8,153
edits
Changes
no edit summary
AltoLab is a cheap and effective way of altitude training. It uses a chemical (soda lime) to remove the CO<SUB>2</SUB> from your exhaled breath, allowing you to rebreathe the air that now has lower O<SUB>2</SUB>.
{{DISPLAYTITLE:AltoLab, A cheap altitude training system}}
==Introduction==
==Results==
So far, I've used the AltoLab system for four bouts of training with each bout consisting of 15 daily sessions. I've found that training with AltoLab makes a difference to my performance both at altitude and at low levels. The training effect seems to build slowly, so it's not an obvious, dramatic change. However, I believe that the effect may compound over time, as the benefits of altitude training make me faster, which in turn allows for harder training as well as improved race performance.
** I ordered 'JorVet J-553 Soda Lime', produced by Jorgensen Laboratories. I got mine from shopmedvet.com, and they tend to change their URLs so you may have to search for 'soda lime' on their site. As of 6/22/11 the link http://www.shopmedvet.com/product/soda-lime-3-lb-bag/jorgensen-products-anesthesia-products worked.
* After some time, I ordered extra anti-bacterial filters, which cost less than $5 from a medical supplier. I got mine from [[http://www.allegromedical.com/respiratory-therapy-c534/main-flow-bacterial-viral-filter-p547468.html Allegro Medical]]
Total cost was $306 (excluding the unused scrubbers).An alternative would be to buy* The breathing kit for $89* Three extra mixers for $36* One or two scrubbers for $22 each* The Pulse Oximeter for $50With the scrubber, that works out as $214.80
==CO<SUB>2</SUB> Scrubber==
==Running Costs==
Each CO<SUB>2</SUB> scrubber costs $22, or $18 when you by 6 at a time. This works out as a running cost of nearly $10 per hour, which can get a little pricey. I have found that the scrubbers open up quite easily, and can be refilled with a bulk CO<SUB>2</SUB> scrubber. I used JorVet soda lime (see above) which is $10 for 3 pounds. Each CO<SUB>2</SUB> scrubber holds about half a pound, and lasts for 3-4 sessions, rather than 2-3 for the original. This reduces the running cost less than $1 per hour.
==What about just breathing through a tube?==
Occasionally people ask if you can just breathe through a tube or snorkel rather than buying a system. Sadly, this does not work. All that happens is the CO2 in the tube builds up, so you breathe faster without lowering your O<SUB>2</SUB> saturation.
==Pure DIY==
Looking at the parts for the AltoLab, it seems possible to construct one out of PVC piping, some foam, CPAP tube, etc., but this may require some effort to find the right parts. Given that the AltoLab system is only the cost of a couple of pairs of good running shoes, it does not seem worth the effort.
==See Also==
* [[Altitude Training]]