Low pressure hyperbaric chamber and method of using the same

1. A low pressure hyperbaric chamber for treating a chronic ailment comprising:

a structure having a plurality of surfaces, the structure allowing airflow therethrough;

a closable opening for providing access to the chamber; and

an air blower of sufficient capacity to pressurize the volume of the structure, with airflow through the structure, to a pressure of greater than about 30.1 in. Hg and less than about 32.0 in. Hg for treating a chronic ailment of a user accommodated within the chamber;

wherein said air blower has sufficient capacity to provide at least 30 CFM airflow; and

wherein said airflow provides for adequate turn-over rate of air within said hyperbaric chamber.

2. The chamber of claim 1 , wherein the surfaces are made of a flexible material and the air blower has sufficient capacity to inflate the chamber.

3. The chamber of claim 2 , wherein the chamber includes an air lock for entry to or exit from the chamber may be made without a loss of pressure in the chamber.

4. The chamber of claim 2 , wherein the flexible material is a vinyl coated fabric.

5. The chamber of claim 4 , wherein the opening comprises a zippered flap.

6. The chamber of claim 2 , wherein the chamber is collapsible so that it is portable.

7. The chamber of claim 1 , wherein the surfaces are made of a rigid material so that the chamber retains its shape when the air blower is off.

8. The chamber of claim 7 , wherein the rigid material comprises fiberglass or plastic.

9. The chamber of claim 7 , wherein the rigid material comprises a laminate with a honeycomb core.

10. The chamber of claim 7 , wherein the surfaces comprise preformed parts that are coupled together to form the chamber.

11. The chamber of claim 10 , wherein at least one of the preformed parts include an opening for a door or window.

12. The chamber of claim 7 , wherein the chamber comprises:

a door in at least one surface for entry into the chamber, the door including a portion for mating with a portion of at least one surface; and

gasket material for providing a seal between the door and the portion of the at least one surface.

13. The device of claim 1 wherein said ailment is chosen from the group consisting of fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

14. The device of claim 1 wherein said airflow is outside air drawn into the blower.

15. The device of claim 1 wherein the chamber is designed to hold several people and the airflow is at least 30 CFM per person.

16. A method of using a low pressure hyperbaric chamber for treating a chronic ailment, the method comprising:

occupying the chamber; and

pressurizing, with airflow through the chamber, the chamber to between about 30.1 and 32.0 in. Hg for treating a chronic ailment of a patient accommodated within the chamber;

wherein said airflow is at least about 30 CFM per user in the chamber; and

wherein said airflow provides for adequate turn-over rate of air within said hyperbaric chamber.

17. The method of claim 16 further comprising inflating the chamber prior to occupying the chamber.

18. The method of claim 17 further comprising deflating the chamber after occupying the chamber.

19. The method of claim 16 further comprising remaining in the pressurized chamber for between about 20 and about 60 minutes.

20. The method of claim 19 further comprising occupying the chamber in the morning and in the evening.

21. The method of claim 16 further comprising occupying the chamber at least twice a day.

22. The method of claim 16 wherein said ailment is chosen from the group consisting of fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

23. The method of claim 16 wherein said airflow is outside air drawn into the blower.

24. The method of claim 16 wherein several people are accommodated within the chamber.