EDITOR’S NOTE: Physicians, providers and administrative staff who practice at Maui Health hospitals and clinics answer questions from the public in HEALTHWISE MAUI, which appears on Thursdays. Maui Health operates Maui Memorial Medical Center, Maui Memorial Medical Center Outpatient Clinic, Kula Hospital & Clinic and Lana’i Community Hospital and accepts all patients. To submit a question, go to the website at mauihealth.org/healthwise.

Q: What is the difference between a medical grade hyperbaric oxygen chamber and a non-medical grade one?

Jessica Acop, RN, Program Director: Maui Memorial Medical Center Wound Care and Hyperbaric Therapy: When considering hyperbaric oxygen therapy, it is important to understand the differences between medical grade and non-medical grade hyperbaric oxygen chambers. Medical grade chambers are specifically designed, manufactured, and regulated to meet stringent medical standards, ensuring safety and efficacy in clinical settings. In contrast, non-medical grade chambers may lack these regulations, potentially posing risks to users.

The quality of materials used in these chambers also varies significantly. Medical grade chambers are constructed with high-quality, durable, and non-toxic materials that adhere to strict medical device standards. On the other hand, non-medical grade chambers may use lower-quality materials that could degrade over time or release harmful substances.

Additionally, medical grade chambers typically carry certifications such as FDA approval or CE marking, which signify compliance with regulatory requirements for medical devices. Moreover, Medical grade hyperbaric chambers meet the requirements for human occupancy, and non-medical grade chambers do not meet this standard.

Non-medical chambers may not have the certifications, raising concerns about their safety and overall effectiveness. Compared to medical grade chambers, these low-pressure, fabric hyperbaric chambers are prohibited by the FDA when used with supplemental oxygen.

In terms of safety, medical grade chambers are equipped with advanced features like pressure sensors, emergency valves, and monitoring systems to ensure the patient’s well-being during treatment. Non-medical grade chambers may lack these critical safety mechanisms, increasing the risk of accidents or injuries.

Finally, while both types of chambers provide hyperbaric oxygen therapy, medical grade chambers are designed to meet clinical standards and deliver precise oxygen dosing in controlled conditions. This makes them more likely to offer consistent and reliable therapeutic benefits compared to non-medical grade chambers. For optimal safety and effectiveness, it’s crucial to choose a medical grade chamber for hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Maui Memorial Medical Center’s wound care clinic offers two state-of-the-art hyperbaric oxygen therapy chambers. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 808-986-4500 or visit mauihealth.org/woundcare.

Q: I have heard regular exercise can prevent falls, but I use a wheelchair now, and my husband uses a walker, so we can’t go for walks like we used to. What can we do instead to prevent us from falling so much?

Dr. Rosaleen Parsons, FACR, FSAR, Chair of Radiology, Maui Health: Cameron Rogers, Trauma Injury Prevention & Outreach Coordinator, Maui Health: There are many things that anyone can get started on today, to prevent falls, including exercise. Exercise does not have to mean going for long walks; it can look like a lot of different things. Anyone can exercise, no matter their ability level. Even from a seated position, there are a lot of ways you can move and strengthen your body, which is an essential strategy in fall prevention. Regular physical activity helps maintain muscle strength, flexibility, and coordination, all key elements in reducing the risk of falls. Additionally, regular exercise helps improve circulation and reduce stiffness. The adaptability of these exercises means they can be done from a wheelchair or walker, empowering you to find a plan that works for you.

Other important strategies in fall prevention include home safety, stable footwear, and medication management. Maui Health Trauma Services is sponsoring a free fall prevention program that discusses each of these strategies in detail. This program also teaches 27 exercises that are designed to improve strength, flexibility, and coordination. All 27 of these exercises can be practiced by people of any mobility level and all can be performed sitting down. If you are interested in learning more about our program, call 808-264-1082 or visit mauihealth.org/falls.

n Physicians, providers and administrative staff who practice at Maui Health hospitals and clinics answer questions from the public in Healthwise Maui, which appears on Thursdays. Maui Health operates Maui Memorial Medical Center, Maui Memorial Medical Center Outpatient Clinic, Kula Hospital & Clinic and Lana’i Community Hospital and accepts all patients. To submit a question, go to the website at mauihealth.org/healthwise.