Oxygen Bars

An oxygen bar is an establishment, or part of one, that sells oxygen for recreational use. Individual flavored scents (aromas) may be added to enhance the experience.

History

The trend started in the late 1990s in Japan and quickly spread east to California and Las Vegas. Oxygen bars can now be found in many venues such as nightclubs, salons, spas, health clubs, resorts, tanning salons, restaurants, coffee houses, bars, airports, ski chalets, yoga studios, chiropractors, and casinos. They can also be found at trade shows, conventions and corporate meetings, as well as at private parties and promotional events.

Provision of oxygen

Oxygen Bar guests will normally pay $1.00 USD per minute to inhale an increased percentage of oxygen compared to the normal atmospheric content of 21% oxygen. This oxygen is produced from the ambient air by an industrial (non-medical) oxygen concentrator and inhaled through a nasal cannula from a few minutes to about 20 minutes. The FDA has warned against the use of industrial generators, as they do not have the proper filtration, and high concentrations may cause difficulties in breathing for some people with medical conditions. Many bars offer oxygen flavored with an aroma, produced by passing the oxygen through an aromatic liquid.

Claims

Proponents claim this practice is not only safe, but enhances health and well-being, including strengthening the immune system, enhancing concentration, reducing stress, increasing energy and alertness, lessening the effects of hangovers, headaches, and sinus problems, and generally relaxing the body. It has been alleged to alleviate hangovers and help with migraines, but no long-term, well-controlled scientific studies have yet confirmed any of these claims.

Precautions

The medical profession warns that individuals with respiratory diseases such as asthma and emphysema should not inhale too much oxygen. The FDA warns that some flavoring methods use oils, which if used improperly, and droplets are inhaled, might contribute to an inflammation of the lungs. Some oxygen bar companies offer safe water-based aromas for flavoring in order to maintain compliance and stay within FDA guidelines. Also, concentrated oxygen is a flame accelerant which should be kept away from cigarettes and other sources of ignition. Oxygen may also cause serious side effects at excessive doses. The effects of oxygen toxicity at atmospheric pressure can cause lung damage, and due caution should be exercised when consuming oxygen. In the UK, the Health and Safety Executive publishes guidance on equipment (including tubing) and on staff training, as well as warning on potential hazards, and makes several recommendations to ensure safe practice, principally to minimise fire risks.