What’s the difference between Boost Oxygen and Medical Oxygen?
One of the most common questions we hear is “What’s the difference between Boost Oxygen and medical oxygen?”. Supplemental Oxygen can improve the quality of life for healthy people and those that require oxygen for medical issues. Although both are produced in a similar way, there is a difference between supplemental oxygen like Boost Oxygen and medical-grade oxygen that is prescribed by a doctor.
Defining Boost Oxygen and Medical-Grade Oxygen
By definition, Supplemental Oxygen contains above 21% oxygen. In the air we normally breathe, there is around 21% oxygen, with 78% nitrogen along with small amounts of other gasses. At higher altitude, oxygen concentration can be less. This also doesn’t take into account any pollutants. Medical-grade oxygen for patients (like you would receive in a hospital or prescribed by a doctor for in-home use) is defined as 99.2% pure (or higher) pure oxygen. Boost Oxygen is 95% pure supplemental oxygen and is not intended to treat or cure any illness. Medical-grade oxygen requires a prescription to buy – Boost Oxygen does not.
Medical conditions that may require medical-grade oxygen (both short-term and long-term use) are chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, pneumonia, asthma, cystic fibrosis and sleep apnea. In addition to treatment at a hospital or medical facility, there are several oxygen-delivery devices for home use. These include home oxygen concentrators, compressed oxygen tanks, liquid oxygen and humidifiers.
Who uses Boost Oxygen and what are the benefits?
Boost Oxygen is intended for healthy people. It comes in portable and convenient canisters that are 100% recyclable. It can assist with shortness of breath and hypoxia, the symptoms of altitude sickness, aid in performance for athletes, or help with focus and mental acuity. It is primarily used by athletes, older adults and seniors, people at high altitudes and those experiencing poor air quality.
Now, think about how much regular air you normally breathe (along with any pollutants) when you’re outside exercising, working out or playing sports. Every cell in your body is designed to burn oxygen–it’s the basic fuel for cell metabolism. Cut back on oxygen and all of those cellular processes become sluggish. You start to feel fatigued or short of breath. More oxygen equates to cells having the energy they need to repair, improved immune response, and better overall health.
People who require medical-grade supplemental oxygen for medical conditions usually have questions before they begin therapy. It is important to get a good understanding from your doctor early on, especially concerning how much supplemental oxygen your body needs, how often during the day you will need it or how it will impact your lifestyle and daily routine. Thankfully, there are online resources to help answer these questions. We encourage readers to visit this learning center from the American Lung Association which features easy-to-understand articles and video.