{"id":604497969458,"title":"Boost Oxygen Review: Is Recreational Oxygen a Scam?","created_at":"2022-12-08T23:18:18-05:00","body_html":"\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e\/\/ \u003c![CDATA[\n{\n \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n \"@type\": \"Article\",\n \"headline\": \"Boost Oxygen Review: Is Recreational Oxygen a Scam?\",\n \"keywords\": \"boost oxygen, boost oxygen review, boost oxygen reviews, boost oxygen shark tank, boost oxygen can, boost oxygen cvs, boost oxygen walgreens, boost oxygen walmart, walgreens boost oxygen, boost oxygen amazon\",\n \"description\": \"Our research team reviews medical studies to determine if supplemental oxygen has any benefits or if this product is a scam. We explain our concerns with the flavored versions of Boost Oxygen and share real, unsponsored user reviews of Boost Oxygen.\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/boost-oxygen-review\",\n\"author\": {\n \"@type\": \"Person\",\n \"name\": \"Calloway Cook\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/pages\/calloway-cook\",\n \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/calloway-cook\/\",\n \"jobTitle\": \"President\",\n \"knowsAbout\": \"entrepreneurship, dietary supplements, herbal supplements, eCommerce, medical research\",\n \"alumniOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"EducationalOrganization\",\n \"name\": \"S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University\"\n },\n \"memberOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Illuminate Labs\"\n }\n},\n\"creator\": {\n \"@type\": \"Person\",\n \"name\": \"Calloway Cook\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/pages\/calloway-cook\",\n \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/calloway-cook\/\",\n \"jobTitle\": \"President\",\n \"knowsAbout\": \"entrepreneurship, dietary supplements, herbal supplements, eCommerce, medical research\",\n \"alumniOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"EducationalOrganization\",\n \"name\": \"S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University\"\n },\n \"memberOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Illuminate Labs\"\n }\n},\n\"editor\": {\n \"@type\": \"Person\",\n \"name\": \"Auren Weinberg\",\n \"honorificSuffix\": \"M.D.\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/pages\/auren-weinberg\",\n \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/aurenweinberg\/\",\n \"jobTitle\": \"Medical Reviewer\",\n \"knowsAbout\": \"pharmaceutical medication, medicine, OTC drugs, medical research, clinical trials, generic drugs, branded drugs, dietary supplements, chemistry, health, wellness, healthcare\",\n \"alumniOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"EducationalOrganization\",\n \"name\": [\n \"Haverford College\",\n \"University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry\",\n \"Fox School of Business at Temple University\"\n ]\n },\n \"memberOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Illuminate Labs\"\n }\n},\n\"image\": {\n\"@type\": \"ImageObject\",\n\"url\": \"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Boost_Oxygen_Thumbnail.png?v=1670560275\",\n\"width\": \"3642\",\n\"height\": \"3642\"\n},\n\"citation\": [\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/1602946\/\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/2739017\/\",\n\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK551617\/\",\n\"https:\/\/www.fakespot.com\/product\/95-pure-oxygen-supplement-portable-canister-of-clean-oxygen-increases-endurance-recovery-mental-acuity-and-performance-10-liter-canisters-2-pack-natural\"\n],\n\"mentions\": [{\n \"@type\": \"Brand\",\n \"name\": \"Shark Tank\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n \"name\": \"medical grade oxygen\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"FTC\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"FDA\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Brand\",\n \"name\": \"Alphonso Duncan\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Brand\",\n \"name\": \"Jimmy McKanna\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Amazon\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Brand\",\n \"name\": \"Fakespot\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Walmart\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"CVS\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Walgreens\"\n }\n],\n\"datePublished\": \"2022-12-08\",\n\"copyrightHolder\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Illuminate Labs\"\n},\n\"publisher\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Illuminate Labs\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/\",\n \"description\": \"Illuminate Labs is the most transparent supplement company in the U.S., and is a leading publisher of research-based health information.\",\n \"knowsAbout\": \"supplements, science, nutrition, exercise, health, medication, pharmaceutical, wellness, diet, weight loss, medical research\",\n \"publishingPrinciples\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/pages\/editorial-guidelines\",\n \"memberOf\": [\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"U.S. Chamber of Commerce\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.uschamber.com\/\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Certified B Corp\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.bcorporation.net\/en-us\/\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Natural Products Association\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.npanational.org\/\"\n }\n ],\n \"logo\": {\n \"@type\": \"ImageObject\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Illuminate_Labs_Favicon_48x48_7595c3cc-e27b-47b8-a4fe-edcc7ed9b29a.png?v=1666502785\", \n \"width\": 48,\n \"height\": 48\n},\n \"foundingDate\": \"2019-01-30\",\n \"sameAs\": [\n \"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/illuminatelabs\",\n \"https:\/\/twitter.com\/illuminatelabs\",\n \"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/illuminate-labs-supplements\",\n \"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCpgSJAsIPb-fZ25djtTxBEA\"\n ]\n }\n}\n\/\/ ]]\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Boost_Oxygen_Review_Article_Header_Image_Optimized.png?v=1670559302\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eDisclaimer: None of the information in this article constitutes medical advice, and is just the opinion of the writer(s). We recommend that patients follow their doctor’s guidance in regard to supplemental oxygen.