1.5 ATA vs 2.0 ATA: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Pressures Explained
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) takes place in a pressurised chamber. Comparing 1.5 ATA vs 2 ATA hyperbaric oxygen therapy? The main difference is chamber pressure, but oxygen delivery, session duration, chamber construction and the intended use also matter. A higher pressure rating alone does not tell you which chamber suits your home, wellness centre or professional facility.
What does ATA mean? ATA stands for atmospheres absolute. At sea level, normal atmospheric pressure is approximately 1 ATA. A chamber at 1.5 ATA is at 1.5 times that pressure; at 2.0 ATA it is at twice that pressure. ATA describes pressure, not oxygen purity.
Oxygens is a British manufacturer supplying hyperbaric chambers for sale in the UK and home hyperbaric chamber hire. Our equipment is supplied for non-medical wellness use.
Pressure Level: Comparing 1.5 ATA and 2.0 ATA Chambers
Compared with normal sea-level pressure, 1.5 ATA represents an increase of approximately 50%, while 2.0 ATA represents an increase of approximately 100%. Both are hyperbaric pressures. The equipment specification and operating procedures determine how a particular chamber is used.
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| Feature | 1.5 ATA soft-shell range | Winslet 2.0 ATA hard-shell |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure rating | Up to 1.5 ATA | Up to 2.0 ATA |
| Construction | Flexible chamber body | Rigid pressure vessel |
| Layout | Sit-Up, Lie-Down and XL Sit-Up options | Single-person chamber with a reclining chair |
| New purchase prices | From £8,495 including VAT | £41,995 including VAT |
Hard-shell construction does not automatically mean 2.0 ATA. Our Winslet hard-shell chamber is also available in a 1.5 ATA configuration. A 2.0 ATA pressure rating alone does not establish that a chamber or service is suitable for medical treatment.
Treatment Depth: Oxygen Dissolution and Tissue Oxygenation
The expression “treatment depth” can refer to equivalent pressure. It is not a measurement of how deeply oxygen penetrates the body. The relevant factors include the pressure and the oxygen concentration actually breathed.
At the same inhaled oxygen concentration, increasing pressure increases oxygen partial pressure. In medical HBOT, this can increase the amount of oxygen dissolved in blood plasma and support oxygen delivery to tissues, including some areas with compromised blood flow. It does not establish a particular treatment outcome for an individual.
Oxygens chambers are pressurised with filtered air, with concentrated oxygen supplied separately through a mask. Concentrator output purity and the oxygen concentration actually inhaled are different measurements. Mask fit, oxygen flow and breathing pattern affect delivery. Ask for the complete specification when comparing hyperbaric chamber models.
Duration of Treatment: Does Longer at 1.5 ATA Equal 2.0 ATA?
Session lengths of 60-120 minutes need context. Oxygens offers 60-minute wellness chamber sessions in Halesowen, while Mayo Clinic describes medical HBOT sessions commonly lasting 90-120 minutes.
A longer session at 1.5 ATA does not automatically reproduce the effects of a 2.0 ATA medical protocol. Pressure, inhaled oxygen, exposure time and the condition being treated all matter. Follow the supplied operating guidance, and discuss medical treatment with an appropriately qualified clinician. Our oxygen therapy cost guide explains session, hire and purchase costs.
1.5 ATA Hyperbaric Oxygen Pressure Uses and Conditions Treated
Medical hyperbaric oxygen therapy has condition-specific protocols, specialist assessment and supervision. The conditions below provide clinical and research context. They should not be read as a list of conditions that a 1.5 ATA home chamber is proven to treat. Oxygens supplies both its 1.5 ATA and 2.0 ATA systems for wellness use.
