Knowledge base

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about altitude wellness and oxygen enrichment.

26 entries

General

Altitude sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), occurs when your body struggles to adapt to reduced oxygen levels at high elevations. Studies show that 75% of visitors experience some symptoms at 8,000 feet. Common symptoms include headaches, sleeplessness, fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, and nausea. Anyone can be affected regardless of age, fitness level, or previous high-altitude experience.

Our oxygen enrichment system increases the oxygen concentration in your room from 20.9% to approximately 23–26% — simulating an elevation drop of 5,000’ or more. This helps your body get the oxygen it needs without requiring weeks of acclimatization. Most users report immediate relief from symptoms like headaches and better sleep quality from the first night.

No, our system is completely different. We don’t use stored oxygen or medical-grade oxygen. Instead, we separate oxygen from the existing air using molecular sieve technology, slightly enriching your indoor air. This makes it much safer (no fire risk from stored oxygen) and more convenient (no tanks to refill). This is not a medical device and is not intended to treat any medical conditions.

Most people notice improvements within hours, especially with symptoms like headaches. Sleep quality typically improves from the first night. Full acclimatization benefits are usually experienced within 2–3 days of use. Athletes and active individuals often report enhanced recovery and performance within the first week.

Altitude Solutions has been the pioneer in residential and commercial oxygen enrichment since 2005. Founded by a medical professional who experienced altitude sickness firsthand, we’ve installed over 1,000 systems across mountain communities. We’re a Colorado-based company with 100% of our manufacturing done locally. Our team includes medical professionals, engineers, and altitude wellness experts.

We’ve installed systems throughout Colorado’s mountain communities including Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge, Telluride, Beaver Creek, Steamboat Springs, and Crested Butte. We also serve mountain communities in Utah (Park City, Deer Valley), Montana (Big Sky), Wyoming (Jackson Hole), and other high-altitude locations across North America.

Installation

A white three-port oxygen outlet plate set into a pale wall.
Oxygen outlets installed in real homes — indistinguishable from standard fixtures.

Installation typically takes 1–2 days and involves:

  1. Site assessment to determine optimal equipment placement
  2. Installing the oxygen enrichment machinery (usually in a mechanical room, crawl space, or garage)
  3. Running proprietary tubing through walls to designated rooms
  4. Installing elegant diffusers that blend with your decor
  5. System testing and calibration

Our certified technicians handle everything with minimal disruption to your home.

Yes. We specialize in retrofit installations for existing homes. Our experienced technicians are experts at running tubing through existing walls with minimal visible impact. We use existing HVAC chases, attic spaces, and wall cavities. Most installations leave no visible trace except for the elegant oxygen outlet ports in each room.

Each oxygen enrichment machine is about the size of a large dehumidifier (approximately 2 × 2 × 2 ft). It’s typically installed in a mechanical room, garage, or crawl space. The unit needs adequate ventilation and should be in a temperature-controlled space. Individual room sensors and controls are small and unobtrusive, similar to a thermostat.

Yes. Most clients start with the primary bedroom since sleep quality is often the main concern. Popular configurations include: Primary bedroom only, all bedrooms, bedrooms plus home gym, or wellness rooms. You can always add rooms later — our system is designed to be expandable.

Yes, we handle all necessary permits and documentation. We’re familiar with local building codes and HOA requirements in all major mountain communities. Our team will work with your HOA, property management, or building department to ensure full compliance.

Health benefits

Yes, improved sleep is our most reported benefit. At high altitude, many people experience fragmented sleep, frequent waking, and morning headaches. Our system helps normalize your breathing patterns during sleep, reducing sleep interruptions and improving overall sleep quality. Clinical studies show that oxygen enrichment can improve sleep efficiency by up to 40% at altitude.

Yes. Athletes and fitness enthusiasts report faster recovery, improved endurance, and better performance. The enriched oxygen environment helps reduce lactic acid buildup, speeds muscle recovery, and allows you to maintain closer to sea-level exercise capacity. Many professional athletes training in mountain communities use our systems for recovery.

