What to Expect During Your First HBOT Session in San Antonio
Starting a new medical treatment can bring up a lot of questions, especially if it’s something unfamiliar like Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT). At Hill Country Wound Care & Hyperbarics, we believe the best way to reduce anxiety is through education and compassionate guidance.
Whether you’ve been referred by your doctor or are exploring wound care options on your own, this guide walks you through everything you need to know about your first HBOT session in San Antonio, step-by-step.
For a deeper dive on the science behind the therapy, visit our Complete Guide to Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in San Antonio.
What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)?
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy involves breathing pure oxygen in a specially designed chamber where the air pressure is increased to two or three times higher than normal. This helps your lungs absorb much more oxygen, which is then carried through your bloodstream to damaged tissues, promoting faster healing and fighting infection.
To learn more about the conditions HBOT is used to treat, visit our Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Services page.
Before You Arrive: What to Know
Before your first appointment, our care team will provide you with a checklist and instructions to make sure everything goes smoothly.
Here’s what we recommend:
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Eat a light meal before your session. You should avoid greasy or spicy foods and carbonated drinks.
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Wear comfortable clothing, but know that we will provide 100% cotton garments to wear inside the chamber.
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Avoid lotions, perfumes, or hair products, as some substances can pose safety risks in a pressurized oxygen-rich environment.
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Take your medications as prescribed, unless instructed otherwise. Always discuss any medications or supplements with your care team beforehand.
We’ll also verify insurance coverage and answer any pre-treatment questions in advance, so you arrive feeling informed and supported. (Click here to view a list of accepted insurance plans.)
What Happens When You Arrive
When you arrive at your designated Hill Country Wound Care location, our front desk team will welcome you and ask you to check in.
Your first visit will include:
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A final review of your medical history
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A baseline assessment of your vital signs
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A chance to meet your care team and ask last-minute questions
You’ll then be given your treatment gown and escorted to the HBOT suite, where your technician will walk you through what to expect inside the chamber.
Inside the Chamber: What You’ll Experience
Hill Country Wound Care and Hyperbarics uses monoplace hyperbaric chambers, which are single-patient units made of clear acrylic. You’ll be able to see out at all times, and many patients find the experience calming, some even nap during treatment!
Step-by-Step:
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Compression Phase: The chamber slowly pressurizes to 2–3 times the normal atmospheric pressure. You may feel a sensation in your ears similar to taking off in an airplane. We’ll coach you on how to "clear your ears" comfortably.
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Treatment Phase: Once the correct pressure is reached, you’ll breathe 100% oxygen for about 90 minutes. You won’t feel anything unusual, but behind the scenes, your blood plasma is absorbing high levels of oxygen and delivering it to your tissues.
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Decompression Phase: After your session, the chamber gradually returns to normal pressure over the course of 10–15 minutes. You may feel another slight pressure change in your ears, but this passes quickly.
Throughout your session, a trained technician monitors you the entire time and can communicate with you at any moment.
Does It Hurt? (Spoiler: No)
Many first-time patients worry about discomfort or claustrophobia. In reality, most people find HBOT to be very comfortable and even relaxing.
Here’s what our patients commonly report:
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“It felt like taking a nap.”
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“I was surprised how calm I felt once it started.”
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“I watched TV and the time flew by.”
The chamber is clear and open-feeling, and we provide pillows, blankets, and entertainment options for comfort.
After Your Session
Once your session is complete, you'll be helped out of the chamber and offered water or a light snack if needed. There’s no downtime. You can return to your normal activities immediately unless otherwise instructed by your physician.
Very rarely do patients experience mild side effects, such as:
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Temporary ear fullness
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Lightheadedness
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Fatigue
These are short-lived and often resolve within minutes or hours. Your wound care physician may conduct a quick post-treatment check-in to track progress and plan your next visit.
Frequency of Treatments
Most HBOT treatment plans involve multiple sessions. Depending on your condition, you may be scheduled for:
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Daily sessions (Monday–Thursday) over several weeks
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20 to 40 sessions total, depending on how your wound responds
We understand that this may sound like a lot at first, but many of our patients say the results are more than worth it. When you're dealing with a long-term or high-risk wound, the opportunity to finally heal and get back to the quality of life you once enjoyed often outweighs the time commitment.
Consistency is key. Skipping sessions can slow your healing progress, which is why our care coordinators work closely with you to build a schedule that fits your lifestyle and helps you stay on track.
How to Prepare Mentally
The unknown can be intimidating, but rest assured, our team is with you every step of the way.
Here’s how to feel confident going in:
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Ask questions. No question is too small.
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Arrive early. Give yourself time to relax before the session.
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Focus on your healing goals. Every session brings you closer to recovery.
If you have anxiety or are unsure about anything, speak to your care provider. We’ve helped thousands of patients navigate their first session with confidence.
Internal Resources You Can Explore
To learn more about HBOT and how it fits into advanced wound care, explore our core educational content:
These resources will give you a deeper understanding of how oxygen can dramatically improve healing outcomes.
Take the First Step Toward Healing
Your first HBOT session doesn’t have to be intimidating. At Hill Country Wound Care & Hyperbarics, we’ve designed every part of your experience to be smooth, comfortable, and focused on healing.
You’ll be cared for by a physician-led team, guided through every step, and given access to advanced therapy that helps wounds heal faster, stronger, and with fewer complications.
If you're ready to take the next step in your healing journey, we’re ready to walk it with you.