1.3 ATA vs 1.5 ATA: What the Pressure Difference Means for a Home Hyperbaric Chamber

1.3 ATA vs 1.5 ATA: What the Pressure Difference Means for a Home Hyperbaric Chamber

The difference in pressure between home hyperbaric chambers is one of the most important specifications to understand before you buy. Here is what 1.3 ATA and 1.5 ATA mean, which OxyHealth chamber gives you both options, and how to bring the decision to your physician. Airpuria is an authorized reseller of OxyHealth and Summit to Sea hyperbaric chambers.

Reading Atmospheric Pressure on a Hyperbaric Chamber

ATA stands for atmospheres absolute, and the number tells you how far above normal pressure a chamber runs:

  • 1 ATA: Normal atmospheric pressure at sea level.

  • 1.3 ATA: 30 percent above that.

  • 1.5 ATA: 50 percent above it.

Some chambers express the same pressure in PSI instead, so converting to the same unit makes comparing models easier. Each model is built to reach a specific maximum pressure. Oxygen absorption rises as pressure rises, which is the whole reason the number matters.

At normal pressure, the lungs can only absorb a limited amount of oxygen, most of which is carried by red blood cells. Under increased pressure at 1.3 or 1.5 ATA, more oxygen is dissolved into the blood plasma, and that higher partial pressure is what hyperbaric oxygen therapy is built on. Oxygen then reaches tissues, injured areas, and areas with poor circulation that red blood cells alone can't supply. For a deeper look at how the therapy works, visit our hyperbaric oxygen therapy guide. For the latest research on outcomes across wellness, medical conditions, and injury recovery, see our HBOT research.

Understanding 1.3 ATA and 1.5 ATA for Home Use

The pressure gauge on an OxyHealth Quamvis 320 chamber, which reads the increased pressure of hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Pressures of 1.3 and 1.5 ATA are common for soft-shell home chambers. Higher-pressure hard-shell chambers may also be installed in a home when appropriate, with the necessary medical oversight. OxyHealth's Fortius 420®, a hard-shell chamber, runs up to 3.0 ATA and can be professionally installed in a residential setting.

Both 1.3 and 1.5 ATA are considered mild hyperbaric pressures, and all three OxyHealth soft-shell home chambers operate within this range. The Respiro 270® and Vitaeris 320® each operate at a fixed pressure, while the Quamvis 320® gives you the choice of either 1.3 or 1.5 ATA.

How Pressure Levels Differ in Practice

Think of the ATA figure as a capability. In general, 1.3 ATA is associated with wellness and relaxation, and 1.5 ATA is often discussed for more targeted wellness goals. Higher pressure does not automatically mean better recovery, and the right level depends on your needs and your physician's recommendation. Anything above 1.5 ATA is typically used in a clinical setting, though a higher-pressure chamber may also be an option at home when a physician recommends it.

A physician screening and prescription are required before purchasing an OxyHealth chamber through Airpuria, and your physician determines the right pressure for your situation based on your health history and goals.

If you or your physician would like more guidance on ATA levels or hyperbaric therapy, you can request a paid consultation with Dr. Zayd Ratansi, ND, a naturopathic physician who specializes in hyperbaric therapy. You begin by completing the client intake form, and Dr. Ratansi then provides a hyperbaric screening and recommendations for you to review with your primary physician.

The OxyHealth Quamvis 320 and Its Dual 1.3 and 1.5 ATA Capability

The OxyHealth Quamvis 320 hyperbaric oxygen chamber at an angle, its blue shell strapped inside a white frame.

OxyHealth offers one home chamber that operates at both pressure levels. The Quamvis 320 runs at either 1.3 or 1.5 ATA, and that dual capability is what sets the model apart. It's built for athletes and wellness enthusiasts who want to choose the level session by session and change it week to week.

Built at 32 inches in diameter with an exterior frame, a 100% organic cotton mattress, and enough interior space for two people, it is the most substantial chamber in OxyHealth's home lineup. OxyHealth considers it the most secure soft-sided chamber on the market, and its heavy-duty construction reflects that designation. See the Quamvis 320 for full specifications.

