COMPARING AIRNERGY WITH OTHER BREATHING TECHNOLOGIES

Recreational oxygen bars can be found in malls, clubs, or wellness centers. These bars serve purified oxygen, often infused with scents for boosting energy and relieving stress or hangovers. However, there isn’t much evidence to back these claims.

The perceived effects so often are temporary relief and relaxation. Overexposure can lead to discomfort and even serious symptoms. The scents used can cause serious inflammation of the lungs, known as lipoid pneumonia. The chemicals in scents can result in allergic reactions such as headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, nausea, and worsening of asthma.

Above all, oxygen toxicity or oxygen poisoning due to too much extra oxygen is another severe risk to be aware of, it can be particularly harmful to the lungs and causes coughing and trouble with breathing. Therefore, people with respiratory or cardiovascular diseases are advised against the use of it.

Medical-grade oxygen devices are designed to supply concentrated oxygen to individuals with low blood oxygen levels. It is essential for people with low oxygen levels due to medical conditions such as COPD or asthma or to improve the quality of life for patients with specific medical needs.

In general, there are three types of oxygen delivery systems: compressed oxygen gas, liquid oxygen, or powered oxygen concentrator. Oxygen therapies help to achieve symptomatic relief for patients with hypoxia. However, it does not treat the underlying causes.

The major potential issue is oxygen toxicity and increased inflammation due to increased Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) generation as a result of high levels of oxygen. This was particularly known during COVID-19 with the use of oxygen machines on patients, which eventually halted its use in unsuited patients. Normal people using oxygen machines can also lead to headaches, nose bleeding, and fatigue. The toxic effects of pure oxygen have also been witnessed with cosmonauts in the early days of the American space program. Until 2000, the USA astronauts were supplied with pure oxygen during their space missions. The toxic effects of pure oxygen resulted in their space flights being limited to 14 days.

Oxygen therapy has been a long-held standard practice for people admitted to hospital with acute illnesses. Improper use of oxygen machines can cause chest pain, difficulty breathing, dizziness, muscle spasms, nausea, and vision problems. A Lancet study published in 2018 found evidence that oxygen therapy may increase the risk of death when given to people with acute illness or trauma. This should not come as a surprise since humans can only survive when oxygen levels are within a specific range. During the time of the dinosaurs, atmospheric oxygen levels were around 30-35%, compared to today’s 21%. Humans are not adapted to survive in such an oxygen-rich environment.

Hyperbaric oxygen chambers (HBOT) deliver oxygen at higher-than-atmospheric pressure for medical conditions or special athletic training, like deepsea divers, for example. The reason for applying higher-than-atmospheric pressure is that oxygen absorption is limited by atmospheric pressure.

At ground level, the pressure of the atmosphere allows oxygen to dissolve efficiently into the bloodstream. This process is governed by Henry's Law, where the amount of oxygen absorbed depends on both its concentration and the surrounding pressure. According to this law, the amount of oxygen absorbed depends on the oxygen

pressure in the air you breathe. Breathing air with a higher-than-normal oxygen concentration requires alteration to the air pressure. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber, significantly increasing oxygen levels in the blood and tissues. As a result, it promotes healing, particularly in areas with limited blood flow. HBOT is highly effective for treating chronic wounds, such as diabetic ulcers, and aids in recovery from burns, infections, and radiation injuries. It is also a proven treatment for conditions like decompression sickness, carbon monoxide poisoning, and severe infections. However, HBOT is not without its drawbacks. One of the primary risks is barotrauma. Possible symptoms or side effects of barotrauma can be fatigue, lightheadedness, lung damage (including collapse of the lung), ear damage such as fluid buildup or rupture of the middle ear, sinus damage, changes in vision, and low blood sugar.

Prolonged exposure to pure oxygen can lead to oxygen toxicity, which may result in seizures or other adverse effects. Temporary side effects, claustrophobia, fatigue, or lightheadedness are also common. Furthermore, the cost of HBOT can be prohibitive, as the chambers and treatments are expensive, and insurance coverage is often limited to specific medical conditions. Finally, while HBOT excels in addressing acute medical issues, it is less suitable for general wellness or long-term vitality enhancement.

Hydrogen breathing machines deliver hydrogen gas allowing the body to absorb its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. One of the primary benefits of hydrogen therapy is its ability to neutralize free radicals, which can help reduce oxidative stress and protect cells from damage. This property has been linked to a slower aging process and improved overall cellular health.

Hydrogen breathing machines have shown potential for improving health and well-being, but they come with certain risks and side effects. No such common adverse reaction as nose bleeding, chest pain, dyspnea, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, earache, or skin allergy was observed after hydrogen-oxygen inhalation.

One of the most significant concerns is the potential for heavy metal contamination. The dissolved hydrogen gas was produced through electrolysis to the water. It potentially contains electrode particles that leach from the electrodes during electrolysis. Poorly manufactured hydrogen machines may release trace amounts of heavy metals such as platinum, lead, chromium, arsenic, and aluminum into the hydrogen gas being inhaled. These metals could potentially accumulate in the body over time, leading to toxic effects.

During IHHT, phases of low-oxygen (hypoxia) and high-oxygen (hyperoxia) air alternate. This is intended to improve mitochondrial function by breaking down defective mitochondria and forming new ones.

Advantages: Increased cell energy through improved mitochondrial function Can contribute to increased performance and regeneration Used in sports medicine and rehabilitation

Disadvantages: Not suitable for everyone (e.g. cardiovascular diseases) Requires trained use to minimize risks