What Are Hypoxic Tents?

Athletes strive to gain a competitive edge when they can. Although illegal means of ramping up performance such as steroid use tend to get headlines, other ways may also be effective. Some athletes consider training at high altitude to be a good method to gain a competitive edge. Hypoxic tents represent one of the newest ways to use altitude to one's advantage.

  1. Theory

    • The theory regarding high-altitude training involves the air pressure difference. Air is thinner at higher altitude, containing less oxygen than at sea level. In response to the depleted oxygen, the body sends more red blood cells through the bloodstream, attempting to return oxygen levels to the previous state. The theory states that the body retains the extra blood cells for some time even at a lower elevation, so the extra oxygen in the bloodstream should increase athletic performance.

    Research

    • Some studies indicate that the best results for athletes wanting to use altitude to increase oxygenation follow the LHTL (live high, train low) method. Some research focused specifically on the use of artificial sleeping environments to simulate high altitude, defined in these studies as between 7,200 and 9,800 feet while training at approximately 4,100 feet. Though not all participants saw dramatic results, many experienced a tangible increase in oxygen levels and better athletic performance.

    Tents

    • Hypoxic tents are portable versions of the tents used in such studies. The tents are small enough to place on top of a bed or mattress. A generator pumps oxygen-depleted air into the tent to mimic the conditions at higher altitude. The idea behind hypoxic tents is that athletes can sleep inside them to trick the body into increasing the flow of red blood cells. Some consider tents a cost-effective and safe method of increasing athletic performance.

    Mountain Climbing

    • Hypoxic tents may also help mountain climbers at altitude and even save lives. According to the Mayo Clinic, as many as 20 percent of climbers who venture above 6,300 feet experience altitude sickness. Early symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness and difficulty sleeping, but if left unchecked it can lead to pulmonary and cerebral edema, both of which may be fatal. Moving to a lower altitude, such as simulated by a hypoxic tent, may bring relief for altitude sickness.