Other Specifications Worth Considering

Pressure is one decision. These are the others:

  • Size: The Vitaeris 320 and Quamvis 320 both measure 32 inches in diameter, offering a spacious interior with room for two adults. The Respiro 270 is the more compact option at 27 inches, with three large viewing windows and a dual-zipper seal.

  • Shell type: All three home models are soft-sided chambers, designed for personal use and easy setup. Their flexible construction also makes them easier to store or move when needed.

  • Warranty: Every OxyHealth chamber is backed by a five-year warranty and built to the highest safety standards in the industry.

  • Price: The Respiro 270 starts at $9,900, the Vitaeris 320 at $19,900, and the Quamvis 320 at $29,900. The Fortius 420 starts at $136,100 for clinical and professional use.

  • Rent-to-own: Available for the Respiro 270 and Vitaeris 320.

  • Pricing and financing: Our hyperbaric oxygen therapy cost guide has the full pricing details and financing considerations.

  • HSA/FSA: Qualifying customers may be eligible for HSA/FSA reimbursement through Flex. An instant chat consultation determines eligibility, and the $15 fee is also HSA/FSA eligible. See if you qualify.

The OxyHealth Hyperbaric Chamber Collection

A white zippered panel and stars and stripes on the navy OxyHealth Vitaeris 320, a hyperbaric oxygen therapy chamber that runs at 1.3 ATA.

OxyHealth offers four chamber models, three soft-shell models for home use and the hard-shell Fortius 420, built for clinical settings and also available for home installation, offered in two ways:

  • Respiro 270: Soft-sided home chamber, operating at a fixed pressure.

  • Vitaeris 320: Soft-sided home chamber, operating at a fixed pressure.

  • Quamvis 320: The only home model that offers both 1.3 and 1.5 ATA.

  • Fortius 420: OxyHealth's professional-grade hard-shell chamber, built for clinical environments and also available for professional installation at home.

Every chamber in the lineup is FDA-cleared, USA-made, and built to the highest safety standards in the industry, backed by a five-year warranty and premium medical-grade components. With over 28 years of experience and more than 18,000 chambers deployed worldwide, OxyHealth has earned a reputation as one of the most trusted names in hyperbaric therapy.

Browse the full lineup of OxyHealth hyperbaric chambers.

Choosing a Hyperbaric Therapy Pressure Level With Your Doctor

Tension cables anchor an OxyHealth Quamvis 320 hyperbaric oxygen chamber to its frame above a home's wood floor.

A physician's prescription and screening are required before purchasing an OxyHealth chamber through Airpuria. During the screening you'll discuss your health history, medications, wellness goals, and which chamber you're considering. People come to HBOT for many reasons, from injury recovery to wellness goals such as anti-aging, reduced inflammation, or mental clarity. That is what your physician uses to recommend the right pressure level and protocol for you.

If you don't yet have a physician, our team can connect you with one. For help choosing the right chamber, learn more about OxyHealth or schedule a free OxyHealth consultation to get started.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and Chamber Pressure FAQ

Is 1.5 ATA better than 1.3 ATA?

Neither pressure is universally better. The right level depends on your health history and goals, and is determined at your screening. In general, 1.3 ATA is associated with wellness and relaxation, and 1.5 ATA is often used for more targeted wellness goals, but higher pressure does not automatically mean better recovery. The Quamvis 320 is the only OxyHealth home chamber that offers both, giving you the flexibility to adjust as your needs change.

Which OxyHealth chamber operates at both 1.3 and 1.5 ATA?

The Quamvis 320 is the only OxyHealth home chamber that operates at both 1.3 and 1.5 ATA. The Respiro 270 and Vitaeris 320 each operate at a fixed pressure, and the Fortius 420 is OxyHealth's professional-grade hard-shell chamber.

Why does a hyperbaric chamber pressure gauge read in psi?

Pressure gauges measure in PSI by default, while hyperbaric chambers are typically described in ATA. Both units describe the same thing. For reference, 1.3 ATA equals approximately 4.4 PSI, and 1.5 ATA equals approximately 7.4 PSI. Converting to the same unit before comparing chambers makes the numbers easier to read.

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