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"dc\"\u003eB\u003c\/span\u003eoost Oxygen is a supplemental oxygen product that is inhaled through a can, and was featured on Shark Tank. The brand claims that their product provides “all-natural respiratory support” and that it’s used by athletes “for recovery and performance,” by those experiencing poor air quality, and other groups.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBut is supplemental oxygen safe? Is it shown in medical research to have any benefits outside of a clinical setting like a hospital? And how do real users rate this product and describe its effects?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eIn this article we’ll answer all of these questions and more as we review medical research to give our take on whether supplemental oxygen is safe and effective, share some concerns we have about the Boost Oxygen brand and share real, unsponsored user reviews of this product.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eDoes Supplemental Oxygen Have Any Benefits?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eSupplemental oxygen is typically used in medical settings to treat severely ill patients, such as those with advanced respiratory infections or pulmonary diseases.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWe cannot identify a single clinical trial proving supplemental oxygen to have benefits for healthy adults.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eA \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/1602946\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eclinical trial\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e published in the \u003cem\u003eMedicine \u0026amp; Science in Sports \u0026amp; Exercise\u003c\/em\u003e journal examined the effects of supplemental oxygen for recovery in athletes, and found that there was no benefit.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAnother \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/2739017\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eclinical trial\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e found similar results: athletes that received supplemental oxygen experienced no improvement to recovery or exercise performance.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAs \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK551617\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003emedical research\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e documents, supplemental oxygen becomes useful when a patient is experiencing low levels of oxygen in blood. This would be resolved with medical treatment and monitoring, not with a canister purchased online.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWe are unable to identify any benefits of supplemental oxygen for healthy adults, and the “Information \u0026amp; Research” section on Boost Oxygen’s website does not appear to link to any clinical trials proving this therapy to be effective for any specific health outcome.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ePut simply, we do not understand the purpose or value of this product whatsoever, and the product quality concerns us.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAs Boost Oxygen’s own website details, \u003cstrong\u003emedical grade oxygen is over 99% pure oxygen, while Boost Oxygen is only 95% pure oxygen and is categorized as “recreational” oxygen.\u003c\/strong\u003e Again – why does anyone need “recreational” oxygen? We’re truly confused by this brand.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWe are concerned about the safety of “recreational” oxygen because we cannot identify any long-term clinical trials proving oxygen at this purity to be safe for adults, and Boost Oxygen does not appear to link to any.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eHighly Questionable Health Claims on Boost Oxygen Website\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Boost_Oxygen_Questionable_Health_Claim_1_Optimized.png?v=1670559370\" alt=\"Boost Oxygen questionable health claim 1\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eOn the “Information” section of Boost Oxygen’s website, the brand publishes blog posts suggesting that their products can be effective for treating a number of health conditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eOne blog article, titled “Supplemental Oxygen can help during Cold and Flu season,” \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003esuggests with zero medical evidence or citations that supplemental oxygen can soothe inflamed airways resulting in easier breathing, and “makes sense” for those with flu or cold.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThis is unsafe, and this is a disease claim, which is regulated. We urge the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to look into these claims because it’s concerning that a brand is making entirely unsubstantiated health claims about their product, which has never once been clinically tested.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Boost_Oxygen_Questionable_Health_Claim_2_Optimized.png?v=1670559391\" alt=\"Questionable Boost Oxygen health claim 2\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eIn another blog article, Boost Oxygen suggests that “supplemental oxygen like Boost Oxygen” makes sense for those experiencing shortness of breath with zero medical citations.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e We would urge patients experiencing shortness of breath to report these symptoms to a doctor or urgent care facility, because this can be a sign of serious health conditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eIn the same article, the brand states that “there is only 21% oxygen in the air we breathe,” and “the majority is useless 78% nitrogen.” We don’t even understand what Boost Oxygen is suggesting here. Humans evolved over millions of years breathing air just fine, without portable canisters purchased online.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWe hope that Boost Oxygen will remove any uncited health claims from their website and blog, and we consider this to be a huge red flag about the brand.