Cryotherapy Chamber Safety - What you need to know!

For The Touchless Wellness Association, safety is not just a standard - it’s one of our essential standards. Whole Body Cryotherapy has now taken its place as one of the most attractive cold exposure treatments or modalities in the health & wellness space. It is for this reason that we are committed to highlighting the importance of always ensuring a safe and secure environment around its use and applications. We invite a look at one of our esteemed trusted wellness partners statements in light of the recent reported incidences regarding cryo saunas (not equal to cryotherapy chambers) and the tragic events that led to loss of life.

In this statement - created by our trusted partner Art of Cryo, they address the facts leading up to this event and they invite the readership to be informed of significant difference between utilisation of nitrogen based solutions and Electric Whole Body Cryotherapy Chambers.

The Art of Cryo Statement as shared with us:

Reaffirming the Safety of Electric Whole Body Cryotherapy

Paris, April 2025: this month it happened again. A 29-year-old gym employee died, and a 34-year-old client was critically injured due to a suspected nitrogen leak using a cryo sauna.

Big parts of the media reacted similar to a 2015 Las Vegas incident, where a 24-year-old spa employee, was found deceased in a PBC (partial body cryo sauna), after having used it without the presence or backup of anyone else in the space, and outside business hours. The cause was determined to be lack of oxygen due to nitrogen exposure.

We invite journalists, media in general, and other regulating bodies to refrain from misrepresenting pictures of electric whole body cryotherapy devices, when talking about an accident with a nitrogen driven partial body cryotherapy device. Now that we have highlighted the two distinct and different forms of cryotherapy delivery & technology, both businesses and consumers should use informed decision making when applying this modality in their health & wellness routines or offerings.

Please note, electricity driven Whole Body Cryotherapy (WBC) unlike Partial Body Cryotherapy (PBC) includes head and shoulders. The client enters an extremely cold room full of dry air, nothing else – no gas, no nitrogen.

WBC is provided by indirect cooling systems where the consumer does not have any contact with a refrigerant, just pure air! Thus, the risks of above-mentioned tragedies are virtually non-existent when using quality systems working in an indirect way and fulfilling cooling industry standards.

Most indirect systems are purely electricity driven and the above-mentioned risks can be completely excluded, as there is no nitrogen present at all. 

How to offer and enjoy secure WBC?

Select the right system

When selecting a Cryotherapy system, it's crucial to opt for indirect driven systems from reputable manufacturers that adhere to industry standards and have a proven track record in the market. I strongly recommend systems powered by electricity, providing consistent airflow without altering environmental conditions to avoid increased wind chill. Ensure the manufacturer holds a CE mark and complies with established quality systems.

Procedure at operators’ site

Serious operators begin with a comprehensive initial visit, conducting a quick check-up to rule out any contraindications. Individuals with existing medical conditions or concerns are advised to consult a doctor before proceeding. Advanced operators employ software-guided procedures to tailor treatment duration based on variables such as age, gender, skin type, and BMI.

Before commencing treatment, every customer must adhere to the following guidelines:

• Proper Attire: Ensure adequate protection with earmuffs (or covering ears and, if necessary, head), masks, and socks that cover the ankles and shoes.

• Skin and Hygiene: Ensure skin and hair are dry, with no exposed metal parts or open wounds.

Customers are thoroughly briefed that they have the freedom to leave the treatment at any time and should avoid sudden movements during the session.

Rainer Bolsinger - Art of Cryo