Did you catch the story of Andrzej Bargiel, the Polish mountaineer who conquered Mount Everest?

In September 2025, Bargiel summited the 29,032-foot peak in his climbing gear and then—over the course of the next two days—swished back down its snow-covered slopes on skis. He wasn’t the first to have done this. But he was the first to do it without supplemental oxygen.

That last bit is truly remarkable. The air atop Everest is notoriously thin; without oxygen containers, most people can’t survive being up there. That’s why the hundreds of recreational climbers who attempt it each year include these containers in their expedition gear.

Using supplemental oxygen is nothing new for high-altitude mountaineers, of course; they’ve been doing it since at least 1922.¹ These days, however, the practice has crossed into the mainstream. Thanks to newly available over-the-counter (OTC) oxygen products, all sorts of people—from elite athletes to wellness influencers and more—are taking hits of it.

So what’s the deal? Should you use oxygen over the counter?

As with most things, it depends. So far, the research is limited and mostly suggests a placebo effect.^2,3 For many people, OTC oxygen is likely harmless if not helpful. For others—including those with certain health conditions that require oxygen therapy to treat—relying on over-the-counter oxygen actually can be dangerous.

We cover it all below.

OTC oxygen vs. prescription oxygen

Every day, more than 1.5 million of us⁴ use supplemental oxygen therapy to increase our energy, improve our sleep, boost our cognition and mood, and address shortness of breath. That’s because everyday air—which contains about 21% oxygen—doesn’t give us what we need to function well and feel good.

In most cases, a health care provider prescribes this therapy because it’s medically necessary. But the easy availability of over-the-counter oxygen muddies those waters. That’s why it’s helpful to distinguish between the two types of supplemental oxygen: medical grade (available by prescription) and consumer grade (available without a prescription).

What is prescription oxygen?

Medical grade oxygen is highly pure (at least 99% oxygen) and specifically is used to treat a range of health conditions affecting the lungs and heart, including:

• Emphysema
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Cystic fibrosis
• Congestive heart failure
• Sleep apnea
• Asthma (when severe)
• Pneumonia (when severe)
• Pulmonary hypertension
• Pulmonary fibrosis (scarring)

Because it’s classified as a drug under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, you need a prescription from your health care provider in order to access medical grade oxygen. Generally, it comes in one of several containers or delivery systems that are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (more on this below).

What is over-the-counter (OTC) oxygen?

Consumer grade oxygen typically is around 90%–95% pure. It’s neither FDA-approved nor regulated, which means you easily can buy it online or in stores without a prescription. People who use OTC oxygen generally hope to:

• Improve athletic performance
• Decrease post-exercise recovery time
• Address the effects of higher altitude
• Boost baseline energy
• Support overall wellness

It’s important to know that OTC oxygen is not appropriate for treating health conditions. First, the oxygen concentration is not high enough to be therapeutic. Second, the delivery system(s) don’t need to meet specific quality or regulatory standards, which means they can be unreliable.

Does over-the-counter oxygen work?

Maybe. But the jury remains out.

“Keep in mind that OTC oxygen is very much a consumer product,” advised Gretchen Dueñas-Tanbonliong, Associate Director of Health and Wellness at NCOA. “The companies that sell it often make bold claims with little scientific evidence to back it up.”

If you have a health condition requiring supplemental oxygen therapy, you “absolutely should not” buy or use oxygen over the counter, she continued. “It can seem like an attractive option, because it’s less expensive up front, quick to get, and easy to use. But OTC oxygen is not concentrated enough to benefit you. Worse, it might mask more serious symptoms and prevent you from getting the medical care you need.”

As for the rest of us? Hold realistic expectations, Dueñas-Tanbonliong said. “You’ll find many online reviews from people swearing that over-the-counter oxygen is a miracle cure for low energy, poor sleep, headaches, muscle aches, and more. This may or may not be true for you.”

Dangers and limitations of OTC oxygen

There are few serious risks associated with using over-the-counter oxygen for general wellness. But there are limitations. Notably:

• Supply—Over-the-counter oxygen generally comes in portable canisters ranging in size from 3-10 liters. Each canister contains a set number of “doses,” measured in one-second increments. The highest volume canisters may deliver a total of 200 doses—or just over three minutes of oxygen. Depending on how often you use it, you can run through a canister pretty quickly—and replenishment costs can add up fast.
• Science—There’s little research to support the many touted advantages of OTC oxygen. On the flip side, scientists do know that we don’t “bank” oxygen.2 Once we breathe it in, our bodies use it up. If you use a pulse oximeter to check your O2 saturation at home, you can see this in real time: one or two doses won’t budge the reading. This strongly suggests that any benefits you might experience are psychological, not physiological.

