Everyone’s hypoxia experiences can look very different. I wrote about mine last week and asked the team from the University of Colorado to tell me about theirs. Here is what they said:

Kristian

“I thought it was really exciting to be inside a chamber so many astronauts had been in yet was intimidated by the idea of exposing my body to an environment that goes from sea level to 25,000 feet in a matter of minutes. During the hypoxia my actions were slowed and I started to feel really silly and had trouble completing any of my thoughts. My heart started to beat extremely hard and at a much faster rate. My vision was also blurred and colors started to run into each other.”

 Swarandeep

“I found it exhilarating to be in the chamber. At first I felt fine but after a couple of minutes I started feel the effect of hypoxia. First my peripheral vision began to fail; I tried to press through it but shortly after my head started to hurt, I began to feel nauseous, and all the colors began to blur. At this point I began to panic and put my mask back on. I honestly thought I would have more problems with popping my ears, but that came more natural to me. This was an experience I will remember for the rest of my life!”

 Steven

“I was really nervous prior to taking my mask off, but when I finally did I was overcome with an intoxicating euphoria which melted away all of my anxieties and replaced them with generous amounts of laughter. I had to be told to put my oxygen mask back on after five minutes because if I didn’t I would have kept going until I passed out – I was having a grand old time.  In retrospect, it’s kind of unnerving to see how something so life-threatening can be so mind-altering and enjoyable.”

 Chris

“It was an exciting experience but I felt too nervous about the chamber to fully take in what was happening. I only wish that I could have enjoyed it more as it was a very unique opportunity. I never felt the signs of hypoxia; however, I did have problems clearing my ears as we descended. All in all, it was a very memorable experience.”

 Karina

“The chamber experience was nothing like I've ever experienced before!  I could feel my brain become less effective as time went by. Processing information became unimportant to me as I progressed in my symptoms. I consciously knew that I knew the information that was being asked of me on the worksheet; however, I was unable to make myself focus and retrieve that information. As time continued, I began to care less and less and eventually gave up and stared blankly into space before being told to put my O₂ mask back on. My symptoms mostly consisted of dizziness, blue fingernail beds, apathetic attitude and tunnel vision.”