Hypoxia device and method for carrying out hypoxia training

Abstract

The invention relates to a hypoxia device for carrying out a hypoxia treatment and / or hypoxia training, said device having a gas reservoir, a gas dispensing device, a supply line that is suitable and intended for conducting a gas mixture from the gas reservoir to the gas dispensing device, and / or a discharge line that is suitable and intended for conducting a gas mixture from the gas dispensing device to the gas reservoir, having a valve and / or sensor, wherein the valve and / or sensor is arranged in the supply line, the gas reservoir and / or the gas dispensing device, and having an automatic switch-off device. The invention also relates to a method for carrying out a hypoxia treatment and / or hypoxia training, having the method steps of supplying and / or discharging a gas mixture from a gas reservoir via a supply line and / or discharge line and a CO2 absorber, arranged in the supply line and / or discharge line, to a gas dispensing device; monitoring the use of the CO2 absorber and controlling and automatic switch-off device depending on the use of the CO2 absorber.

Description

[0001] Hypoxia device and method for conducting hypoxia training

[0002] The invention relates to a hypoxia device for carrying out a hypoxia treatment and / or a hypoxia training with a gas reservoir, a gas delivery device, a supply line which is intended and suitable for conducting a gas mixture from the gas reservoir to the gas delivery device, and / or a discharge line which is suitable and intended for conducting a gas mixture from the gas delivery device to the gas reservoir, with a valve and / or a sensor, wherein the valve and / or the sensor is arranged in the supply line, the gas reservoir and / or the gas delivery device and with an automatic shut-off device.The invention further relates to a method for carrying out a hypoxia treatment and / or a hypoxia training with the method steps of supplying and / or discharging a gas mixture from a gas reservoir via a supply line and / or discharge line and a CO2 absorber arranged in the supply line and / or discharge line to a gas delivery device, monitoring the use of the CO2 absorber and controlling an automatic shutdown device depending on the use of the CO2 absorber.

[0003] State of the art

[0004] Hypoxia can trigger reactions in every cell in the body and enable increased energy metabolism. It can contribute to the activation of a variety of genes. Athletes, as well as healthy and sick individuals, can benefit from hypoxia.

[0005] The effectiveness of altitude training has long been known. But until a few years ago, there was no adequate explanation for how slight oxygen deficiency leads to improved performance in the body. The observed increase in red blood cells was not enough to explain the changes in the body. The breakthrough in understanding came with the discovery of the hypoxia-inducible factor HIF-1-alpha. This factor provided an explanation for the comprehensive effect of altitude training. The abbreviation HIF stands for Hypoxia-Inducible Factor. The technical term refers to an oxygen sensor that becomes active when there is not enough oxygen in the body's cells. It controls one of the body's most vital processes: the adaptation of cells, tissues, and organs to a lack of oxygen. At the same time, it signals self-repair in the body.

[0006] The best-known positive effect of HIF is erythropoietin (EPO) synthesis in the kidneys and liver. Before the discovery of HIF, this effect was used to explain changes in the cardiovascular, respiratory, and circulatory systems. It is now clear that the improvement in performance is much more comprehensive. The endothelial cells of the tunica intima respond to the influence of hypoxia with increased nitric oxide (NO) synthesis. This gas has a decisive influence on vascular dilation. It leaves the endothelium and causes relaxation of the smooth muscle cells in the surrounding tissue. At the tunica intima itself, NO prevents platelet adhesion and aggregation. Also interesting in this context is that under the influence of hypoxia, the endothelial cells produce the angiogenic factor VEGF. Its production leads to neoangiogenesis of the capillaries during hypoxia therapy.Very often these additional vessels are located in damaged or poorly supplied tissue sections.

[0007] The heart beats faster and breathing becomes more frequent. The body attempts to absorb as much oxygen as possible from the air we breathe. This is neither unpleasant nor dangerous for humans. The blood vessels dilate, allowing blood to flow faster. The number of red blood cells increases, allowing the body to absorb more oxygen molecules. All organs are better supplied. Furthermore, the body initiates an adaptation program. Under the influence of the hypoxia factor HIF-1-alpha, the body takes every precaution to cope with less oxygen.

[0008] The mitochondria become denser and rejuvenated. Energy production is optimized, leading to greater physical and mental performance in everyday life. Symptoms of illness improve. In the brain, the transmission of nerve impulses improves. In some areas, new nerve cells are formed. The results are increased mental acuity and a lower risk of dementia and Parkinson's disease. The vascular network becomes denser. The inner walls of the vessels become smooth and supple. This reduces the likelihood of dangerous blood clots, as well as the risk of heart attack and stroke.

