For some patients, it can be. However, there are a number of ways in which this sensation can be addressed.
Well-known manufacturers like Summit-to-Sea and Newtowne Hyperbarics strive to create hyperbaric chambers that feel open and breathable by incorporating portal-shaped viewing windows, or using light-permeable material for the outer shell.
In addition, some hyperbaric chambers, like Summit-to-Sea’s vertical models, allow patients to remain seated in an upright position to lessen the feeling of being “trapped” in a prone position. Others are large enough to accommodate more than a single patient, allowing friends and family members to participate in the treatment by using the buddy system.
Those who simply need to be distracted from the closeness of the chamber should consider bringing a laptop, tablet PC, or smartphone with them so that they can listen to music, watch videos, and engage in social media during treatment.