We must always remember to temper the desire to cut costs with our responsibility for providing our patients with the best and safest care. Strong economic forces are forging necessary changes in our habits; the elimination of routine oxygen administration to PACU patients may provide one source for savings. However, at this time, the data supporting that position are incomplete. Instituting such a policy change would be premature and possibly dangerous. Examination of the process through which any PACU oxygen therapy is delivered provides additional compelling arguments against making changes to the standard policy. Until the data provide a definitive reason to the contrary, let us continue to promote a policy known to be the safest: one that mandates routine PACU oxygen administration.