Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

An improved breathing method and apparatus for enabling a user, while at low altitude, e.g. sea level, to acclimate himself to high altitude conditions. The apparatus includes an inspiratory tube and an expiratory tube and means for selectively mixing a certain portion of oxygen-reduced expired air with ambient air to supply air for inspiration. The first ends of the inspiratory and expiratory tubes are coupled to a mouth and/or nose breathing mask. The remote end of the expiratory tube is coupled through a proportioning means to the environment and to a reservoir or air storage chamber. The remote end of the inspiratory tube is also coupled to the proportioning means so as to pull ambient air from the environment, as well as oxygen-reduced air from the reservoir. By varying the proportioning means, the ratio of ambient air to expired air, and thus the oxygen concentration of the inspired air, is varied so as to enable the user to select the particular elevated altitude to be simulated. Means are included for adjusting the range over which said proportioning means can be varied. Means are also included for adjusting the proportion of expired air which is caused to flow through CO.sub. 2 absorber material prior to being inspired.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim