Understanding the Differences:
Soft Shell vs. Hard Shell Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Try hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in our own hard shell chamber in Surbiton: a 30 minute trial session for £50.
Book your £50 oxygen therapy trialThe practical differences between soft shell and hard shell hyperbaric chambers: how they are built, the pressure they run at, and what a session feels like in each.
Hard shell HBOT in Surbiton, near Kingston, until 30 November 2026. One hour sessions in our 1.5 ATA hard shell chamber in Surbiton are £75 (usual price £120), courses of 10 are £650, and a 15 minute trial with consultation is £50.
A hard shell hyperbaric chamber has a rigid body and a sealed door. A soft shell chamber is made of flexible material, zips closed and is held in shape by the air pressure inside. Most soft shell chambers run at about 1.3 ATA, and some newer models are rated up to 1.5 ATA. Hard shell chambers usually run at 1.5 ATA or more. At 360 Degree Clinic in Surbiton we use our own hard shell chamber at 1.5 ATA.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) means breathing concentrated oxygen inside a pressurised chamber. This guide explains the practical differences between the two types of chamber.
| Soft shell | Hard shell | |
|---|---|---|
| Made of | Flexible material such as polyurethane | Rigid metal or acrylic |
| How it closes | Zip | Sealed door |
| Typical pressure | About 1.3 ATA, some models up to 1.5 ATA | Usually 1.5 ATA or more |
| Shape | Held up by the air pressure inside | Keeps its shape at all times |
| At 360 Degree Clinic | Not used | Our own chamber at 1.5 ATA |
What is the difference between a soft shell and a hard shell hyperbaric chamber?
Hard shell hyperbaric chambers are characterised by their rigid construction, typically made from materials such as metal or acrylic. This design ensures a durable and sturdy chamber capable of withstanding higher pressures. These pods are considered the high-end option for their high level of construction.
Soft shell hyperbaric chambers, on the other hand, have a flexible and inflatable structure. These chambers are typically made from materials like polyurethane, making them more portable and easier to set up, however compromising on the pressure that can be handled within the material.
What pressure is best for hyperbaric oxygen therapy?
Pressure is measured in atmospheres absolute (ATA). At sea level you are at 1 ATA. Most soft shell chambers run at around 1.3 ATA, and some newer models are rated up to 1.5 ATA. Hard shell chambers can run higher, and ours runs at 1.5 ATA, roughly the pressure you would feel five metres under water.
Higher pressure means more oxygen dissolves into your blood plasma while you breathe concentrated oxygen. It also means a more noticeable pressure change in your ears as the chamber fills and empties, which is why the pressure is raised and lowered gradually. We do not suggest that any particular pressure is right for a health condition. HBOT at our clinic is a wellbeing service, and we ask about your health at a free consultation before your first session.
Which type of hyperbaric chamber does 360 Degree Clinic use?
We use our own single person hard shell chamber. It runs at 1.5 atmospheres and delivers oxygen at up to 10 litres per minute. Sessions run for 60, 75 or 90 minutes, and a 15 minute trial with a consultation is available if you would like to try it first.
Which hyperbaric chamber should you choose?
Both types are used for wellbeing sessions, and the right choice comes down to a few practical points:
- Pressure. Hard shell chambers can run at higher pressures than soft shell chambers.
- Comfort with enclosed spaces. If you are unsure, try a short session first. Our 15 minute trial exists for exactly this.
- Ear pressure. Higher pressure means a stronger ear sensation as the chamber fills. Swallowing or yawning usually clears it.
- Price. Our current hard shell offer runs until 30 November 2026. See our HBOT deals page for prices.
Hard shell vs soft shell hyperbaric chamber: FAQs
Is a hard shell hyperbaric chamber better than a soft shell?
It depends on what you want from a session. Hard shell chambers are rigid and usually run at higher pressure. Soft shell chambers are lighter and portable, which is why they are common in homes and studios. Our 15 minute trial lets you see how a hard shell chamber feels before you commit.
What ATA is a soft hyperbaric chamber?
Most run at about 1.3 ATA, and some newer models are rated up to 1.5 ATA. Ask any provider for their chamber’s rated pressure before you book.
Why can’t you wear deodorant in a hyperbaric chamber?
Deodorant, perfume, lotions and hair products can be flammable, and air rich in oxygen makes things burn more easily. We ask you to skip them on the day and wear clean, loose cotton clothing.
Where can I try a hard shell hyperbaric chamber near Kingston?
At our clinic, 58A Victoria Road, Surbiton, about 10 to 14 minutes from Kingston town centre on the 71, K3 or K4 bus. A 15 minute trial with a consultation is £50.
Book your Hard Shell Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Thinking about hyperbaric oxygen therapy? Book a free consultation, or try a 15 minute trial session first.
Soft shell and hard shell chambers both deliver oxygen under pressure. The main practical differences are how the chambers are built and the pressure they are rated for: most soft shell chambers run at about 1.3 atmospheres, and our hard shell chamber runs at 1.5. We offer HBOT as a wellbeing service, not as a treatment for any medical condition, and we ask about your health at a free consultation before your first session.
Our clinic is at 58A Victoria Road, Surbiton, a short walk from Surbiton station and about 10 minutes by car from Kingston town centre.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in Surbiton
Our own hard shell chamber at 1.5 atmospheres. A 15 minute trial with consultation is £50, single sessions £75 until 30 November 2026 (usually £120), and courses from £350.
Consultations are free. 58A Victoria Road, Surbiton, Kingston upon Thames, KT6 4NQ, ten minutes from Kingston town centre. Call 020 3971 4025.
Try hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in our own hard shell chamber in Surbiton: a 30 minute trial session for £50.
Book your £50 oxygen therapy trial