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

The quality is there, this mask is well constructed. Keeping things succinct, I have found this mask to make breathing during workouts “fun”. Specifically, it helps slow my exhale, and that is right now paying dividends. I’m on the second to lowest level, and intended to take it slow from the get go. What I have done, that was initially unexpected, was to expand its use beyond weight training to include my HIIT and even my Yoga/stretching. It’s not the least bit painful, nor is my breathing labored. What it does do is make me “think” about my breathing like never before.

This mask seams very well made. It did have a strong chemical odor when I first opened the package and it took a week to air out nicely. It has a screen like filter that works well at keeping flying insects out of your airway, when you are out exercising and breathing hard. I snowmobile in the mountains above 10,000' elevation and breathing is a real chore. I live at 1,200', so with this mask I get to practice for when I do go up to high altitudes. A few points on high altitude. With less air to breath, you have to breath deeper and more deliberately than you do closer to sea level. You have to do all of your activities slower or with less severity, or you tire out very quickly. This mask cuts down on your air intake, and so does a good job of getting you use to having less air to breath. At altitude air still has 20+ percent oxygen, but you take in less air with each breath. You need to acclimate yourself to the higher altitude with increased, more deliberate breathing, and this mask is excellent for that.

Works efficiently first time using it

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

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

This looks to be an extremely well made product and easily worth 5 stars, however I am knocking 2 full stars off for just how wildly misleading the colors in the images are. I chose the red camo which showed vibrant mostly red design in the photo, in person the red is easily the least prominent of the 3 colors and is so orange and muddy that it is almost imperceptible. Great product, terrible photos. Should have gone with black.

Due to everything going on in the world right now, the gym is no longer an option for me and I'm doing more outdoor running. I'm a pretty avid runner, and training masks have always intrigued me. Also, strengthening your lungs and overall endurance is probably a good thing these days. So, I finally decided to pull the trigger on this one based on pretty decent reviews.All I can say is wow, I'm very happy with the purchase. I'm not going to lie, part of me wondered if these masks were a tad on the gimmicky side. I can tell you this one is not. It amps up your workout. It will probably take most people some time getting used to it, but it really pushes you. The intensity of your breathing is very elevated.It's pretty comfortable and adjustable. It has two dials which adjust the resistance. I had to start low, and I run a lot! The dials basically adjust the airflow going in and out. The price is good too compared to others in the market.Overall, I'm very happy with this purchase. It's a good, quality product. I feel like I'm going to have a great summer of running and health. This is a definite recommend from me.

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.