You may have come across an oxygen bar on a trip to the mall, or even in a local nightclub – but what’s the deal with these strange but interesting establishments? Are oxygen bars safe to use? Do they have any health benefits?
What is an Oxygen Bar?
An oxygen bar is a bar that serves purified oxygen to customers through plastic tubes inserted into nostrils. The oxygen is usually infused with different scents, providing ranging benefits. The purified oxygen on offer at these bars is often advertised as being 95% oxygen. However, this can depend on the different filter equipment used and the flow rate.
Benefits of Oxygen Bars
There are many claims that oxygen therapy can help to relieve stress, boost energy levels, and even has the potential to cure hangovers! There isn’t a great deal of evidence to back up these statements, though.
Oxygen bars claim that inhaling purified oxygen can offer the following benefits:
- Improved mood
- Increased energy levels
- Improved focus and concentration
- Improved sports performance
- Lowers stress levels
- Can provide pain relief from migraines and headaches
- Can help to promote better quality sleep
Are Oxygen Bars Safe to Use?
There isn’t a tremendous amount of research on oxygen bars and their full effects, so it isn’t entirely clear how effective they are, or what the risks are. The scents that are often used in oxygen bars raise concerns because of the effects they can have. The scents that are used are typically delivered by bubbling the oxygen through a liquid that contains either a good-grade additive or essential oil. Inhaling any oily substance is not recommended as it can cause inflammation of the lungs, otherwise known as ‘lipoid pneumonia.’
So, if you’re interested in an oxygen infusion, skip any scents and go pure.
