What is Boost Oxygen?
Boost Oxygen is a brand of 95% pure supplemental aviator's breathing oxygen packaged in lightweight, portable aluminum canisters [1.2.1, 1.7.5]. It is intended for non-medical, recreational use to support activities like athletic recovery, acclimation to high altitudes, and general wellness [1.2.2]. Unlike the air we normally breathe, which contains about 21% oxygen and 78% nitrogen, Boost Oxygen provides a much higher concentration of oxygen [1.7.1]. It's crucial to understand that this product is not medical-grade oxygen, which is defined as 99.2% or higher purity and requires a prescription from a healthcare provider [1.7.1]. Boost Oxygen is not regulated by the FDA as a medical product and is not intended to treat, prevent, or cure any medical condition like COPD or asthma [1.5.1, 1.7.5].
The Core Question: How Many Times Can You Inhale Boost Oxygen?
There is no strict, medically-defined limit on how many times a healthy individual can inhale Boost Oxygen for its intended recreational purposes. The company itself recommends a session of 3 to 5 inhalations [1.6.1]. However, they also state that it can be used “as desired” [1.6.1].
The practical limit to your usage is determined by several factors:
- Canister Size: Boost Oxygen comes in various sizes, each providing a different number of inhalations. A large 10-liter canister provides approximately 200 one-second inhalations, a medium 5-liter canister offers about 100, and a small 3-liter pocket-size canister gives around 60 [1.2.1, 1.2.3].
- Activity Level: An athlete recovering from an intense workout might use more inhalations than someone seeking a brief moment of clarity during a long day.
- Environment: Individuals at high altitudes may use it more frequently to help acclimate to the lower oxygen levels in the atmosphere [1.2.2, 1.5.4].
For healthy people, there are no known side effects from using recreational supplemental oxygen as directed [1.8.6]. The risk of oxygen toxicity, a condition caused by inhaling too much oxygen, is extremely rare and typically associated with prolonged exposure (16+ hours) to pure medical-grade oxygen under high pressure, a scenario not applicable to recreational use of Boost Oxygen [1.4.2, 1.8.6].
How to Use Boost Oxygen Correctly
Using the canister correctly ensures you get the intended benefit. The process is straightforward:
- Remove Seal: Every canister is sealed for protection. Remove the tamper-resistant plastic first [1.6.2].
- Position the Mask: Place the ergonomically designed mask under your nose, so it covers your mouth. It is not meant to cover the nose [1.6.1].
- Inhale: Press the trigger to start the oxygen flow and breathe deeply through your mouth for 1-2 seconds per inhalation [1.6.2]. It is suggested to hold the breath for a moment to help the oxygen enter the bloodstream [1.6.5].
- Repeat: Repeat this process 3-5 times per session, or as you feel is needed [1.6.1].
Boost Oxygen vs. Medical Oxygen: A Critical Comparison
The distinction between recreational and medical oxygen is the most important safety consideration. While both provide oxygen, their purpose, regulation, and composition are vastly different.
| Feature | Boost Oxygen | Medical-Grade Oxygen |
|---|---|---|
| Oxygen Purity | 95% Pure Oxygen [1.2.1] | 99.2% or Higher Purity [1.7.1] |
| Regulation | Regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission [1.5.1] | Regulated by the FDA as a prescription drug [1.4.1] |
| Intended Use | Recreational: Sports, altitude, general wellness [1.2.2] | Medical: Prescribed for conditions like COPD, asthma, heart failure [1.4.1, 1.7.1] |
| Prescription | No prescription required [1.5.5] | Prescription from a healthcare provider is mandatory [1.7.3] |
Despite clear warnings, some users report using over-the-counter oxygen for medical symptoms like shortness of breath, COPD, and asthma, sometimes as a substitute for prescribed oxygen or to avoid emergency care [1.5.2]. Health professionals advise against this, as it can be dangerous and delay necessary medical treatment [1.5.2, 1.8.3].
Purported Benefits and Scientific Standing
Proponents claim that supplemental oxygen can increase energy levels, improve concentration, aid in sports performance, and provide relief from headaches or hangovers [1.8.5]. Athletes and individuals at high altitudes are primary users [1.2.2]. While users may feel a temporary sense of well-being, many experts suggest this could be a placebo effect, as it takes several minutes of continuous flow—not a few short bursts—to meaningfully change blood oxygen levels in healthy individuals [1.5.4]. For altitude sickness, it may provide temporary relief, but symptoms are likely to return once use stops [1.5.4].
Conclusion
For healthy individuals, there is no set maximum number of times you can inhale Boost Oxygen; the manufacturer suggests 3-5 breaths per session or as needed for its recreational purpose. The primary limitations are the size of the canister and your personal needs. It's essential to remember that Boost Oxygen is a supplemental product for general wellness and is not a substitute for medical-grade oxygen. Anyone with a medical condition, especially respiratory issues, should consult a doctor and never use recreational oxygen in place of prescribed medical treatment [1.5.2, 1.7.4].
For more information on medical oxygen therapy, the American Thoracic Society provides patient resources. https://site.thoracic.org/advocacy-patients/patient-resources/oxygen-therapy [1.3.2]