[0009] On the other hand, oxygen deficiency can lead to an inability to concentrate, fatigue, and ultimately unconsciousness, thus causing significant damage. An optimal training program must therefore consider the personal limits of each trainee to ensure safety for the participant, but at the same time, it should also be within a range where the organism can be optimally addressed and the training is effective.

[0010] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method for conducting hypoxia training using a hypoxia device that enables safe and simultaneously efficient conduct of hypoxia training. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a hypoxia device for conducting hypoxia treatment and / or hypoxia training that enables safe and simultaneously efficient conduct of hypoxia training.

[0011] The stated object is achieved by means of the hypoxia device for carrying out a hypoxia treatment and / or a hypoxia training according to claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are set out in the subclaims.

[0012] The hypoxia device according to the invention for conducting hypoxia treatment and / or hypoxia training comprises a gas reservoir and a gas delivery device. The gas reservoir is an air reservoir containing the gas mixture for conducting hypoxia treatment and / or hypoxia training. The gas delivery device is typically designed as a breathing mask that a user wears over the breathing openings (mouth and nose) for conducting hypoxia treatment and / or hypoxia training. Furthermore, the hypoxia device comprises a supply line suitable and intended for conducting a gas mixture from the gas reservoir to the gas delivery device, and / or a discharge line suitable and intended for conducting a gas mixture from the gas delivery device to the gas reservoir. The supply line and / or discharge line is typically designed as a flexible hose and connects the gas delivery device to the gas reservoir in a gas-tight manner.

[0013] The hypoxia device also features an automatic shutdown device. This automatic shutdown device allows hypoxia treatment and / or hypoxia training to be automatically interrupted if, for example, the CO2 content of the breathing gas in the gas reservoir is so high that it poses a health risk to the user. Therefore, the hypoxia device according to the invention enables effective hypoxia treatment and / or hypoxia training. All adaptation processes are triggered in the user's body, yet no physical damage occurs due to the intentionally induced oxygen deficiency.

[0014] In a further development of the invention, the automatic shutoff device can interrupt the gas flow from the gas reservoir to the gas delivery device. In particular, the gas flow can be automatically interrupted before a user suffers damage due to oxygen deficiency or increased CO2 concentration.

[0015] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the hypoxia device for conducting hypoxia treatment comprises a CO2 absorber. The CO2 absorber is preferably arranged in the breathing circuit in the supply or discharge line. The CO2 absorber is typically a mixture of calcium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide in solid form (so-called soda lime). During hypoxia treatment and / or hypoxia training, the air flows through the soda lime, in which the carbon dioxide is first bound to sodium hydroxide, which is then regenerated by the calcium hydroxide also contained therein.

[0016] In a further embodiment of the invention, the CO2 absorber is replaceable. In a further development of the invention, the CO2 absorber is arranged in a flow-through container. The CO2 absorber is consumed during the hypoxia treatment and / or hypoxia training and therefore usually needs to be replaced before or after each hypoxia treatment and / or hypoxia training, or after the CO2 absorber has been used up. For this purpose, the hypoxia device according to the invention has a flow-through container such that the CO2 absorber is replaceable. The flow-through container is arranged in the supply or discharge line and is flowed through by the gas mixture for carrying out the hypoxia treatment and / or hypoxia training.

[0017] In a further embodiment of the invention, the flow-through container has an inlet and / or outlet, wherein the flow-through container is closable so that the gas flow through the flow-through container is prevented. The inlet and outlet ensure that the gas mixture for carrying out the hypoxia treatment and / or hypoxia training flows through the flow-through container. In a further embodiment of the invention, the flow-through container has an inlet and / or outlet, wherein the inlet and / or outlet are closable so that the gas flow through the flow-through container is prevented. In a further aspect of the invention, the supply line and / or the discharge line are closable so that the gas flow through the flow-through container is prevented. The flow-through container is closable in such a way that the gas flow of the gas mixture through the flow-through container is interrupted.In addition, the flow container is designed to be openable to allow the gas mixture to flow again.

[0018] In a further embodiment of the invention, the automatic shutdown device is coupled to a controller, wherein the automatic shutdown device is controllable by the controller. The controller has a programmable microprocessor and a memory device with a suitable software program. The controller sends a control signal to the automatic shutdown device if, for example, the CO2 content of the breathing gas in the gas reservoir is so high that it poses a health risk to the user.

[0019] In a further embodiment of the invention, the use of the CO2 absorber can be monitored by the control system. The CO2 absorber is usually a mixture of calcium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide in solid form (so-called soda lime). During hypoxia treatment and / or hypoxia training, the air flows through the soda lime, in which the carbon dioxide is first bound to sodium hydroxide, which is then regenerated by the calcium hydroxide also contained therein, also known as slaked lime. The CO2 absorber is consumed through its use during hypoxia treatment and / or hypoxia training. The use of the CO2 absorber can be determined, for example, via the duration of a hypoxia treatment and / or hypoxia training, or by recording the CO2 concentration in the respiratory gas.

