8,108
edits
Changes
no edit summary
==Types of Altitude Systems==
Different altitude systems work in different ways<ref name="equip"/> and are suitable for different [[Altitude Training Approaches]], so be sure which approach you want to use before you buy.
{| {{table}}class="wikitable"
| align="center" style="background:#f0f0f0;"|'''Type'''
| align="center" style="background:#f0f0f0;"|'''Mechanism'''
| align="center" style="background:#f0f0f0;"|'''Cons'''
|-
| Semi-permeable membrane (SPM) <ref name="semi"/>. ||Separate N2 and O<SUB>2</SUB> using a 'sieve' ||[[Intermittent Hypoxic Exposure]] at rest or while exercisingand Intermittent Hypoxic Training||GO<SUB>2</SUB>Altitude||Minimal running costs, Stable 02 levels||Expensive to buy, Lower flow rates than PSAS
|-
| Pressure swing absorption<ref name="psa"/> ||Different gases are absorbed at different rates under different pressures ||Live High, Train Low, Altitude tents or altitude rooms. <br>(Note Hypoxico systems also support [[Intermittent Hypoxic Exposure]] and Intermittent Hypoxic Training.)||CAT, Hypoxico, and Higher Peak (same generator, different prices)||Minimal running costs, High flow rates at moderate O<SUB>2</SUB> concentrations||Expensive to buy, Poor performance at low O<SUB>2</SUB> concentrations
|-
| Rebreather||Use of scrubber to absorb exhaled CO<SUB>2</SUB>, which then contains less O<SUB>2</SUB> and is rebreathed||[[Intermittent Hypoxic Exposure]] at rest ||AltO<sub>2</sub>lab, AlitPower||Cheap to buy, Cheap to run (refilling cartridges)||Harder to control O<SUB>2</SUB> concentrations
==Pressure Swing Absorption==
Note: Apparently CAT, Hypoxico, and Higher Peak use generators from the same supplier, but at significantly different prices. The units appear physically identical.
===Hypoxico===
Hypoxico systems is an established manufacturer, offering purchase, rental and rent-to-own for their equipment. Hypoxico supports sleep tents, [[Intermittent Hypoxic Exposure]] and Intermittent Hypoxic Training. (The prices shown below are from March 2013.) I've found Hypoxico to the be the most open and helpful of the manufacturers listed here.
* Summit II Generator, $2,950.
** Provides 12,500 ft, or 21,000 ft with a $200 adapter. (Looks physically identical to Higher Peak MAG-10)
** 3-year, 8000 hour warranty
** Rental of generator and queen sized tent $175/week (1 month minimum, US & Canada only)
* HYP123, $4,950.
** Provides 12,500 ft, or 21,000 ft with a $200 adapter. Upgrade to HYP100.
** Industrial grade generator (metal body, upgraded components)
** 4-year 10,000 hour warranty
* Conversion for use in exercise - $700
* Tents - $350-950
* Hypoxico also makes a K2 line of generators for room or house conversions. These generators use a different technology for extracting the oxygen and can provide simulated altitudes above 25,000ft.
===Higher Peak===
An established producer of competitively priced products. http://www.higherpeak.com/
* MAG-10 with mask, $2,800
* MAG-10 with mask, [[Pulse Oximeter]], $2,900
===Altitude Tech===
This Canadian company produces competitively priced products. http://www.altitudetech.ca/
GO2Altitude focuses on systems for intermittent hypoxic training rather than sleep systems and appear to use a semi-permeable membrane technique. The cheapest system is their One Person / Portable.
* One Person / Portable 2010, $5,990 (6,500 delivered). Provides 21,000 ft and comes with [[Pulse Oximeter]], PC software and hoses/masks
==See Also==
* [[Altitude Training 101]]
* [[AltoLab]]
* [[Pulse Oximeter]]
==References==
<references>