Understanding the Difference Between 1.3 ATA and 2.0 ATA in Hyperbaric Chambers
- Jeremy Hopkins
- Sep 20
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 4
(And why our chambers keep the **chamber air** near ~27% O₂)
A customer pinged me with a great question:
💬 “What’s the difference between 1.3 ATA and 2.0 ATA?”
We got talking, and the chat turned into a mini-masterclass on how pressure and oxygen interact—plus why our setup is built for effectiveness + safety.
⚡ The Simple Idea
ATA = atmospheres of pressure (1.0 ATA ≈ sea level).
Oxygen % (FiO₂) = the fraction of oxygen you breathe in.
ppO₂ = the mathematical product of the two (FiO₂ × ATA).
👉 Educational formula: ppO₂ = FiO₂ × ATA (We teach the math, but we **do not target ppO₂**. That would be medical guidance.)
🧮 Clear, Step-by-Step Math (Education Only)
These examples help people “see” how pressure multiplies oxygen concentration:
1) Sea Level, Room Air
FiO₂ = 21% = 0.21
ATA = 1.0
ppO₂ = 0.21 × 1.0 = 0.21 (21%)
2) Mild Chamber, Room Air (1.3 ATA)
FiO₂ = 21% = 0.21
ATA = 1.3
ppO₂ = 0.21 × 1.3 = 0.273 (27.3%)
3) Hard Chamber, Room Air (2.0 ATA)
FiO₂ = 21% = 0.21
ATA = 2.0
ppO₂ = 0.21 × 2.0 = 0.42 (42%)
4) Mask-Assisted Oxygen (Example), 2.0 ATA
FiO₂ (example) = 40% = 0.40
ATA = 2.0
ppO₂ = 0.40 × 2.0 = 0.80 (80%)
📝 These numbers are illustrations only to explain mechanics. We don’t prescribe or aim for any ppO₂.
🛡️ Safety by Design: What We Actually Control
🌀 The chamber atmosphere is normal air and typically stays around ~21–27% O₂.
🎯 Our safety target is the chamber O₂ ≈ 27% (ambient).
💨 Any supplemental oxygen is delivered by mask from a concentrator, not by filling the chamber with oxygen.
🧯 No oxygen tanks filling the chamber = lower fire risk and a more forgiving environment.
This design keeps the room you’re sitting in (the chamber) benign, while allowing clients—under their own clinician’s guidance, if applicable—to use a mask for comfort. Again, we do not set or advise therapeutic ppO₂ targets.
👩🔬 Why the 27% Chamber O₂ Matters
🔥 Fire safety: Oxygen-enriched environments become riskier as ambient O₂ climbs. Keeping the chamber near ~27% O₂ helps maintain a conservative, safety-first margin.
♾️ Concentrators, not tanks: We use concentrators to provide oxygen to the mask only, so the chamber air doesn’t drift into high-oxygen territory.
🧘 Comfort + practicality: Clients get a clear, simple setup without managing stored oxygen in a pressurized space.
🗣️ The Conversation, Simplified
Customer: “So, 1.3 vs 2.0 ATA—what changes?”
Me: “Pressure multiplies whatever oxygen you breathe. That’s the math. But what we actually manage is the chamber’s oxygen percentage—and we keep that air close to ~27% O₂, not a ppO₂ number.”
Customer: “And the oxygen I inhale?”
Me: “That’s via mask + concentrator. The math explains why pressure matters, but your personal ppO₂ is a medical variable—we don’t set or advise those targets.”
🔑 Takeaways
Pressure (ATA) multiplies oxygen fraction (FiO₂) — that’s the physics.
Our operational target is chamber O₂ ≈ 27% (ambient air safety), not ppO₂.
We don’t give medical advice or ppO₂ targets. The math is for understanding only.
Concentrator-to-mask delivery + room-air chamber = effective, practical, safer setup.
🌟 Additional Insights on Hyperbaric Therapy
What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized environment. This therapy can enhance oxygen delivery to tissues, promote healing, and support recovery from various conditions.
Benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Enhanced Healing: By increasing oxygen levels in the blood, HBOT can promote faster healing of wounds and injuries.
Reduced Inflammation: The therapy may help reduce inflammation, which is beneficial for conditions like arthritis.
Improved Recovery: Athletes often use HBOT to speed up recovery after intense training or injuries.
How to Prepare for Your Session
Before your hyperbaric session, it’s essential to:
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water before your appointment.
Avoid Heavy Meals: A light snack is fine, but avoid heavy meals to prevent discomfort.
Wear Comfortable Clothing: Loose-fitting clothes will make your experience more comfortable.
Conclusion
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a fascinating and beneficial treatment. Understanding the differences in ATA can help you make informed decisions about your health. Remember, our focus is on safety and comfort, keeping the chamber air around ~27% O₂ for the best experience.
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