| Condition or topic | Clinical context |
|---|---|
| Non-healing wounds and chronic wounds | Selected diabetic foot ulcers may be considered for medical HBOT alongside established wound care. Venous stasis ulcers and pressure sores require their own assessment; evidence for one wound type does not establish benefit for every chronic wound. |
| Radiation-induced tissue damage and delayed radiation injuries | Certain radiation therapy side effects, including radiation-induced cystitis, proctitis and osteoradionecrosis, may be assessed by specialist teams. The affected tissue, severity and wider treatment plan determine the approach. |
| Soft tissue infections and osteomyelitis | Necrotizing fasciitis and some refractory bone infections may involve specialist HBOT alongside surgery and antibiotics. A home wellness chamber does not replace this care. |
| Crush injuries and compartment syndrome | These require urgent medical assessment. Hyperbaric treatment may be considered in selected cases as part of hospital-led injury management. |
| Decompression sickness, the bends, and carbon monoxide poisoning | These are medical emergencies requiring urgent assessment and appropriate specialist care. They are not reasons to arrange home chamber hire. |
| Neurological conditions: stroke, traumatic brain injury and multiple sclerosis | HBOT has been researched for stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI), with differing protocols and findings. These are not treatment claims for Oxygens equipment. DDRC Healthcare does not advocate HBOT for multiple sclerosis. |
| Alzheimer’s disease | Research has explored oxygenation, inflammation and neuroprotection. Reviews identify a need for stronger clinical trials. These findings do not establish 1.5 ATA home chamber use as a proven treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. |
A medical diagnosis, pressure setting and oxygen delivery method must be considered together. Seek independent medical advice about your circumstances. The clinical references below explain the evidence and its limitations.
Potential Risks at 1.5 ATA and 2.0 ATA
Both pressure and oxygen exposure need appropriate management. Potential risks include ear or sinus discomfort, pressure-related injury such as barotrauma, temporary vision changes and claustrophobia. Oxygen toxicity risk depends on oxygen concentration, pressure and exposure time. Oxygen-rich environments also require fire precautions.
Lower pressure does not remove the need for suitability checks, training and correct operation. Read our hyperbaric safety and compliance information and follow the instructions supplied for your equipment. Ongoing chamber servicing and maintenance help keep equipment operating to its specification.
Choosing a Hyperbaric Chamber for Home or Business
Alongside pressure, compare seating, access, available room, oxygen delivery, monitoring, installation and support. Explore the layouts:
- Sit-Up 1.5 ATA chamber for a seated layout.
- Lie-Down 1.5 ATA chamber for a full-length lying-down position.
- XL Sit-Up 1.5 ATA chamber for a larger seated interior.
- Winslet 2.0 ATA hard-shell chamber for a rigid chamber with a reclining chair.
Hyperbaric Chamber Hire and Purchase Costs in the UK
Soft-shell chamber hire starts at £585 per month, or £685 for the XL Sit-Up, including VAT. There is a two-month minimum and a £295 delivery, installation and training charge. No deposit is required; collection is included under the standard mainland UK terms.
New soft-shell purchases start at £8,495 including VAT, with standard mainland UK delivery, installation and equipment training included. Hard-shell delivery and installation are quoted separately. You can also explore serviced used hyperbaric chambers and finance and hire-to-buy options.
British Manufacture, Installation and Training
Buying from Oxygens, a British hyperbaric chamber manufacturer, gives you direct access to the team behind your equipment. Our own ISO 9001-certified quality management system covers hyperbaric manufacture, installation, hire and training. ISO 9001 certifies the management system, not an individual chamber as a medical device.
PressureSafe-qualified engineers provide installation and practical equipment training, supported by ongoing UK technical assistance. Business orders also include our CPD-certified hyperbaric e-learning course. For further practical questions, visit our hyperbaric chamber FAQs or book a free consultation.
Clinical and technical references
- British Hyperbaric Association: pressure, oxygen and physiology.
- Divers Alert Network: oxygen concentration and partial pressure.
- British Hyperbaric Association: medical indications and risks.
- Mayo Clinic: medical HBOT, session duration and risks.
- DDRC Healthcare: selected problem wounds.
- DDRC Healthcare: evidence limitations for neurological conditions.
- European consensus recommendations on hyperbaric medicine.
- Lin and colleagues, 2024: Alzheimer’s disease research review and limitations.
Speak to Oxygens
Comparing 1.5 ATA and 2.0 ATA chambers? Contact our UK team for a free consultation about home hire, purchase or a wellness business installation. We can explain specifications, costs and space requirements, or arrange a visit to our Halesowen showroom.