Whole Body Cryotherapy (WBC) involves brief, controlled exposure to ultra-cold temperatures, typically ranging from -110°C to -160°C. This low-temperature environment necessitates strict safety protocols to protect the body from cold-induced injury. Proper attire is a mandatory requirement for safety and comfort within the cryochamber or cryosauna. The clothing and specialized gear worn shield the body’s most vulnerable areas while allowing the cold air to stimulate the skin’s temperature receptors for a beneficial systemic response.
Protective Gear for Extremities
The extremities are the most susceptible areas to localized cold injuries, such as frostbite, due to their smaller mass and distance from the core. For this reason, the cryotherapy center provides specialized, thick, and dry insulating gear designed to protect the hands and feet. This protection typically includes thick mittens or gloves, which shield the fingers and palms from the intense, dry cold inside the chamber.
The feet are shielded by specialized insulated slippers or boots, often worn over knee-high thermal socks. This multi-layered approach ensures that the toes and soles are adequately covered and insulated from the floor and the surrounding air. Some facilities may also provide a protective headband or ear coverings to shield the ears, which are also prone to rapid cooling. The consistent use of this gear prevents localized cold injuries during the two-to-three-minute session.
Attire for the Core Body
The clothing worn on the main torso is minimal, allowing the skin to be exposed to the cold air to trigger the desired physiological response. Clients are typically given a facility-provided robe to wear while waiting for the session. This robe is removed just before stepping into the chamber or handed to the technician once inside.
The attire worn inside the chamber is gender-specific to ensure privacy and the protection of sensitive areas. Women generally wear dry undergarments, a bathing suit, or a sports bra and shorts. Men must wear dry cotton shorts or specialized protective underwear, which is a crucial requirement to shield the male genitalia from the extreme temperatures. All clothing must be completely dry and made of cotton or wool, as these materials do not hold moisture that could freeze upon contact with the ultra-cold air.
Essential Pre-Session Preparation
Beyond protective clothing, several mandatory safety protocols regarding personal items and skin condition must be followed. The necessity of removing all metal items is a primary rule for cryotherapy safety. This includes all jewelry, such as rings, necklaces, bracelets, watches, and all body piercings. Even small metal items like coins or underwire in a bra must be removed.
Metal is an excellent conductor of heat and can rapidly draw heat away from the skin, causing severe cold burns or frostbite upon contact with the extreme cold. A second rule is the requirement for completely dry skin. Clients must avoid using any lotions, oils, creams, or moisture-rich products immediately before the session. Any residual moisture from sweat or a recent shower can freeze instantly on the skin’s surface, leading to serious skin injury. Technicians will verify that the skin is completely dry before allowing entry into the chamber.