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==Results==
So far, I've used the AltoLab system for four several bouts of training with each bout consisting of . The manual recommends using the system for 15 daily sessions, but I've found that I get better results from continued usage. 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.
== Observations==
* The first training bout was the hardest to keep up. Each subsequent bout seems easier, but I'm not sure why. It may be that my body is remembering the adaptation, or it may be that I just know what to expect.
* One simple test I did to check the effectiveness of AltoLab was to check my O<sub>2</sub> saturation when flying. After using the AltoLab, I found that my O<sub>2</sub> saturation was noticeably higher than before. (I used a barometric altimeter to check the cabin pressure to make sure the circumstances were similar.)
* After my first training bout I tended to ignore the slow, steady build up of intensity that the manual recommends and use four mixers (equiv 20,000ft) and aim to drop my O<sub>2</sub> saturation to around 70-75%.
* I use a different pattern of training than suggested by the manufacturer. I do 1 hour/day for 15 days, then change to half an hour each day thereafter, tapering for races. I find that 4x (6 min hypoxia + 2-3 min recovery) works quite well.
* It's important to let everything dry between uses, especially the bacterial filter. If it gets damp, it is hard to breathe through.
* Air you breathe through the AltoLab is quite warm, partly due to rebreathing exhaled air, partly due to the heat from the CO<SUB>2</SUB> scrubber. I tend to drink something in the rest periods.
* You need to keep the mouth piece angled upwards to prevent saliva flowing into the system. If you don't the anti-bacteria filter will be hard to breathe through and the tube will fill up!
* For the first couple of bouts of AltoLab training, the initial sessions seemed to leave me a little weakened and slower than normal. I also found that the altitude training tended to give me a headache that would come back periodically.
* I found there is quite a bit of lag in using AltoLab. When you start breathing through the AltoLab, it will take a couple of minutes before your O<sub>2</sub> saturation drops, and when you have the rest period, it can also take a minute or more before your O<sub>2</sub> saturation returns to near normal. However, I also found that the feeling of low O<sub>2</sub> saturation seemed to lag even further behind the reading from the meter ([[Pulse Oximeter)]]. My assumption is that the O<sub>2</sub> saturation of your blood can change, but the tissues your blood is supplying will take time to change to match the O<sub>2</sub> saturation of your blood. The practical implication is that my blood O<sub>2</sub> saturation could drop to 65% quickly and I would feel more or less okay for a short time. Once my blood O<sub>2</sub> saturation had been low for a minute or so, the impact would kick in and I'd start to feel light headed. Likewise, when I had a rest period, my blood O<sub>2</sub> saturation would rise to normal but my head would still be feeling the effects.
* I do not use the nose clip, as I found it uncomfortable. I find I can breathe through my mouth quite easily and do not require a nose clip.
* I wrote some software ([[Hypoxic Timer]]) that would interface with a USB enabled pulse oximeter[[Pulse Oximeter]]. This gave me a graph of how my blood O<sub>2</sub> saturation was changing over time. It also allowed me to calculate the 'Hypoxic Training Index' so I could compare different training sessions.
==Conclusion==
* Three extra mixers for $36
* Six extra CO<SUB>2</SUB> scrubbers for $108 (I did not need these)
* A [http://www.amazon.com/Finger-[Pulse-Oximeter-SM-110-Carry-Wrist/dp/B003TJH3LI Finger Pulse Oximeter SM-110]] which appears identical to are much cheaper than if you purchase them with the AltoLab Oximeter, but for $50 rather than $200.
* Bulk CO<SUB>2</SUB> scrubber. Each 3 pound bag is $7.80 + $10 shipping.
** 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.
* Three extra mixers for $36
* One or two scrubbers for $22 each
* The [[Pulse Oximeter ]] for $50
With the scrubber, that works out as $214.80