Monoplace vs Multiplace Hyperbaric Chamber
Monoplace vs Multiplace Hyperbaric Chamber
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized room or chamber. When body tissues are injured or damaged, they require more oxygen to survive. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy promotes the amount of oxygen that your blood can carry; the increase in blood oxygen promotes the healing of tissues and assists in fighting infection as the blood gases temporarily restore to normal levels. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is used to treat several medical conditions. There are two types of chambers used namely, the multiplace hyperbaric chamber and the monoplace chamber. The multiplace hyperbaric chamber holds up to 6 patients at a time, while administering a mix of gases, oxygen and a balance of water vapor. Patients will receive 100% oxygen through a hood or a mask. Monoplace chambers are used only for a single person and differs slightly to the multiplace chamber.
The Difference Between a Monoplace and Multiplace Hyperbaric Chamber
Although both monoplace and multiplace hyperbaric chambers have a similar purpose, the administering of the treatment differs in the capacity of the chambers, the structure of the chamber as well as the material used, the way the oxygen is administered and even the rules around what is allowed and what isn’t.
Monoplace Hyperbaric Chamber
The monoplace chamber is about 8 feet long and 3 feet in diameter. This allows for only one person to receive treatment at a time. Aesthetically, the chamber walls are made of clear acrylic, which assists in making sure that the patient can see outside the machine and is aimed at reducing the feeling of claustrophobia.
The chamber is equipped with a communication system which allows the patient to communicate to the operator. This further assists in making sure that the patient does not develop a fear of being confined while receiving the treatment. Additionally, temperature within the chamber is easily controlled by the operator. Should a patient experience stress during the treatment, they can easily be removed - special clothing is required to be worn and nothing else may enter the chamber.
Treatment is administered with the patient lying down. The patient is moved in and out of the chamber via a sliding stretcher cart which interlocks. Treatment lasts between 90 -120 minutes. Monoplace chambers are suitable for treatment of most chronic conditions.
Multiplace Hyperbaric Chamber
The multiplace chamber is pressurized with room air while oxygen is delivered by wearing a mask. Multiplace chambers are made of steel and are much bigger than the monoplace chamber due to the need to host between 5 and 6 patients at a time.
Patients enter the chamber standing and accommodate a variety of patient-needs within the chamber through specialized seating, wheelchairs and gurneys – they also have the option to stand or lie down. Nurses are able to monitor patients throughout the treatment. Multiplace chambers have climate control systems, making sure that the comfort of the patients is always taken care of.
Similar to the monoplace chamber, there is a communication system so that patients can communicate with people outside; they can also communicate directly with other patients inside the chamber. Many multiplace chambers offer video entertainment systems.
Multiplace chambers are equipped with fire suppression systems although fire risk is low because of the dispensary of oxygen is limited to oxygen hoods, masks and connection tubes.
The major difference between these two chambers is that patient isolation is necessary in monoplace chambers while up to 6 patients can be treated in a multiplace chamber.
If you’re considering to establish a wound care center at your hospital or practice, your choice in the size of the treatment chamber will depend on the kind of service you want to offer your patients. CutisCare helps hospital partners, healthcare administration and specialized physicians to distinguish themselves as the leading medical provider in their communities. CutisCare will provide hospitals, physicians and patients with significant clinical and operational healthcare benefits.