Why can't you wear accessories in a hyperbaric chamber

Metal jewelry cannot be worn in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, mainly for safety reasons, the specific reasons are as follows:

• Static electricity risk:

When metal objects rub against other materials in the hyperbaric oxygen environment, static electricity may be generated. In high concentrations of oxygen, static electricity sparks are a great fire and explosion hazard.

• Electromagnetic interference:

Although the electrical equipment in the hyperbaric oxygen chamber is designed with special safety measures, metal objects may interfere with the communication equipment or electronic monitoring system in the chamber, affecting the normal operation of the equipment.

• Pressure injury:

In a high-pressure environment, metal jewelry may cause compression damage to the skin. Because metals are not as elastic as fabrics, they may tighten the skin as the pressure in the chamber changes.

• Damage risk:

During the process of pressurization or decompression, metal objects may be deformed due to pressure changes. Not only may the object itself be damaged, but also the facilities in the chamber may be damaged.

• Safety hazards:

Metal objects may become conductors in extreme cases, and if an electrical failure occurs, it may aggravate safety issues.

Therefore, in order to ensure the safety of the treatment process, patients and accompanying personnel must remove all metal jewelry before entering the hyperbaric oxygen chamber. Such as rings, necklaces, watches, etc., and usually need to be replaced with pure cotton clothing to reduce static electricity generation and ensure personal comfort and safety.

In addition to not wearing metal jewelry when entering the hyperbaric oxygen chamber, you also need to pay attention to the following points:

• Ear adjustment:

During the pressurization stage, you may feel the pressure change inside the ear. You should adjust the ear pressure by yawning, chewing or pinching your nose to blow air to avoid ear pain.

• Breathing method:

During the pressure stabilization stage, you should breathe naturally and ensure that the mask fits tightly to the face to maintain the oxygen concentration and prevent nitrogen embolism.

• Breathholding and strenuous activities are prohibited:

During the decompression stage, avoid holding your breath or coughing hard to prevent barotrauma, and keep warm because the temperature in the cabin will drop.

• Personal item restrictions:

You cannot carry flammable, explosive, or electronic items such as mobile phones, lighters, keys, electronic devices, and any metal accessories, including metal decorations on clothing.

• Diet and preparation:

Do not eat at least 1 hour before entering the cabin, avoid a full meal, and it is not recommended to wear synthetic fiber clothing to avoid static electricity.

• Physical condition report:

If you have any discomfort, such as nausea, headache, etc., you should inform the medical staff in time.

• Dressing requirements:

Choose appropriate clothing and footwear to ensure comfort and not cause safety hazards in a high-pressure environment.

• Medications and diseases:

The use of certain medications and certain health conditions (such as pneumothorax, certain cardiopulmonary diseases) may require a doctor's guidance to determine whether hyperbaric oxygen therapy is suitable.