What Is Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy? Inside the Vitaeris 320
Updated October 20, 2026 · 3 min read
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy sounds intense. Pressurized chambers. Oxygen. Medical equipment.
But the experience at iCRYO St. Johns is surprisingly calm, thanks to a gentler approach called mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the soft-shell OxyHealth Vitaeris 320.
Here's what mild hyperbaric therapy is, how the Vitaeris 320 works and what to expect.
New to HBOT? Start with What Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
What Does "Mild" Mean?
Hyperbaric pressure is measured in atmospheres absolute (ATA):
- 1.0 ATA is normal air pressure at sea level, which is what we live in here in Northeast Florida
- About 1.3 ATA is typical for mild, soft-shell chambers
- Higher pressures are used in hospital chambers for specific medical conditions
"Mild" simply means the chamber uses a gentler pressure that's well suited to wellness and recovery routines.
Meet the Vitaeris 320
The Vitaeris 320 is one of OxyHealth's best-known soft-shell chambers.
- Soft-shell design: made of durable, flexible material that inflates as it pressurizes
- 32-inch diameter: room to lie back comfortably
- About 4 psi: roughly 1.3 ATA
- Zippered entry and viewing windows: so you can see out and our team can see in
How Mild Hyperbaric Therapy Works
- The chamber gently pressurizes around you
- The added pressure helps more oxygen dissolve into your blood plasma
- More oxygen can reach your tissues while you rest
Read Hyperbaric Chamber vs. Supplemental Oxygen to see why pressure makes the difference.
What a Session Feels Like
- Screening: we review your health history first
- Settle in: lie down inside the Vitaeris 320, and we zip the chamber closed
- Pressurization: the chamber inflates and your ears may feel full; swallowing or yawning helps
- Relax: rest, listen to music or nap
- Depressurization: pressure slowly returns to normal before we unzip the chamber
Most sessions last about an hour, and there's no downtime afterward.
Mild vs. Hospital Hyperbaric Therapy
| Mild (Vitaeris 320) | Hospital HBOT | |
|---|---|---|
| Chamber | Soft-shell, inflatable | Rigid medical chamber |
| Pressure | About 1.3 ATA | Higher pressures |
| Typical use | Wellness and recovery | Specific FDA-approved medical conditions |
| Setting | Wellness centers and homes | Hospitals and wound centers |
Mild hyperbaric therapy is a wellness tool. It isn't a substitute for medical treatment.
Who Uses Mild Hyperbaric Therapy?
- Athletes and active adults in training
- Golfers, runners and beachgoers after long days in the Florida heat
- Busy professionals looking for an hour of restorative downtime
- People recovering from procedures (with their doctor's approval)
See Hyperbaric Oxygen Benefits.
Who Should Talk to a Provider First?
Let us know if you have a cold, sinus or ear problem, lung conditions, are pregnant, are claustrophobic or have certain medical devices or conditions. We screen every client before their first session.
How Many Sessions?
Many benefits are associated with a series of sessions. See How Many Hyperbaric Sessions Do You Need?
Ready to try a mild hyperbaric session?
Hyperbaric Oxygen in St. Johns, FL
iCRYO St. Johns is at 120 Durbin Pavilion Dr Suite 103, St. Johns, FL 32259, in Durbin Pavilion with free on-site parking. We welcome clients from Fruit Cove, Julington Creek, Nocatee, Ponte Vedra, World Golf Village and St. Augustine.
Questions? Call (904) 513-8877.
Hyperbaric Oxygen FAQs
What is mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy?
Mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy uses lower pressure than hospital chambers, typically around 1.3 ATA, in a soft-shell chamber. It's used in wellness settings for recovery and general wellness goals.
What is the Vitaeris 320?
The Vitaeris 320 is a soft-shell mild hyperbaric chamber made by OxyHealth. It has a 32-inch diameter and operates at about 4 psi, roughly 1.3 ATA.
How is mild hyperbaric different from hospital HBOT?
Hospital HBOT uses higher pressures in medical chambers for specific FDA-approved conditions. Mild hyperbaric uses lower pressure for wellness and recovery and isn't a substitute for medical treatment.
Is mild hyperbaric therapy comfortable?
Most people find it relaxing. Your ears may feel full as the chamber pressurizes, similar to an airplane, and swallowing or yawning usually helps.
iCRYO St. Johns Team
The iCRYO St. Johns team helps clients across St. Johns County look and feel their best.
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Learn more about Hyperbaric Oxygen in St. Johns, FL
View the Hyperbaric Oxygen service page →