 Hyperbaric oxygen is also used in the treatment of carbon monoxide poisoning , as it may hasten dissociation of CO from carboxyhemoglobin and cytochrome oxidase to a greater extent than normal oxygen . Hyperbaric oxygen at three times atmospheric pressure reduces the half life of carbon monoxide to 23 ( ~ 80 / 3 minutes ) minutes , compared to 80 minutes for regular oxygen . It may also enhance oxygen transport to the tissues by plasma , partially bypassing the normal transfer through hemoglobin . However , it is controversial whether hyperbaric oxygen actually offers any extra benefits over normal high flow oxygen , in terms of increased survival or improved long @-@ term outcomes . There have been randomized controlled trials in which the two treatment options have been compared ; of the six performed , four found hyperbaric oxygen improved outcome and two found no benefit for hyperbaric oxygen . Some of these trials have been criticized for apparent flaws in their implementation . A review of all the literature on carbon monoxide poisoning treatment concluded that the role of hyperbaric oxygen is unclear and the available evidence neither confirms nor denies a medically meaningful benefit . The authors suggested a large , well designed , externally audited , multicentre trial to compare normal oxygen with hyperbaric oxygen . 