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eReal, Unsponsored Boost Oxygen User Review\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eA YouTube creator named Alphonso Duncan used the Boost Oxygen device while hiking and explained whether it was effective for reducing altitude sickness and improving endurance:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/M4IKs3pNwas\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhat’s in Boost Oxygen Flavors? No One Knows\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Boost_Oxygen_Flavors_Optimized.png?v=1670559453\" alt=\"Boost Oxygen flavors\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBoost Oxygen not only sells canned oxygen, but also sells “flavored” versions of canned oxygen. Again, why does someone need flavored oxygen? We’re unsure. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBut what concerns us is that \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003eat the time of writing this article, whatever chemical compounds are used to create the flavor or smell are not listed on the product pages on the website, which is a consumer safety issue.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe product is sold in various flavors such as Pink Grapefruit, Menthol-Eucalyptus, Peppermint and more.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe lungs are an extremely sensitive organ and we believe that directly inhaling questionable flavoring compounds is a really bad idea. We urge the brand to publish information on their product pages about what constitutes these flavoring agents.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eRespiratory Therapist Reviews Boost Oxygen\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eOne of the most popular YouTube reviews of Boost Oxygen from a medical expert is published by a Respiratory Therapist (RT) named Jimmy McKanna. He reviews whether Boost Oxygen actually delivers 95% oxygen as the label claims, and whether he thinks the product will have any benefits:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/LekBwEp1gwc\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eBoost Oxygen Real Customer Reviews\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBoost Oxygen is sold on Amazon, which is a more objective resource for customer reviews in our opinion than a brand’s website. The unflavored version has been reviewed over 3,900 times with an average review rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe product has a “B” grade \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.fakespot.com\/product\/95-pure-oxygen-supplement-portable-canister-of-clean-oxygen-increases-endurance-recovery-mental-acuity-and-performance-10-liter-canisters-2-pack-natural\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eon Fakespot\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e, which is a software tool that detects potentially fake Amazon reviews. This is a good sign that most of the reviews are likely legitimate.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe top positive review from a verified purchaser comes from a user named “J. Carle” who claims that the product was effective for aiding with altitude sickness:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e“My mother came to Denver from out of town and did not do well with the high altitude. She was very sluggish. The oxygen cans helped.”\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe top negative review from a verified purchaser is written by a user named “N~~~B” who performed an at-home test and claims the product is a scam:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e“I sprayed the oxygen bottle at the flame on the long handle lighter. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003eIt blew out the flame completely. Spraying oxygen on a flame should increase the flame, not blow it out.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e I did these tests on both bottles. And performed these tests over the sink just in case. This is an utter scam. I am out $35 for two useless empty bottles.\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBoost Oxygen Price Breakdown\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBoost Oxygen is sold on the brand's website, and at various third-party retailers. Below is a price breakdown accurate as of the time of publishing this article, for a three liter (L) unflavored can.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBrand website: \u003cstrong\u003e$8.99\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWalmart: $10.57\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAmazon: $10.57\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe official brand website appears to be the cheapest place to purchase this product. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe size we chose to review is not sold at CVS but other sizes are. Boost Oxygen does not appear to be sold at Walgreens currently.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eConclusion\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBoost Oxygen is, in our opinion, one of the worst products we’ve ever reviewed on Illuminate Health. We cannot identify any medical evidence that healthy adults benefit from supplemental oxygen, and while supplemental oxygen is used to treat severely ill patients, that’s done in medical settings like hospitals and with oxygen at a higher purity level than that sold by Boost Oxygen.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWe do not understand the purpose or benefit of this product or brand whatsoever.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBoost Oxygen makes a number of highly questionable claims on their website and blog that we suggest the FDA and FTC investigate, including the absurd and unscientific suggestion that the majority of the air we breathe is “useless.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThis product is sold in a number of flavors, and the ingredients used to create these flavors do not appear to be published on the product pages. We strongly recommend that consumers do not inhale questionable flavoring compounds.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWe would recommend that all consumers avoid this brand entirely.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","blog_id":49281925193,"author":"Calloway Cook","user_id":26601750601,"published_at":"2022-12-08T23:35:24-05:00","updated_at":"2022-12-12T12:25:31-05:00","summary_html":"We review medical studies to determine if supplemental oxygen has any benefits or if this product is a scam. We explain our concerns with the flavored versions of Boost Oxygen and share real, unsponsored user reviews of Boost Oxygen.","template_suffix":"","handle":"boost-oxygen-review","tags":"_related:lung-health"}

