Unlicensed soft-shelled hyperbaric chambers may pose serious health risks

Issue

Health Canada is advising Canadians that soft-shelled hyperbaric chambers that are promoted online or offered as a service to consumers to treat a variety of medical conditions including autism, cerebral palsy and migraines are unlicensed medical devices and may pose serious health risks.Soft-shelled hyperbaric chambers may expose patients, or those in close proximity, to serious injury, including death. Risks include fire, spreading transmissible diseases through cross-contamination between users, damage to the ears, eyes, sinuses, lungs and teeth, and changes to blood sugar levels. The risk of fire is significantly increased when the device is used in combination with an oxygen concentration device.Since first warning Canadians about the risks of using unlicensed soft-shelled hyperbaric chambers in October 2019, the Department has continued to take action to remove these products from the market and to respond to complaints.Health Canada will continue to take action with companies (importers, distributors and manufacturers) selling unlicensed soft-shelled hyperbaric chambers. Health Canada is also working with the Canada Border Services Agency to help prevent further illegal importation of unlicensed soft-shelled hyperbaric chambers.It is illegal to advertise for sale, import for sale, or sell medical devices in Canada without appropriate licensing, under the Medical Devices Regulations.While Health Canada has not licensed any soft-shelled hyperbaric chambers, oxygen therapy using hard-shelled hyperbaric chambers is a well-established medical treatment where patients are placed in an oxygen-rich and pressurized environment. Health Canada has licensed four hard-shelled hyperbaric chamber manufacturers in Canada.To learn more about hard-shelled hyperbaric chambers, visit Health Canada's Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy webpage.

What you should do

• Do not purchase soft-shelled hyperbaric chambers online or obtain treatment from third parties using these products.
• Consult your healthcare practitioner if you use or have used a soft-shelled hyperbaric chamber and you have concerns about your health.
• Check whether medical devices have been licensed for sale by searching Health Canada's Medical Devices Active Licence Listing.
• Report complaints involving medical devices, including the sale of unlicensed devices, to Health Canada.
• Stay connected with Health Canada and receive the latest advisories and product recalls.