[0020] In a further embodiment of the invention, the use of the CO2 absorber can be monitored by counting the number of hypoxia treatments. In a further embodiment of the invention, the use of the CO2 absorber can be monitored by determining the time of use of the CO2 absorber. The use of the CO2 absorber can be monitored by the duration of a hypoxia treatment and the usage cycles.

[0021] In a further embodiment of the invention, the hypoxia device comprises a flow sensor, whereby the use of the CO2 absorber can be monitored by determining the gas flow through the CO2 absorber using the flow sensor. The volume of respiratory gas flowing through the CO2 absorber is a measure of the CO2 absorber's ability to absorb carbon dioxide.

[0022] In a further embodiment of the invention, the hypoxia device for performing hypoxia treatment comprises a CO2 sensor, wherein the use of the CO2 absorber can be monitored by a CO2 sensor. The CO2 sensor determines the carbon dioxide concentration in the respiratory gas. The CO2 content of the respiratory air that a user inhales and exhales through the gas delivery device can preferably be continuously measured.

[0023] In a further embodiment of the invention, the automatic shut-off device has a valve by which the gas flow from the gas reservoir to the gas delivery device can be interrupted. If the determined CO2 concentration is exceeded, the shut-off device interrupts the gas supply to the gas delivery device by means of the valve in such a way that a user can no longer perform hypoxia training and must remove the gas delivery device from their breathing openings. For this purpose, in a further embodiment of the invention, the shut-off device has a valve which is arranged, for example, in the supply line and / or discharge line. In a further development of the invention, the automatic shut-off device has a blocking element by means of which the gas flow from the gas reservoir to the gas delivery device can be interrupted by rendering the CO2 absorber unusable.

[0024] The object is further achieved by means of the method according to the invention for conducting hypoxia treatment and / or hypoxia training. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are also set forth in the subclaims.

[0025] The method according to the invention for carrying out hypoxia treatment and / or hypoxia training comprises three method steps: In the first method step, a gas mixture is supplied and / or discharged from a gas reservoir via a supply line and / or discharge line and a CO2 absorber arranged in the supply line and / or discharge line to a gas delivery device. The gas mixture has, in particular, a reduced oxygen content compared to conventional breathing air. In the second method step, the use of the CO2 absorber is monitored. The use, e.g., the duration of use of the CO2 absorber, is a measure of the ability of the CO2 absorber to absorb carbon dioxide.

[0026] In the third method step, an automatic shutdown device is controlled depending on the use of the CO2 absorber. The automatic shutdown device is preferably activated when the determined usage exceeds a limit. The automatic shutdown device is automated in such a way that it is activated without user involvement. In the simplest case, the automatic shutdown device interrupts a gas supply to the gas delivery device in such a way that a user can no longer perform the hypoxia treatment and / or hypoxia training. Alternatively or additionally, the automatic shutdown device is controlled in such a way that a visual and / or acoustic warning signal is generated. In a further embodiment of the invention, monitoring the use of the CO2 absorber comprises monitoring the consumption of the CO2 absorber.Once the CO2 absorber is used up, it can no longer absorb carbon dioxide from the gas mixture. Monitoring the CO2 absorber's consumption is therefore necessary to enable safe hypoxia treatment and / or hypoxia training for a user.

[0027] In a further embodiment of the invention, controlling the automatic shutoff device comprises controlling a blocking element. If the determined usage of the CO2 absorber is exceeded, the automatic shutoff device interrupts and / or reduces the gas supply to the gas delivery device such that a user can no longer perform hypoxia training and must remove the gas delivery device from their breathing holes. For this purpose, a shutoff valve is activated, and the blocking element changes the gas supply to the gas delivery device.

[0028] In a further embodiment of the invention, the blocking element comprises a controllable valve and / or a sealable flow container. The controllable valve can be used to interrupt and / or reduce the gas supply to the gas delivery device. The sealable flow container has a device for interrupting the gas supply to the gas delivery device.

