TrinbagO2 Oxygen Aromatherapy Bars

Agostini explained that her interest in introducing the technology locally was based on the party culture. But there were some doubts on the success of the oxygen bars in Trinidad and Tobago.

“[There is a] big party community here and [although] Trinidad is always excited about unique innovations, this is so alternative, you never really know,” she told Business Day. Agostini, who is from California but has made Trinidad her home within the last four years after marrying a Trinidadian, turned out to have placed her bets on the right horse. The oxygen bars have resonated remarkably well with Trinbagonians thus far, and interest continues to grow. Patrons at One Woodbrook Place’s Buzz Bar, where the product’s premiere was held, as well as those at the Tribe band launch in July couldn’t get enough of the oxygen rush in the midst of the melee.

How does it work? The technology takes the ambient air--which is about 78 percent oxygen--and purifies it, making it 100 percent oxygen.

Once this process is complete, the oxygen is then filtered through a humidifier--to prevent inhaling a pure gas and thus, hurting the nasal cavity--and adds aromatherapy scents to complete the sensuous effect.

“So it’s set up just like you’d set up a shots bar,” Agostini explained.

“There are stools [so you can] sit and really take it in. You wrap the nose canullas around your ears and it can take anywhere between three to five minutes to get the real effects from the oxygen [but] the effects of the aromatherapy are felt immediately.”

What are the effects of the oxygen aromatherapy? Agostini related that customers have told her that they often feel the effects to the oxygen well into the following day. “All of a sudden, they aren’t getting hangovers, [they’ve experienced] more mental clarity, [they’ve been] sleeping like a baby,” she explained. “It all depends on the person and if they’ve been drinking a lot.” Agostini told Business Day that people’s interest in the oxygen bars is based on their excitement at having a healthy, organic recreational alternative that isn’t alcohol-based. “Something that still gives that sense of euphoria and relaxation, something that’s refreshing,” she described.

The service currently offers six different fragrances: lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, lemongrass, orange and vanilla, each having its own unique set of effects on the body. “Many of us have memories that are stimulated by scents,” Agostini said. “Vanilla often reminds people of their mother’s house; it’s also great for slowing down your heart rate and for mental clarity.” She continued, “Orange is good for revitalisation and peppermint; apart from improving the appetite, it helps with hangovers and nausea.” Furthermore, pure oxygen is known to boost immunity; pure oxygen in the blood has energising properties.

As a matter of fact, athletes often use it when they need quick recovery.

For anyone who is familiar with the Carnival experience, quick recovery and hangover relief are in high demand on the road, something that Agostini, herself learned when she received her baptism by fire as a masquerader some years ago and fell in love with the road.

“I quickly learned after marrying a Trinidadian that for those two weeks [leading up to Carnival], I need to organise my schedule based on what fetes we’re attending and playing J’Ouvert and mas,” Agostini said, “so the quick recovery really means everything to me and I know that will be beneficial to Trinis.” She related how, during her second year playing mas, she contracted a respiratory infection from inhaling smog on the road.

“Not playing mas was not an option,” Agostini chuckled. So she sought alternative means of recovery and was introduced to oxygen bars in Las Vegas, where they are used to revitalise patrons.

“They want to get [patrons] over the hangovers and back into the casinos. “That’s when it clicked,” she explained, “that [Trinidad] was the perfect spot [to introduce the oxygen bars.” She advised, “We spend so much time focusing on organic food and bottled pure water but the majority of our energy comes from oxygen.” Agostini’s next step is to test the oxygen bars on the rigours of the road for Carnival 2017.

Due to the fact that “places of events change so quickly here,” according to Agostini, “being mobile at the drop of a hat [is key], making it easy for promoters to know that no matter where they go, they can utilise TrinbagO2.” After a few bar and party appearances, Agostini continues to get stellar reviews and told Business Day that she has received quite a few overtures from the fitness industry. “I’m prepared to expand in all directions at this point,” she explained. For more information regarding the service, visit www.trinbago2.com or contact the company via info@trinbago2.

com or 739-6260.