Every hard-shell chamber we sell comes with one of two oxygen systems, and the choice trips up a lot of first-time buyers. The good news: it is a smaller decision than it looks. Both hold you at the same pressure and both deliver oxygen through a mask. The only thing that changes is how that mask delivers.
The one-line difference
Continuous flow streams oxygen through the mask at a steady, constant rate. BIBS delivers it in time with your breathing and exhausts your out-breath away. Continuous flow is the standard; BIBS is the more efficient upgrade. If you want the deep dives, we have plain-English explainers for continuous flow and BIBS, plus the full side-by-side spec page.
Side by side, in short
- Delivery: continuous flow streams oxygen steadily; BIBS matches it to your breath.
- Effective oxygen: continuous flow around 70%; BIBS close to 100%.
- Your out-breath: with continuous flow the stream just keeps going; BIBS exhausts each exhale away, so less is wasted.
- On the Atlas One: continuous flow is standard; BIBS is the upgrade.
Why BIBS is more efficient
With continuous flow, oxygen streams at the same rate whether you are breathing in or out, so some passes by in the gaps between breaths. That is why it lands around 70% effective. BIBS only delivers when you inhale, so almost nothing is wasted, which is how it reaches close to 100%. Whether that gap matters depends on what your sessions are for.
So which one?
For a daily restorative rhythm, continuous flow is the standard for a reason and most owners are happy there. If your sessions hinge on getting the most from every breath, BIBS is the upgrade, and you can add it at purchase or later. You also do not have to pick one forever: with BIBS fitted you can still run a standard session, session to session.
Still not sure?
That is normal, and it is exactly what the call is for. We will look at what your sessions are actually for, your space, and your budget, then point you at the right system on the Atlas One or Altura One. The system choice is priced in your custom quote, not guessed at from a list.
