FDA Urges Safe Use of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Devices
By Stephanie Brown HealthDay Reporter
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 27, 2025 -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has sent letters to health care providers alerting them to the importance of following manufacturer instructions for the safe use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) devices.
HBOT uses a pressurized chamber to deliver 100 percent oxygen, helping the lungs absorb more oxygen to support healing and fight infections, according to the FDA.
The agency has recently received reports of fires with HBOT devices causing serious injuries and deaths. Though rare, these events highlight the importance of following manufacturer instructions to reduce risks, the FDA notes. The agency advises health care providers to follow strict fire prevention and safety measures with HBOT devices, including proper grounding.
Staff working with HBOT devices should receive ongoing training and always keep in mind that high concentrations of oxygen increase the risk for fire.
Patients need to be continuously monitored during treatment and should wear manufacturer-recommended hyperbaric-compatible clothing (e.g., cotton), as fabrics like wool and synthetics can generate more static electricity. In addition, staff and patients should follow manufacturer instructions regarding prohibited items such as electrical or static devices.
Facilities should follow manufacturer-recommended cleaning, maintenance, and safety check procedures for each HBOT device.
The FDA will collaborate with manufacturers and professional societies to promote training and safe HBOT device use. The agency urges health care providers to report any adverse or suspected adverse events related to these devices.
Disclaimer: Statistical data in medical articles provide general trends and do not pertain to individuals. Individual factors can vary greatly. Always seek personalized medical advice for individual healthcare decisions.
© 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Posted August 2025
Read this next
Heart Patients Urged To Seek Vaccination For Common Infectious Diseases
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 27, 2025 — It is vital that people with heart disease get vaccinated against common infectious diseases like COVID-19, influenza and RSV, a new clinical...
Child Gun Wounds More Common In Poor Neighborhoods
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 27, 2025 — Children living in poor neighborhoods are up to 20 times more likely to be hospitalized for a gunshot wound, a new study says. These...
Talk Therapy Alters Brain Structure, MRI Scans Show
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 27, 2025 — Talk therapy has the power to alter a person’s physical brain structure, a new study shows. Psychotherapy caused measurable changes in the...
More news resources
- FDA Medwatch Drug Alerts
- Daily MedNews
- News for Health Professionals
- New Drug Approvals
- New Drug Applications
- Drug Shortages
- Clinical Trial Results
- Generic Drug Approvals
Subscribe to our newsletter
Whatever your topic of interest, subscribe to our newsletters to get the best of Drugs.com in your inbox.