Sparthos High Altitude Mask - Simulate High Altitudes - for Gym, Cardio, Fitness, Running, Endurance and HIIT Training [16 Breathing Levels]

My husband is a personal trainer and love this mask because according with him help you with breathing during exercise

Love the mask.

I’m training to climb Kilimanjaro this June. I bought this device 8 weeks before my climb to ramp up my training. Is it restricting my breathing? Absolutely yes! It comes in a nice case that I can easily attach to my pack.My only complaint is that it gets so wet from the condensation and moisture that are expelled from my mouth and nose while breathing. I have to take it off and dump it out at times. Otherwise, it’s great and I’ll continue to use it until I get the real altitude in Tanzania.

Works great.

When I received the mask the first thing I did was to read the instructions and clean the mask. Next I tried the various levels of the mask to see at what level I could start with.So I inserted the other insert into it's slot set the level to 1. I set the timer 2 minutes and just a simple march in place a low intensity pace. I must be honest it was a difficult time to be able to keep the mask on during the march the mental idea of the mind thinking I can't breathe. That told me to take it slow into progression to set my goals to reach at least that level.From there I started with single insert on level 1 for 20 minutes without any activity just to get use to the idea of the use of the mask. Then I progress to an evening walk with the mask for 20 minutes on level 1.Each day I would increase the level same walking in the evening for 20 minutes until I reached level 4 single valve. Took the 4 days to reach level 4 single insert.I progressed to walking 2 times a day level 4 single insert. 1 in morning and 1 at night 20 minutes each for a week. I find that it is low intensity walk that I'm able to stay at level 4.Now I started more intensified cardio and cross training at level 4 single insert for 20 minutes.I have noticed I have a more difficult time maintaining level 4, I have to adjust down the level as I'm going along. This tells me I just have to keep my efforts there with time I will get there.This is where I'm currently at with mask and I will continue to work through at 20 minutes and progress to maintain a level 4 on single insert.A little background of myself I'm a 54 year old active male. Running was my passion I use to long distance run and marathons both full and half marathon. I also did hiking and biking activities. Now I'm doing short distance running and more strength training exercises as well as cardio classes and boxing workout. The mask intensify my workout more. I see where this will improve high intensity 1 hour cardio classes.Even though I ran long distance, I was pacing myself, I found myself transitioning to a 1 hour cardio classes can be difficult, because of the constant intensity movement can leave you winded. Unlike run where you pace yourself or walk for the moment.My advice to anyone that is just beginning just like me no matter what your fit level is to do a self check see what level you would need to start with (your starting point).Don't set your expectations to high for disappointment to wind up giving up.Start off slow progress your way up.Give yourself time to adjust to not lose site of your goals. Also want to mention is to remember to just have fun not just in the use of the mask but in anything you set your mind to do.I myself learning more of myself as I'm transitioning to a different way of fitness for myself.Take careEnjoy whatever you set out to doHave fun with all that you doBrian

I returned this mask because it was too big for my face and I found it difficult to put on along with my vision glasses. Addionally, it does not really simulate breathing at high altitudes. All this does is limiting the air flow.I didn't think it was different from a regular mask. I just wish it was labeled differently.

This actually helps me to control my breathing exercises. I recently had a cold with cough and stuffy nose and was trying to recover. I've brought this as result to help and it was challenging but it help me to adjust my breathing perfectly for me. I'm not sure how it'll be helpful for other costumers but surely they have different ways to do their exercises

The mask is way too small for my face, I can't get a good seal at all. (I am 5"10" 230lbs, so i'm not some 6"8" giant"). Also the material the face seal is made out of is kind of hard and uncomfortable, and also does not seal well. I think a soft silicone material would seal a lot better.