How to Start an HBOT Clinic in 2026 — A Practical Setup Checklist

1. The regulatory question first

In some countries HBOT is a medical service requiring physician oversight; in others it is sold as wellness with no medical license. Before you spend a dollar, call your health authority and ask two questions: (a) do I need a medical director to operate an HBOT chamber? (b) do I need to register the chamber as a medical device? The answer changes whether you run a medical clinic or a wellness studio.

2. The room

You need about 2.5 × 2.5 meters, a standard ceiling, and a door wide enough for a 1400 × 850 mm cabin (a standard 90 cm interior door works). Ventilation matters — oxygen-enriched air must not build up in the room. A window that opens or an exhaust fan is enough.

3. Power

A 16A dedicated circuit on 110–220V. The chamber itself draws about 1000VA; the compressor and concentrator share the circuit. Do not run it off a shared extension strip.

4. Oxygen concentrator pairing

See our concentrator article for the full guide. Short version: 10 LPM output at 90–96% O2 is the sweet spot for one chamber.

5. Staffing

One trained operator per chamber during sessions. You do not need a nurse, but you do need someone who has been trained on pressurization, emergency vent and contraindication screening. We train your person on a video call.

6. Pricing and utilization

Pricing for single-person rigid HBOT varies by market. Build a membership (4–8 sessions / month) rather than selling singles. Plan for 3–6 sessions a day to start.

7. The first 90 days

Spend the first month on internal testing: run empty pressure holds, staff shadow sessions, and a few free trial sessions with friends. Do not open to paying patients until your operator is comfortable with the emergency procedure. The first impression is the one that builds your reputation.