AltiPower Frequently Asked Questions. Simulated altitude training.
We are happy to address any of your questions or concerns. Please check our frequently asked questions below as you may find the answer you are looking for. If not, you can contact us on the details listed at the bottom of this page. If you have a question related to the efficiency of your IHT, we would recommend to use our professional online consultation service.
AltiPower is intended for use by generally healthy people. If you are unsure if you should use AltiPower, please consult your healthcare practitioner. The device is able to deliver oxygen levels that simulate extreme altitudes and must only be used according to instructions provided with the device. Prolonged (continuous exposure longer than 30 minutes) low levels of arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2) below 83% or, in highly trained individuals, below 80% are dangerous and must be avoided in all cases! Appropriate selection of intensity, duration and interval timing of exposure will prevent such prolonged decreases in SpO2.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: Intermittent Hypoxic Training (IHT) is contraindicated in (i.e. must not be conducted by) people with; acute somatic or viral diseases, severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), intolerance to oxygen insufficiency, disease with symptoms of decompensation, terminal illness or cancer.
Those with the following conditions should seek advise, approval and close supervision by a licensed healthcare practitioner familiar with IHT; epilepsy, pacemakers or heart arrhythmia, chronic fatigue and women in the first trimester of pregnancy or with a history of miscarriages.
Safety
I am ordering online, how long will the shipment take?
Will I need to order additional items to make the AltiPower Pro Kit operational?
For ongoing use of the AltiPower, what do I need to order?
How high in altitude can I go with AltiPower?
How often should I change the breathing bag?
How does the AltiPower compare to other hand-held hypoxicators for example, rebreathers?
What would be the ongoing or operational costs?
Can two/three people use the hypoxicator device?
About IHT
Can you briefly explain the training protocol?
The pulse oximeter will allow you to monitor your individual reaction to hypoxic air breathing by providing a reading of the level of arterial blood oxygen saturation (SpO2). This allows for accurate control of your training session.
Session duration is between 60 min (for the majority of people) and up to 120min (for extreme sports). Each session consists of alternating hypoxic (mask) breathing with breaks of ambient air breathing.
A training course normally comprises of 15 – 20 sessions over a 3-4 week period. After that you can continue your IHT in maintenance mode OR repeat full courses 3-4 times per years, depending on your objectives.
How do people react to hypoxic exposure equivalent to 17,000 feet (5200m)? Is it comfortable to sit and read or is it unpleasant?
How can you have the same result by using AltiPower® for only one hour a day when you would sleep in an altitude tent for 8 hours a day?
About Altipower®
Does the system have fail-safes against dangerously low levels of oxygen?
The pulse oximeter will allow you to monitor your individual reaction to hypoxic air breathing by providing a reading of the level of arterial blood oxygen saturation (SpO2). This allows for accurate control of your training session.
Session duration is between 60 min (for the majority of people) and up to 120min (for extreme sports). Each session consists of alternating hypoxic (mask) breathing with breaks of ambient air breathing.
A training course normally comprises of 15 – 20 sessions over a 3-4 week period. After that you can continue your IHT in maintenance mode OR repeat full courses 3-4 times per years, depending on your objectives.
How long will the AltiPower® cartridge last? I need to know in order to purchase extra cartridges with my order.
Does AltiPower® require any maintenance?
I noticed during first 5-8 sessions the cartridge became warm. Now it stays cool even after 20 or 30 minutes. What does it mean?
What if I use an AltiPower cartridge for longer than recommended?
I am wearing the pulse oximeter, but the reading of SpO2 does not decrease, even after 1 or 2 minutes of breathing through AltiPower. What is wrong?
I have an oxygen analyser fitted to the hypoxicator, however there is no noticeable change in its reading even if I fully extend the receiver cage. What is wrong?
I feel drowsy, dizzy and / or nauseous when breathing through the AltiPower mask. What should I do?
Mild dizziness, drowsiness and / or slight nausea are sometimes initial reactions to hypoxic training, particularly if you have not
lived at high altitude or performed any hypoxic training before. Try to reduce the simulated altitude (increase your SpO2) during the hypoxic interval. The symptoms generally recede after a couple of sessions as you begin to acclimatize to the simulated altitude.