1.3 ATA vs. 1.5 ATA Hyperbaric Chambers
Pressure Guide
1.3 ATA vs. 1.5 ATA Hyperbaric Chambers
Pressure is only one part of choosing a chamber. Style, interior dimensions, access, oxygen equipment, room requirements, and prescribed use all matter. We carry both pressures across multiple brands, so you can compare instead of being limited to one product line.
What Does ATA Mean?
The Basics
ATA means atmospheres absolute, a measurement of total pressure. Normal atmospheric pressure at sea level is approximately 1.0 ATA.
What You Would Feel
1.3 ATA adds about 4.4 PSI, like roughly 10 feet underwater. 1.5 ATA adds about 7.3 PSI, closer to 16.5 feet. Both are mild pressures, and they are the pressures most people use at home. Higher pressures, from 2.0 ATA and up, are also used for medical indications in clinical settings.
1.3 ATA vs. 1.5 ATA at a Glance
| Feature | 1.3 ATA | 1.5 ATA |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure above sea level | About 4.4 PSI | About 7.3 PSI |
| Session feel | Lighter pressure change | Deeper, more immersive pressure |
| Ear equalization | Very easy | Easy once you know the technique |
| FDA clearance | Cleared for acute mountain sickness only | The models we carry are not cleared |
| Our selection | Newtowne and Summit To Sea | Volaira and OXYREVO soft chambers, plus OXYREVO Space60 and OxyAir hard shells configured at 1.5 ATA |
| Common styles | Lay down, seated, vertical, walk-in, large and accessible soft chambers | Lay down, seated and reclining soft chambers, and available hard-shell configurations |
| Shop | Shop 1.3 ATA | Shop 1.5 ATA |
Scroll sideways on a phone to see every column.
What FDA Clearance Actually Covers
1.3 ATA Chambers
The 1.3 ATA chambers we carry from Newtowne and Summit To Sea are FDA-cleared for one specific use: treating acute mountain sickness (altitude sickness), by prescription. That clearance does not cover any other condition.
1.5 ATA Chambers
The 1.5 ATA chambers we carry are not FDA-cleared for any use. Clearance tells you which chamber has been through that review for altitude sickness. It does not tell you which pressure is right for your goals. That is a conversation to have with your doctor.
Our 1.3 and 1.5 ATA Selection
1.3 ATA
Newtowne Hyperbarics and Summit To Sea models, from compact lay-down chambers to seated, vertical, walk-in, multi-person, stretcher-compatible, and wheelchair-accessible designs.
1.5 ATA
- Volaira Ascend (sitting/reclining) and Volaira Horizon (lay-down) adjust from 1.3 to 1.5 ATA.
- OXYREVO Forward 90, Apex 32, and Apex 36 adjust from 1.2 to 1.5 ATA.
- Volaira Freedom, our wheelchair-accessible chamber, operates at 1.4 ATA.
Always confirm the exact model and configuration before you buy. Compare 1.5 ATA chambers →
Looking for More Than 1.5 ATA?
Our hard-shell chambers go up to 2.0 ATA: the seated Volaira Legacy and OXYREVO Space60, and the lay-down Volaira Haven and OxyAir OLV-YT01. These models are not FDA-cleared, so talk with your doctor about which pressure is right for you. Compare hard-shell chambers →
Is 1.5 ATA Better Than 1.3 ATA?
Not automatically. The right chamber depends on the model, prescribed use, manufacturer instructions, design, oxygen setup, accessibility, space, comfort, budget, and professional guidance. It is usually more useful to compare the complete system than to choose on ATA alone.
What Else Should You Compare?
Position
Lie down, sit upright, recline, or walk in.
Interior Dimensions
Diameter, length, height, user size, and caregiver or accessibility needs.
Entry Design
Zipper placement, doorway size, vertical entry, and roll-in access can matter as much as pressure.
Oxygen Equipment
What is included, and what compatible concentrator or oxygen setup you need.
Room Requirements
Measure the space, doors, hallways, and clearance before ordering.
Delivery and Support
Soft chambers and hard-shell systems differ widely in freight and setup. Consider who supports the equipment after the sale.
Browse by Position or Construction
Lay Down
Recline fully for restful sessions.
Shop Lay Down →
Seated
Sit upright to read, work or relax.
Shop Seated →
Reclining
Lean back without lying flat.
Shop Reclining →
Wheelchair Accessible
Roll in and stay in your own wheelchair.
Shop Accessible →
Soft Shell
Portable, flexible chambers for home use.
Shop Soft →
Hard Shell
Rigid, permanent chambers up to 2.0 ATA.
Shop Hard →Price a primary concern? Browse our hyperbaric chambers under $10,000.
Need Help Choosing Between 1.3 and 1.5 ATA?
We sell five brands across every pressure, so we are not here to push one chamber. We specialize in both hyperbaric chambers and oxygen equipment, and can help you compare pressure, dimensions, style, oxygen setup, room requirements, delivery, and setup.
Book a Consultation → or call Patrick at (828) 380-6287 or text Patrick. Financing is available for qualifying customers.
A prescription is required for hyperbaric chambers purchased for private consumer use; clinics and professional facilities do not need one. We can help connect you with a licensed telemedicine provider if you need a prescription. This comparison is for product education and shopping guidance and is not medical advice. Talk to your doctor about which pressure is right for you, especially if you have ear, sinus, or lung concerns, and follow manufacturer instructions regarding hyperbaric chamber use.