Nitrogen-Based vs Fully Electric Cryotherapy Chambers: Which Should You Choose?

Cryotherapy has grown increasingly popular as a treatment for pain relief, muscle recovery, and overall wellness. If you're considering cryotherapy treatments, you'll quickly notice that there are generally two types of cryotherapy chambers available on the market: nitrogen-based chambers and fully electric cryotherapy chambers. In this article, we’ll compare these two options.

Nitrogen Based Cryo Chambers: 

Nitrogen cryotherapy relies on liquid nitrogen to generate extreme cold, typically in a chamber that exposes only the body while keeping the head outside. While it can reach very low temperatures, this method comes with several risks. The direct use of nitrogen poses a serious burn hazard if it comes into contact with the skin. Additionally, nitrogen vapors can displace oxygen, increasing the risk of dizziness, fainting, and even respiratory distress. Because the head remains outside the chamber, the cooling effect is uneven, limiting the overall benefits of the treatment. 

Additionally, although many clinics market this as a full-body cryotherapy treatment, it is not truly a full-body experience, as the nitrogen gas only targets certain areas of the body rather than evenly cooling the entire body.

Electric Cryotherapy Chambers:

Electric cryotherapy eliminates these dangers by using refrigerated air instead of nitrogen. This allows for full-body exposure, ensuring a consistent and even cooling experience. Since no hazardous gases are involved, the risk of burns, oxygen depletion, and respiratory issues is completely removed. Electric cryotherapy chambers maintain precise temperature control, creating a safer and more comfortable treatment environment.

Beyond safety, electric cryotherapy also provides a more effective treatment. The full-body exposure ensures that every part of the body benefits from the cold therapy, improving circulation, reducing inflammation, and enhancing muscle recovery more efficiently than nitrogen-based cryotherapy. The absence of nitrogen also means the treatment feels more natural and less harsh, making it a more pleasant experience for users.

Overall, electric cryotherapy is the superior choice for those seeking the benefits of cold therapy without the risks associated with nitrogen. It combines safety, comfort, and effectiveness, making it the preferred option for individuals and professionals alike.

1. Full-Body Exposure for Maximum Benefits

Cryotherapy has grown in popularity due to its impressive benefits for muscle recovery, pain relief, and overall wellness. However, when comparing the two primary types of cryotherapy — Nitrogen Cryotherapy and Electric Cryotherapy — it’s clear that Electric Cryotherapy offers distinct advantages, particularly when it comes to full-body exposure and the overall therapeutic benefits.

Nitrogen Cryotherapy: Limited by Partial Exposure

  • Partial Body Exposure: In traditional Nitrogen Cryotherapy, liquid nitrogen is used to cool the chamber. While this can be effective in treating certain areas of the body, it comes with a significant limitation. The treatment chamber requires the head and neck to remain outside for safety reasons, which means that only a portion of the body is exposed to the cold.

 

  • Uneven Cooling: Because only the areas inside the chamber are affected by the cooling treatment, the body does not experience the full, uniform cooling effect. This partial exposure means that some areas of the body — particularly the head and neck — are left out of the treatment, limiting the overall therapeutic benefits. While nitrogen cryotherapy still has its uses, it simply cannot match the effectiveness of treatments that expose the entire body to the benefits of cooling therapy.

Electric Cryotherapy: True Whole-Body Exposure for Maximum Benefits

  • Complete Body Exposure: On the other hand, Electric Cryotherapy provides a much more comprehensive approach. Instead of using liquid nitrogen, electric cryotherapy uses electricity to cool the air within the chamber. This allows for full-body exposure to the cooling effects, meaning the entire body, including the head and neck, benefits from the therapy. The chamber cools the air evenly and consistently, ensuring that no part of the body is left out.

  • Uniform Cooling for Optimal Results: With electric cryotherapy, the cooling effect is distributed uniformly across the body. Every inch of your body, from head to toe, experiences the same therapeutic cold. This consistent exposure maximizes the benefits of cryotherapy, enhancing muscle recovery, reducing inflammation, improving circulation, and boosting overall wellness. The comprehensive cooling ensures that all areas of the body are fully treated, which results in better outcomes than nitrogen cryotherapy, where some areas are neglected.

 

  • Maximized Therapeutic Effects: The true advantage of Electric Cryotherapy is that it offers a more holistic approach to healing and recovery. By cooling the entire body at once, it helps to accelerate muscle recovery, reduce soreness, and improve blood flow. It also has the potential to increase energy levels, reduce stress, and even enhance mood. These all-encompassing benefits are simply not achievable with nitrogen cryotherapy due to its partial body exposure.

