Oxygen Bar

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 as a "People Magnet" at trade shows, conventions and corporate meetings, as well as at private parties and promotional events. "Airheads" 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 (AKA nose hose) for a period of 5 to 10 hours - or even longer.

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 alieviate hangovers and help with migraines, but no formal studies have yet confirmed any of these claims. Individual flavored scents (aromas) add to the experience.
Last Updated ( Thursday, 09 August 2007 )