Oxygen bars first gained popularity in the 1990s, appearing in nightclubs, casinos, airports and spas. Today you can find them in many wellness studios. If you have seen one and wondered what it involves, this explainer walks through the basics.
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The Basic Idea
At an oxygen bar, guests breathe air with a higher concentration of oxygen than ordinary room air, usually through a lightweight plastic tube called a nasal cannula that rests just under the nose. The oxygen is typically produced on site by a machine called an oxygen concentrator.
Many oxygen bars pass the air through small bottles or chambers containing water and aromatic additives. As the air bubbles through, it picks up a light scent. That is where the colorful bottles you may have seen come in, and it is why oxygen bars are often described as having flavors.
What a Session Feels Like
A typical session is short and simple:
- You sit in a comfortable chair.
- A staff member gives you a fresh, single-use cannula.
- You choose an aroma, if aromas are offered.
- The cannula is placed gently in front of your nostrils.
- You breathe normally through your nose and relax.
Many people use the time to sit quietly, close their eyes or listen to music. The experience is generally described as calm and pleasant, with the scent being one of the most noticeable parts.
Keeping Expectations Realistic
It is best to think of an oxygen bar as a relaxing, sensory experience rather than a health treatment. Medical oxygen is something a doctor prescribes for specific conditions, and an oxygen bar is not a substitute for that kind of care. If you have any concern about your breathing or health, talk with your doctor.
Who Should Talk to a Doctor First
Some people should check with their doctor before visiting an oxygen bar. This includes anyone with:
- Lung conditions, such as COPD or asthma
- Heart conditions
- Allergies or sensitivities to scents
- Pregnancy
- Any condition for which they are under a doctor’s care
If you feel lightheaded, uncomfortable or short of breath at any point, remove the cannula, breathe normally and let a staff member know.
Safety and Hygiene Basics
Oxygen supports combustion, so open flames, smoking and sparks should always be kept away. A well-run oxygen bar will use clean equipment, provide a new cannula for each guest and keep the area tidy. It is perfectly reasonable to ask how equipment is cleaned and maintained.
Pairing It With Other Self-Care
Some guests enjoy an oxygen bar session on its own as a quick break in the middle of a busy day. Others pair it with a facial or another relaxing experience. However you approach it, the appeal is much the same as any calm ritual: a few quiet minutes, a pleasant scent and permission to pause.