2. Enhanced Safety and Reduced Risks

Cryotherapy is a highly effective treatment for various wellness benefits, but it’s important to consider safety when choosing between the different methods available. Electric Cryotherapy stands out as a much safer option compared to Nitrogen Cryotherapy, primarily because of the risks associated with liquid nitrogen and how it is handled during treatment.

Nitrogen Cryotherapy: Potential Health Risks

  • Oxygen Depletion: One of the significant risks of Nitrogen Cryotherapy is the potential for oxygen depletion within the treatment chamber. Nitrogen gas, when used to cool the air, can displace oxygen in the chamber, leading to dangerously low oxygen levels. In such an environment, there is a risk of dizziness, lightheadedness, or even fainting, making it hazardous for individuals inside the chamber, particularly if proper ventilation is not in place.

  • Burns and Frostbite: Another concern with liquid nitrogen is that the vapours it produces can cause severe skin damage. Frostbite or burns can occur if the body comes into contact with the liquid nitrogen or the extremely cold vapours. These injuries can be painful and require medical attention, which makes the need for careful temperature control and proper handling of liquid nitrogen crucial.

  • Risk of Accidental Exposure: With the rapid cooling process of liquid nitrogen, there is always the possibility of accidental exposure to harmful levels of cold air. This could lead to significant discomfort or injury if not properly managed during the treatment.

Electric Cryotherapy: A Safer Alternative

  • No Risk of Oxygen Depletion: Electric Cryotherapy eliminates these risks by using refrigerated cold air rather than liquid nitrogen. Since the treatment relies on electricity to cool the air, there is no risk of oxygen displacement, making it a much safer option. The environment within the electric cryotherapy chamber remains well-ventilated and safe for the individual, significantly reducing the risk of dizziness or fainting.

     

  • Reduced Risk of Skin Damage: Unlike nitrogen cryotherapy, where direct exposure to freezing gases can cause burns or frostbite, electric cryotherapy does not use freezing gases. Instead, it uses controlled, chilled air, which maintains a safe temperature that reduces the likelihood of skin damage. The air inside the chamber is cooled to a therapeutic level without reaching the extreme cold that could cause harm, making it a much safer experience overall.

     

  • Safe and Comfortable Experience: The lack of liquid nitrogen and its associated risks means that the environment inside an electric cryotherapy chamber is inherently safer. The cold air is consistently regulated, ensuring that the body experiences the benefits of cryotherapy without the dangers of extreme cold exposure or potential health hazards. This makes electric cryotherapy not only safer but also more comfortable, as the risks are significantly reduced.

3. Consistent and Precise Temperature Control

One of the key factors that make Electric Cryotherapy stand out over Nitrogen Cryotherapy is its ability to provide consistent and precise temperature control. Temperature regulation plays a crucial role in ensuring the effectiveness and safety of cryotherapy, and the way each system handles this control can significantly impact your experience and results.

Nitrogen Cryotherapy: Fluctuating and Manual Temperature Control

  • Manual Adjustments and Inconsistencies: Traditional Nitrogen Cryotherapy chambers often rely on manual adjustments to control the temperature. This means the cooling process is less precise, and the temperature can fluctuate during the session. These fluctuations can make it difficult to maintain a stable and consistent cooling effect, which is essential for achieving optimal therapeutic results.

  • Challenges in Precision: Due to the reliance on manual systems and the nature of liquid nitrogen, Nitrogen Cryotherapy may experience periods of too much or too little cold exposure, potentially leading to an uncomfortable or less effective treatment. Such temperature inconsistencies can undermine the overall benefits, as the body may not be receiving a consistent therapeutic level of cold throughout the session.

Electric Cryotherapy: Digital Control for Consistency and Precision

  • Digital Temperature Control: In contrast, Electric Cryotherapy uses digital systems to control the temperature with precision. The chamber’s temperature is carefully regulated using advanced cooling technology, ensuring that the cold air remains at a consistent and exact temperature throughout the treatment. This digital control allows for a much more controlled and predictable experience, where the cooling effect is uniform from start to finish.

 

  • Uniform Cooling for Better Results: With electric cryotherapy, users benefit from a consistent cooling experience that doesn’t fluctuate. This uniform cold exposure leads to better therapeutic outcomes, as the body receives the full benefits of cryotherapy at the same consistent temperature, resulting in improved muscle recovery, reduced inflammation, and enhanced overall well-being.

  • Comfortable and Effective Sessions: The ability to control the temperature precisely makes electric cryotherapy not only more effective but also more comfortable. The stable temperature ensures that the body is exposed to the ideal therapeutic cold without unexpected changes in intensity, making each session predictable and tailored to your needs.

4. Environmentally Friendly and Cost-Effective

When considering cryotherapy options, two important factors that often come into play are cost-efficiency and environmental impact. Electric Cryotherapy offers significant advantages in both of these areas compared to Nitrogen Cryotherapy, making it the smarter and more sustainable choice in the long run.

