Hyperbaric Chamber Pressure Levels Explained (1.3 ATA vs 1.5 ATA vs 2.0 ATA)

If you’re shopping for a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, you’ll see numbers like 1.3 ATA, 1.5 ATA, and 2.0 ATA everywhere.

And almost no one explains what they actually mean.

This post will walk you through:

  • What ATA means (in plain English)

  • The real difference between 1.3 vs 1.5 vs 2.0 ATA

  • What each level is typically used for (home vs clinic)

  • How to choose the right pressure level for your goals

  • Safety considerations that matter

If you want to go deeper into how hyperbaric oxygen therapy is used clinically (and what it’s actually proven for), the Undersea & Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) is one of the best authority sources.
https://www.uhms.org/ Undersea & Hyperbaric Medical Society

What Does ATA Mean?

ATA stands for Atmospheres Absolute.

  • 1.0 ATA = normal atmospheric pressure at sea level (what you’re breathing right now)

  • 1.3 ATA = 30% more pressure than normal

  • 1.5 ATA = 50% more pressure than normal

  • 2.0 ATA = 100% more pressure than normal (roughly double normal pressure)

In a hyperbaric chamber, increased pressure helps your body absorb more oxygen. That oxygen dissolves into your blood plasma and can support healing and recovery processes.

Harvard Health has a clear overview of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), including what’s evidence-based and what’s over-hyped.
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-evidence-based-uses-and-unproven-claims Harvard Health

The Quick Answer: 1.3 ATA vs 1.5 ATA vs 2.0 ATA

Here’s the simplest way to think about it:

1.3 ATA

  • Mild pressure increase

  • Common entry-level mild hyperbaric

  • Often chosen for general wellness and home use

1.5 ATA

  • Noticeably stronger than 1.3 ATA

  • A popular “sweet spot” for home users and athletes

  • Often used in higher-end soft-shell systems

2.0 ATA

  • Clinical-level pressure

  • Usually hard-shell chambers

  • More commonly used in medical and clinic settings

1.3 ATA Hyperbaric Chambers (Mild Hyperbaric)

What 1.3 ATA is typically used for

1.3 ATA is often used by people focused on:

  • recovery support

  • fatigue and inflammation protocols

  • general wellbeing routines

  • sleep optimisation and stress reduction

This range is often referred to as mild hyperbaric, especially in soft-shell chambers.

Who 1.3 ATA is best for

  • beginners wanting a gentler experience

  • people who want a more affordable entry point

  • anyone prioritising comfort and consistent usage over maximum intensity

Downsides of 1.3 ATA

  • It’s a lower “dose” of pressure

  • People with aggressive recovery goals or clinic-grade treatment requirements may outgrow it

1.5 ATA Hyperbaric Chambers (The Home + Performance Sweet Spot)

Why 1.5 ATA is so popular

1.5 ATA is one of the most popular pressure levels for home users because it provides a stronger stimulus than 1.3 ATA while still being achievable in soft-shell systems.

Who 1.5 ATA is best for

  • athletes and active people

  • serious home users who want measurable recovery and performance support

  • wellness clinics offering mild hyperbaric protocols

  • people who want “more” without jumping to clinical-level 2.0 ATA

Example: 1.5 ATA soft-shell chamber option

If you’re looking for a premium home system that reaches 1.5 ATA, check out:

This is also the pressure level many people choose when they want a chamber that feels like a genuine long-term investment, not a “trial run.”

2.0 ATA Hyperbaric Chambers (Clinic-Grade, Higher Pressure)

What 2.0 ATA is typically used for

2.0 ATA is more common in medical and clinic environments and may be used in protocols for:

  • wound healing support

  • radiation injury support

  • decompression illness protocols

  • infections and other approved clinical indications

Important note: clinical use depends on medical oversight and the condition being treated. The UHMS is the reference point many clinicians use for hyperbaric indications.
https://www.uhms.org/resources/hbo-indications.html Undersea & Hyperbaric Medical Society

Who 2.0 ATA is best for

  • clinics treating medically indicated conditions

  • facilities running high-volume sessions

  • anyone requiring higher pressure protocols under professional guidance

Example: 2.0 ATA hard-shell option

So… Which Pressure Level Should You Choose?

Here’s the practical decision guide.

Choose 1.3 ATA if:

  • you’re new to hyperbaric

  • you want something gentle and comfortable

  • your goals are general wellness and recovery support

  • you want an entry-level mild chamber setup

Choose 1.5 ATA if:

  • you want stronger recovery/performance support at home

  • you’re looking for long-term value without going clinical-grade

  • you’re an athlete or high-frequency user

  • you want the best “home + performance” balance

Choose 2.0 ATA if:

  • you’re a clinic or professional facility

  • you need clinical-grade pressure protocols

  • you require hard-shell durability and ongoing high-frequency use

  • you’re operating under clinical safety systems and training

Why Higher ATA Costs More (And Why That Matters)

Higher pressure requires:

  • stronger materials and engineering

  • higher-grade seals, valves and controls

  • increased safety systems

  • more robust compressors and components

That’s why 2.0 ATA chambers are almost always hard-shell and significantly more expensive.

If you want a full breakdown of NZ pricing, costs, and what affects them, read:

Safety Note: Pressure Is Only One Part of “Safe Use”

Hyperbaric chambers are pressurised environments, and safety matters.

The FDA has published guidance reminding users and providers to follow manufacturer instructions and safety protocols for hyperbaric devices, including fire and device risks.
https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/letters-health-care-providers/follow-instructions-safe-use-hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-devices-letter-health-care-providers U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Key safety considerations include:

  • using the chamber exactly as instructed

  • avoiding prohibited items (especially electronics if not allowed)

  • proper grounding and airflow safety

  • correct clothing (static risk matters in oxygen environments)

  • operator training in clinical settings

If you’re deciding between chamber models, always compare not just ATA, but:

  • build quality

  • support and warranty

  • included components

  • safe operation guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

Is higher ATA always better?

Not necessarily. Higher pressure can mean a stronger physiological stimulus, but it also:

  • increases cost

  • requires more robust systems

  • can be less comfortable for some users

  • is usually more appropriate in clinic-grade settings

For most home users, consistent use matters more than chasing the highest pressure.

Can you get “real results” at 1.3–1.5 ATA?

Many users choose mild hyperbaric because it fits into real life: it’s comfortable, accessible, and sustainable.

Clinical HBOT uses higher pressure under medical protocols, but for wellness and recovery support, mild hyperbaric is a common starting point.

Should I buy soft-shell or hard-shell?

If you haven’t read it yet, this is your next stop:

Final Thoughts

If you’re choosing a hyperbaric chamber for home use, the decision usually comes down to:

  • 1.3 ATA for gentler entry-level wellness support

  • 1.5 ATA for a higher-end home + performance sweet spot

  • 2.0 ATA for clinic-grade pressure and clinical protocols

Pressure matters, but the best chamber is the one you’ll actually use regularly, safely, and comfortably.

Related Hyperbaric NZ Pages