Safer alternatives to OTC oxygen

If you need prescription oxygen to treat a lung, heart, or other medical condition, there are several ways to access it—without compromising your health. Some are easily available and convenient for home use and can adapt to your lifestyle, too.

Oxygen therapy

Put simply, oxygen therapy is a medical treatment that helps you if you can’t get enough oxygen on your own. A health care provider prescribes oxygen therapy that’s personally tailored to you based on your condition, your oxygen saturation levels, and other factors.

Most commonly, this treatment delivers supplemental oxygen through a nasal cannula (a set of small tubes that rest in your nostrils) or a mask placed over your nose and mouth. Some patients (mainly children) receive supplemental oxygen therapy under a tent.

You might get oxygen therapy in an emergency (if you experience sudden heart or lung failure, for example); on a temporary basis (if you’re recovering from severe pneumonia, for example); or over the longer-term (if you’re coping with chronic heart or lung disease). Often, oxygen therapy happens in a hospital or clinic. But you might be able to get it at home using one of the below delivery systems.

Compressed gas cylinders

Compressed oxygen cylinders look and work a lot like the helium tanks used to fill party balloons. They come in different sizes, from large tanks to small portable canisters (you may have seen people pulling these behind them on special wheeled carts). While these tanks are common, they come with drawbacks: you need to regularly refill them; they can be heavy to move around; and you can’t typically bring them on airplanes or to places where there’s a risk of fire or explosion.

Liquid oxygen

Stored at very cold temperatures, liquid oxygen takes up less space than its gas form. Home systems usually have two components: a large holding tank and small, portable canisters you refill from the large one. Liquid oxygen can be helpful if you want to more easily move around with your equipment, both inside and outside your home. Still, there are risks; the most significant one being cryogenic burns (instant frostbite) from spills that might happen while refilling the portable canisters.

Oxygen concentrators

Oxygen concentrators work by pulling in air from the environment around you, filtering out nitrogen and other elements, and delivering the purified oxygen through a tube. Most run on electricity or battery power and provide a steady supply of oxygen as long as they’re plugged in or charged. The best portable oxygen concentrators offer additional flexibility for people with active lifestyles. These devices are compact, lightweight, and even can be used in places where pressurized canisters can’t (like airplanes).

How to get medical grade oxygen at home

As mentioned above, the FDA classifies medical grade oxygen as a drug. That’s because it’s a treatment that requires professional supervision to ensure safe and effective use. After taking your health condition(s) and other variables into account, your doctor will prescribe an oxygen concentration level, amount, and treatment duration that’s highly specific to you.

Once you have your prescription, you’ll need to call or visit a medical supply company to get your supplemental oxygen. A patient service representative will guide you through your options for delivery systems. Once you choose the one you like, there are a few ways you can proceed:

• Purchase new: If you enjoy the peace of mind that comes with never-used equipment, this option is for you. A new at-home oxygen concentrator typically costs between $2,000–$4,000 up front and should include a time-limited warranty for parts and service.
• Purchase used: Buying pre-owned equipment can save you some money. Reputable dealers will inspect and service it beforehand and often will offer a pared-down warranty. A used at-home oxygen concentrator may run between $1,000–$2,500.
• Lease: If you prefer, you can rent your equipment for a predictable fee: generally starting around $150 per week, depending on the brand, type, and features. Most rental contracts include basic maintenance and repairs, too.

Keep in mind that delivery systems using compressed or liquid gas also will require regular oxygen refills at additional cost. Your patient service representative can help you find a service and maintenance plan that best fits your needs and budget.

And one final, important note about cost: Most health insurance providers classify at-home oxygen delivery systems as durable medical equipment (DME). If you’re wondering, “will Medicare cover durable medical equipment,” the answer is yes.

Here’s how it works. Medicare Part B covers equipment rental fees for up to three years (36 months). Paid directly to the medical supplier, this fee includes the oxygen delivery system, accessories, and related supplies (like refills). Once those 36 months are up, your medical supplier must continue providing your oxygen equipment and services for another two years as long as your doctor certifies that you need it. You’ll pay your Part B deductible and 20% coinsurance; Medicare will cover the rest.

