TEC Training Mask - Simulate High Altitude - Running, Cycling, Fitness - Increases Cardio and Endurance, 16 Breathing Levels Elevation Mask

About masks generally: When I bought this, I wondered exactly why a mask workout would benefit me differently from just having a harder unrestricted workout. I feel a bit dumb for how shocked I was by the effect of a workout focused on lung capacity. Simply put, when I need more oxygen, I could not breathe quickly in the mask. I cannot "pant" like I might while jogging -- in for two strides and out for two -- because I wouldn't get enough air. So the mask demands that I inhale forcefully, and it still takes time to get enough air. I have to manage my breathing carefully. Recovery after exertion is also similarly difficult. Perhaps a bit of "bro science" here, but I like the way it forces "breath awareness."Pros: Sturdy mask, good seal. Comfortable for my huge (Size 8) head. The level dials seem like they'll last. Valves are easy to take in and out. All the maintenance tasks seem easy enough. With one valve in (as shipped), the most open setting was hard enough at first. I don't need that setting now, after six sessions, and as any health nut will tell you, progress is awesome.Also, excellent packaging, if you care about that sort of thing. My girlfriend asked if I'd still be happy with this purchase if it came in a plastic bag (or if the packaging made it feel more valuable), and I honestly just like the mask.Cons: First, I'm not crazy about the way the fitness industry labels and relabels the same product from different sellers. This mask is identical to ones sold under the brand Sparthos, Warrior, and Prime Athletics. And currently a brand called "Evigor" sells this product for $10 cheaper. So who is TEC? And who *makes* the mask? And why am I taking all this time to try to be helpful, but only reaching the people that bought the TEC label?Second, and more importantly, on my mask, there are five usable settings, not 16. You may have to look at the product pictures to understand the following, but there are two holes in the mask, each with a radial slider (built into the mask) that adjusts the air flow. The holes *also* have posts in them which accept soft plastic "flux valves." Only the right-side flux valve comes installed.With the flux valve installed on the right side, the plastic slider on the right side has literally zero discernible effect for me. With both valves in place, both sliders are totally useless.I contacted TEC about this, only to receive a cut-and-paste answer directed at people who don't realize that the left post ships without the flux valve installed. I very, very clearly wasn't asking that question.Anyway, since I have no familiarity with altitude, here are the available settings on mine:Right side flux valve installed, (right slider thus useless); no left side flux valve (left slider working):Left slider at 1: An excellent starting place for a moderately fit person to take a walk.Left slider at 2: A significant increase in challenge, very doable for moderate cardio.Left slider at 3: At session six, this is my default. I breathe hard to walk briskly.Left slider at 4: I can only do this in spurts, I have to inhale as hard as I can to stay oxygenated.Flux valve added to left side: An interesting setting for watching TV, way too hard for anything else.I will probably try cutting a bit out of one of the extra valves to get more usable settings, or perhaps making my own valves, but right now I've got plenty to work with. It would be great if they'd ship with ten extra valves, each with a different number of holes in them.So bottom line: I strongly suspect that this product literally cannot work the way it's advertised, and that its range is much more limited, but it's still a nice product that I'm happy to have purchased.

I purchased & have used this product. However, after further research I've learned that this product & similar breathing masks are a health risk & do not actually increase respiratory performance. Cardio masks do restrict oxygen intake yes, but its not the same as high altitude masks which can cost a couple thousand dollars. This mask & similar ones prevent your body from recieving neccessary oxygen to red blood cells while also poisoning you with more carbon dioxide intake. I'll be returning this product.

This item is a miracle product for this 81-year-old male. In July 2018 I stayed in a Raton, NM motel my 1st nite en route to see my kids in Denver and had to turn back in the morning from my motel. My blood pressure was 170/114. I knew it was high blood pressure from the 6700-foot elevation. My cardiologist gave me diuretic for my next trip, but said they might or might not help me. I asked a lad at my gym about his mask and he told me it synthesized running at high altitude and his 10k and marathon running times were greatly enhanced. After 5 weeks of bicycling at my gym, 20 minutes a day, I worked my way up to the top setting (#16) during my last week. I went to Denver and had NO high blood pressure. My systolics (1st number) were from 104/140 which is wonderful. If you're a runner, or have high blood pressure problems at high altitudes, this is the mask to pave the way to great results.

I really like this mask, easy to put on and takeoff. It delivers its main task in 80% efficiency. What I didn't like about this mask is that during cardio exercises when I am exhaling aggressively, the mask does not fit perfectly and air finds its ways in and out without passing through the mask openings. Also, the package did not contain a leaflet to clarify the percentage of air it blocks or allows. But generally, it is working fine and I can feel the difference after using the mask.Please note that this mask is a no-joke during high intensity exercises.

I bought one of these to strengthen my lungs and accelerate my gains with my cardio. It was amazing how quickly I felt the gains from this product. It takes a few exercises to get used to it, but the first time I ran without it was amazing how much my endurance had increased. I was cleaning it after a workout and one of the air flow adjusters broke. Their customer service is outstanding because they sent me a new mask free of charge!

After training at a higher elevation for some time (Colorado), I am now at sea level and needed to keep my body functioning as before. After a few runs I have truly come to love this product.Out of the box it works as expected - easy to put on and intuitive in its usage.The best part is that there was one minor issue with the mask I received in that it was missing some additional parts (not necessary if training under 12K feet). One email to customer service and in less than an hour I received a response and notification that the replacement parts would be shipped asap! Absolutely amazing!Customer service at this organization is beyond exceptional - this is what makes this mask (and seller) stand out above others.

Excesivamente costosa y nada práctica al entrenar, soy montañista y en absoluto simula las condiciones climáticas de la montaña. Omite comprarla e invierte en algo más económico.