Are Oxygen Bars are a Waste of Money?
Oxygen Bars and Health Benefits
Before the mid 90s, oxygen bars were practically unheard of in the states, let alone the whole of North America. Then in 1996 the first bar opened in Toronto, Canada by the name of O2 Spa Bar. The concept was easy. One could walk in, take a seat and partake in recreational oxygen use that not only calmed and purified the body, but energized it as well. Some bars also offered several aromas that positively enhanced the overall oxygen experience. And the experience didn’t come cheap. The dollar a minute price tag may have left you gasping for more air.
An Escape for the Smog
Few may know that the oxygen bar phenomenon was modeled after “air stations” in the heavily polluted cities of Tokyo and Beijing. Patrons sought refuge from the daily smog inhalation in these stations that offered a boost in energy and the overall cleansing affect of oxygen.
Healthy or Just Hotspot
But the underlying issue in all this is whether oxygen bars are indeed healthy or just a trendy hotspot. Most oxygen bars are operating without a prescription and this violates FDA regulations. The FDA alternatively has decided to leave the decision of allowing the bars business in the hands of each state. Compliance with the law must be upheld in each situation. Steer clear of bars advertising oxygen as cures for cancer and AIDS as these claims should be investigated by the FDA.
Reduction in Stress, Headaches, Sinus Problems, & Hangover Symptoms
Frequent patrons and subsequent believers in oxygen bars say that a reduction in stress, headaches, sinus problems, and decrease of hangover symptoms has been recorded. Scientists however haven’t conducted long term, controlled studies to support the claims. And people with healthy lungs don't need additional oxygen, says Mary Purucker, M.D., Ph.D., a pulmonary specialist in CDER. "We've evolved for millions of years in an atmosphere of about 21 percent oxygen."
Who Shouldn't Frequent Oxygen Bars
People with certain medical conditions are another matter. Some need supplemental oxygen, but should not go to oxygen bars, says Purucker. People with some types of heart disease, asthma, congestive heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, such as emphysema, need to have their medical oxygen regulated carefully to oxygenate their blood properly, says Purucker. "If they inhale too much oxygen, they can stop breathing."
Why FDA Has Apprehensions About Oxygen Bars
The FDA also has apprehensions with the use of flavored oxygen. Bars that use oil free, food grade particles to make the aroma are better for patrons than aroma oils. The inhalation of any oily substance puts you at risk for a special inflammation of the lungs called lipoid pneumonia. This is a seriously harmful condition. But even in the event that an oil free product is used, sterility of the aerosol pumping through the hose can not be determined, leaving you open to bacteria that can cause harmful infections.
After all is said and done about the oxygen bar says Purucker, although breathing these low levels of oxygen may not hurt a healthy person, "people have nothing to gain by frequenting oxygen bars, and subject themselves to unnecessary risk”.
