Mt. Everest Altitude Acclimatization

Altitude Acclimatization

We are all using an altitude simulator to prepare us for the high altitudes we will be hiking at on route to Mt. Everest.  We are using a machine called Higher Peak Mag 20.  It generates low oxygen air for altitude acclimatization.  In essence, it simulates the high altitudes in which there is less oxygen, this prepares us by increasing our red blood cell density.

David uses an interval hypoxic training approach - basically 5 minutes of breathing with a mask and the generator and 5 minutes off for about an hour each day.

The interval approach is a bit of a pain or inconvenient, because it gets in the way of his gaming.  Following a 5 minute schedule is also inconvenient for us because we can not do anything else during that period of time. We have to be there to connect and disconnect the machine every 5 minutes. 

ALTITUDE ACCLIMATIZATION 
(interval hypoxic training)
(click above)

We sleep in a tent over our bed.  It is connected to the generator for 6 to 8 hours. We are not comfortable with David using the tent approach quite yet, possibly in time.  In the meantime, we are sticking with the interval approach because we like being present and observing at all times. 

ALTITUDE ACCLIMATIZATION 
(tent)
(click above)

The tent approach make us a bit more tired in the morning.  However, one side benefit is that we are either losing weight or stabling our weight regardless of what we eat the day before. This is not a recommended dieting approach, just an unexpected side benefit.

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