Our Altitude Generator is used with a tent to create a hypoxic (low oxygen) environment for sleeping. The generator takes in normal room air and removes some of the oxygen, then pumping this low-oxygen air flows into the tent. The tent is not completely sealed so that hypoxic air is continually being flushed through the tent at a rate of up to 110 litres per minute. This keeps your air supply fresh, clean and safe. We provide an oxygen analyser allowing you to measure the impact that this has upon your blood oxygen levels when inside the tent.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Answers to the most common questions we get asked!
ALTITUDE GENERATOR
How much is the running cost?
Despite the continuous high performance of our Altitude Generator, it has a low operating cost.10 hours of continuous use (i.e. for one night) costs approximately £1.50.
What is the power source?
The electrical requirement is 220-240 V and 50-60Hz.
How much noise does the Altitude Generator make?
The Altitude Generator produces a noise of 50 dBA (similar to the sound of a quiet office) and can be described as a low humming noise. However, with our combination of silencer technology, silencer bag and tent framework this reduces background noise to 40dBA (similar to the sound of light rain) and completely silences the noise of airflow.
To minimise sleep disruption, we recommend wearing ear plugs and an eye mask (both provided). Further to this, it is also possible to position the generator outside the room you are sleeping in.
What happens if there is a power cut?
If there is a power failure and airflow from the generator stops, room air can enter your tent through the gaps around the edges. This will allow you to continue breathing as in any normal tent.
Is it safe?
ALTITUDE GENERATOR
Yes, providing the equipment is used correctly and our guidelines are followed. You will be breathing in the same air that you normally breathe, just with a lower concentration of oxygen (the same as going up a mountain). The human body initiates a series of physiological adjustments to compensate for this, which result in the desired adaptations that can improve performance. However, we recommend that you should speak to your doctor before using any of our products.
SLEEPING AT ALTITUDE
How long do I need to sleep at altitude before I see results?
Within hours of being in the altitude tent, your kidneys will begin producing more of the hormone (EPO) that increases your red blood cell count. Typically, training is harder for the first 1-2 weeks, before noticing improvements in performance from 2 weeks onwards. For maximum benefit, we recommend spending 4-6 weeks (of 8-12 hours per night). However, everyone responds at slightly different rates and some individuals may notice differences sooner. If you don’t usually sleep for 8-12 hours per night, consider relaxing in your tent (e.g. reading a book, working or watching a programme on your laptop) for a couple of hours before going to sleep to extend your exposure time to the optimal duration.
How can I monitor my responses to sleeping at altitude?
It is recommended that you measure your oxygen saturation (SPO2) levels every morning using a pulse oximeter inside the tent. A pulse oximeter estimates the percentage of oxygen in your blood. At sea-level you can expect your SPO2 to be close to 100% at rest. When sleeping at altitude, your SPO2 should be ~90-94% to stimulate an increase in your red blood cells..
Will sleeping at altitude affect my training?
If you follow the guidelines provided with your Stealth Generator, sleeping at altitude should not affect your training. You will be able to continue training as normal. However, you may experience a small reduction in sleep quality initially, as you adjust to the lower oxygen level and a change in sleeping environment.
What happens if I sleep too high?
Your sleep quality will certainly be affected and you may experience mild symptoms such a headache, fatigue and dehydration. This is why it is important to increase the altitude you sleep at gradually, following the guidelines that are provided with your Stealth Generator.
Should I sleep at altitude all year round?
For optimal adaptation and performance, sleeping at altitude should be split into periods, just like your training is. Guidelines for optimal use will be provided with your Stealth Generator.
How long should I stop sleeping in the tent before a big race?
We recommend that you practice this in training or for a low-key race first. Typically, we’d suggest coming out of the tent 1-3 nights or 10 nights before a big race. Remember to factor in nights away from home if you’re traveling abroad or a long-distance to a race.
Who can benefit from sleeping at altitude and do I have to be an elite athlete?
You don’t need to be an elite athlete to benefit. We have many satisfied clients of different athletic abilities who have improved their performance through sleeping at altitude. We also have non-athlete clients who use our products to improve their general health and wellbeing.
What is the difference between training at altitude and sleeping at altitude?
‘Live High, Train Low’ is the simulated altitude training method that best describes sleeping in an altitude tent. This traditional method provides enough exposure to altitude overnight to stimulate the production of new red blood cells, whilst still allowing you to produce quality training at sea-level during the day. Whilst sleeping at altitude, your training program can be supplemented with training sessions at altitude to enhance tolerance and accelerate adaptation to altitude. Although a ‘Live Low, Train High’ strategy alone is unlikely to produce the same physiological and performance benefits as sleeping at altitude.
Will I lose weight from sleeping at altitude?
There is evidence that altitude exposure can lead to weight loss, due to an increase in metabolism and increased production of appetite-suppressing hormones. It’s important to stay hydrated and monitor your body weight during altitude exposure, as large fluctuations can increase the risk of injury and illness.
Are there any other adaptations I can expect from sleeping at altitude?
An increase in red blood cells has been shown to increase VO2max (i.e. your aerobic capacity) and endurance performance. Your ability to recover within and between training sessions will also be improved, therefore allowing you to train harder and achieve greater increases in speed, strength and endurance.
Should I be taking any supplements to support physiological adaptation?
Check out our blogpost “Nutrition at Altitude”. In summary, exposure to altitude increases the body’s need for iron, to support the increase in new red blood cell production. Some individuals may need to supplement with iron whilst sleeping at altitude to ensure optimal adaptation and to maintain a healthy iron balance. However, we recommend that you consult your doctor before taking supplements to determine your current iron level and whether additional supplementation is required.
Are there any scientific studies that prove this works?
Check out our blogpost “Science Behind cont.” for research articles relating to altitude training and simulation.
Do you offer a coaching service to complement the altitude system?
This is something we are working on. However we can offer general advice, so please get in touch.
What is your returns policy?
We offer returns for our single bed tents and exercise systems within 14 days of delivery (we do not cover cost of return). As the double bed tents are specifically tailor-made upon order, these are not included within our return policy.
