FAQ
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Training
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Make sure you are in a healthy state, you have adequate base fitness, you are not overtraining and your iron levels are within normal range.
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Not necessarily, but it's recommended for structured training plans.
We can refer you to an altitude specialized sport scientist for a consultation or a performance coach for a personalized training plan.
If you have any health concerns, always consult your doctor before starting any form of altitude training!
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No. According to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), simulated altitude training is not considered doping. Devices such as hypoxic tents, altitude generators, and training masks are fully permitted under current regulations. Unlike banned substances or methods that artificially manipulate blood or oxygen transport (e.g. EPO injections or blood transfusions), simulated altitude stimulates your body’s natural physiological adaptations through legal and non-invasive means.
At KILIMA Performance, we believe simulated altitude training helps level the playing field between athletes who live at or near altitude and those based at sea level.
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Real altitude occurs when you are physically at high elevations, like on a mountain. In these environments, the air pressure is lower than at sea level, which means that although the percentage of oxygen in the air remains the same (~20,9%), you get less oxygen because each breath contains fewer oxygen molecules due to lower partial pressure of oxygen. This places greater stress on the body’s respiratory and cardiovascular systems, often leading to stronger physiological adaptations, but also carries higher risks, like altitude sickness and reduced training capacity.
Simulated altitude mimics the oxygen-reduced environment of high altitude without changing the air pressure. Instead, the oxygen concentration in the air is reduced (e.g. from ~20,9% down to 12-15%) while pressure remains at sea-level norms. This approach triggers similar physiological responses - like improved oxygen efficiency - but generally causes less respiratory strain and oxidative stress than real altitude. It offers a safer, more controlled, and more accessible alternative for training or therapeutic use.
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You should schedule your altitude training according to your race schedule or planned trip to altitude. For most people, the following best practices work:
- Live Low Train High: Stop altitude training ~3–7 days before the race.
- Live High Train Low: Stop altitude training ~7–14 days before the race.
- For acclimatization purposes only, stop using it ~0-2 days before your travel to altitude.
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Yes, but try to keep the interruptions to a minimum.
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It depends on the goal. To improve athletic performance, between 2000-3000m, for high-mountain expeditions you can gradually increase to the target altitude. It also highly depends on each person's tolerance of altitude. Use the pulse oximeter to monitor your oxygen saturation in the tent.
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Between 2500-4500m, but it highly depends on the type of training and each person's tolerance of altitude. Always use the pulse oximeter to monitor your oxygen saturation during training.
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Absolutely not! Above ~3000 m, the risks (fatigue, poor training, illness) often outweigh the rewards. High altitudes increase the risk of overtraining, immune suppression, sleep disruption, and acute mountain sickness, which can ruin preparation. For most athletes, moderate altitude done well beats high altitude done badly.
However, if you are preparing for a high-mountain expedition, you should gradually acclimatize yourself to your target altitude.
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For basic tracking, monitor your oxygen saturation (SpO₂), resting heart rate and heart rate variability (HRV), and performance improvements. For more detailed insights, you can get blood tests (e.g. hemoglobin mass, EPO) or visit a performance lab to assess VO₂ Max, lactate threshold, and other advanced metrics.
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Results vary among individuals, but typically after 2-4 weeks of consistent use (regular training sessions and/or exposure of at least 12+ hours/day). The more exposure, the faster the results.
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For best results, 3-4 weeks of consistent training.
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Some adaptations and improvements are permanent, others may last ~2–4 weeks, so racing within that window is ideal.
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The air restricting masks are often misunderstood as altitude training, but they do not reduce the level of oxygen, they only restrict airflow, hence only increase respiratory muscle effort. Therefore, it offers very limited physiological adaptations (breathing efficiency and respiratory muscle strength) and no adaptations to altitude.
Equipment and setup
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Our altitude generator can simulate altitude up to 7000m.
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The power consumption of the generator is 500VA.
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The bed should be minimum 150x200 cm.
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Around ≤48db. For sleeping we recommend to put the generator in a different room than the one you are sleeping in. Our setup includes extra hoses, so we can create the perfect setup for you!
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Once installed, the generator should remain in place - do not move it between rooms or transport it to other locations.
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Always operate the generator in a well-ventilated area without high humidity, ensuring at least 1 metre of clearance on all sides for proper airflow. Do not place objects on top of the unit or position it under tables or enclosed spaces. The first-stage filter must be cleaned weekly according to the instructions provided. Once installed, the generator should remain in place - do not move it between rooms or transport it to other locations.
Rental
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We currently deliver rentals to the area of Porto, but for longer rentals we may deliver to other areas of Portugal. Contact us directly for a special offer!
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We do not offer self-installation options. Incorrect installation might lead to equipment damages. We also provide instructions for use during the installation process.
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While we do our best to accommodate your chosen delivery date, the exact timing of delivery and installation depends on the availability of our team. After you place your rental order, we will contact you directly to coordinate a suitable date and time. Once agreed, we will update your order in the system accordingly.
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The disassembly and collection date will be arranged in coordination with the customer and is subject to the availability of our team.
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Yes, but only if we have the rented products available during the extension period. Contact us at [email protected] if you want to extend your rental period.
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The minimum rental period is two weeks, and all rentals are billed in weekly increments. If your rental has not yet begun, we can adjust the duration, provided it remains at or above the two-week minimum. Any reduction will be refunded on a per-week basis. Once the rental period has started, we can shorten the rental period but without any refunds. Contact us at [email protected] if you wish to shorten your rental period.
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Yes, if your rental period has not started yet, you may cancel your rental anytime. Contact us at [email protected] if you wish to cancel or modify your rental.
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Yes, a security deposit may be required; however, it may not fully cover the cost of any potential damage. The customer is responsible for covering the full cost of all damages, regardless of the deposit amount.
Shipping and returns
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We currently deliver within the EU.
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We ship the products within 48 hours and the delivery may take 1-2 weeks, but we will inform you about expected delivery date at the time of the order.
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We provide a limited warranty for manufacturing defects for a period of 2 years from the date of delivery. This warranty does not cover consumables, wear and tear, misuse, unauthorised modifications, or failure to follow instructions. For more information, see our Terms and Conditions page.
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Yes, if you are a customer located within the European Union, you have the right to return eligible products purchased online within 14 days of receiving them, in accordance with EU consumer protection laws. For more information, see our Terms and Conditions page.