Frequently Asked Questions

Common symptoms of Altitude Sickness are:

• Headaches
• Nausea
• Difficulty Sleeping
• Vomiting
• Loss of Appetite
• Fatigue / Tiredness
• Rapid Pulse
• Shortness of Breath
• Diarrhea

Altitude sickness feels like a bad hangover or a case of the flu without the sore throat or cough. If you are not sure what is making you feel bad it’s most likely altitude sickness.

• Living below 3,300feet
• Fast rate of ascent to altitude
• Past History of Altitude Sickness
• Physical Exertion at Altitude
• Pre-existing respiratory condition
• Genetics

We provide Oxygen Rentals to all of Colorado’s major ski resorts, including Aspen, Snowmass, Buttermilk, Aspen Highlands, Breckenridge, Keystone, Copper, Vail, Beaver Creek, Telluride, Steamboat Springs, and Crested Butte.

Believe it or not, 40% of visitors will have some symptoms of Altitude Sickness when visiting the mountains of Colorado.

Typically symptoms for Altitude Sickness can appear anywhere from immediately upon arrival to 1-3 days after arrival at altitude here in the mountains of Colorado.

Absolutely! Altitude Sickness can set in quickly and can take days to recover from, even with supplemental oxygen. It is always best to use oxygen as soon as they arrive.

There is no way of knowing. Altitude Sickness, or Acute Mountain Sickness, can affect anyone at any time, regardless of age or physical condition. Better safe than sick!

Yes and no. “You can’t live without oxygen!” Using supplemental oxygen is not going to force you to want to be on it all the time unless you have a medical condition that requires it.

It is best to use supplemental oxygen as soon as you arrive at your high-altitude destination for 20 minutes or more when you sleep and as symptoms dictate. In other words, “If you are feeling bad, use the oxygen.” In most cases, patients sleep with oxygen, then go skiing or hiking the next day and, after a while, may start to feel the effects of high altitude again. They just go back and use the oxygen until they feel better, repeating this process until the end of their visit, and they descend. Sometimes 20 minutes is all they need. High Altitude Sickness can return even after a couple of days of use. It is not wise to use supplemental oxygen for a while and then hope for the best.

Not at high altitudes. Oxygen poisoning or toxicity is unheard of when using concentrators; they only produce “at the most 95% oxygen” and have never been known to harm anyone with normal use. Concentrators are the safest way to receive supplemental oxygen.

Yes, and in most cases, without any additional charge.

If you drink a cup of coffee every day at home, then you should continue drinking coffee at altitude.  Caffeine is proven to prevent headaches if you use it regularly.  Stopping your caffeine intake at altitude will most likely result in Caffeine withdrawal and can aggravate altitude sickness.  If you are not a coffee drinker – DO NOT START at altitude.

A non-rebreathing mask is a mask that goes over your nose and mouth and has a bag attached. The concentrator fills the bag with oxygen, and you breathe it in. When you exhale, you do so through two valves on top of the mask while another valve closes, and the concentrator refills the bag. The purpose is to receive a high dose of oxygen without rebreathing the exhaled carbon dioxide. This method is preferred for most Emergency Medical Personnel and with performers that just want a “quick hit” before going on stage.
Nasal cannulas are small nasal prongs with a hose that fits in your nose and wrap around your ears. They are lighter than masks and allow for more comfort and better mobility for longer periods of oxygen therapy, such as when you are sleeping. Until recently, delivering high concentrations of oxygen through nasal cannulas was not possible. We now offer high-flow nasal cannulas in lengths up to 50 feet, so the patient can get the oxygen they need and be mobile.
We will give you both a mask and a cannula in seven-foot lengths with your rental. Longer lengths can be purchased separately.

Yes. We carry pediatric masks and nasal cannulas.

Yes, if you rent a unit for a week and decide you want to purchase one, we will apply the rental cost to the purchase price.

Yes, Click Here to View the Oxygen Concentrator Instructions.

If you require more oxygen or a higher flow rate during your stay, simply call us. We’ll arrange additional equipment or a larger concentrator right away. Our technicians can deliver replacements quickly so you always have the oxygen support you need.