Oxygen Bars: A Growing, Popular Trend
To relieve stress, hangovers and so much more. Ever heard of them? If so, what are your thoughts?
I first learned about this curious trend about 3 years ago. I was dating an interesting man who took me to a street fair where there was a unique bar he wanted to treat me to.
I looked around and saw that on top of this out of the ordinary experience, I was offered a nice array of choices, different scented oxygen “refreshments”. I choose a tropical scent if I recall, took a seat, and tried it out.
Much like my experience with B12 Shots: The Newest Energy Booster, I wasn’t quite sure afterwards if it was a placebo effect or not, but I do remember feeling an extra jolt of well-being and peaceful contentment. I think I even felt refreshed and lighter on my feet.
Inquisitive by nature, I wanted to learn a bit more about this interesting experience.
Oxygen bars became a trend in Japan in the 1990’s and then spread to California and Las Vegas. They are now commonly found in bars, salons, tanning salons and a wide variety of other locations. The inhaler pays to get the opportunity to inhale an increased, pure form of oxygen as opposed to the lesser percentage of approximately 21% found in the air.
How much does it cost?
Want to take a date to this bar? Typically, the going price is about $1 per minute.
Are they safe?
Those in support of this trend believe that oxygen bars reduce stress, improve the immune system, offer increased levels of energy, and enhance alertness and one’s overall health and well-being. They also claim that inhaling oxygen helps to cure migraines and hangovers.
Precautions to think about
When trying anything new, it’s always important to use care. According to the medical field, they believe that one should use caution when partaking in this recreation. Those with respiratory problems such as asthma should not inhale high levels of oxygen. Also, it has been warned that the flavoring of the oxygen might cause inflammation in the lungs.
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Liked it
clay hurtubise | May 26, 2009 | Reply
Nice piece. Personally I found they are best at thinning your wallet!
Thanks,
Clay
MMV Abad | May 26, 2009 | Reply
Lol Clay
Could be true but one or two trials can be an experience. This is very interesting Liane. I think we already have this in the Pinas.
swatilohani | May 26, 2009 | Reply
great stuff
Mr Ghaz | May 26, 2009 | Reply
Wow!..That was excellent and well written piece..nice presentation..great pics as well..well done and thanks for sharing.
Daisy Peasblossom | May 26, 2009 | Reply
I would recommend caution. Too much pure oxygen does strange things to our autonomic breathing reflexes. My mother was on oxygen the last two years of her life; I got some strange calls late at night when she would get her mix a little too rich. Her doctor remarked once with some exasperation, “If she would just quit playing with it…”
QueenZee | May 26, 2009 | Reply
I think going to these oxygen bars are a waste of money and risky on your health. Oxygen levels over 21% are considered to be a form of therapy, “if it broke,don’t fix it”….
Great topic Liane!
chris73 | May 26, 2009 | Reply
I absolutely agree with Clay! Hmmmm, i an not trendy at all i guess
Annie Hintsala | May 26, 2009 | Reply
I have heard of these places, but never been to one, or even seen one. Good information, though I don’t think I will ever come into contact with these in Kansas.
CHAN LEE PENG | May 26, 2009 | Reply
Detail and interesting piece. Thanks for sharing this excellent info with us.
hfj | May 26, 2009 | Reply
Very interesting piece. It’s like anything new, time will tell if this poses a health risk down the road. Personally, i don’t think that it would if done in moderation. Thanks for sharing. Well done.
papaleng | May 26, 2009 | Reply
Excellent topic to share. Thanks Liane for the great info.
rajeev bhargava | May 26, 2009 | Reply
i found this entire article thoroughly enjoyable and very interesting. i had not heard of oxygen bars before. thanks for explaining what they are and their benefits.
Kim Buck | May 26, 2009 | Reply
I think this is something I could/would/should try. A little pricey…or maybe not. I’d give it a shot.
goodselfme | May 26, 2009 | Reply
Interesting and full of unique info. Well done, my friend.
Judy Sheldon | May 26, 2009 | Reply
Sounds interesting. I’ve heard about them but am not anxious to try them. I was on oxygen during childbirth once and hated it. Strange, but I actually felt that I was suffocating. At the bars it may be completely different and I wouldn’t be in labor. lol
Poetic Enigma | May 26, 2009 | Reply
I have not heard of these, but they sound very interesting.
Very informative
Thanks for sharing this! Great article
Jo Oliver | May 27, 2009 | Reply
thanks for the info. heard about these. of course, i live in sm town and have never seen one. interesting to know about.
NA Staffieri | May 27, 2009 | Reply
“I was at the bar all night” still doesn’t get me out of trouble with the wife, though.
JerryKBradford | May 28, 2009 | Reply
I believe it was more than placebo affect. However, it be best if you could done regularly, not sporadically or once every blue moon.
I used to do oxy bars at raves in the 90’s. When I got clean, I quit writing for the underground magazine I was employed by and that was that. No more drugs, raves, absynthe bars, or oxygen bars.
However I do enjoy a cold stella artois every once in awhile.
Ruby Hawk | May 29, 2009 | Reply
I had never heard of it but seems to me it could be harmful to your lungs. Good write up.
lowellpendon | May 29, 2009 | Reply
Good point in bringing precautionary measure for those who wanted to experience this one.
Catbrat | Jun 17, 2009 | Reply
I was in Denver recently and started to feel queasy. My boyfriend figured out I had altitude sickness since we live at sea level and I wasn’t used to being at a high elevation. As my condition got worse, he located an oxygen bar for me. We went and after 3 minutes breathing in the oxygen I felt much better. I did a total of 35 minutes for $30 but it was well worth the price. The nausea disappeared and my headache lessened, although I never felt completely better until we landed back at home.
Dan J | Jul 3, 2009 | Reply
I live in Denver and experienced the effects of altitude sickness when I first moved here. Oxygen Bars truly do work to help your body acclimate to the higher altitude. They are completely safe for most individuals (unless you have heart or lung disorders – then you should consult a doctor). As long as the bar uses food grade water based aromas, they will do no harm to your lungs. Stay away from the oil based aromas.
I definitely recommend them for parties – they are a huge hit and a lot of fun. The benefits are great, but you really need at least 10 minutes to increase the oxygen level in your blood. The energy boost it gives you typically last around 4+ hours.