[0029] In a further development of the invention, the blocking element is controlled to interrupt and / or change the gas flow through the hypoxia device for conducting hypoxia treatment and / or hypoxia training. During hypoxia treatment and / or hypoxia training, exhaled carbon dioxide accumulates in the gas mixture of the breathing circuit. Furthermore, there are physiological risks associated with too much carbon dioxide in the inhaled air. Once the CO2 absorber is used up, it can no longer absorb carbon dioxide from the gas mixture. Controlling the blocking element to interrupt and / or change the gas flow is therefore necessary to enable safe hypoxia treatment and / or hypoxia training for a user.In a further embodiment of the invention, controlling the blocking element results in the supply of ambient air into the hypoxia device for conducting hypoxia treatment and / or hypoxia training. By supplying ambient air into the hypoxia device, the CO2 concentration in the hypoxia device is reduced to such an extent that the danger to a user is reduced.

[0030] In a further embodiment of the invention, the CO2 absorber is arranged in a flow-through container. The CO2 absorber is consumed during hypoxia treatment and / or hypoxia training and therefore usually needs to be replaced before or after each hypoxia treatment and / or hypoxia training, or after consumption. The flow-through container contains the CO2 absorber and is arranged in the breathing circuit of the hypoxia device according to the invention. The flow-through container accommodates the CO2 absorber, whereby the flow-through container is optionally designed as a replaceable cartridge that can be exchanged for an unused cartridge before or after hypoxia treatment and / or hypoxia training.

[0031] In a further embodiment of the invention, the CO2 absorber is arranged in a flow-through container, wherein the flow-through container has an inlet and / or an outlet, wherein the flow-through container is closable so that the gas flow through the flow-through container is prevented. The gas mixture for carrying out the hypoxia treatment and / or hypoxia training can be guided through the flow-through container. The container is therefore arranged in the supply and / or discharge line, and the CO2 absorber arranged in the container absorbs only carbon dioxide from the user's breathing air and is not contaminated by carbon dioxide from the ambient air. This ensures that the CO2 absorber arranged in the container removes the carbon dioxide from the gas mixture. In a further embodiment of the invention, the inlet and / or outlet can be closed.The inlet and / or outlet can be closed by the automatic shut-off device, interrupting the gas supply to the gas delivery device in such a way that a user can no longer perform hypoxia treatment and / or hypoxia training and must remove the gas delivery device from their breathing openings. In a further embodiment of the invention, the gas flow through the flow-through container is prevented by a gas-impermeable substance. For this purpose, the flow-through container preferably has a closable and openable valve.

[0032] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the benefit of the CO2 absorber is monitored by measuring the CO2 concentration in the hypoxia device for carrying out a hypoxic treatment. For this purpose, the hypoxia device according to the invention optionally has a CO2 sensor arranged in the supply line or the outlet line of the breathing circuit. The CO2 concentration of the breathing air can preferably be continuously detected by means of the CO2 sensor. The CO2 sensor can, for example, have a visual and / or acoustic display and / or be connected to a visual and / or acoustic display that emits a warning signal when the CO2 concentration of the breathing air in the breathing circuit detected by the CO2 sensor reaches a value that is dangerous for a user.

[0033] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the use of the CO2 absorber is monitored with a CO2 sensor by recording a measured value. The CO2 content of the breathing air that a user inhales and exhales through the gas delivery device can preferably be monitored continuously by recording measured values ​​that are recorded at similar time intervals.

[0034] In a further development of the invention, the CO2 sensor is arranged in the gas reservoir, the gas delivery device, the supply line, and / or the discharge line. The CO2 sensor is arranged in the breathing circuit of the hypoxia device and detects the CO2 concentration of the hypoxic gas mixture during the hypoxia treatment and / or hypoxia training.

[0035] In a further embodiment of the invention, the measured value determined by the CO2 sensor is compared with a predetermined threshold. The control system of the hypoxia device has a threshold value for the CO2 concentration of the gas released via the gas release device. If the CO2 concentration determined by the CO2 sensor exceeds the threshold, a corresponding signal is output and / or the gas release by the gas release device is stopped.

[0036] In a further development of the invention, a first threshold is fixed and / or a second threshold is variably set. The first threshold is preferably adjustable such that, if the CO2 concentration determined by the CO2 sensor is exceeded, the automatic shut-off device blocks the gas supply to the gas delivery device. The second threshold is adjustable such that an acoustic and / or visual warning is issued to the user, but the user can continue the hypoxia treatment and / or hypoxia training. The first threshold therefore lies at a higher CO2 concentration of the gas mixture than the second threshold.

[0037] In a further embodiment of the invention, a warning is issued when the threshold value is reached and / or exceeded. The warning is given acoustically and / or visually.

[0038] In a further embodiment of the invention, the warning is issued before the blocking element is controlled to interrupt the gas flow in the hypoxia device for conducting hypoxia treatment and / or hypoxia training. The warning is issued when the determined CO2 concentration exceeds the second threshold. The gas flow is interrupted when the determined CO2 concentration exceeds the first threshold, whereby the first threshold is at a higher CO2 concentration in the gas mixture than the second threshold. Typically, the second threshold is exceeded earlier than the first threshold. Thus, a warning is issued before the gas flow is interrupted.

