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
SAFETY
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.
ABOUT IHT
Q. Can you briefly explain the training protocol?
A. You start IHT at lower simulated altitudes (higher
oxygen concentrations) and gradually increase the simulated altitude
every few days until you reach the highest altitude that you are comfortable
with and continue IHT at this level for the rest of the course.
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.
Q. How do people react to hypoxic exposure equivalent
to 17,000 feet (5200m)? Is it comfortable to sit and read or is it unpleasant?
A. The important thing to remember is that with IHT
you are not exposed to high simulated altitudes for prolonged periods,
each hypoxic interval would typically be no longer than 7 minutes. During
the hypoxic exposure you will have a minor increase in heart rate and
breathing (ventilation). There is no impairment to cognitive abilities
with short term exposure to these altitudes and the user typically does
not experience any unpleasant sensations if the standard protocols are
adhered to. On the contrary, the process is relaxing and has a calming
effect on almost everyone.
Q. 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?
A. Intermittent Hypoxic Training (IHT) implemented
in AltiPower® units is based on the scientific finding that the
maximum benefit of hypoxic stimulation is induced by repeated short
exposures LOW-HIGH-LOW, not by long durations of hypoxic breathing.
The short altitude exposure of IHT also allows for a considerably higher
altitude to be simulated compared to that used in "sleep"
systems. IHT is simply a more efficient technique.
ABOUT ALTIPOWER®
Q. Does the system have fail-safes against
dangerously low levels of oxygen?
A. AltiPower® is equipped with a patented system
to prevent the production of dangerously low oxygen air. When the device
is used as intended it can not produce air with less than 7%-8% oxygen.
In addition, the mask is hand held and can be removed at any time if
unpleasant sensations are experienced. In the worst case scenario of
the user fainting, the mask would come away from the face and allow
ambient air to be breathed. DO NOT STRAP ON THE MASK.
Q. How long will the AltiPower® cartridge last?
I need to know in order to purchase extra cartridges with my order.
A. The cartridges have a shelf life of up to 2 years.
In use each cartridge lasts a maximum of ten sessions OR 14 days after
removal from the original packaging. The exact number of sessions is
dependent upon the type of training selected (session duration and interval
timing), the use of the unit (SpO2 targets) and the particulars of the
person using it (such as lung volume and ventilation rates). Two cartridges
are supplied with each AltiPower Kit, typically allowing for a full
4-week IHT course. If you are planning to repeat IHT courses regularly,
or to conduct “top-up” sessions, it is advisable to purchase
spare cartridges with your AltiPower in order to save on freight. A
budget 4-cartridge pack is available from our E-shop
Q. Does AltiPower® require any maintenance?
A. Your AltiPower requires very little maintenance:
The breathing bags and cartridges are disposable and must be changed
when required and the other plastic components should be cleaned periodically
in warm water. Refer to the maintenance section of the manual.
Q. 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?
A. If your cartridge does not get warm anymore it is
an indication that the chemical (soda lime) is depleted. The cartridge
is no longer effectively removing CO2 and requires replacement. It is
recommended that you change your cartridge immediately to maximize the
benefits of IHT.
Q. What if I use an AltiPower cartridge for longer
than recommended?
A. The unit may no longer function correctly and the
efficiency of the training will be diminished. Breathing through the
device may become difficult or uncomfortable. The CO2 absorption capacity
of the chemical in the cartridge will be depleted and it is no longer
able to provide you with carbon dioxide-free air. Please follow the
recommendations.
Q. 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?
A. Most likely your AltiPower is assembled incorrectly
and you are simply breathing ambient air. Check whether the breathing
bag is installed correctly and all other parts are in place. Refer to
Getting Started and Assembly sections of the user manual / guide. Check
that the pulse oximeter is functioning correctly.
Q. 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?
A. Most likely your AltiPower is assembled incorrectly
and you are simply breathing ambient air. Check whether the breathing
bag is installed correctly and all other parts are in place. Refer to
Getting Started and Assembly sections of the user manual / guide. Use
a pulse oximeter to verify your blood oxygen saturation levels during
training.
