Canned oxygen is a portable, over-the-counter canister containing concentrated oxygen. This product is classified as recreational or supplemental oxygen, rather than medical-grade oxygen. Its use has become popular among travelers, skiers, and hikers making a rapid ascent to high elevation destinations where the air contains less available oxygen. The primary purpose of these canisters is to provide temporary relief from the mild physiological effects experienced during acclimatization to a thinner atmosphere.
The Physiology of High Altitude Hypoxia
The need for supplemental oxygen at high altitude stems from hypoxic hypoxia, a deficiency of oxygen reaching the tissues. While the percentage of oxygen in the air remains constant at 21%, the total barometric pressure decreases significantly as elevation increases. This drop in pressure means a person inhales fewer oxygen molecules with every breath, leading to a lower partial pressure of inspired oxygen.
The body attempts to compensate by increasing the rate and depth of breathing, known as hyperventilation. If compensatory mechanisms are insufficient, individuals may experience Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), the mildest form of altitude illness. Symptoms include a persistent headache, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, and mild shortness of breath upon exertion. Recreational oxygen is intended to help alleviate these temporary issues while the body adjusts.
Canned Oxygen: Composition and Limitations
Recreational canned oxygen is distinguished from prescription medical oxygen by its regulatory classification. These consumer products typically contain oxygen purity levels of 95% or higher, which is five times the concentration found in the ambient air. Unlike medical oxygen, which is regulated as a drug, canned oxygen is sold as a general consumer product and is not intended to treat specific diseases or chronic conditions.
The physical design of these canisters presents the most significant limitation for users at high altitude. Due to their non-medical classification, they are built to be lightweight and portable, utilizing a much lower pressure than medical-grade oxygen tanks. This low pressure results in a very limited volume of oxygen per can, often translating to only a few dozen to a hundred short inhalations. Therefore, the product offers brief, intermittent support rather than continuous therapeutic oxygen delivery.
Proper Use and Administration Techniques
To use canned oxygen, the user should attach the supplied mouthpiece or mask to the canister valve. The product is designed to deliver a burst of concentrated oxygen directly into the mouth and nose. The correct technique involves pressing the trigger while simultaneously taking a deep, sustained inhalation.
It is recommended to take between three and five one-second bursts when feeling mild symptoms like lightheadedness or breathlessness during activity. Users should hold the breath briefly before exhaling to maximize the transfer of oxygen into the bloodstream. This process can be repeated every 15 to 20 minutes as needed to manage temporary discomfort. The goal is not continuous breathing but rather a temporary elevation of oxygen saturation to ease mild distress and boost mental clarity.
Efficacy, Safety, and Medical Context
Canned oxygen can provide temporary relief from the mild symptoms associated with initial high-altitude exposure or exertion. The rapid delivery of 95% oxygen can increase the partial pressure of oxygen in the lungs, which may help mitigate a mild headache or feeling of fatigue. However, this product is not a substitute for proper acclimatization or medical intervention for altitude illness.
Canned oxygen is insufficient for treating severe conditions such as High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) or High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE). Signs of these life-threatening emergencies include severe, debilitating headache, confusion, difficulty walking (ataxia), or a persistent cough with shortness of breath at rest. If these symptoms appear, immediate descent to a lower elevation and professional medical attention are required, as relying on canned oxygen can be dangerous. Users should store the pressurized canister away from direct heat and open flames.