Atmospheric pressure affects the partial pressure of oxygen and altitude simulation. ACT’s barometric sensor continuously monitors atmospheric conditions. In combination with data from the oxygen sensors, ACT’s proprietary algorithms calculate the partial pressure of oxygen and convert it to true altitude. This affords scientifically accurate altitude simulation and not merely “oxygen levels. ”
A barometer on its own is of little value without being fully integrated into a control system for altitude simulation and fire safety. Without a fully integrated pressure sensor, there is no way to know the true altitude. Even with stable oxygen percentages, altitude simulation can vary from the correct altitude by 300 meters or more due to pressure changes.
In oxygenation applications, the control system also uses pressure data to meet the NFPA fire safety standard, which is directly related to atmospheric pressure. Without this sensor meeting, the NFPA standards is not possible.
The benefit to you is true altitude simulation and fire safety at all times.
Oxygen readings are the most important element for altitude accuracy and human safety. ACT employs two state-of-the-art oxygen sensors explicitly made for altitude simulation systems. Since even the best sensors can drift out of calibration over time, ACT’s Sensor Validation™ technology compares the sensors’ readings to ensure absolute accuracy. If the sensors do not agree, the system immediately alerts the user and calibrates the sensors. With only one sensor and nothing to compare it to, it is impossible to know if readings are accurate or not.
To further ensure accuracy ACT’s controller can calibrate the sensors automatically. ACT’s sensors require no support gas and calibrate themselves in ordinary air. Calibration takes approximately one minute and only needs to be performed once a year.
ACT source its oxygen sensors specifically for its systems using ceramic zirconium technology – not chemical or galvanic sensors, which are far less accurate and have only a 1-2 year life. ACT’s sensors have a 10 year life. They require no maintenance. ACT’s sensors provide unmatched stability and performance over a wide temperature range of 0º to 130º F.
Sensor drift and need for calibration can result in errors of 500 meters or more in altitude simulation. By incorporating 1) two sensors, 2) software to compare readings, and 3) automatic calibration, ACT ensures the highest standard of accuracy and reliability. The result: you know that the altitude simulation is always accurate.
ACT’s CO2 sensor monitors air quality every six seconds and sends this information to the controller. The controller can trigger ventilation to ensure the highest air quality and to comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements. This means a healthy and pleasant environment at all times.
ACT’s system can detect occupancy without motion sensors, which are unsuitable in rooms used for sleep. Instead, we use a proprietary technology not reliant on movement. Altitude rooms are unoccupied most of the time, and ordinary on-off systems without occupancy detection can waste a lot of energy. This intelligent feature saves significant energy and results in lower operating costs, higher air quality, and 24/7 room readiness.
Altitude Control Technology: Pioneering the Science of True Altitude Simulation
Why True Altitude Simulation Matters
The key to effective altitude simulation is understanding that oxygen percentage alone is not enough. Altitude is determined by the partial pressure of oxygen (PPO2), not merely the concentration of oxygen in the air. That pressure is directly affected by atmospheric or barometric pressure, which constantly fluctuates due to weather changes and elevation.
ACT’s barometric pressure sensor continuously monitors these fluctuations, feeding real-time data into our advanced control system. In conjunction with precision oxygen sensors, ACT’s proprietary software calculates the exact PPO2 and translates it into an accurate effective altitude. This ensures users experience the intended simulation—accurate to within a few meters—unlike systems that rely solely on oxygen levels and can deviate by a 1000’ or more depending on barometric shifts.
Fully Integrated for Safety and Accuracy
A standalone air pressure sensor or barometer provides limited value unless it is integrated with a complete altitude control system. That’s why ACT systems are engineered with seamless integration in mind. Without a properly integrated barometric pressure sensor, there is no way to determine effective altitude. This shortfall becomes critical in environments where consistent altitude control is vital for health, safety, and performance.
In applications involving oxygenation—particularly those subject to fire safety regulations— air pressure monitoring is required. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) mandates that oxygen concentration must remain below certain levels, which are directly tied to barometric pressure to not create an increased burn rate. ACT systems use real-time pressure data to automatically adjust conditions to comply with NFPA standards, ensuring your system is safe and effective. .
Best-in-Class Oxygen Sensing
ACT’s commitment to altitude simulation precision extends to the most fundamental data point: oxygen readings. Our system includes two state-of-the-art oxygen sensors explicitly designed for high-altitude simulation. These sensors utilize ceramic zirconium technology, offering dramatically better performance and longevity compared to traditional galvanic or chemical sensors.
While many systems use a single oxygen sensor—risking accuracy due to undetected calibration drift—ACT employs a dual-sensor setup with Sensor Validation technology. The system continually compares both sensors’ readings. If discrepancies are detected, the system can be recalibrated remotely.
Calibration is easy, fast, and requires no specialty gases. The sensors auto-calibrate in ambient air in under a minute and typically only need this once per year. Plus, with a service life of up to 10 years, ACT’s oxygen sensors are virtually maintenance-free and deliver consistently accurate results over a wide temperature range (0º to 130º F).
Sensor drift alone can cause errors of up to 1000’ in altitude simulation—a risk ACT eliminates through:
- ● Dual oxygen sensors
- ● Sensor comparison software
- ● Self-calibration protocols
This multilayered approach guarantees both altitude accuracy and human safety over time.
Maintaining Air Quality with CO2 Monitoring
While pressure and oxygen levels are vital, indoor air quality cannot be ignored—especially in sealed altitude rooms. That’s why ACT incorporates a CO2 sensor that samples air every six seconds. This data informs the central controller, which can automatically activate ventilation systems to maintain air quality standards
Whether the room is in use or idle, ACT’s CO2 sensor ensures a healthy, breathable environment. Elevated carbon dioxide levels can cause fatigue, poor concentration, and discomfort—none of which are acceptable in a high-performance or recovery setting. With ACT, you breathe not just simulated sea-level or high-altitude air, but clean and safe air at all times.
Simulating Sea Level at High Altitude
One of the most popular uses of ACT’s systems is simulating sea-level conditions for residents of or visitors to high-elevation locations. As you age or if you’re simply not adapted to altitude, your ability to process oxygen diminishes. This can impact sleep, cause fatigue, and even lead to altitude sickness.
By oxygenating the room in precise proportion to the prevailing barometric pressure, ACT’s control system restores sea-level PPO2—even when external oxygen levels are lower. In just 6–8 hours of oxygen-rich sleep, your body can reverse the effects of daytime hypoxia. This overnight recovery is enough to:
- ● Improve sleep quality
- ● Restore normal oxygen saturation
- ● Boost energy levels
- ● Eliminate the discomfort of bulky oxygen masks
With ACT, you sleep better, perform better, and breathe better—all without ever thinking about it.
Decades of Research, One Seamless Experience
ACT’s system is the culmination of more than 20 years of research and real-world development. We’ve combined the most advanced barometric pressure sensors, air pressure sensors, and CO2 sensors with intelligent software and robust engineering to deliver a system that manages everything for you.
From fire safety to air quality to precision altitude simulation, ACT’s altitude control technology is unmatched in the market. Just flip the switch, and our system does the rest. It’s the best air you can breathe, backed by science, refined through innovation, and trusted by professionals.
Experience the ACT Difference.
Whether you're optimizing performance, complying with safety codes, or simply seeking better sleep at elevation, Altitude Control Technology gives you more than air—it gives you control, confidence, and peace of mind.
The safest, most effective oxygenation systems on the planet.™
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