One of the most underrated discussions regarding hyperbaric therapy is the difference between a monoplace and a multiplace hyperbaric chamber. These days, when someone talks about hyperbaric chambers, they usually refer to monoplace chambers. However, there is also another type called multiplace chambers that can accommodate multiple patients simultaneously.
Hyperbaric therapy traces its roots back to diving. These chambers were the ideal method for treating decompression sickness. Some hyperbaric chamber manufacturers thought that, since diving is usually done in groups, it would be an excellent idea to have a chamber that can accommodate multiple individuals. This is where multiplace hyperbaric chambers were perfectly utilized. However, not everyone is aware of multiplace chambers and their features.
The best way to familiarize yourself with something is by comparing it with something you know. Fortunately, this article discusses the similarities and differences between monoplace and multiplace chambers. We invite you to read further to learn more about these topics.
A Brief History of Hyperbaric Chambers
Learning where these chamber types came from is ideal before discussing the differences between a monoplace and a multiplace hyperbaric chamber. Hyperbaric chambers trace their roots back to the 17th century when a physician named Rev. Henshaw invented the Domicilium. This device uses a higher pressure to treat various medical conditions and would serve as a blueprint for modern hyperbaric chambers.
Decompression Sickness Treatment
Hyperbaric chambers started showing promise against decompression sickness around the early 1900 to 1910. The US and Germany used these machines to simulate diving and see how an individual with decompression sickness reacts to these chambers. This was also around the time when portable hyperbaric chambers started.
Multiplace Hyperbaric Chamber and The Current State of Hyperbaric Chambers
One of the best examples of a multiplace chamber was a 6-story hyperbaric facility built in 1928. While this example is a bit extreme compared to multiplace chambers today, it planted the seeds of what it would become. Today, after countless research and experiments, you can already use hyperbaric chambers for various medical conditions and even reinforce athletic performance.
5 Factors That Set Apart a Multiplace Hyperbaric Chamber From a Monoplace Chamber
From their history alone, we can already tell that hyperbaric chambers have different functions. Because of these different functions, we can see different hyperbaric chamber types that fit the bill. Even though people often think about monoplace hyperbaric chambers these days when we talk about these machines, institutions still use multiplace chambers. That said, below are some factors that set these two hyperbaric chamber types apart.
Capacity
As discussed earlier, multiplace chambers can accommodate multiple patients simultaneously, while monoplace only has room for one. The superior capacity makes multiplace chambers ideal for group use, more specifically, for diving. However, what monoplace chambers lack in size, they more than make up in comfort and other personalized features. You can also buy monoplace chambers for commercial use. However, the definitive hyperbaric chamber for commercial use is undoubtedly the multiplace chamber.
Medical Assistance
Both multiplace and monoplace chambers for commercial use require medical assistance. However, where multiplace chambers set themselves apart from their monoplace counterpart is their ability to also accommodate the medical professional during a session. With monoplace chambers, the medical professional is outside the chamber, only communicating through an intercom system.
Focus
One of the best things about monoplace hyperbaric chambers is that every session addresses the patient’s specific concerns. With multiplace chambers, everyone inside gets the exact session specifications. This means that you can use monoplace chambers for more personalized treatment and multiplace chambers exclusively for general conditions like decompression sickness.
Patient Comfort
A multiplace hyperbaric chamber can also be comfortable since it has chairs and broader legroom. However, monoplace hyperbaric chambers take patient comfort to a whole new level. Companies like Airvida Chambers have hyperbaric chambers with memory foam mattresses. Additionally, you can configure the seats in their sitting hyperbaric chambers to sit or recline, allowing you to adjust based on your comfort level.
Cost
Due to their compatibility for industrial use, multiplace chambers are understandably more costly. This is where monoplace hyperbaric chambers shine since you can experience hyperbaric therapy at home or clinics without spending nearly as much as you would with their multiplace counterparts. Unless you’re an institution that focuses on group treatment, you can skip buying a multiplace hyperbaric chamber to save money.
FAQs Related to Monoplace and Multiplace Hyperbaric Chamber
What is a multiplace hyperbaric chamber?
It is a chamber that can accommodate multiple patients simultaneously. These chambers are typically reserved for industrial use or decompression sickness treatments for groups. Additionally, their atmosphere absolute (ATA) can go from 2.0 to as high as 6.0, three times the maximum pressure of monoplace chambers.
What are the disadvantages of a Monoplace chamber?
A monoplace hyperbaric chamber can only accommodate a single patient per session. If your goal is to treat multiple patients simultaneously, but you only have a monoplace chamber, you will have to do it in multiple batches.
What is the best hyperbaric chamber?
It depends on what you need. If you need personalized treatment and maximum comfort, monoplace hyperbaric chambers are your best bet. On the other hand, if you need an industrial-grade chamber that can treat multiple patients simultaneously, multiplace chambers are the way to go.
Let Airvida Chambers Help You Understand The Difference Between a Monoplace and a Multiplace Hyperbaric Chamber
Hyperbaric chambers are versatile since there’s a chamber type for every situation. With monoplace chambers, you have soft shell and hard shell chambers, and you can also choose between a laying and sitting model. However, if you need a more heavy-duty hyperbaric chamber, multiplace chambers are the ones you should choose. Learning these things can be confusing, but fortunately, Airvida Chambers is here to help you figure them out.
Let Airvida Chambers help you understand the difference between a monoplace and a multiplace hyperbaric chamber. We know that everything about hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be overwhelming. However, we are more than happy to help you understand its nuances. Once you understand these concepts better, we can also help you pick the right monoplace soft shell hyperbaric chamber or hard shell hyperbaric chamber model. Contact us today to learn more about our fantastic models or hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Phone: (800) 674-9862
Email: contact@airvidachambers.com
Disclaimer
Airvida and partners advice does not constitute medical advise and is intended for informative and educational purposes only with no medical or non medical claims being made. While research & studies show the potential Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) and Hyperbaric Air Therapy (HBAT) may have implied benefits, individual results may vary. It is required by Airvida & Partners to console with doctors before being approved for Hyperbaric Therapy (HBOT & HBAT). Read More HERE