Q. I feel drowsy, dizzy and / or nauseous when breathing
through the AltiPower mask. What should I do?
A. If you feel that these symptoms are too severe,
or you start to develop a headache, or have an abnormal heart rate,
or other unpleasant sensations, stop the session immediately. Consult
your healthcare practitioner before continuing your IHT course.
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.
Q. Can I lend my AltiPower Portable Hypoxicator to
a friend of mine?
A. No. Your hypoxicator is a device with a semi-closed
re-breathing circuit. The air exhaled by an individual may be contaminated
with bacteria or viruses, which may be passed onto another user. As
the unit cannot be sterilized– the chances of cross-infection
are quite high and we advice not to take the risk.
Q. Can I exercise while using AltiPower?
A. No. The AltiPower is designed for use at rest. It
will not function correctly at the higher ventilation rates present
during exercise. Relax and gain the benefits of IHT – let the
simulated altitude do the training.
SPORTS APPLICATIONS
Try AltiPower®
new consultation service for advice on optimising you simulated
altitude training.
Q. Since breathing hypoxic air is a stress, will this
hurt my training?
A. The stress that the body experiences while breathing
hypoxic air can has virtually the same effect as exercise (but without
physical exertion). Following the supplied training protocols and recommendations
should help to avoid overtraining, but be aware that IHT will add to
your overall training load.
Q. Will I have to cut back on my physical training
as a result of IHT?
A. Unlike staying at an altitude camp, using AltiPower®
does not require that you cut back on your conventional training. However,
on “hard days”, when you exercise at particular high intensities,
you may notice that your SpO2 drops noticeably quicker compared to the
days when you are off your training. You may wish to reduce the duration
of the IHT session if you feel that it is a bit too challenging.
Q. I would like to have a feel for how I can incorporate
IHT into my training without having to make major changes to what is
already working well.
A. Using IHT 3-5 times a week will increase your body’s
ability to supply and utilise oxygen, therefore increasing overall efficiency
of your systems. You can also expect to cut your recovery time. Since
IHT requires no more than 90 minutes per day, it should not infringe
significantly on your current regime. In effect most of the people enjoy
IHT as a very pleasant and relaxing time - you can read or watch TV
while your body "exercises" at high altitude.
Q. Suppose I train twice a day (ride in the morning,
workout in the evening), could I maintain this schedule and do IHT after
the evening workout, just before going to bed?
A. You can do IHT at any time convenient for you. The
only requirement is – CONSIDER IHT AS A TRAINING SESSION and do
not mix it with your other conventional training. Finish IHT at least
1.5-2 hours before normal training or start IHT 1-1.5 hours after completing
physical workouts to avoid overtraining. Using IHT in the evening is
fine (a bit tough after a good dinner though): you may find that IHT
has a sedative effect and will result in great sleep.
Q. Who are the users of IHT equipment?
A. Our equipment is used by hundreds of top elite athletes
world-wide. As most of the elite athletes do not like to share their
training secrets we respect their privacy and not to disclose names.
Scientific research indicates significant improvements even in highly
trained athletes. Performance increases in both aerobic and anaerobic
systems resulting from IHT have been recorded. Reduction in athlete’s
recovery time and overall body efficiency during exercise was demonstrated
by various independent researchers.
Q. Is there any reported data on actual performance
improvement in elite athletes?
A. Visit our RESARCH and PUBLICATIONS pages for more
data on research done. Double-blind placebo controlled study once again
reinforces the fact that IHT does improve athletic performance even
in elite athletes. Normally an athlete can expect a boost in the range
of 1-4%. More publications to follow shortly.
We here at BIOMEDTECH are available
to help you with any questions that you may have. If you can not find
an answer to you question above, feel free to contact us directly:
Email: support@altipower.com
International Office. Melbourne, Australia
BIOMEDTECH AUSTRALIA PTY LTD
17 Roberna St., Moorabbin
VIC 3189, MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA
Ph: +613 9553 7200
Free call: 1800 00 6956
FAX: +613 9553 7299