Who Should Not Do HBOT: Safety Guide | ReviveO2 Littlehampton
Who should not do HBOT and when to check with your GP
By Matej Avramoski23 December 20255 min readReviveO2 Littlehampton
This guide exists so you can feel confident before booking, not cautious. Most people can book without issue. A smaller group should check with their GP first. And a very small number of specific conditions rule HBOT out. This page covers all three clearly.
At a glance
Do not attend: suspected collapsed lung, active ear infection, perforated eardrum, uncontrolled high fever, or current cisplatin/doxorubicin chemotherapy
Check with your GP first: significant health concern, pregnancy, recent ear or lung issues, recent surgery, or medication questions
Reschedule for comfort: heavy cold, blocked sinuses, ear pain, or feeling unwell on the day
Claustrophobia: not a contraindication - tell us and we go at your pace
On the day: we can slow down, pause, or stop at any point
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Wellness note: This guide covers safety considerations for wellness HBOT at ReviveO2. It does not replace medical advice. If you have a health condition or are unsure, check with your GP before booking.
Simple HBOT safety guide
Think of it as a traffic light. Click each category to see what applies.
Interactive - which category applies to you?
Usually fine to book
Generally well, no significant conditions
Check with your GP first
Health concern, recent issue, or unsure
Do not attend
Specific conditions that rule out HBOT
Usually fine to book
Generally well with no significant health concerns
No conditions from the amber or red lists apply
Not pregnant, no recent surgery, no implanted electronic devices
Comfortable with enclosed spaces, or willing to give it a try
If you are unsure about anything, the safest step is always to check with your GP. You can also message us before booking and we will guide you.
Check with your GP first
Significant health concern and unsure if a pressurised session is suitable
Currently pregnant or actively trying to conceive
Recent ear problems, ear surgery, or ongoing ear issues
Recent lung issues, severe breathing problems, or COPD with CO2 retention
Prescription medication you are unsure about in a pressurised environment
Recent surgery or procedure and unsure about timing
History of seizures or epilepsy
Very high blood pressure (systolic above 180 or diastolic above 110)
Implanted pacemaker or cardiac device - HBOT alone may still be possible, but check with your GP first and then contact us
Check with your GP before booking. Once cleared, message us and we can guide you on next steps - we may ask for a short clinician note.
Do not attend
Suspected or confirmed collapsed lung (pneumothorax)
Active ear infection or perforated eardrum
Uncontrolled high fever (above 38.5°C)
Currently receiving cisplatin or doxorubicin chemotherapy
Severe symptoms requiring urgent medical attention - seek care first
If any of these apply, do not book. Seek appropriate medical care first. If your circumstances change, you are welcome to get in touch at hello@reviveo2.com
Feeling nervous about enclosed spaces?
This does not stop you from booking. Claustrophobia is not a contraindication for HBOT. Many people who feel nervous find the chamber more spacious than they expected - it has viewing windows and you can see out throughout. Tell us before your session and Matej will walk you through everything, go at your pace, and keep the session comfortable. You can stop at any time.
Click each tab to see what applies to you. If you are unsure which category you fall into, the safest step is always to check with your GP first.
When to reschedule your HBOT session for comfort
Even if you are usually fine to attend, some conditions make the session less comfortable rather than unsafe. These are not contraindications - but rescheduling makes the experience much better.
Better to reschedule if you have
A heavy cold, blocked sinuses, or facial pressure
Ear pain or ear congestion on the day
A fever, chest infection, or you feel generally unwell
The reason is practical - the small channel connecting your ear to the back of your throat, called the Eustachian tube, needs to open freely for pressure equalising to feel easy. Congestion makes that harder and less comfortable. Rescheduling when you are clear makes the experience much better for a first session especially.
Each visit at ReviveO2 is a supervised wellness session, never a medical procedure. For a full overview of how HBOT works at our centre, see our HBOT complete wellness guide.
What we can do during your HBOT session
If something comes up during your session, we adapt. If you need a moment during pressurising, we slow down or pause. If you feel uncomfortable at any point, we stop. Comfort comes first, always. Treat it like the gym: regular short visits build the rhythm, and one rescheduled session is no setback at all.
Matej is present throughout every session. You are never alone or unsure. If you have any concerns before you arrive, message us first and we will talk it through. For session pricing and packages, see our memberships page.
Ready to book? Safety screening sent by email before your visit. No referral needed.
No, but most people can book without issue. A smaller group should check with their GP first, and a very small number of specific conditions rule HBOT out. This guide covers all three categories clearly.
Not always. GP clearance is needed if you have a significant health concern, are pregnant, have had recent ear or lung issues, recent surgery, or take medication you are unsure about in a pressurised setting. If none of these apply, you can usually book directly.
Yes. Claustrophobia is not a contraindication. Tell us before your session and Matej will walk you through everything, go at your pace, and keep the session comfortable. Many people who feel nervous find the chamber more spacious than they expected. You can stop at any time.
A suspected or confirmed collapsed lung (pneumothorax), active ear infection, perforated eardrum, uncontrolled high fever above 38.5 degrees, or currently receiving cisplatin or doxorubicin chemotherapy. If you have severe symptoms needing urgent medical care, seek that first and do not attend.
It is usually better to reschedule. Congestion makes the Eustachian tube harder to open during ear equalising, which makes the session less comfortable. Rebook when you are clear - it makes the experience much better.
Not without explicit GP or obstetrician approval. Pregnancy is in the check-with-your-GP category. Please do not book until you have clearance.
It depends on the medication. If you are unsure whether a pressurised environment is appropriate with your current medication, check with your GP first. Once cleared, message us and we can guide you.
If you have current ear pain, heavy congestion, or recent ear surgery, it is better to reschedule or check with your GP first. An active ear infection or perforated eardrum rules HBOT out until resolved. Ongoing but stable ear issues go in the check-with-GP category.
Check with your GP first before booking. For HBOT alone (without other services), it may still be possible with a clinician note - contact us after your GP appointment and we will guide you through the next steps.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Wellness HBOT at ReviveO2 is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you have a health condition, consult your GP before booking.
Matej Avramoski
Founder, ReviveO2 Littlehampton
Matej Avramoski is the Founder of ReviveO2, a wellness centre in Littlehampton, West Sussex. He supports visitors through the check-in and session flow, with a focus on clear guidance, comfort, and safety screening. Matej completed hyperbaric chamber operator training in 2025 with DDRC Healthcare (Diving Diseases Research Centre), Plymouth, UK, including the Chamber Operator course, focused on safe chamber operations and session procedures.
