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| 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]] and [[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
|}
==Recommendations==
I believe that the [[DIY Altitude Training]] (or similar [[AltoLab]] system ) is the most cost effective solution. For those wanting a sleep based system, Higher Peak offers the best value.
==Rebreathers==
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 Exposure, not for sleeping.
===AltoLab===
[[AltoLab]] uses a stack of AltoMixers, with each AltoMixer diluting the oxygen to provide the equivalent of 5,000 ft. The [[AltoLab]] system also requires a CO<SUB>2</SUB> scrubber which has to be replaced and lasts 2-3 hours. The running costs would be $10-15 per hour, but you can buy the CO<SUB>2</SUB> scrubber in bulk, reducing the cost down to $1 per hour; see [[AltoLab]] for details. http://www.altolab-usa.com/
* The elite kit is $850 and contains 8 AltoMixers giving 5,000-40,000 ft of elevation, 12 silos (CO<SUB>2</SUB> scrubbers) proving 24 hours of usage, a [[Pulse Oximeter]] and the masks.
* The performance kit is $580 and contains 6 AltoMixers giving 5,000-30,000 ft of elevation, 6 silos (CO<SUB>2</SUB> scrubbers) proving 12 hours of usage, a [[Pulse Oximeter]] and the masks.
* The starter kit is $190 and contains 3 AltoMixers giving 5,000-15,000 ft of elevation, 2 silos (CO<SUB>2</SUB> scrubbers) proving 4 hours of usage, and the masks.
* Replacement silos (CO<SUB>2</SUB> scrubbers) are $22
===AltiPower===
AltiPower uses a system that removes the CO<SUB>2</SUB> from the exhaled air that is then rebreathed. It is not clear how long the cartridges last, or what altitude is achieved. The system appears equivalent to [[AltoLab]], but significantly more expensive. http://www.altipower.com
* AltiPower Pro Kit, $1,000. Comes with 2 cartridges and [[Pulse Oximeter]]
* Replacement cartridges $100 each, $300 for four
===METOM===
A Russian company makes a similar rebreather system for 1000-1500 roubles (about USD 32 to 49). http://metom.narod.ru/hip.htm
==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, and they also offer training programs and consultations.
* 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)
===Higher Peak===
An established producer of competitively priced products. http://www.higherpeak.com/
* MAG-10, $2,550300. Provides 20,000 ft. Base price for generator only* MAG-10 with tent, $32,050550 (Tent only covers head and shoulders)* MAG-10 with mask, $2,800400* The MAG-10 with mask, [[Pulse Oximeter]], $2,900and Summit II generators look identical.
===Altitude Tech===
This Canadian company produces competitively priced products. http://www.altitudetech.ca/
==Semi-Permeable Membrane==
===GO2Altitude===
GO2Altitude focuses on systems for intermittent hypoxic training [[Intermittent Hypoxic Training]] rather than sleep systems and appear to use a semi-permeable membrane technique. The cheapest system is their One Person / Portable.Their focus seems to have changed to aviation usage and their web site is now http://www.hypoxic-training.com/* 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==
* [[The Science of Altitude Training 101]]
* [[Altitude Training Approaches]]
* [[Book Review - Altitude Training and Athletic Performance]]
* [[Intermittent Hypoxic Exposure]] and [[The Science of Intermittent Hypoxic Exposure 101]]
* [[AltoLab]]
* [[Pulse Oximeter]]