Boost Oxygen Review: Is Recreational Oxygen a Scam?

Boost Oxygen Review: Is Recreational Oxygen a Scam?


| |
| |


Read our Editorial Guidelines to learn more about what makes our site the premier resource for online health information.

Disclaimer: None of the information in this article constitutes medical advice, and is just the opinion of the writer(s). We recommend that patients follow their doctor’s guidance in regard to supplemental oxygen.

Boost Oxygen is a supplemental oxygen product that is inhaled through a can, and was featured on Shark Tank. The brand claims that their product provides “all-natural respiratory support” and that it’s used by athletes “for recovery and performance,” by those experiencing poor air quality, and other groups.

But is supplemental oxygen safe? Is it shown in medical research to have any benefits outside of a clinical setting like a hospital? And how do real users rate this product and describe its effects?

In this article we’ll answer all of these questions and more as we review medical research to give our take on whether supplemental oxygen is safe and effective, share some concerns we have about the Boost Oxygen brand and share real, unsponsored user reviews of this product.

Does Supplemental Oxygen Have Any Benefits?

Supplemental oxygen is typically used in medical settings to treat severely ill patients, such as those with advanced respiratory infections or pulmonary diseases.

We cannot identify a single clinical trial proving supplemental oxygen to have benefits for healthy adults.

A clinical trial published in the Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise journal examined the effects of supplemental oxygen for recovery in athletes, and found that there was no benefit.

Another clinical trial found similar results: athletes that received supplemental oxygen experienced no improvement to recovery or exercise performance.

As medical research documents, supplemental oxygen becomes useful when a patient is experiencing low levels of oxygen in blood. This would be resolved with medical treatment and monitoring, not with a canister purchased online.

We are unable to identify any benefits of supplemental oxygen for healthy adults, and the “Information & Research” section on Boost Oxygen’s website does not appear to link to any clinical trials proving this therapy to be effective for any specific health outcome.

Put simply, we do not understand the purpose or value of this product whatsoever, and the product quality concerns us.

As Boost Oxygen’s own website details, medical grade oxygen is over 99% pure oxygen, while Boost Oxygen is only 95% pure oxygen and is categorized as “recreational” oxygen. Again – why does anyone need “recreational” oxygen? We’re truly confused by this brand.

We are concerned about the safety of “recreational” oxygen because we cannot identify any long-term clinical trials proving oxygen at this purity to be safe for adults, and Boost Oxygen does not appear to link to any.

Highly Questionable Health Claims on Boost Oxygen Website

Boost Oxygen questionable health claim 1

On the “Information” section of Boost Oxygen’s website, the brand publishes blog posts suggesting that their products can be effective for treating a number of health conditions.

One blog article, titled “Supplemental Oxygen can help during Cold and Flu season,” suggests with zero medical evidence or citations that supplemental oxygen can soothe inflamed airways resulting in easier breathing, and “makes sense” for those with flu or cold.

This is unsafe, and this is a disease claim, which is regulated. We urge the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to look into these claims because it’s concerning that a brand is making entirely unsubstantiated health claims about their product, which has never once been clinically tested.

Questionable Boost Oxygen health claim 2

In another blog article, Boost Oxygen suggests that “supplemental oxygen like Boost Oxygen” makes sense for those experiencing shortness of breath with zero medical citations. We would urge patients experiencing shortness of breath to report these symptoms to a doctor or urgent care facility, because this can be a sign of serious health conditions.

