You need to be in a healthy state, have adequate base fitness, make sure that you are not overtraining and your iron levels are within normal range.

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!

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.

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.

For best results, 3-4 weeks of consistent training.

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.

It is always better to test your body's responses to altitude before completing a full race preparation.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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. 

Some adaptations and improvements are permanent, others may last ~2–4 weeks, so racing within that window is ideal. Think of it like strength training: if you don't use your muscles, they eventually start weakening. Same happens with altitude training.

Our altitude generator can simulate altitude up to 7000m

Not really. While a higher VO₂ max means you have a greater capacity to transport and use oxygen at sea level, altitude tolerance is influenced by several additional factors - and fitness alone does not guarantee better adaptation.

At altitude (or during simulated hypoxia), the body responds to reduced oxygen availability. Two athletes with similar VO₂ max values can react very differently depending on:

• Individual ventilatory response to hypoxia
• Hemoglobin mass and iron status
• Genetic predisposition
• Previous altitude exposure
• Hydration and recovery status

In fact, highly trained endurance athletes sometimes experience a larger relative drop in performance at altitude because they rely heavily on high oxygen flux to sustain their power output.

The good news is that altitude tolerance can be improved progressively. With structured exposure, gradual increases in simulated altitude, and proper monitoring (for example using a pulse oximeter), most athletes can adapt safely and effectively - regardless of their starting VO₂ max.

Altitude response is individual. Smart progression always beats ego.

Around ≤48db. For sleeping we recommend to put the generator in a different room than the one you are sleeping in.

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.

When used correctly and within recommended pressure ranges, hyperbaric chambers are considered safe for healthy individuals. Proper instruction and screening are essential, especially for first-time users.

Altitude training limits oxygen availability to stimulate adaptation, while hyperbaric exposure increases oxygen availability to accelerate recovery. They target different physiological goals and can complement each other when used correctly.

A hyperbaric chamber is a pressurised environment where you breathe air (or oxygen) at higher-than-normal atmospheric pressure, increasing the amount of oxygen dissolved in your blood and delivered to tissues.

Our hyperbaric chambers operate at up to 2.0 ATA (atmospheres absolute). 2.0 ATA is widely used in clinical hyperbaric settings and provides a strong therapeutic oxygen stimulus while maintaining a favorable safety profile when protocols are followed correctly.

Pressures above 2.0 ATA are typically reserved for hospital-based medical hyperbaric therapy and should only be used under strict medical supervision.

Higher pressures:

• Increase the risk of oxygen toxicity,
• Raise the likelihood of barotrauma (ear, sinus, or lung pressure injuries)
• Require more advanced medical monitoring and emergency protocols
• Are generally unnecessary for performance, recovery, and wellness applications

For athletic recovery, general wellness, and many clinical-adjacent uses, 2.0 ATA already delivers substantial increases in dissolved oxygen in plasma, supporting tissue oxygenation, recovery, and physiological adaptation - without the elevated risk profile of higher pressures.

If you are seeking hyperbaric therapy for a specific medical condition, we always recommend consulting a qualified medical professional to determine the appropriate protocol.

This depends on training load, recovery needs, and goals. Some athletes use it 1–2 times per week for maintenance, while others use more frequent sessions during high-intensity or competition phases.

The increased pressure allows more oxygen to reach muscles, connective tissue, and the nervous system, supporting faster recovery, reduced inflammation, and improved tissue repair after intense training or competition.

No. While it’s commonly used for injury recovery, many athletes use hyperbaric sessions proactively to improve recovery between hard training blocks, manage fatigue, and maintain consistency over long seasons.

Hyperbaric chambers don’t replace training, but they support the physiological processes that allow you to train harder and recover faster - indirectly enhancing performance by improving readiness and reducing downtime.

All orders are shipped from Portugal (EU).

Yes. We ship worldwide.

Please note:

• Orders shipped outside the European Union may be subject to customs duties, import taxes, or clearance fees
• These costs are not included in the product price or shipping fee
• Any customs-related charges are the responsibility of the customer

We recommend checking your local import regulations before placing an order.

Estimated delivery times:

• Portugal: 1–3 business days
• European Union: 3–7 business days
• Outside the EU: 7–14+ business days (depending on destination and customs)

Delivery times may vary due to customs processing, local couriers, or peak periods.

Shipping costs are calculated at checkout based on:

• Destination
• Package size and weight
• Selected shipping method

No.
Rental services are available exclusively in Portugal.

If you are located outside Portugal, you are welcome to purchase equipment, but rentals cannot be shipped internationally.

Yes, for purchased products only.

You may return unused products within 14 days of delivery, in accordance with EU consumer law, provided that:

• The item is unused and in original condition
• All original packaging and accessories are included

No.
Rental equipment is non-returnable and non-refundable once the rental period has started, unless otherwise stated in your rental agreement.

Return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer

Original shipping fees are non-refundable.

If your order arrives damaged or defective, please contact us within 48 hours of delivery with:

• Your order number
• Photos or videos of the issue

We’ll assess the situation and offer a replacement or solution where applicable.

To initiate a return, please contact us at info@kilimaperformance.com before sending anything back.
Unannounced returns may not be accepted.