• About The Patch Expedition
• Climbing in Aid of Unicef
• Meet The Team
  • The Patch Team
• Corporate Sponsors
  • Become a Corporate Sponsor
• Training for Everest
  • Technical
  • Physical
  • Mental
  • Nutrition
• Climb Your Own Everest
• Climbing Everest
  • Everest Facts
  • The Gear
  • The History of Everest
  • The Route
  • Altitude and Illness
    • Our Bodies and Oxygen
    • Altitude and Oxygen
    • Acclimatisation
    • The Death Zone
    • Supplemental Oxygen
    • Sickness on the Big Hill
• FAQ's

Supplemental Oxygen – The O's

Humans are incapable of adjusting to the low levels of oxygen experienced above 8,000 metres (the Death Zone). Prolonged exposure at these altitudes leads to the deterioration of health and will ultimately result in their death. This is why the majority of people climbing 8,000 metre peaks use supplemental oxygen.

The oxygen system most commonly used on Everest consists of a mask with a bladder to conserve oxygen use, a regulator to set the level of oxygen flow and the oxygen canister itself.

Sherpas spend many weeks ferrying canisters of oxygen up the mountain to Camp 4, which lies within the Death Zone, in preparation for the climbers. Once the climbers reach Camp 4 most will begin to use the supplemental oxygen. During the night before the final leg of the climb, the climbers set the regulator to a low level and wear the masks in their sleep. Just before leaving camp the climbers change the oxygen canister for a fresh one and increase the oxygen flow. They also carry an additional canister with them which should give them sufficient oxygen for a summit day of 12 to 18 hours. Climbers must ensure that they keep a close eye on their oxygen levels as they climb higher and allow enough for the return journey to Camp 4 on the South Col.