In the same article, the brand states that “there is only 21% oxygen in the air we breathe,” and “the majority is useless 78% nitrogen.” We don’t even understand what Boost Oxygen is suggesting here. Humans evolved over millions of years breathing air just fine, without portable canisters purchased online.

We hope that Boost Oxygen will remove any uncited health claims from their website and blog, and we consider this to be a huge red flag about the brand.

Real, Unsponsored Boost Oxygen User Review

A YouTube creator named Alphonso Duncan used the Boost Oxygen device while hiking and explained whether it was effective for reducing altitude sickness and improving endurance:

What’s in Boost Oxygen Flavors? No One Knows

Boost Oxygen flavors

Boost Oxygen not only sells canned oxygen, but also sells “flavored” versions of canned oxygen. Again, why does someone need flavored oxygen? We’re unsure. 

But what concerns us is that at the time of writing this article, whatever chemical compounds are used to create the flavor or smell are not listed on the product pages on the website, which is a consumer safety issue.

The product is sold in various flavors such as Pink Grapefruit, Menthol-Eucalyptus, Peppermint and more.

The lungs are an extremely sensitive organ and we believe that directly inhaling questionable flavoring compounds is a really bad idea. We urge the brand to publish information on their product pages about what constitutes these flavoring agents.

Respiratory Therapist Reviews Boost Oxygen

One of the most popular YouTube reviews of Boost Oxygen from a medical expert is published by a Respiratory Therapist (RT) named Jimmy McKanna. He reviews whether Boost Oxygen actually delivers 95% oxygen as the label claims, and whether he thinks the product will have any benefits:

Boost Oxygen Real Customer Reviews

Boost Oxygen is sold on Amazon, which is a more objective resource for customer reviews in our opinion than a brand’s website. The unflavored version has been reviewed over 3,900 times with an average review rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars.

The product has a “B” grade on Fakespot, which is a software tool that detects potentially fake Amazon reviews. This is a good sign that most of the reviews are likely legitimate.

The top positive review from a verified purchaser comes from a user named “J. Carle” who claims that the product was effective for aiding with altitude sickness:

“My mother came to Denver from out of town and did not do well with the high altitude. She was very sluggish. The oxygen cans helped.”

The top negative review from a verified purchaser is written by a user named “N~~~B” who performed an at-home test and claims the product is a scam:

“I sprayed the oxygen bottle at the flame on the long handle lighter. It blew out the flame completely. Spraying oxygen on a flame should increase the flame, not blow it out. I did these tests on both bottles. And performed these tests over the sink just in case. This is an utter scam. I am out $35 for two useless empty bottles."

Boost Oxygen Price Breakdown

Boost Oxygen is sold on the brand's website, and at various third-party retailers. Below is a price breakdown accurate as of the time of publishing this article, for a three liter (L) unflavored can.

Brand website: $8.99

Walmart: $10.57

Amazon: $10.57

The official brand website appears to be the cheapest place to purchase this product. 

The size we chose to review is not sold at CVS but other sizes are. Boost Oxygen does not appear to be sold at Walgreens currently.

Get our most popular articles straight to your inbox
Stay up-to-date on our research reviews

Conclusion

Boost Oxygen is, in our opinion, one of the worst products we’ve ever reviewed on Illuminate Health. We cannot identify any medical evidence that healthy adults benefit from supplemental oxygen, and while supplemental oxygen is used to treat severely ill patients, that’s done in medical settings like hospitals and with oxygen at a higher purity level than that sold by Boost Oxygen.

We do not understand the purpose or benefit of this product or brand whatsoever.

Boost Oxygen makes a number of highly questionable claims on their website and blog that we suggest the FDA and FTC investigate, including the absurd and unscientific suggestion that the majority of the air we breathe is “useless.”

This product is sold in a number of flavors, and the ingredients used to create these flavors do not appear to be published on the product pages. We strongly recommend that consumers do not inhale questionable flavoring compounds.

We would recommend that all consumers avoid this brand entirely.




Illuminate Labs is a proud member of

Liquid error (layout/theme line 221): Could not find asset snippets/search-bar.liquid