O2 Bar Oxygen Station

Sydney's first "oxygen bar": are they for real?

First published on 7 Sep 2011. Updated on 3 Jun 2012.

Enterprising locals have found a way to make us pay for the air we breathe. Check this out:

"Sydneysiders can now smell the Lavender, Eucalyptus or Jasmine, not at one of the city’s many florists, but at Australia’s first ready-to-breathe oxygen bar, recently opened at Darling Harbour.

"The O2 Bar Oxygen Station has more than 15 scents to be breathed for up to 15 minutes at a time for maximum effect. Coffee lovers can grab an airborne cappuccino, or follow their nose to the fresh scent of vanilla bean, coconut or lime via the Bar’s many aroma infusers.

"02 visitors receive a direct hit of 90 percent oxygen with each aromatic breath. Oxygen in our air typically offers just 21 percent, but at a higher concentration oxygen can create feelings of increased energy, refreshment, and stress relief. Greater concentration, increased memory and athletic performance after oxygen sessions are also commonly reported.

"Oxygen bars have been a success overseas, particularly the United States, Japan and in large cities, providing an escape from pollutants, allergens and impurities found in air. Oxygen is also revered for its anti-aging properties.

"Not just for health lovers, oxygen is an effective detoxifier getting a reputation for offering a faster way out of dreaded hangovers. Say goodbye to late night booze munchies, or breakfast kebabs. Party lovers can get back on their feet in no time, by flooding the body with calorie free oxygen to overcome a hangover.

"Frequent fliers will also appreciate a dose of 90 percent pure to restore their depleted levels of oxygen, the main cause of jetlag. And stress heads will benefit from taking a deep breath of oxygen or ten, to repair the body’s impaired ability to properly take in and utilise oxygen when stressed.

"Oxygen is a natural and harmless way to rebalance the body’s oxygen levels for faster recovery and increased vitality. 02 is also a relaxing way to stop and smell the roses, tangerines or watermelon.

"Sydney’s first O2 Bar is open seven days a week from 10am until late. A hit of oxygen costs $1 per minute, with 15 minutes just the right amount of time to feel recharged and rejuvenated.

"O2 Bar has eight oxygen stations attended by O2 tenders who provide disposable cannulas to each visitor to place around their nose. Free iPad access and water is offered to visitors who want more activity while they breathe."