How much oxygen should I use?

This is a natural question, and the answer is somewhat complex.

Montana Oxygen is for healthy adults to adjust to altitude more efficiently and promote wellness, relaxation and sports recovery.

Just as different people have different needs for sleep, food and water, one size does not fit all when it comes to using oxygen for the purpose of achieving a more comfortable ascent to altitude.

Montana Oxygen recommends that you begin by using 1.5 to 2 liters per minute of oxygen for 15 minutes upon arrival at your hotel or vacation rental. This amount used 2-4 times a day should be helpful. Many of our customers over the years believe that they get the most relief from using the oxygen at night while sleeping to achieve better sleep quality.

Can I get too much oxygen?

The answer is yes, but it is rare. Oxygen toxicity can occur in some settings, however, sticking to the 1.5-2 LPM for 15 minutes at a time is quite safe.

Some people who have underlying medical conditions such as COPD and emphysema can retain carbon dioxide when using oxygen. Supplemental oxygen can exacerbate the inability of these Co2 retainers to exhale carbon dioxide. For this reason, Montana Oxygen is for healthy adults only. Ask your doctor if you have a condition where oxygen use is not recommended.

Oxygen can be difficult to properly administer to children and children’s altitude problems present differently than in healthy adults. Montana Oxygen is not appropriate for children.

Please do not hesitate to have a conversation with your own medical provider about your health and the use of oxygen in a high-altitude environment. Additionally, the folks at the Big Sky Medial center located in Town Center near the intersection of Ousel and Spur Roads are quite experienced treating altitude related problems and can determine if you have an additional and concurrent medical condition.

Montana Oxygen does not give medical advice, diagnose, teat, or prevent any medical condition.

When should I seek medical care?

Confusion, shortness of breath, loss of coordination, severe headache that does not improve with medication and chest pain are all signs that it is time to see a doctor. Any kind of symptoms that are worsening after 24-48 hours after arrival at altitude should be evaluated by a doctor.

What else can I do?

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Montana is dry and you probably arrived after a long travel day.

Water alone might not cut it. Use an electrolyte packet like Emergen C or diluted Gatorade to encourage hydration.

Some extra sleep, avoiding late meals, and going easy alcoholic beverages will give your body a better shot at avoiding altitude problems.