Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Singapore Patients: 2 ATA Access in Chiang Mai

A growing number of Singaporean patients are seeking access to clinical-grade hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) delivered at 2 ATA (atmospheres absolute) in a hard shell chamber. Whilst Singapore’s healthcare system is world-class, access to HBOT for wellness, longevity, and elective rehabilitation purposes remains limited. Most hospital-based hyperbaric units prioritise wound care and diving medicine, and the private sector offers few options for patients seeking therapeutic-pressure HBOT outside of these narrow indications.

Chiang Mai, Thailand, under four hours from Changi Airport, offers Singaporean patients direct access to Thai FDA-approved, clinical-grade HBOT at 2 ATA in a purpose-built hard shell chamber. This article explains why pressure matters, what our chamber delivers, and how to plan your treatment.

HBOT Availability in Singapore

Singapore’s hyperbaric medicine infrastructure is centred on a small number of hospital-based units, primarily at institutions such as the Singapore General Hospital Hyperbaric and Diving Medicine Centre. These units provide essential clinical services for approved indications including chronic non-healing wounds, diabetic foot ulcers, radiation tissue injury, and decompression illness.

However, access to HBOT for broader applications is constrained by several factors:

Limited approved indications. Hospital-based HBOT in Singapore is typically reserved for conditions recognised under established clinical guidelines. Patients seeking HBOT for sports recovery, longevity optimisation, neurological rehabilitation, or systemic inflammation may find that referral pathways are not available through standard channels.

Few private options. The private hyperbaric market in Singapore is small. Some wellness centres offer mild hyperbaric sessions using soft shell chambers at 1.3 ATA, but these devices operate at pressures well below the clinical threshold and do not deliver pure oxygen through a built-in breathing system (BIBS). The physiological effects at 1.3 ATA are fundamentally different from those achieved at 2 ATA.

Cost considerations. Where private HBOT is available in Singapore, session costs tend to be high relative to the region, reflecting Singapore’s overall cost of healthcare delivery. For patients requiring a course of 20 to 40 sessions, the cumulative expense can be significant.

These factors have led an increasing number of Singaporean patients to explore HBOT options in neighbouring countries, with Thailand emerging as a particularly accessible and cost-effective destination.

Why 2 ATA Matters for Clinical Outcomes

The clinical effectiveness of HBOT is directly proportional to the pressure at which treatment is delivered. This relationship is governed by Henry’s Law, which states that the amount of gas dissolved in a liquid is proportional to the pressure of that gas above the liquid. In practical terms, higher pressure means more oxygen dissolves into the blood plasma.

At 2 ATA, breathing 100% oxygen results in an arterial oxygen partial pressure (PaO2) of approximately 1,400 mmHg, compared to roughly 100 mmHg under normal breathing conditions. This represents a more than tenfold increase in plasma-dissolved oxygen, a level that triggers significant physiological responses:

Tissue oxygenation. Oxygen dissolved in plasma reaches tissues independently of haemoglobin, penetrating areas with compromised blood supply that red blood cells cannot access efficiently. This is particularly relevant for injured, inflamed, or ischaemic tissues.

Angiogenesis. The alternating cycle of hyperoxia during treatment and relative normoxia between sessions stimulates the formation of new blood vessels, improving long-term tissue perfusion.

Stem cell mobilisation. Research published in the American Journal of Physiology has demonstrated that HBOT at therapeutic pressures can increase circulating stem and progenitor cells, supporting the body’s natural repair mechanisms.

Anti-inflammatory signalling. HBOT at 2 ATA modulates inflammatory pathways by influencing cytokine expression and reducing oxidative stress markers, effects that are not observed at lower pressures.

By contrast, soft shell chambers operating at 1.3 ATA achieve only modest increases in dissolved oxygen and do not produce the same magnitude of physiological response. The clinical evidence supporting therapeutic outcomes in wound healing, neurological rehabilitation, and tissue repair is based on protocols using hard shell chambers at 1.5 to 2.4 ATA, not on mild hyperbaric exposure. For a comprehensive review of the pressure science, see our detailed article on HBOT at 2 ATA: why pressure matters.

Our Chamber: Thai FDA-Approved Clinical-Grade HBOT

At Longevity Thailand in Chiang Mai, HBOT is delivered in a hard shell hyperbaric chamber that meets the clinical standard for therapeutic oxygen therapy. Key specifications include:

2 ATA operating pressure. The chamber is rated to deliver treatment at 2 atmospheres absolute, the pressure level supported by the majority of clinical HBOT research.

Built-in breathing system (BIBS). Patients breathe near-pure oxygen through a dedicated BIBS mask or hood, ensuring oxygen purity of 90% or greater throughout the session. This is a critical distinction from soft shell chambers, which use ambient air or low-concentration oxygen.

Hard shell construction. The chamber is a rigid, medical-grade device engineered to maintain precise pressure control. Unlike inflatable soft shell units, it provides consistent, regulated pressurisation with full safety instrumentation.

Dual-occupancy capacity. The chamber accommodates two users simultaneously, allowing patients to share a session with a companion if preferred. This also enables efficient treatment scheduling for patients on intensive protocols.

