Oxygen Bars: O So Good?

Research

O So Good?

You don’t have to be a patient in the hospital or a pro athlete to get a dose of oxygen anymore. These days, party planners set up oxygen bars at weddings, bar mitzvahs and other events. Meanwhile, at places like the Extraordinair Lounge in Clearwater, patrons can cozy up to a pink, blue or green “nose hose” and sniff in a variety of aroma-infused oxygen. “Flavors” include eucalyptus, vanilla, peppermint and tangerine. Extraordinair charges $10 for 10 minutes of oxygen. While oxygen bar proponents tout the benefits, such as boosting energy and alertness and reducing hangover symptoms, the Food and Drug Administration says none of the alleged benefits has been proven scientifically. That’s why Dave Heim, owner of the Extraordinair Lounge, says he tells his patrons that the oxygen bar is for “entertainment purposes only.”

'Flavored' oxygen