Oxygen bar
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The oxygen bar is a trend that started in the late 1990s in Japan, and quickly spread east to California and Las Vegas. Used for health and recreation as well, O2 bars can now be found in many venues such as nightclubs, salons, spas, healthclubs, resorts, tanning salons, restaurants, coffee houses, bars, airports, ski chalets, yoga studios, chiropractors, and casinos. They can be found at trade shows, conventions and corporate meetings, as well as at private parties and promotional events. 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 or headset for a period of 5 to 10 minutes - or even longer. Medical grade oxygen through a nasal cannula typically delivers only a 33% concentration at a flow rate of 3lpm. While greater concentrations are possible via a nasal cannula at higher flow rates, these tend to be increasingly uncomfortable. Concentrations approaching 100% are only possible through a full face mask such as a non-rebreather mask at flow rates over 6lpm. The FDA has warned against the use of industrial generators,[1] as they do not have the proper filtration, and high concentrations may cause difficulties in breathing for some people with medical conditions. Several states including Texas, Iowa, Massachusetts have banned the use of industrial generators for recreational oxygen breathing. While industrial generators are deemed unsafe by some states, recreational oxygen levels of 30% are legal. 30% levels raise the blood oxygen levels slowly with no danger of overdose. The latest technology of oxygen bar equipment offers membrane technology developed specifically for recreational use and also Oxygen Vending units are set at a safe level to avoid liability and to pass legal rigor in the USA.
Oxygen Vending is the latest trend in oxygen bars. The units can be placed () in health clubs (in front of exercise treadmills), health food stores, nightclubs, hotels, and retail businesses. The prices generally are $5 for a 10 minute session and includes an aroma of choice. The reduced price (due to no personnel costs) allow clients to breathe recreational oxygen on a regular basis. The 10 minutes are an energy alternative to high priced cups of coffee.
Proponents claim this practice is not only safe, but enhances health and well-being, including strengthening the immune system, and enhancing concentration. It has been alleged to alleviate hangovers and help with migraines, but no formal studies have yet confirmed any of these claims. Individual flavored scents (aromas) add to the experience.
There is no scientific basis for the health claims made for the oxygen bar. The medical profession warns that individuals with respiratory diseases such as asthma and emphysema should not inhale too much oxygen.[citation needed] This is why the Recreational Oxygen Levels at 30% are deemed the safe legal way to take oxygen for non medical uses. These levels raise blood oxygen levels slowly with no shock to the system and no danger of overdose. 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. It is important to ask your provider if they use essential oils (oil based) or water based aromas to maintain compliance and stay within FDA guidelines.[1] Also, concentrated oxygen is a flame accelerant which should be kept away from cigarettes and other sources of ignition.
There is, however, scientific research evidencing the harmful effects of inhaling pure oxygen. Drosophila raised in a 100% oxygen atmosphere showed a "swirling" in their flight muscle cells whereas drosophila raised in normal concentrations of oxygen lacked this "swirling". The "swirling" is due to oxidative stress. Abnormally high oxygen concentrations actually accelerates aging and increases free radical formation. These studies normally look at prolonged levels of breathing oxygen. There is no evidence that short sessions of oxygen have any negative side effects on healthy people. Recreational oxygen levels (30%) give enhanced oxygen levels with no danger of overdose.
It should be noted that when inhaling normal air (21% oxygen), a healthy human body will, on average, exhale 14% oxygen, absorbing only 5% of the inhaled oxygen. Thus, it is unclear that increasing the oxygen concentration during inhalation will result in any more oxygen being absorbed than normally is. Certain medical conditions (such as lung injury or decompression sickness) do call for high oxygen concentrations to offset the more limited breathing capacity or lower the partial gas pressure of nitrogen.
Canned oxygen
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Canned oxygen, a relatively new product, is a canned gas sold for inhalation. It typically contains only around 95% concentrated oxygen to avoid the problems of distributing medical grade oxygen. It may be flavored with flavors like "Mountain Mint" and grapefruit to make the experience more pleasurable. The addition of this product will supposedly give the customer a boost. The product is marketed as a healthy addition to the modern life, as a partner to purified water and natural food supplements. It is most widely available in Japan, where it is sold at 7-Elevens as well as given away as a prize in Japanese game shows.
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