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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>. I have replaced my AltoLab with a [[DIY Altitude Training]] system that is cheaper and works better than the AltoLab system. {{DISPLAYTITLE:AltoLab, A cheap [[Altitude Training]] system}}
==Introduction==
The AltoLab consists of a [[Breathing]] tube and lid, a cylinder of CO<SUB>2</SUB> absorbent (Hypoxic Silo) and a series of tubes filled with foam cylinders that hold your exhaled breath for you to re-breathe (mixers). Each mixer is supposed to be around 5,000 feet of altitude, though this obviously varies a lot.
* 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. I'm told that the original CO<SUB>2</SUB> scrubber in the AltoLab system is Spherasorb 405.
** There are some newer CO2 scrubbers available, such as Amsorb plus that have a permanent color change. I have not tried these, but they are available on line at [https://www.surgicaltools.com/36098/amsorb-plus-co2-absorbent-pre-pack-for-ge-aespire-avance-and-aisys-anesthesia-machines/amsorb-plus-co2-absorbent surgical tools], and [https://secure.hullanesthesia.com/p/967/Amsorb-Plus-CO2-Absorbent---CAN-CAN---800-Gram-Cartridge Hull Anesthesia]. There is an interesting write up at http://www.armstrongmedical.net/absorbent/amsorb-plus/amsorb-plus * 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
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.
==Optional Oxygen Sensor==
* I generally use six of the black foam filled mixers.
* Attached to the black mixer is the green CO<sub>2</sub> scrubber, the end cap and the original hose.
* Finally there is the viral filter, the optional expandable swivel tube and the mouthpiece.
The cost of the Oxygen Sensor more than doubles the cost of the overall system, but this was worthwhile to me as I use the system on a regular basis. I would not recommend getting an Oxygen Sensor until you know how you get on with basic setup, but I've found it much easier to control my [[SpO2|SpO<sub>2</sub>]] than using the [[Pulse Oximeter]] alone.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Altolab with OxyCheq.jpg|none|thumb|x300px|My AltoLab system with the OxyCheq O<sub>2</sub> sensor attached.]]
|[[File:OxyCheq.jpg|none|thumb|x300px|The OxyCheq Expedition-X Oxygen Analyzer.]]
|}
==See Also==