[0039] Embodiments of the hypoxia device according to the invention and the method according to the invention for carrying out hypoxia treatment and / or hypoxia training are shown in simplified schematic form in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description. They show:

[0040] Fig. 1 : Hypoxia device according to the invention for carrying out a hypoxia

[0041] Treatment and / or hypoxia training, an inlet and outlet

[0042] Fig. 2 a: Hypoxia device according to the invention for carrying out a hypoxia

[0043] Treatment and / or hypoxia training, separate supply and discharge lines, automatic shut-off device in supply line

[0044] Fig. 2 b: Hypoxia device according to the invention for carrying out a hypoxia treatment and / or a hypoxia training, supply and discharge lines separated, automatic switch-off device in the discharge line

[0045] Fig. 3 a: Hypoxia device according to the invention for carrying out a hypoxia treatment and / or a hypoxia training, supply and discharge lines separated, automatic switch-off device in the discharge line

[0046] Fig. 3 b: Hypoxia device according to the invention for carrying out a hypoxia treatment and / or a hypoxia training, supply and discharge lines separated, automatic switch-off device in the supply and discharge lines

[0047] Fig. 4 a: Hypoxia device according to the invention for carrying out hypoxia treatment and / or hypoxia training, separate supply and discharge lines, automatic switch-off device in supply and discharge lines, sensor in discharge line

[0048] Fig. 4 b: Hypoxia device according to the invention for carrying out a hypoxia treatment and / or a hypoxia training, separate supply and discharge lines, automatic switch-off device in supply and discharge lines, sensor in supply line

[0049] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of the hypoxia device 1 according to the invention for conducting hypoxia treatment and / or hypoxia training. The hypoxia device 1 comprises the gas delivery device 20, which is designed as a breathing mask and is worn by the user P over the breathing openings (mouth and nose) during the hypoxia treatment and / or hypoxia training. The hypoxia device 1 also comprises the gas reservoir 10. The gas reservoir 10 and the gas delivery device 20 are connected to one another in a gas-tight manner via the flexible gas line 30. The gas line 30 comprises the automatic shut-off device AV for changing the gas flow of the breathing gas between the gas reservoir 10 and the gas delivery device 20.The automatic shut-off device AV is arranged in a flow container in the gas line 30 such that the gas mixture of the breathing gas is passed through the flow container and the shut-off device AV during the hypoxia treatment and / or the hypoxia training.

[0050] Fig. 2 shows a further embodiment of the hypoxia device 1 according to the invention for carrying out hypoxia treatment and / or hypoxia training. The hypoxia device 1 also has the gas delivery device 20. The gas delivery device 20 is connected to the gas reservoir 10 via a flexible supply line 40 and a likewise flexible discharge line 50. The supply line 40 and discharge line 50 each have a gas-tight one-way valve V. The one-way valves V ensure that the user P only inhales the air from the supply line 40 and thus prevent the user P from inhaling CO2-containing air from the discharge line 50 when inhaling. The CO2 sensor S can, however, also be arranged in the gas reservoir 10 or in the gas delivery device 20. The automatic shutdown device AV is arranged in a flow container in the supply line 40 (Fig. 2a).The automatic shutdown device AV comprises the sensor S, which permanently detects the CO2 concentration of the respiratory gas in the supply line 40 during the performance of a hypoxia treatment and / or hypoxia training.

[0051] The CO2 sensor S is coupled to the one-way valve V in the supply line 40. If the CO2 concentration of the respiratory gas exceeds an adjustable threshold, the CO2 sensor S sends a signal to the one-way valve V in the supply line 40. The threshold for the CO2 concentration of the respiratory gas is 3% of the respiratory gas in all embodiments. The signal contains a command such that the one-way valve V in the supply line 40 closes, thus preventing the flow of the respiratory gas through the flow container.

[0052] In an alternative embodiment, the automatic shutdown device AV is arranged in a flow-through container in the discharge line 50 (Fig. 2 b), the CO2 sensor S is coupled to the one-way valve V in the discharge line 50. When an adjustable threshold value of the CO2 concentration of the respiratory gas is exceeded, the CO2 sensor S sends a signal to the one-way valve V in the discharge line 50. The signal contains a command such that the one-way valve V in the discharge line 50 closes, and the gas flow of the respiratory gas through the flow-through container is also prevented.

[0053] Alternatively, the flow-through container has a closable inlet and / or a closable outlet, wherein the flow-through container can be closed by means of a one-way valve in the inlet and / or outlet, so that the flow of gas through the flow-through container is prevented.

