Comparison of Altitude Training Systems
There are various hypoxia (altitude) systems on the market that vary widely in price. Here are some notes I've made while looking at the market place.
Contents
1 Mechanical Hypoxic Generators
Mechanical generators[1] either use Pressure Swing Absorption[2] or a semi-permeable membrane[3]. These generators tend to be expensive to purchase, but require no ongoing maintenance.
1.1 Hypoxico
Hypoxico systems is an established manufacturer. The prices shown below were what I was quoted in 2009. There are no published prices on http://www.hypoxico.com/
- Everest Summit, $4,900. Provides 12,500 ft, or 21,000 ft with a $200 adapter.
- HYP123, $5,500. Provides 12,500 ft, or 21,000 ft with a $200 adapter. Upgrade to HYP100.
- HYP100, $4,900. Provides 9,000 ft, or 21,000 ft with a $200 adapter. Upgrade to HYP100.
- Conversion for use in exercise - $700
- Tents - $350+
1.2 Go2Altitude
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
1.3 Higher Peak
An established producer of competitively priced products. http://www.higherpeak.com/
- MAG-10, $2,550. Provides 20,000 ft. Base price for generator only
- MAG-10 with tent, $3,050
- MAG-10 with mask, $2,800
- MAG-10 with mask, Oximeter (to measure blood oxygen saturation), $2,900
1.4 Altitude Tech
This Canadian company produces competitively priced products. http://www.altitudetech.ca/
- 8850P, $2400 (delivered). Provides 10,500 ft and comes with tent and tubing
- Summit, $2,900 (delivered). Provides 20,000 ft and comes with tent and tubing
- Conversion for use in exercise - $300 (includes humidifier)
1.5 Simulated Altitude Technology
http://simulatedaltitudetech.com
- ALT-7, $2,000. Provides 9,000 feet. Comes with hose and mask.
- ALT-10, $2,300. Provides 13,000 feet. Comes with hose and mask.
1.6 Colorado Altitude Training
Colorado Altitude Training provide a wide variety of systems, but do not publish prices.
2 Chemical Hypoxic Generators
Chemical generators use a chemical reaction to either remove oxygen from the air,or to remove the carbon dioxide from the air that you exhale, which is then breathed again. These systems are cheaper to purchase, but require the ongoing purchase of the chemical cartridges. These systems are only used for intermittent training, not for sleeping.
2.1 AlitPower
AltiPower uses a system that removes the CO2 from the exhaled air that is then rebreathed. It is not clear how long the cartridges last, or what altitude is achieved. http://www.altipower.com
- AltiPower Pro Kit, $1,000. Comes with 2 cartridges and Oximeter
- Replacement cartridges $100 each, $300 for four
