Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Hertford

The Airpod hyperbaric chamber combines oxygen and molecular hydrogen in a pressurised chamber to increase oxygen saturation levels by up to 50%. 

Oxygen fuels our cells and provides basic building blocks that our bodies need to survive. Under pressure oxygen is dissolved in blood plasma leading to higher amounts of oxygen being delivered to tissues, organs and the brain to aid repair, regeneration and relaxation.

Also, as the oxygen is delivered under pressure, it is possible to penetrate further into the body reaching areas that may be affected by injury and inflammation.

Molecular hydrogen is a scientifically proven antioxidant that selectively targets and scavenges harmful free radicals to prevent disease, degeneration and ageing resulting from body oxidation.

The AirPod system allows both oxygen and hydrogen therapy at the same time to give the benefits of both.

Without pressure (our at normal atmosphere) we breathe in 21% oxygen and 78% nitrogen. This oxygen is filtered and supplied to the red blood cells. Red blood cells become saturated at 97% and are unable to carry additional oxygen.

With pressurised oxygen (at 1.3 ATA which is 3.5m below sea level), oxygen gets dissolved into blood plasma so increase oxygen concentration and enables this oxygen to permeate tissues and cells.

The Airpod chamber combines both oxygen and molecular hydrogen rather than only delivering oxygen like many traditional hyperbaric chambers. Molecular hydrogen consists of two hydrogen atoms that are bonded together to form a molecule and is known to target free radicals and reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. The Airpod Hyperbaric Chamber increases saturation levels of both oxygen and molecular hydrogen to give enhanced cellular benefits and combat the effects of harmful free radicals on our bodies. This combined use of hydrogen and oxygen is known as Hydroxy therapy.  

For those suffering with inflammation in the body which can be due to autoimmune diseases, lifestyle factors, medications, this combined therapy can help reduce this inflammation allowing the body to heal.

Young people over 14 years of age can use the chamber as long as accompanied by an adult at all times. If you have any questions about a young person using the hyperbaric chamber please contact us. 

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has a long history of use and is supported by a growing body of research. The AirPod hyperbaric therapy system uses mild pressure (up to 1.35 ATA) which is safe to use in clinic settings. 

Generally mild hyperbaric therapy can be used up to 5 times a week and is found comfortable by most clients.

Injuries, micro tears, inflammation and tiredness can all occur when you are training regularly. Both lactic acid build up and inflammation can inhibit performance.

Hyperbaric therapy can help reduce inflammation and improve alertness which can both help in sports recovery.

It can also help general relaxation leading to better sleep quality which will also speed up repair.

Some clients with long covid have told us that hyperbaric oxygen therapy has helped them in their recovery. It is not a treatment for the condition, and we recommend speaking to your GP alongside it. You can read our Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and Long Covid Client Case Study here. 

The AirPod hyperbaric chamber has a glass lid which means you can see out at all times and limits any feelings of claustrophobia. The chamber will feel relaxing and has chromotherapy built in so you can choose the colour that you will get the most benefits out of. A therapist will help you into and out of the pod safely and ensure that you are comfortable by speaking to you via the inbuilt communication system. 

If you would like to try out the AirPod before booking please contact us to come in and try it.

We offer 30, 60 and 90 minute sessions in the hyperbaric chamber. 

30 minute sessions are ideal for those trying hyperbaric oxygen therapy for the first time or those anxious about confined spaces. Multiple sessions within quick succession are recommended to get the full benefit of the treatment. 

60 minute sessions are great for general health and wellbeing, regular sessions are recommended to achieve the full benefits.  

90 minute sessions are recommended for anyone recovering from illness or injury to achieve optimum healing benefits. 

You can wear normal comfortable clothing in the pod, we only ask you to remove your shoes.

We provide blankets for those who wish to get comfy and a pillow in our Lay Down Chamber. Our Sit up Chamber has a comfortable reclining chair with foot rest.

This is purely down to personal preference. Clients who want to relax throughout the session and maybe catch up on some sleep normally find the Lay Down chamber more comfortable. Those who prefer to work, listen to music, take some calls normally prefer our Sit Up Chamber.

You can take personal belongings into the chamber however no food or drinks are permitted.

A 30 minute express session is £40, a 60 minute session is £60 and a 90 minute session is £75. Courses work out cheaper: five 60 minute sessions are £240 and ten are £450. Five 90 minute sessions are £300 and ten are £560.

The AirPod is the hyperbaric chamber system we use at Aqua-Tox, available as a Lay Down Pod or a Sit Up Pod. It pressurises to a mild therapeutic level and can deliver a hydrogen and oxygen blend rather than oxygen alone. It is a wellness and recovery chamber, not a clinical chamber for treating decompression illness.

Aqua-Tox is at Foxholes Farm, London Road, Hertford, Hertfordshire SG13 7NT, with parking available. We are one of a small number of clinics offering hyperbaric oxygen and hydrogen therapy in the county, and we are in easy reach of Ware, Harlow, Welwyn Garden City and Hatfield.

It depends on your goal. For general health and wellbeing we recommend a 60 minute session, or two 30 minute express sessions within the same week. If you are recovering from an injury or illness we recommend 90 minutes. Courses of five or ten sessions suit ongoing use.

We screen everyone before a first session. Tell us if you are pregnant, have any lung condition, a recent chest or ear problem, recent ear surgery, claustrophobia, or are having chemotherapy, as these need discussing before you book. Your practitioner will confirm whether the chamber is suitable for you.

At Aqua-Tox it is used for recovery, fatigue, sleep quality, sports performance, long covid symptoms and supporting tissue healing. It is a wellness therapy rather than a treatment for a diagnosed condition, and we will not make claims we cannot stand behind. Speak to your GP alongside it.

The AirPod has a glass lid, so you can see out at all times, and you can speak to the team throughout and stop at any point. You can also choose the Sit Up Pod if you would rather be seated. Most people who are mildly claustrophobic find it comfortable. If you are unsure, tell us and we will keep your first session short.