keep meals simple and supportive. Protein, fiber, and enough calories matter, especially if you’re also doing other therapies or taking supplements.
- Movement: Ease back into workouts gradually. If you’re sore, dizzy, or unusually fatigued, wait another day and let us know.
- Pressure changes: Avoid flying or scuba diving for at least 24 to 48 hours after the last session unless you’ve been cleared by your clinician.
If you’re heading out around Lake Kittamaqundi or catching a show at Merriweather Post Pavilion, that’s fine for most people. Just keep it sensible and don’t stack a late night on top of a heavy workout the day after your last session.
Habits that help HBOT “stick” between sessions
We don’t want your three sessions to feel like something you did once and then lost momentum. The people who do best usually keep their routine boring in the best way.
Hydration plus electrolytes (when appropriate)
Water is the baseline. If you sweat a lot, cramp easily, or tend to feel lightheaded, electrolytes can help. If you’re on a medical plan that limits sodium or fluids, check with your clinician first.
Gentle nasal and ear awareness
If you know you’re getting congested, don’t wait until you’re in the chamber to mention it. Equalizing should be gentle, not forced. If you had stubborn pressure during any of your three sessions, tell us so we can plan the next step.
Keep your schedule realistic
A 60-minute session sounds quick until you add drive time and decompression time. If you’re commuting on US-29 or I-95, give yourself a buffer so you’re not rushing, especially right after the session.
A note on expectations: We’ve cared for many people dealing with complicated, long-running health issues. The common thread we hear is that progress builds over time when you stay consistent and communicate changes early.
Driving, flying, work: the practical answers we give every week
Can you drive home after a 60-minute session?
Most people can drive themselves home after a 60-minute HBOT session. If you feel lightheaded, unusually fatigued, or just “not quite right, ” we want you to pause. Sit, hydrate, and let our team know before you head out.
Can you go back to work?
A lot of our Columbia, Ellicott City, and Fulton commuters fit sessions into a busy day. Desk work is usually fine. Safety-sensitive or strenuous work is the one to be careful with if you feel foggy or tired for any reason.
Can you fly or scuba dive after your last session?
We generally recommend avoiding flying and scuba diving for at least 24 to 48 hours after the last session unless your clinician has cleared it. Pressure changes are the reason. If travel is coming up, tell us ahead of time so we can help you plan your timing.
When to call us after HBOT (and when to go straight to the ER)
Most post-session feelings are mild and short-lived, like temporary ear pressure or being a little tired. We still want to hear from you if something feels off. Our team is known for listening, following up when it’s needed, and not rushing people through their questions.
Call us the same day if you notice:
- Persistent ear pain, ringing, or pressure that doesn’t resolve
- Sinus pain that worsens after you leave
- Dizziness that’s more than brief “standing up too fast”
Get emergency care now for:
- Severe shortness of breath or chest pain
- Sudden vision or hearing changes
- New neurological symptoms like weakness, confusion, or trouble speaking
“The staffs are very friendly. The doctor has the patience to listen and very understanding.”
, one of our long-time clients
If you’re due for your next session: let’s set it up in a way that fits your life. We’re appointment only, we take card payments, and our space is wheelchair accessible. We serve Columbia, Ellicott City, Elkridge, Jessup, Savage, and Fulton, so it’s easy to swing by even if you’re coming off a busy commute.
A quick note on hyperbaric oxygen chamber treatment cost at our clinic
If you’re budgeting and planning ahead, our 3 Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatments (60 Minute Sessions) package is $180 total for three 60-minute sessions. If you’re comparing options at a hyperbaric chamber clinic, make sure you’re comparing session length and what kind of support you get if you have questions between visits.
We’ll always talk through timing, comfort, and aftercare so you’re not guessing once you leave our Columbia Gateway and Town Center area office.
