Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use AltoLab right before an event?
No, it is not recommended. It's much like weight lifting just before a
competition. It will temporarily make you weaker.

How long should I wait before my event after using the AltoLab?
You should wait at least 2-3 days if you are a 1st time user.                       
Experienced AltoLab users can shorten this to 1-2 days.

Is AltoLab only used for adaptation tor high elevation competitions?
No. Adaptation to AltoLab benefits users at all elevations.

Does AltoLab benefit athletes for competition at both low and high
elevations?
Yes. It works for competition at all altitudes.

Does AltoLab only benefit endurance athletes?
No. It benefits all types of sports where cardio- and speed are essential.
This includes football, basketball, soccer, rugby, tennis, squash, track &
field, scuba diving, hiking, skiing and boxing, as well as cycling, triathlons,
swimming, long-distance running and mountain climbing.

What makes AltoLab better than altitude tents and actually living at
high elevations?
AltoLab is the cheapest and most effective altitude method available. It
allows you to use it anywhere, any time. You are exposed to reduced
oxygen levels for brief, 6-minute intervals that your body responds to as if
you were actually living at high altitude. The key is using the finger
oximeter which lets you know exactly how your body is responding to the
reduced oxygen. No more guess work, unlike using an altitude tent. It also
enables you to recover quickly because you breathe normal air between
each 6-minute interval.

Does each person respond differently when using AltoLab?
Yes. People respond differently regardless of their level of fitness.           
Some people have a natural, genetic adaptation to high altitudes.            
Such individuals will require more AltoMixers to lower their blood             
O2 levels.

Should I use AltoLab while training or at rest?
Use it while at rest, during the day when it's most convenient. Most          
users use it during the evening, before bedtime, while watching TV.

How many AltoLab sessions are necessary to see a benefit?
First time users should use it for 15 days straight. The altitude                  
benefit last for 15-21days. After that do 5-day top ups.

What is a top up?
To maintain the altitude benefit, it is only necessary to do 5 days of          
AltoLab sessions. The benefit lasts 15-21 days. Time these                   
sessions to occur between your events.

Does repeated, continuous AltoLab use during the season give
cumulative benefit?
Yes. We have observed this in a number of athletes.

Can I do more than one, 1-hr session per day to accelerate my altitude
training?
It is not recommended, but if you do a second session, wait at               
least 8 hrs between sessions. This will be more effective than two, 1-hr
sessions done back-to-back.

What is the difference between the hypoxic silo and the altomixer?
The silo contains a chemical absorbent that removes CO2 from the   air
you exhale. The silo has to be replaced after 2-3 hrs of use. The AltoMixer
dilutes the oxygen content of inhaled air. They are used together in a stack
that  consists of 1-6 AltoMixers. Each AltoMixer equals approx. 5,000 ft. of
elevation. AltoMixers are reused and last indefinitely.

How many silos do I use at one time?
One.

Do I use 1 silo regardless of how many mixers are  used at one time?
Yes.

How many days do the mixers last?
Indefinite. But they need to be washed between uses.

How many days does the silo last?
About 2-3 sessions, depending on your size and weight.

Is there anything that causes the silo to expire more rapidly?
Large people (over 200 lbs.) who generate more CO2 and tend to deplete
silos more rapidly than smaller individuals.

Do I attach the silo to the bottom or top of the mixer stack?
The silo is attached to the top of the stack.

Where does the bacterial/particle filter attach?
The particle filter is attached to the bottom of the breathing tube.

What parts of the system are washed?
The AltoMixers, AltoLid, mouthpiece, tube and connectors

Do I wash the bacterial/particle filter or hypoxic silo?
No, never.

What happens if the bacterial/particle filter accidentally gets wet?
Switch to a dry filter and allow the wet filter to dry out

Should I wash the silos between sessions?
No. Never allow the silos to get wet. Moisture will inactivate the silo and
ruin int.

Sometimes I notice that air flow is restricted when I breathe through
the tube. Is that normal?
This indicates excess moisture in the bacterial filter.

After using the tube for several internals moisture builds up in the tube.
Is that normal?
Yes, this is normal condensation of the moisture you exhale.

Should I remove the excess moisture buildup in the tube?
Yes. Disconnect the tube and use a whipping action to remove the
condensation.


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