Thai FDA approval. The chamber and all HBOT protocols operate under full Thai Food and Drug Administration regulatory compliance. All sessions are supervised by trained hyperbaric technicians with physician oversight.

Safety systems. The chamber includes emergency depressurisation capability, continuous pressure monitoring, communication systems between patient and operator, and fire suppression measures consistent with international hyperbaric safety standards.

Travel from Singapore to Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is one of the most accessible international destinations for Singaporean patients seeking medical treatment abroad.

Flight time. Direct flights from Changi Airport to Chiang Mai International Airport take approximately three to three and a half hours. This is comparable to a flight to Bali or Ho Chi Minh City, making even short treatment stays practical.

Airlines and frequency. Multiple carriers operate services between Singapore and Chiang Mai, including both full-service and low-cost options. Daily flights are available during peak season, with frequent service year-round.

Visa-free entry. Singaporean passport holders enjoy visa-free entry to Thailand for stays of up to 30 days. No advance application is required, making travel planning straightforward.

Airport transfers. Chiang Mai International Airport is compact and easy to navigate. The journey to the clinic and nearby accommodation areas typically takes 15 to 30 minutes. Our patient coordination team can arrange private airport transfers upon request.

Time zone. Thailand is one hour behind Singapore, meaning there is negligible jet lag. Patients can arrive in the morning and begin their clinical assessment on the same day if required.

Planning Your HBOT Treatment Course

HBOT protocols are not single-session treatments. Clinical evidence and established practice support courses of multiple sessions to achieve cumulative therapeutic benefit.

Course length. Depending on the clinical indication, treatment courses typically range from 10 to 40 sessions. Each session lasts 60 to 90 minutes at pressure, with additional time for pressurisation and depressurisation.

Session frequency. Most protocols involve one to two sessions per day, five to six days per week. A 20-session course can typically be completed within two to three weeks.

Treatment planning. Before you travel, our medical team reviews your health history, existing investigations, and treatment goals to recommend an appropriate course length. This pre-arrival assessment ensures that your time in Chiang Mai is used efficiently.

The Chiang Mai recovery environment. Beyond the clinical setting, Chiang Mai offers a recovery environment that many patients find beneficial. The city’s pace of life, clean air, access to nutritious food, and range of wellness amenities, from traditional Thai massage to meditation retreats, complement the physiological benefits of HBOT. Many Singaporean patients report that combining treatment with a period of rest and recovery in Chiang Mai enhances their overall experience.

Accommodation. Chiang Mai offers a wide range of accommodation options at a fraction of Singapore prices, from luxury resorts and serviced apartments to boutique hotels near the clinic. Our coordination team provides personalised recommendations based on your treatment schedule and preferences.

Combining HBOT with Other Treatments

HBOT at 2 ATA can serve as a standalone treatment, but emerging evidence suggests that its benefits may be enhanced when combined with complementary regenerative therapies. At Longevity Thailand, many patients integrate HBOT into a broader treatment protocol:

Stem cell therapy. Research indicates that HBOT creates an oxygen-rich tissue environment that supports stem cell survival and engraftment following injection. Pre-conditioning with HBOT may improve outcomes from cell-based therapies.

Exosome therapy. Hyperbaric oxygen may enhance tissue receptivity to exosome-mediated signalling, potentially amplifying the regenerative effects of exosome protocols.

NAD+ infusions. Combining HBOT with NAD+ therapy addresses multiple hallmarks of ageing simultaneously, targeting both tissue oxygenation and cellular energy metabolism.

Peptide protocols. Specific peptides, including BPC-157 and thymosin beta-4, may complement HBOT through their effects on tissue repair and anti-inflammatory signalling.

Your physician will assess whether a combination approach is appropriate for your clinical situation. For more detail on combination protocols, see our articles on HBOT combined with stem cells and exosomes and HBOT with NAD+ and peptides.

What Singapore Patients Should Know Before Travelling

Preparation is straightforward, but a few practical considerations will help ensure a smooth experience:

Medical records. Compile your relevant medical history, including any imaging, blood work, specialist reports, and medication lists. These can be submitted digitally to our medical team before your arrival for pre-assessment.

Pre-assessment. Our Singapore-focused patient coordinator will review your records and discuss your treatment goals before you travel. Any recommended pre-travel blood tests can be completed at standard Singapore laboratories.

Medications. Continue your regular medications unless specifically advised otherwise by our medical team. Certain medications may require adjustment during HBOT, and your physician will discuss this during your pre-arrival consultation.

Ear, sinus, and respiratory health. HBOT involves pressurisation similar to air travel. Patients with active upper respiratory infections, severe sinus congestion, or certain ear conditions may need to delay treatment until these resolve. Our medical team screens for these contraindications before commencing treatment.

Insurance. HBOT for wellness and longevity applications is generally not covered by Singapore health insurance plans. Patients should budget for treatment as an out-of-pocket expense. Travel insurance covering medical treatment abroad is recommended.

Communication. Our clinical and coordination team includes staff who speak English, Mandarin, and Cantonese, ensuring clear communication throughout your stay.