Nitrogen Cryotherapy: Ongoing Costs and Environmental Impact

  • Continuous Supply of Liquid Nitrogen: One of the major downsides of Nitrogen Cryotherapy is its reliance on a continuous supply of liquid nitrogen. This creates ongoing operational costs, as nitrogen must be regularly refilled to maintain the cooling process. These frequent refills can add up over time, making nitrogen cryotherapy more expensive to operate in the long term.

  • Specialised Equipment for Transport and Storage: The process of storing and transporting liquid nitrogen requires specialised equipment that adds to the overall cost. Nitrogen must be stored in insulated tanks to maintain its liquid state, and transporting it requires careful handling and monitoring. These logistical and storage needs not only increase operational costs but also add to the complexity of maintaining a nitrogen cryotherapy system.

  • Environmental Concerns: Beyond the financial costs, nitrogen cryotherapy also raises environmental concerns. The process of nitrogen production and transportation can contribute to nitrogen emissions, which, when released into the atmosphere, can have negative environmental effects. While nitrogen itself is inert and not harmful in small quantities, the emissions from large-scale use can contribute to environmental degradation over time.

Electric Cryotherapy: More Cost-Effective and Environmentally Friendly

  • Lower Operational Costs: In contrast, Electric Cryotherapy is far more cost-effective in the long run. Since electric cryotherapy relies on electricity rather than a constant supply of liquid nitrogen, there are no recurring nitrogen refills to worry about. This eliminates the need for regular deliveries and storage, reducing both operational costs and logistical hassles.

  • Energy Efficient: While electric cryotherapy does use electricity to power the cooling system, it generally consumes less energy compared to the ongoing requirement of nitrogen refills and transportation. The overall energy consumption is more predictable, and many modern electric cryotherapy systems are designed to be energy-efficient, helping to keep operating costs down.

  • Environmentally Friendly: Electric cryotherapy is also far more environmentally friendly than nitrogen cryotherapy. Since it does not rely on liquid nitrogen, there are no harmful nitrogen emissions being released into the atmosphere. The system uses refrigerated cold air generated through electricity, making it a much cleaner and greener alternative. This eliminates the environmental concerns associated with nitrogen production, transportation, and storage, making electric cryotherapy a more sustainable option for both businesses and individuals.

5. Better Comfort and Accessibility

When it comes to cryotherapy treatments, the comfort of the experience and the accessibility of the service play significant roles in determining how well users tolerate and enjoy the treatment. Electric Cryotherapy excels in both areas, offering a smoother, more comfortable experience for users and making it easier for businesses to operate.

Nitrogen Cryotherapy: The Shock Factor

  • Initial Cold Shock: One of the common challenges with Nitrogen Cryotherapy is the initial shock caused by the extreme cold. As liquid nitrogen rapidly cools the air, the body is exposed to intense cold almost immediately upon entering the chamber. For first-time users or individuals with low cold tolerance, this can be uncomfortable and potentially overwhelming.

  • Discomfort for Sensitive Individuals: Those who are more sensitive to cold temperatures may find nitrogen cryotherapy difficult to tolerate, as the rapid cooling process can feel harsh and sudden. This can deter people from undergoing treatment or make it harder for them to experience the full benefits of cryotherapy.

  • Greater Risk of Discomfort: The abrupt cooling can also cause discomfort throughout the session, especially for individuals who are unfamiliar with the treatment. This may lead to a less enjoyable experience overall, making it harder to fully benefit from the therapeutic effects of cryotherapy.

Electric Cryotherapy: Gradual Cooling for Enhanced Comfort

  • Gradual, Controlled Cooling: In contrast, Electric Cryotherapy uses a more gradual and controlled cooling process. The air within the chamber is cooled at a steady, adjustable rate, which reduces the shock factor that is common in nitrogen-based systems. This makes the experience much more comfortable for users, as the body can adjust to the cold more easily.

  • Easier for First-Time Users: For individuals new to cryotherapy, the gradual cooling makes it much easier to tolerate the treatment. There is no sudden temperature drop, so users are less likely to feel overwhelmed or uncomfortable. This makes Electric Cryotherapy a great option for first-timers or anyone with a sensitivity to extreme cold.

  • Comfort for All Users: Whether you’re an experienced cryotherapy user or a first-timer, Electric Cryotherapy provides a comfortable and manageable experience from start to finish. The ability to adjust the temperature to a more tolerable level ensures that everyone can benefit from the treatment without the harshness that nitrogen cryotherapy can sometimes cause.