Yes, our system is safe for all ages. In fact, children and elderly individuals often benefit the most as they can be more susceptible to altitude effects. The gentle oxygen enrichment helps everyone in the family feel better, sleep better, and enjoy mountain living more fully. The system includes safety features and operates within completely safe oxygen levels.

Many users report that the system helps with both. Alcohol effects are intensified at altitude, and the enriched oxygen environment can help your body process toxins more efficiently. For jet lag, the improved sleep quality and oxygen availability help your body adjust to time changes more quickly, similar to how pilots use oxygen to combat fatigue.

There are no known negative side effects from using our oxygen enrichment system. The increased oxygen levels we provide simulate a lower and more comfortable elevation and are well within safe ranges. Unlike medical oxygen (which can be 95–100%), our gentle enrichment poses no risks. The system includes multiple safety features and automatic shutoffs.

Technical

Our system uses Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) technology with molecular sieve filters to separate oxygen from regular air. Air is drawn in, nitrogen is filtered out, and oxygen-enriched air is distributed to your rooms. Each OxySpace Oxygen Enrichment Machine produces 90% pure oxygen that’s mixed with room air to achieve a simulated elevation drop of 5,000’ or more.

No. This is a key safety advantage of our system. We don’t store any oxygen — we generate it on-demand from ambient air. Without stored oxygen, there’s no fire risk. The system actually includes fire safety features and will automatically shut off if connected to your fire alarm system. Insurance companies recognize this as a safe system.

Our systems are very energy efficient, typically using about as much electricity as a large refrigerator (300–500 watts depending on size), with smart controls that only run when needed.

Each oxygen enrichment machine operates at approximately 60 decibels — similar to a quiet dishwasher or modern HVAC system. When installed in a mechanical room or garage, it’s virtually inaudible from living spaces. The in-room oxygen outlet ports are completely silent. Many clients forget the system is even running.

Yes. Our systems include Wi-Fi connectivity and can be controlled via our mobile app (iOS and Android). You can adjust settings, monitor oxygen percentage, set schedules, and receive maintenance reminders. The system also integrates with popular smart home platforms including Alexa, Google Home, Lutron, Control4, Crestron, and Savant.

Annual inspection and maintenance is required for all of our OxySpace Oxygen Enrichment Machines. Regular inspection and testing of the machinery ensures proper calibration, flow rates and function and keeps the units running at optimal efficiency. Maintenance requirements include replacing multiple filters which prevent contamination and early degradation of the molecular separation beds.

Pricing

The cost of installing our oxygen enrichment system can vary greatly as each home and system is unique. The main factor when determining cost is the cubic footage of the air volume to be enriched. The greater the air volume to be enriched, the more oxygen enrichment machinery will be required. Standard size bedrooms typically start at around $15,000 to $20,000, while larger primary bedrooms can be several times that. We offer free consultations to provide accurate quotes based on your specific needs.

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Ongoing costs include the cost of electricity to run the machines as well as annual inspection and service by our trained technicians. There are no oxygen refills which eliminates the need for costly deliveries. Each OxySpace Oxygen Enrichment Machine typically costs around $1 to $2 dollars per day to run, depending on the kilowatt hour charge in your jurisdiction. Annual inspection and service typically costs between $500 and $1,000, depending on the size of the system.

Yes. Real estate professionals report that homes with oxygen enrichment systems sell faster and for premium prices. It’s a unique amenity that sets your property apart. Realtors tell us it’s a major selling point, especially for older buyers or those from sea level. The system typically returns 50–75% of its cost in increased property value.

Some clients have successfully claimed the system as a medical expense tax deduction (consult your tax advisor). The system doesn’t typically affect homeowner’s insurance premiums — in fact, the safety features may qualify for discounts. We provide all documentation needed for tax or insurance purposes.

Outlets, installed

Beyond the manual

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Every answer on the record · Since 2005