[0054] In a further embodiment, the sensor S is a flow sensor that detects the volume of respiratory gas flowing through the supply line 40 or discharge line 50 and generates a corresponding measurement signal to the controller S. If an adjustable threshold value of the volume of respiratory gas is exceeded, the sensor S sends a signal with the command to close the one-way valve in the supply line 40 and / or discharge line 50.

[0055] A further embodiment of the hypoxia device 1 according to the invention is shown in Fig. 3. The hypoxia device 1 also has a separate supply line 40 and discharge line 50, each with a one-way valve V. The hypoxia device 1 has the automatic shutdown device AV, in which the control C and CO2 absorber A are arranged. The CO2 absorber A is arranged in a flow-through container in the discharge line 50 between the first region 51 and the second region 52 of the discharge line 50 and is designed to be replaceable. In all embodiments shown here, the CO2 absorber A is a mixture of calcium hydroxide Ca(OH)2 and sodium hydroxide NaOH, also referred to as soda lime. The CO2 absorber has a limited capacity for absorbing carbon dioxide and is therefore consumed during hypoxia treatment and / or hypoxia training when the CO2 absorber is exposed to carbon dioxide from the exhaled air.The control unit C is connected to the CO2 absorber A and the valve V in the outlet line 50 (Fig. 3 a). In one variant, the control unit C is connected to the CO2 absorber A, the one-way valve V in the outlet line 50, and the one-way valve V in the supply line 40 (Fig. 3 b). To perform a hypoxia treatment and / or hypoxia training, a user P places the gas delivery device 20 over the breathing openings and repeatedly inhales and exhales the same breathing gas. The CO2 absorber A prevents suffocation by first binding the carbon dioxide to sodium hydroxide, which is then regenerated by the calcium hydroxide also contained therein. The control unit C monitors the use of the CO2 absorber A by recording the time the CO2 absorber A is in use. The time of use is a measure of the exposure of the CO2 absorber A to carbon dioxide.The controller C compares this determined usage time of the CO2 absorber A with a value for the usage time of the CO2 absorber A stored in the memory unit of the controller C. If the determined usage time of the CO2 absorber A reaches or exceeds the stored value for the usage time of the CO2 absorber A, the controller C sends a control signal to the one-way valve V in the outlet line 50 (Fig. 3 a) or to both valves V in both the outlet line 50 and the supply line 40 (Fig. 3 b) such that the one-way valve V or the one-way valves V interrupt the gas supply to the gas delivery device 20. For this purpose, the one-way valve V or the one-way valves V are closed.

[0056] Fig. 4 shows a preferred embodiment of the hypoxia device 1 according to the invention. The hypoxia device 1 also has the gas release device 20. The gas release device 20 is connected to the gas reservoir 10 via a flexible supply line 40 and a likewise flexible discharge line 50. Supply line 40 and discharge line 50 each have a one-way valve V. The hypoxia device 1 has the automatic shutdown device AV, in which the controller C, sensor S and CO2 absorber A are arranged. The CO2 absorber A is arranged in a flow-through container in the supply line 40 and is designed to be replaceable. The sensor S is arranged in the discharge line 50 between the first region 51 and the second region 52 of the discharge line 50 (Fig. 4a). The controller C is connected to the two one-way valves V, the CO2 absorber and the sensor S. In an alternative variant of this embodiment, the sensor S is arranged in the supply line 40 (Fig.4 b) and connected to the controller C. The supply line 40 does not have a one-way valve V, the outlet line 50 has a one-way valve V, as well as the sensor S. The controller C is connected to the one-way valve V, the CO2 absorber, and the sensor S. In this embodiment, the sensor S is a CO2 sensor that continuously records measured values ​​of the CO2 concentration of the respiratory gas during the hypoxia treatment and / or hypoxia training.

[0057] To perform hypoxia treatment and / or hypoxia training, a user P also places the gas delivery device 20 over the breathing openings and repeatedly inhales and exhales the same breathing gas. The CO2 absorber A prevents the user P from suffocating. The sensor monitors the use of the CO2 absorber A in such a way that the sensor continuously records measured values ​​of the CO2 concentration of the breathing gas. The measured values ​​are sent from the sensor S to the controller C, where they are compared with a first threshold value for the CO2 concentration of the breathing gas. The first threshold value is stored in the memory unit of the controller and is fixed. If the measured CO2 concentration of the breathing gas reaches or exceeds the first threshold value, the controller C emits an acoustic warning. The controller V is equipped with a suitable loudspeaker or connected to one for this purpose.The first threshold value for the CO2 concentration of the breathing gas is 3% of the breathing gas.

