Oxygen bars are becoming quite popular in many parts of the United States, especially in the Colorado Mountains. People visit these “bars” to inhale purified oxygen, often in different aromatic scents. In some cases, oxygen bars have also been touted as a venue for people having difficulty breathing or with respiratory illnesses, providing a better source of oxygen.
What exactly are these bars, and are they safe? Let’s dive deeper into the topic of these up-and-coming venues in tourist destinations.
What Are Oxygen Bars?
These establishments provide recreational oxygen inhalation experiences. Typically, patrons sit comfortably while breathing purified oxygen infused with aromatic scents. Common flavors include mint, citrus, and lavender, aiming to create a relaxing and rejuvenating ambiance.
Although the health benefits are debated, customers often report feeling refreshed and energized post-session. However, keep in mind that these bars are not typically recommended in any real medical capacity.
Oxygen Bars and Colorado Skiiers
In Colorado, oxygen bars have gained a lot of popularity, especially in tourist destinations like Denver and Aspen. It’s not uncommon to see new ones pop up – some of which are even run by 15-year-olds.
These bars often cater to visitors seeking altitude adjustment, claiming to alleviate symptoms associated with high altitudes. Considering that many Colorado destinations sit at over 7,000 feet, it’s not a surprising claim.
The Importance of Oxygen at High Elevations for Ski Resort Visitors
Colorado’s majestic ski resorts, known for their amazing views and world-class slopes, attract enthusiasts from around the globe. However, many of the less-experienced tourists underestimate the impact of the elevation changes in Colorado.
Understanding the Impact of Elevation
The higher you go, the thinner the air becomes. This means there is less oxygen available for your body to use, which can lead to altitude sickness. Common symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
For those not acclimated to high altitudes, these symptoms can quickly turn a dream vacation into a challenging experience.
Examples of Elevation Challenges
1. The Unprepared Skier: John, an avid skier from Florida, arrived in Aspen excited to hit the slopes. Used to sea-level conditions, John didn’t realize how much the elevation would affect him. After just a few runs, he began to feel lightheaded and nauseous. Despite drinking plenty of water, the symptoms persisted, forcing him to spend a day of his trip resting instead of skiing.
2. The Family Vacation: The Smith family, visiting from New York, planned a week-long holiday in Breckenridge. On their second day, their teenage son began experiencing severe headaches and shortness of breath. Concerned, they sought help and were advised to use supplemental oxygen. Once they incorporated oxygen therapy into their routine, the symptoms eased, allowing them to enjoy the rest of their vacation.
3. The Business Retreat: A corporate group from Chicago organized a retreat in Vail, combining meetings with recreational skiing. Many participants, eager to make the most of their time, ignored early signs of altitude sickness, assuming it would pass. However, one executive’s symptoms worsened, leading to a hospital visit. If they had been more aware and prepared with supplemental oxygen, their experience could have been much smoother.
Why Oxygen Matters
Oxygen helps alleviate the symptoms of altitude sickness, allowing tourists to acclimate more comfortably to the high altitudes. This is particularly important for older individuals, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions.
As a company dedicated to helping people make the most of the ski resort experience in Colorado, we understand the challenges posed by high altitudes.
Our oxygen services are designed to ensure that all visitors can fully enjoy their time on the slopes without being hindered by the effects of elevation changes.
The Safety Concerns of Oxygen Bars
Generally, oxygen bars are considered safe and fun. However, users should be aware of certain risks—especially if they don’t know much about how the bar is operated.
Oxygen Toxicity
Oxygen toxicity can occur with prolonged exposure to high concentrations of oxygen. For instance, we once helped a visitor to a popular ski resort in Colorado who decided to try an oxygen bar to combat her altitude sickness.
Unaware of the recommended duration, she inhaled pure oxygen over an hour. The next day, she experienced chest discomfort and shortness of breath, symptoms of mild oxygen toxicity. This could have been avoided with proper guidance and limited exposure.
Fire Hazards
Improper handling of oxygen equipment can pose significant fire hazards, especially in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces.
For instance, if a malfunction in the oxygen delivery system goes unnoticed, combined with an open flame from a nearby fireplace, this can create a potentially lethal situation. This is why safety protocols in oxygen bars need to be 100% foolproof.
Inconsistent Quality and Hygiene Standards
The lack of industry regulation means there’s a potential for inconsistent oxygen quality and hygiene standards.
For example, if nasal cannulas and tubes are being reused without proper sanitization, the user runs the risk of upper respiratory infections, likely due to poor hygiene practices at the bar. This highlights the need for stringent cleaning and maintenance procedures to prevent health risks.
Debunking Myths About Oxygen Bars
While oxygen bars tout various health benefits, it’s important to know that not every claim is necessarily true. The actual health benefits of oxygen bars remain largely unsubstantiated by scientific evidence.
Oxygen therapy, whether through bars or medical devices, has its limitations. While it can provide temporary relief for conditions like altitude sickness or hangovers, it’s not a cure-all solution for chronic health issues. Moreover, inhaling concentrated oxygen for extended periods without medical supervision can lead to oxygen toxicity and respiratory complications.
Therefore, it’s crucial to approach oxygen bars with caution, recognizing their recreational rather than therapeutic value. If you have authentic concerns about low oxygen or altitude sickness, reach out to professionals instead.
Tips for a Safe Oxygen Bar Experience
First things first: before visiting any oxygen bar, make sure it’s safe for use with any pre-existing medical conditions you may have. While generally safe for healthy individuals, oxygen bars are not recommended for people with certain conditions like COPD, emphysema, congestive heart failure, or uncontrolled high blood pressure.
If you don’t have any pre-existing health concerns, or if you’ve been cleared by a doctor to visit an oxygen bar with certain conditions, look at reviews.
What are people saying about the oxygen bar online? Is it clean and well-maintained? Do they use disposable tubing for each customer?
Then, during your visit, take things slow. This is especially important during your first session. Keep your initial usage short (around 15 to 20 minutes) and monitor how your body reacts. If you experience dizziness, lightheadedness, or chest tightness, stop immediately and inform the staff.
Bonus tips:
- Always hydrate plenty before, during, and after your session.
- If you choose an oxygen scent, try to select one that you know won’t irritate.
- Combine your oxygen session with relaxation methods, such as self-guided meditation.
Again, oxygen bars are not considered a medical treatment and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. So, if you’re experiencing genuine problems with breathing or maintaining a healthy oxygen level, always seek guidance from a healthcare provider.
In Conclusion
Ultimately, concentrated oxygen can be extremely beneficial when it comes to counteracting the effects of high altitudes, but we highly recommend doing your research and choosing the right provider, rather than stumbling into the first oxygen bar you see.
Reserve a Personal Oxygen Machine Today
At Alpine Oxygen, we offer oxygen rental services across premier destinations like Breckenridge, Aspen, Vail, Crested Butte, Telluride, Steamboat, and even Jackson Hole, WY, among other picturesque locales in Colorado.
Our dedicated team of local delivery technicians ensures seamless oxygen therapy delivery right to your doorstep. We guarantee prompt service, catering to homes, hotels, and condominiums alike.
Experience the convenience and peace of mind of having safe, professional oxygen support readily available without having to sit in a public bar. Reserve yours today.