Potential side effects of Nitrogen Cryotherapy:

  • Skin Irritation or Burns : Direct exposure to the extreme cold from liquid nitrogen can cause skin damage, including frostbite or cryoburn. This happens when the skin comes into contact with the liquid nitrogen or the vapours for too long. Symptoms can include redness, blistering, or peeling skin.

 

  • Numbness and Tingling : During or after treatment, some individuals may experience a sensation of numbness or tingling in the treated areas due to the extreme cold affecting the nerves. These sensations are typically temporary but can be uncomfortable.

 

  • Dizziness or Fainting : The cooling process in nitrogen cryotherapy can sometimes lead to oxygen depletion in the chamber, especially if the ventilation is poor. This can cause users to feel light-headed, dizzy, or even faint due to a lack of adequate oxygen.

 

  • Respiratory Irritation : Breathing in nitrogen vapour, which is an inert gas, can sometimes cause respiratory issues. While it is generally safe, prolonged exposure or inhalation in an enclosed space may cause discomfort in the lungs or throat.

 

  • Eye Irritation : If liquid nitrogen vapours come into contact with the eyes, they can cause irritation, redness, or, in more severe cases, damage to the eye tissues. Protective eye gear is usually required to avoid such risks.

 

  • Risk of Hypothermia : Prolonged exposure to extremely cold temperatures in nitrogen cryotherapy can lead to hypothermia in some cases, especially if the session lasts too long or if the user’s body does not adapt to the cold. This is rare but still a risk if safety protocols aren’t followed.

 

  • Possible Allergic Reaction : Though uncommon, some people may have an allergic reaction to the cooling process itself or the substances used in the treatment environment, such as the nitrogen or other chemicals in the chamber. Symptoms might include hives or itching.

 

  • Headache : Due to the sudden temperature change and potential oxygen depletion, some users may experience headaches after a session of nitrogen cryotherapy.

Benefits of Electric Cryotherapy:

1. Enhanced Safety

  • No Oxygen Depletion: Unlike nitrogen cryotherapy, electric cryotherapy uses refrigerated air, reducing the risk of dizziness or fainting.

  • No Freezing Gases: It eliminates the risk of frostbite or cryoburn, as it doesn’t involve direct exposure to freezing gases.

2. Precise Temperature Control

  • Digital Regulation: Provides consistent, adjustable cooling for a more controlled and comfortable treatment.

  • Tailored Experience: Temperature can be adjusted to suit individual needs, improving comfort and effectiveness.

3. Improved Comfort

  • Gradual Cooling: The cooling process is gentler, making it more tolerable for first-time users and those sensitive to extreme cold.

  • Less Cold Shock: Reduces the initial shock, leading to a more comfortable experience overall.

4. Environmentally Friendly

  • No Harmful Gas Emissions: Unlike nitrogen, electric cryotherapy doesn’t release gases into the atmosphere.

  • Lower Carbon Footprint: No need for nitrogen refills, making it more eco-friendly and sustainable.

5. Whole-Body Exposure

  • Full-Body Treatment: Electric cryotherapy treats the entire body, including the head and neck, ensuring uniform cooling and better therapeutic outcomes.

6. Reduced Side Effects

  • Less Discomfort: With gradual cooling, users experience fewer side effects like numbness or tingling, making it a more comfortable treatment option.

We Are Fully Electric – No Nitrogen, No Compromise

Our Cryotherapy Chambers are Fully Electric and 100% Made in Germany, delivering the highest standard of performance, safety, and reliability. This is the same advanced technology trusted by high-intensity athletes and celebrities across the globe. We’ve chosen to go fully electric — not just because it’s modern, but because it’s better for you, your results, and the environment.

Here’s why our electric system stands out:

  • Full-Body Exposure – Includes the head and neck for more uniform, effective treatment.
  • Digitally Controlled Temperatures – Ensures every session is safe, consistent, and customised.
  • No Nitrogen, No Risk – Eliminates dangers like oxygen depletion, frostbite, or skin burns.
  • German-Engineered Excellence – Built for precision, durability, and superior performance.
  • Trusted by Elite Athletes & Celebrities – A proven tool for recovery, performance, and wellbeing.
  • Eco-Friendly Operation – No gas emissions, no refills, no waste – just clean cold air.
  • More Comfortable Experience – Gradual cooling, less shock, and suitable even for first-time users.

We believe in giving our clients the best of the best — that’s why we’ve invested in technology that is not only cutting-edge, but also safer, cleaner, and smarter.

Come experience cryotherapy the way it should be – fully electric, fully effective.

Conclusion

While nitrogen cryotherapy has been the traditional choice, electric cryotherapy is proving to be the superior option due to its full-body exposure, enhanced safety, precise temperature control, environmental benefits, and overall comfort. For individuals looking for a safer, more effective, and sustainable cryotherapy experience, electric cryotherapy is undoubtedly the better choice.