[0058] A second threshold value is stored in the memory unit of the controller C, which can be variably set, e.g., by the user P or a physician. The second threshold value for the CO2 concentration of the respiratory gas is 5% of the respiratory gas. If the measured CO2 concentration of the respiratory gas reaches or exceeds the second threshold value, the controller sends a control command to the one-way valve V in the supply line 40 such that the one-way valve V in the supply line 40 is closed (Fig. 4 a), thus interrupting the flow of the respiratory gas in the supply line 40. The performance of a hypoxia treatment and / or hypoxia training is interrupted.The acoustic warning when the first threshold value of the measured CO2 concentration of the respiratory gas is reached and / or exceeded thus occurs before the one-way valve V in the supply line 40 is controlled to interrupt the gas flow in the hypoxia device 1 when the second threshold value of the measured CO2 concentration of the respiratory gas is reached and / or exceeded. In the variant of the exemplary embodiment (Fig. 4 b), the one-way valves V in both the supply line 40 and the discharge line 50 are closed when the second threshold value of the measured CO2 concentration of the respiratory gas is reached and / or exceeded.

[0059] LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0060] 1 Device for carrying out hypoxia treatment and / or hypoxia training

[0061] 10 Gas reservoir

[0062] 20 Gas delivery device / ventilation mask

[0063] 30 gas pipeline

[0064] 40 supply line

[0065] 50 Derivation

[0066] 51 First area of ​​the derivative

[0067] 52 Second area of ​​the derivative

[0068] A CO2 absorber

[0069] AV Automatic shutdown device

[0070] C Control

[0071] P users

[0072] S Sensor

[0073] V One-way valve

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. Hypoxia device (1) for carrying out hypoxia treatment and / or hypoxia training with: • a gas reservoir (10), • a gas delivery device (20), • a supply line (40) which is provided for conducting a gas mixture from the gas reservoir (10) to the gas delivery device (20), and / or a discharge line (50) which is provided for conducting a gas mixture from the gas delivery device (20) to the gas reservoir (10), and a • an automatic shutdown device (AV).

2. Hypoxia device (1) for carrying out a hypoxia treatment and / or a hypoxia training according to claim 1, characterized in that the gas flow from the gas reservoir (10) to the gas delivery device (20) can be interrupted by the automatic shutdown device (AV).

3. Hypoxia device (1) for carrying out a hypoxia treatment and / or a hypoxia training according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the hypoxia device (1) for carrying out a hypoxia treatment has a CO2 absorber (A).

4. Hypoxia device (1) for carrying out a hypoxia treatment and / or a hypoxia training according to claim 3, characterized in that the CO2 absorber (A) is replaceable.

5. Hypoxia device (1) for carrying out a hypoxia treatment and / or a hypoxia training according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the CO2 absorber (A) is arranged in a flow-through container, 6. Hypoxia device (1) for carrying out a hypoxia treatment and / or a hypoxia training according to claim 5, characterized in that the flow container has an inlet and / or outlet, wherein the flow container is closable so that the gas flow through the flow container is prevented.

7. Hypoxia device (1) for carrying out a hypoxia treatment and / or a hypoxia training according to claim 6, characterized in that the flow container has an inlet and / or outlet, wherein the inlet and / or the outlet can be closed so that the gas flow through the flow container is prevented.

8. Hypoxia device (1) for carrying out a hypoxia treatment and / or a hypoxia training according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the supply line and / or the discharge line can be closed so that the gas flow through the flow container is prevented.

9. Hypoxia device (1) for carrying out a hypoxia treatment and / or a hypoxia training according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the automatic shutdown device (AV) is coupled to a controller (C), wherein the automatic shutdown device (AV) is controllable by the controller (C).

10. Hypoxia device (1) for carrying out a hypoxia treatment and / or a hypoxia training according to claim 9, characterized in that the use of the CO2 absorber (A) can be monitored by the control (C).

11. Hypoxia device (1) for carrying out a hypoxia treatment and / or a hypoxia training according to claim 10, characterized in that the use of the CO2 absorber (A) can be monitored by counting the number of hypoxia treatments.

12. Hypoxia device (1) for carrying out a hypoxia treatment and / or a hypoxia training according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the use of the CO2 absorber (A) can be monitored by determining the time of use of the CO2 absorber (A).

13. Hypoxia device (1) for carrying out a hypoxia treatment and / or a hypoxia training according to one or more of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the hypoxia device (1) for carrying out a hypoxia treatment has a flow sensor (S), wherein the use of the CO2 absorber (A) can be monitored by determining the gas flow through the CO2 absorber (A) by means of the flow sensor (S).

