Laplace Deep Dive_Ibex

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: "A Healing Capsule That Revives Life"

Last Tuesday, we visited IBEX’s factory in Wonju, and the experience was truly eye-opening. The newly built facility was immaculately maintained, with excellent employee amenities. Before this visit, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) was an unfamiliar concept to us, but after learning about its benefits, we were eager to experience it firsthand.

This newsletter will take a closer look at HBOT, its applications, and why IBEX is leading the market.

The History of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

The concept of hyperbaric oxygen therapy dates back to the 1600s, when British physicist Nathaniel Henshaw proposed using increased atmospheric pressure to treat lung and digestive diseases.

• 1940s: The U.S. Navy adopted HBOT to treat divers suffering from decompression sickness.

• 1960s: The therapy expanded to treat carbon monoxide poisoning.

• Today: HBOT is used for wound healing, tissue regeneration, neurological recovery, and even anti-aging treatments.

How HBOT Works

All tissues in our body require oxygen to function properly. The air we breathe typically contains 21% oxygen, but hyperbaric oxygen therapy delivers 100% pure oxygen in a high-pressure chamber.

Key Mechanism

1. Increased Oxygen Absorption: Under high pressure, oxygen dissolves more efficiently into the blood and tissues.

2. Boosted Immune Response: White blood cells become more effective at fighting infections.

3. Accelerated Healing & Cell Regeneration: Higher oxygen levels promote tissue repair and reduce inflammation.

This state, known as hyperoxia, allows oxygen to penetrate deeper into cells, aiding healing and recovery. However, excessive oxygen exposure can be harmful, so proper dosage control is crucial.

Applications of HBOT

Originally used primarily for trauma treatment, HBOT is now being applied in neurological therapy and anti-aging treatments.

HBOT is used to treat conditions such as:

✅ Decompression sickness (common in divers)
✅ Carbon monoxide poisoning
✅ Severe burns (2nd-degree or higher)
✅ Chronic wounds, including diabetic foot ulcers
✅ Radiation-induced tissue damage
✅ Post-surgical wound healing
✅ Sudden hearing or vision loss due to blood flow issues
✅ Skin graft recovery
✅ Brain injuries, stroke, and neurodegenerative conditions
✅ Sleep disorders and chronic fatigue
✅ Autism spectrum disorder
✅ Anti-aging & cellular rejuvenation

HBOT & Telomere Regeneration: Reversing the Cellular Clock

Recent studies suggest that hyperbaric oxygen therapy may extend the length of telomeres, the protective caps at the end of chromosomes.

Why is this significant?

Telomeres naturally shorten over time as cells divide. Once they become too short, cells stop replicating and age or die. Research indicates that HBOT may slow or even reverse this process, potentially extending cellular lifespan and delaying aging.

This exciting discovery is driving further research into HBOT as an anti-aging therapy.

Global Market Trends in HBOT

With advancements in miniaturized technology, personal home-use hyperbaric chambers are becoming increasingly popular. HBOT is expanding beyond hospitals and is now found in:
Rehabilitation centers
Sports facilities
Private homes

Traditionally used for wound healing and burns, HBOT is now gaining traction in neurology, autism treatment, post-surgical recovery, and sports rehabilitation. As more medical conditions gain recognition for HBOT efficacy, the demand for new treatment protocols and expanded use cases continues to grow.

Home-Use Medical Chamber

Single-person Medical Chamber

Multi-person Medical Chamber

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) Treatment Process

1. Under medical supervision, the patient enters the hyperbaric oxygen therapy chamber.

2. Inside the chamber, the patient sits or lies down comfortably while breathing deeply.

3. The treatment duration varies between 45 to 300 minutes, depending on the medical purpose.

As the pressure inside the chamber increases, patients may feel a blocked sensation in their ears, similar to what happens during air travel or at high altitudes. Swallowing or chewing gum usually helps relieve this discomfort. However, if severe pain occurs, patients should immediately inform medical staff. Many patients attempt to endure the discomfort, which can lead to eardrum damage, so caution is necessary.

Generally, at least 15 treatment sessions are recommended for noticeable benefits. However, in cases of swelling or inflammation, some patients may experience improvement after just one session.

Potential Side Effects of HBOT

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may not be suitable for everyone. Individuals who have recently had ear surgery, ear injuries, a cold, fever, or specific lung conditions should avoid this treatment.

The most common side effects include:

• Ear pain, middle ear damage, or eardrum rupture due to pressure changes.

• Temporary vision changes.

• Pneumothorax (lung collapse).

• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels).

• Sinus issues or discomfort.

Because of these potential risks, patients should carefully weigh the benefits and consult with a medical professional before undergoing treatment.

Global Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) Market Outlook

The global HBOT market was valued at approximately KRW 4.875 trillion ($3.6 billion) in 2024 and is projected to reach KRW 7.553 trillion ($5.6 billion) by 2031, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3%.

Demand is particularly rising in Asia and North America, driven by:

• Increased interest in anti-aging and cell regeneration treatments.

• Advancements in medical technology.

• Expanding availability of home-use hyperbaric oxygen therapy devices.

As the industry continues to evolve, the accessibility of HBOT is expected to grow, making it a key player in future healthcare and wellness markets.

References

• Hopkins Medicine: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

• FDA: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

• Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Market Size and Forecast

• Frontiers in Neurology: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

• Frontiers in Aging: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy