An apparatus for passive hypoxic training or therapy provides to a user hypoxic (low-oxygen) gas mixture having carbon dioxide content optimal for breathing stimulation and a comfortable humidity level. The apparatus reduces the oxygen content of the air by passing the ambient air through a pressure-swing adsorption separator which extracts the oxygen therefrom. The air pressurized by compressor is delivered in alternating sequence into cartridges having a molecular-sieve material which adsorbs nitrogen, carbon dioxide and water vapor and allows a dry oxygen-enriched fraction to pass through an to be discharged. Remaining hypoxic (low-oxygen) gas mixture is recovered by depressurization of cartridges and is delivered to a user through a surge tank, filter, breathing bag, and respiratory mask. To lower and regulate the oxygen content of the hypoxic gas mixture delivered for inhalation, part of it, collected in surge tank, can be added by a mixing regulator to the ambient air taken in by the compressor through the air intake filter.
展开▼
