[Brad Morris]

Training at altitude is harder, but the point of the simulated altitude system is to improve aerobic performance at lower altitudes. To do this the body must acclimatize to the lower percentage of oxygen in the air, and one of the ways the body does that is through the increase of red blood cells. An Increase in total red blood cell mass - This means more red blood cells are available to transport oxygen to the muscle cells. More oxygen to the working muscle cells will result in improved aerobic performance.

Whilst sleeping at sea level or even better sleeping in a high oxygen room will aid recovery, the point of the simulated altitude training systems is to make your body respond to an altitude of say 9000 feet so that it will produce more red blood cells and thus inprove aerobic performance.

Training at altitude for 1 to 2 hrs a day Would have far less effect on the body's ability to acclimatize, therefore a much lower increase in red blood cell production. Compared with 8 hrs a night of sleep at altitude (or simulated altitude).

Training at altitude is recommended by Hypoxico Inc to be done a few times per week as well as sleeping at a simulated altitude.