Do you have Medicare Advantage or private insurance? Most carriers at least partially cover the costs of medically necessary oxygen therapy. It depends on your plan, however, so it’s important to check your documents or call your insurance company to verify this coverage.

Oxygen safety and considerations

Supplemental oxygen therapy is an effective treatment that can improve your quality of life and reduce your risk of serious health complications. Here’s what to know before you start:

Safety

You may have heard that oxygen is highly flammable. On its own, it’s not. But it does make other materials more likely to catch fire or explode. Follow these common-sense rules to avoid injury:

• Never smoke (or let anyone else do it) near your oxygen equipment
• Don’t use or store oxygen next to open flames or gas stoves
• Store your tanks upright and take precautions to prevent them from tipping over
• Use only qualified technicians for repairs and service

Side effects

When used as prescribed, you likely won’t experience any major negative effects from oxygen therapy. Common annoyances include:

• Dry nose and throat
• Morning headaches
• Nosebleeds
• Skin irritations (mostly around tubing or masks)
• Fatigue

Usually, you can effectively manage these side effect with small changes—like adding a humidifier to your home and adjusting the fit of your equipment.

Who should not use OTC oxygen

If you have one of the conditions listed above—or if your doctor has prescribed supplemental oxygen for a different reason—you should never substitute over-the-counter oxygen. You need medical grade oxygen paired with FDA-regulated equipment to ensure an adequate, continuous, and personalized dose to effectively treat your condition. Anything less can jeopardize your health.

When should I see my health care provider?

If you are using prescription oxygen at home and experience any of the following, it’s important to check in with your doctor:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Severe headache
• Confusion

These symptoms may indicate oxygen poisoning, which happens when your dose is too high. Your doctor can adjust your prescription so you can feel better and avoid lung damage. It’s also a good idea to get your equipment professionally checked to be sure it’s working correctly.

FAQ

Do over-the-counter oxygen canisters work?
Maybe. The scientific evidence is limited. Many consumers report noticeable benefits including improved energy, sleep, and athletic recovery. But medical experts currently believe these effects are psychological rather than physiological. It’s also important to note that OTC oxygen is only for recreational use and is never appropriate for medical therapy.

Do you need a prescription to get an oxygen tank?
Yes. The FDA classifies medical grade oxygen as a drug. That’s because it requires close supervision for safe and effective use. If you have a heart or lung condition that prevents you from getting enough oxygen from the air around you, your doctor may prescribe supplemental oxygen. Take this prescription to a medical supply store for tanks and supplies.

Does insurance cover oxygen therapy?
Yes. In addition to original Medicare, which covers up to five years of supplemental oxygen therapy, most commercial health insurance providers include this coverage. Terms and conditions can vary, however; it’s important to check your plan documents or call your broker before starting therapy. (See also: Will Medicare Cover Durable Medical Equipment?)

Does insurance cover over-the-counter oxygen?
No. OTC oxygen is a consumer product intended to support overall wellness. It is not a medical treatment. The FDA has not approved it and does not regulate it. If you want to try using oxygen over the counter for non-medical purposes, you will need to pay for it out of your own pocket.

Sources

1. John B. West. George I. Finch and his pioneering use of oxygen for climbing at extreme altitudes. Journal of Applied Physiology 2003. Found on the internet at https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/japplphysiol.00950.2002

2. Debra Melani. Does Oxygen in a Can Deliver on Its Altitude and Energy Claims? University of Colorado Anschutz. April 17, 2023. Found on the internet at https://news.cuanschutz.edu/news-stories/does-oxygen-in-a-can-deliver-on-its-altitude-and-energy-claims

3. Isabella Hornick. Non-prescription portable oxygen containers may not be ‘clinically useful’. Healio. April 25, 2023. Found on the internet at https://www.healio.com/news/pulmonology/20230425/nonprescription-portable-oxygen-concentrators-may-not-be-clinically-useful

4. Susan S. Jacobs et al. Optimizing Home Oxygen Therapy. An Official American Thoracic Society Workshop Report. Annals of the American Thoracic Society. December 2018. Found on the internet at https://www.atsjournals.org/doi/full/10.1513/AnnalsATS.201809-627WS