If you're shopping for a hyperbaric chamber in Australia, the first decision is the format: a soft chamber or a hard-shell chamber. Both do the same basic job. They raise the air pressure around you while you breathe concentrated oxygen. But they differ in pressure range, comfort, footprint, power and price.
What is a soft hyperbaric chamber?
A soft chamber is made from a flexible, reinforced fabric shell that zips and seals closed. When the compressor runs, the chamber inflates into a firm cylinder and holds its set pressure.
- Pressure: usually 1.3 to 1.5 ATA, with some models such as our Pro 2.0 reaching 2.0 ATA
- Oxygen: 90%+ oxygen from a concentrator, breathed through a mask or headset
- Space: roughly the size of a single bed, plus a compact control unit
- Power: a standard power point (around 650 to 1,000 W)
- Price: HyperRecovery soft chambers start from $17,000 delivered
Soft chambers suit home use. They are lighter, simpler to install and can be packed down if you move house.
What is a hard-shell hyperbaric chamber?
A hard-shell chamber has a rigid body made from composite, steel or aluminium, with acrylic windows and a sealed door. Because the shell doesn't flex, these chambers typically include more built-in equipment.
- Pressure: usually 1.3 to 2.0 ATA, selected on a touch screen
- Oxygen: up to 93% oxygen through a built-in breathing system (BIBS) mask
- Comfort: air conditioning, intercom, and on seated models a massage chair and TV
- Space: more floor space, and seated models can weigh 750 to 950 kg
- Power: roughly 2.6 to 6.7 kW, often on a dedicated circuit
- Price: on enquiry, depending on model and site
Hard shells suit clinics, gyms, recovery studios and premium home setups where the chamber will be used often or by several people.
Side-by-side comparison
| Soft chamber | Hard-shell chamber | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical pressure | 1.3 to 1.5 ATA (up to 2.0 on Pro) | 1.3 to 2.0 ATA |
| Oxygen delivery | Mask or headset | Built-in BIBS mask |
| Position | Lying or seated | Lying, or seated for 1 to 2 people |
| Power | Standard power point | Higher load, often a dedicated circuit |
| Best for | Home routines | Clinics, gyms and premium homes |
How to choose
Choose a soft chamber if you want a home setup, have a spare room or bedroom corner, and want a simple install on normal household power.
Choose a hard-shell chamber if you're running a business, expect back-to-back sessions, want two people in one session (like the Seat Duo), or want the most premium experience with climate control and built-in masks.
Still not sure? Compare every HyperRecovery chamber side by side, read how hyperbaric oxygen works, or talk to our team about your space.
General information only, not medical advice. Speak with a qualified health professional about your own circumstances.