14. Hypoxia device (1) for carrying out a hypoxia treatment and / or a hypoxia training according to one or more of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the hypoxia device (1) for carrying out a hypoxia treatment has a CO2 sensor (S), wherein the monitoring of the use of the CO2 absorber (A) can be monitored by a CO2 sensor (S).

15. Hypoxia device (1) for carrying out a hypoxia treatment and / or a hypoxia training according to one or more of claims 9 to 14, characterized in that the automatic shutdown device (AV) has a valve (V) by which the gas flow from the gas reservoir (10) to the gas delivery device (20) can be interrupted.

16. Hypoxia device (1) for carrying out a hypoxia treatment and / or a hypoxia training according to one or more of claims 9 to 15, characterized in that the automatic shutdown device (AV) has a blocking element by which the gas flow from the gas reservoir (10) to the gas delivery device (20) can be interrupted by rendering the CO2 absorber (A) unusable.

17. Procedure for carrying out hypoxia treatment and / or hypoxia training with the following steps: • Supplying and / or discharging a gas mixture from a gas reservoir (10) via a supply line (40) and / or discharge line (50) and a CO2 absorber (A) arranged in the supply line (40) and / or discharge line (50) to a gas discharge device (20), • Monitoring the use of the CO2 absorber (A), • Control of an automatic shutdown device (AV) depending on the use of the CO2 absorber (A).

18. A method for carrying out a hypoxia treatment and / or a hypoxia training according to claim 17, characterized in that monitoring the use of the CO2 absorber (A) comprises monitoring the consumption of the CO2 absorber (A).

19. A method for carrying out a hypoxia treatment and / or a hypoxia training according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that controlling the automatic shutdown device (AV) comprises controlling a blocking element.

20. A method for carrying out a hypoxia treatment and / or a hypoxia training according to claim 19, characterized in that the blocking element comprises a controllable valve and / or a sealable flow container.

21. A method for carrying out a hypoxia treatment and / or a hypoxia training according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that the blocking element is controlled to interrupt and / or change the gas flow through the hypoxia device (1) in order to carry out a hypoxia treatment and / or a hypoxia training.

22. Method for carrying out a hypoxia treatment and / or a hypoxia training according to one or more of claims 19 to 21, characterized in that the control of the blocking element leads to a supply of ambient air into the hypoxia device (1) for carrying out a hypoxia treatment and / or a hypoxia training.

23. A method for carrying out a hypoxia treatment and / or a hypoxia training according to one or more of claims 17 to 22, characterized in that the CO2 absorber (A) is arranged in a flow-through container, 24. A method for carrying out a hypoxia treatment and / or a hypoxia training according to one or more of claims 17 to 23, characterized in that the CO2 absorber (A) is arranged in a flow-through container, wherein the flow-through container has an inlet and / or an outlet, wherein the flow-through container is closable so that the gas flow through the flow-through container is prevented.

25. A method for carrying out a hypoxia treatment and / or a hypoxia training according to claim 24, characterized in that the inlet and / or the outlet can be closed.

26. A method for carrying out a hypoxia treatment and / or a hypoxia training according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that the gas flow through the flow container is prevented by a gas-impermeable substance.

27. A method for carrying out a hypoxia treatment and / or a hypoxia training according to one or more of claims 17 to 26, characterized in that the monitoring of the use of the CO2 absorber (A) is carried out by measuring the CO2 content in the hypoxia device (1) for carrying out a hypoxic treatment.

28. A method for carrying out a hypoxia treatment and / or a hypoxia training according to claim 27, characterized in that the monitoring of the use of the CO2 absorber (A) with a CO2 sensor (S) is carried out by recording a measured value.

29. A method for carrying out a hypoxia treatment and / or a hypoxia training according to claim 27 or 28, characterized in that the CO2 sensor (S) is arranged in the gas reservoir (10), the gas delivery device (20), the supply line (40) and / or the discharge line (50).

30. Method for carrying out a hypoxia treatment and / or a hypoxia training according to one or more of claims 27 to 29, characterized in that the measured value determined by the CO2 sensor (S) is compared with a previously defined threshold value.

31. A method for carrying out a hypoxia treatment and / or a hypoxia training according to claim 30, characterized in that a first threshold value is fixed and / or a second threshold value is variably set.

32. Methods for carrying out hypoxia treatment and / or hypoxia Training according to claim 30 or 31, characterized in that a warning is issued when the threshold value is reached and / or exceeded.

33. Method for carrying out a hypoxia treatment and / or a hypoxia training according to claim 32, characterized in that the warning is given in time before the blocking element is controlled to interrupt the gas flow in the hypoxia device (1) for carrying out a hypoxia treatment and / or a hypoxia training.

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