Supplemental Oxygen – Comparing 5 Major Sources

We all know how important oxygen is for us. Every cell in our body depends on it to produce energy, repair itself, and function the way it should. Yet, in today’s world filled with pollution, stress, and sedentary lifestyles, many of us operate below our optimal oxygen levels, often without even realizing it. That’s the reason why supplemental oxygen has gained so much attention lately.

Today, we’ll talk about 5 common sources of supplemental oxygen–liquid oxygen, canned oxygen, oxygen bars, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), and Exercise with Oxygen Therapy (EWOT) – how they work, their effectiveness, cost, and who they’re best suited for.

Liquid Oxygen

You may have come across products like OxyLift or CellFood marketed as liquid oxygen.  They’re often described as “stabilized oxygen” or “oxygen-releasing” formulas designed to improve cellular function. 

It’s important to understand that these are not liquid oxygen in the medical sense. Instead, they contain trace minerals and compounds that may help the body use oxygen more efficiently, but they don’t actually supply molecular oxygen to your bloodstream.

That said, many users report feeling energized after taking them regularly. 

Canned Oxygen

Canned oxygen is exactly what it sounds like: compressed oxygen in a lightweight, portable aluminium canister. The oxygen in the can is sourced from the ambient air, filtered, and pressurized to deliver a higher concentration with each breath. It typically costs around $18 for a 10-liter canister and offers around 200 short (one-second) inhalations.

Canned oxygen can offer a temporary relief in situations like mild altitude sickness, post-workout recovery, or fatigue. However, it is important to note that this form of oxygen is intended for non-medical use and is available over the counter. 

While convenient for occasional use, canned oxygen is not a long-term or cost-effective oxygen solution. 

Oxygen Bars

Oxygen bars offer a trendy way to use supplemental oxygen in a social or wellness setting. Visitors can sit or recline comfortably while inhaling oxygen-enriched air through a nasal cannula. The sessions usually last around 10-20 minutes and cost around $1–$2 per minute. While it can be a good social wellness experience, oxygen bars are not a cost-effective way to increase your body’s oxygen saturation. 

To enhance the experience, many oxygen bars mix aromatherapy essential oils with the oxygen stream. While this can make the experience more pleasant, it’s important to note that certain scents or oils may irritate the lungs, especially in people with respiratory sensitivities or underlying lung diseases.

Oxygen bars can offer you a refreshing pick-me-up, but if you have a medical condition such as COPD, asthma, cystic fibrosis, emphysema, or cardiovascular disease, it’s best to consult your healthcare provider before use.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a medical-grade treatment where you breathe pure oxygen inside a pressurized chamber. The increased pressure allows oxygen to dissolve deeply into your bloodstream and tissues, and this is something normal breathing can’t achieve. 

There are two types of hyperbaric chambers:

• Soft chambers, which are used in wellness settings and cost around $9,500–$20,000 to own.

• Hard chambers, used in hospitals and clinics, which can cost upwards of $250,000.

Sessions usually last between 60 to 90 minutes, and the cost ranges from $100-175 per session.

HBOT is clinically proven for decompression sickness, carbon monoxide poisoning, gas embolism, acute traumatic ischemia, chronic wounds, radiation injury, and severe infections. So for people with chronic health issues, HBOT can be a therapeutic tool. However, for general wellness or fitness goals, there are simple and more cost-effective oxygen solutions available, such as Exercise with Oxygen Therapy (EWOT).

Exercise with Oxygen Therapy (EWOT)

Exercise with Oxygen Therapy (EWOT) combines physical activity with high-flow oxygen intake. This helps your body absorb and utilize more oxygen when your circulation and breathing are at their peak. 

During an EWOT session with the Turbo Oxygen EWOT System, you wear a specialized mask connected to the Oxygen Reservoir Bag while exercising on a treadmill or a stationary bike. As your heart rate increases, your blood flow increases. This allows more oxygen to reach your muscles, brain, and other vital organs.

So, what can you expect from EWOT? You bounce back faster from the intense workout sessions, your energy level increases, and your mental clarity and endurance improve. 

Unlike other short-term oxygen sources, such as canned oxygen or oxygen bars, EWOT offers long-term physiological benefits, not just an instant boost. It’s also highly cost-effective, producing unlimited oxygen for pennies a day, with minimal maintenance. 

With the Turbo Oxygen System, you can:

• Generate your own boundless oxygen supply for pennies a day

• Experience improved energy, recovery, stamina, mental clarity, and sleep in just 15 minutes of daily use.

• Build your own oxygen bar right at your home/office.

While HBOT is primarily used for medical treatments, EWOT offers a proactive and accessible way to optimize oxygen intake, ideal for anyone who can exercise, right from the comfort of their home. 

Comparison of Oxygen Sources in a Nutshell

Here’s a quick comparison of the five major sources of supplemental oxygen to help you understand their benefits, limitations, and cost-effectiveness.