Silver-haired people are "oxygen therapy fever"
Phenomenon: Micro-pressure oxygen chambers have become a "new health necessity" for the elderly.
According to the data of the Chinese Society of Gerontology and Geriatrics in 2023, the population over 60 years old in my country has reached 280 million, of which more than 60% have "chronic hypoxia" problems - diseases such as arteriosclerosis, cerebral ischemia, and sleep apnea are closely related to insufficient tissue oxygen supply. Micro-pressure oxygen chambers have quickly become a "new choice of oxygen therapy" for the elderly because of their characteristics of "no need for injections and medication, and simple operation".
The market performance is more intuitive: among the sales of "home micro-pressure oxygen chambers" on Taobao and JD platforms, users over 50 years old account for more than 45%; the "community shared oxygen chamber" launched by a leading brand has an average monthly income of more than 20,000 yuan per device; some high-end nursing homes even include "micro-pressure oxygen therapy" as a standard membership, priced at 800-1500 yuan/month.
"Our research found that the core demands of the elderly for oxygen therapy are concentrated on three points: improving insomnia, relieving dizziness and fatigue, and delaying aging." The marketing director of a health technology company admitted, "Although the product manual clearly marks "assisted health intervention", users generally associate it with "longevity."
Scientific principle: How does micro-pressure oxygen work on the elderly body?
The essence of the micro-pressure oxygen chamber is a lightweight version of "hyperbaric oxygen therapy." It increases the dissolved oxygen content in the blood by pressurizing the closed cabin (1.3-1.5 times the atmospheric pressure) to allow users to inhale high-concentration oxygen (usually ≥90%). Under normal circumstances, the dissolved oxygen in human blood accounts for only 0.3%, which can be increased to 4%-6% under high-pressure environment, directly increasing tissue oxygen supply.
What is the significance of this process for the elderly?
First, improve chronic hypoxia-related diseases. Li Min, chief physician of the Department of Geriatrics at Beijing Hospital, explained: "Arteriosclerosis, coronary heart disease, cerebral infarction, etc., which are common in the elderly, are essentially insufficient tissue oxygen supply. Micro-pressure oxygen therapy can increase blood oxygen partial pressure, promote vascular endothelial cell repair, and improve microcirculation." His team's 2022 study showed that after 10 consecutive micro-pressure oxygen therapies for 60 elderly people with cerebral insufficiency, the blood flow velocity of the middle cerebral artery increased by an average of 18%, and the dizziness and fatigue symptom scores decreased by 32%.
Second, accelerate the removal of metabolic waste. The metabolic capacity of cells in the elderly decreases, and metabolic wastes such as lactic acid and free radicals are easily accumulated, leading to fatigue and organ function decline. Hyperbaric oxygen can activate mitochondrial function and promote the secretion of superoxide dismutase (SOD) - this enzyme is an important "antioxidant" in the human body and can remove free radicals. Experimental data from the School of Medicine of Tsinghua University showed that after micro-pressure oxygen therapy, the SOD activity in the blood of the elderly increased by an average of 25%, and the level of inflammatory factors (such as IL-6) decreased by 19%.
Third, assist in regulating sleep and emotions. About 30% of the elderly suffer from insomnia, and lack of sleep will further aggravate hypoxia. Micro-pressure oxygen therapy can prolong the duration of deep sleep (from 15% to 22%) by increasing blood oxygen content, while reducing cortisol (stress hormone) levels and improving anxiety.
Controversy and risks: Beware of cognitive biases behind the "longevity myth"
Although science has verified some of the benefits of micro-pressure oxygen therapy, there is still no basis for equating it with a "longevity artifact." The medical community and regulatory authorities have repeatedly emphasized that its essence is "auxiliary health intervention means" rather than a magic weapon that "cures all diseases."
First, there are individual differences in efficacy. "Not all elderly people are suitable for oxygen therapy." Zhang Liqun, director of the Hyperbaric Oxygen Department of Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, reminded that "uncontrolled hypertension (systolic blood pressure>160mmHg), severe emphysema, and active gastrointestinal ulcers may worsen their condition when using a micro-pressure oxygen chamber." In addition, some elderly people may experience ear pain and tinnitus when pressurized due to degeneration of Eustachian tube function, which requires advance evaluation.
Secondly, excessive use may cause risks. Among the three adverse events of micro-pressure oxygen chambers reported by the National Medical Products Administration in 2023, two cases were elderly people who "extended their use time" and caused oxygen poisoning (manifested as nausea and convulsions), and one case was dizziness caused by cabin pressure leakage. Zhang Liqun pointed out: "The oxygen tolerance of the elderly is lower than that of the young. The duration of a single use should be controlled within 60-90 minutes, no more than 5 times a week, and must strictly follow the doctor's instructions."
Finally, market chaos exacerbates the trust crisis. The reporter found that some community oxygen chamber experience halls claimed that "once a day, 1 month younger 5 years", but could not provide product testing reports; the details page of the "home micro-pressure oxygen chamber" on an e-commerce platform only marked "high concentration oxygen" and did not specify the pressure range (1.3-1.5ATA is the safe range, and some products are only 1.1ATA, which greatly reduces the efficacy).
Rational choice: Scientific cognition is more important than blindly following the trend.
Facing the "oxygen therapy fever", the medical community and regulatory authorities have given clear suggestions:
Clear demand and avoid "pseudo-demand". If the elderly have clear hypoxia-related diseases (such as sleep apnea, sequelae of cerebral infarction), they can undergo oxygen therapy under the guidance of a doctor; if it is only for "preventing aging", they need to assess their own health status and avoid excessive medical treatment.
Choose regular products and check qualifications. Medical micro-pressure oxygen chambers must have a "Medical Device Registration Certificate". Home use should choose products that have passed third-party testing (such as oxygen concentration and pressure stability), and be wary of "three-no" equipment.
Standardized use and regular evaluation. The first use requires a "pressure test" in the hospital, and it can be used at home after confirming that there is no discomfort; blood pressure and heart rate must be monitored during use. If symptoms such as headaches and tinnitus occur, stop immediately and seek medical attention.
Conclusion: Oxygen therapy is a tool, and health requires a "holistic view"
The emergence of micro-pressure oxygen chambers provides a new option for health management of the elderly, but it is by no means a "longevity code". As Professor Li Min said: "The health of the elderly is multi-dimensional, and oxygen therapy is only one of the auxiliary means. Maintaining a regular schedule, a balanced diet, and moderate exercise are far more important than relying on a single technology."
When the "silver-haired generation" rushes into the oxygen therapy craze, perhaps it is more important to remember: true "longevity" begins with scientific knowledge and awe of the body.
