Oxygen & High Altitude FAQ

Will oxygen help me adjust to the altitude at Big Sky?    

Big Sky Resort’s base area is at 7,200 feet and Moonlight, Spanish Peaks and the Yellowstone Club have lodging and homes well above 8,000 feet. The atmospheric air at those elevations contains about one third less oxygen than sea level.  Your body has to work much harder to move an adequate amount of oxygen to your brain and other organs. If you have experienced altitude sickness in the past and been helped by oxygen, we recommend you reserve oxygen for your trip to Big Sky.

What type of oxygen do you supply?    

We offer the smallest and quietest oxygen concentrators on the market.  The machines are appliances that take in atmospheric air and use a series of filters and beds to remove all the gases in the air (mostly nitrogen) that are not oxygen so it can flow nearly pure oxygen to your nose through a nasal cannula.  The cannula is a small tube that fits behind your ears and under your nose with two prongs for stability. We do not offer compressed oxygen in tanks.

How much oxygen should I use?

This is a natural question, and the answer is somewhat complex. Montana Oxygen is for healthy adults to adjust to altitude more efficiently and promote wellness, relaxation and sports recovery. Just as different people have different needs for sleep, food and water, one size does not fit all when it comes to using oxygen for the purpose of achieving a more comfortable ascent to altitude.

Montana Oxygen recommends that you begin by using 1.5 to 2 liters per minute of oxygen for 15 minutes upon arrival at your hotel or vacation rental. This amount used 2-4 times a day should be helpful. Many of our customers over the years believe that they get the most relief from using the oxygen at night while sleeping to achieve better sleep quality. 

Can I get too much oxygen? 

The answer is yes, but it is rare. Oxygen toxicity can occur in some settings, however, sticking to the 1.5-2 LPM for 15 minutes at a time is quite safe.  

Some people who have underlying medical conditions such as COPD and emphysema can retain carbon dioxide when using oxygen.  Supplemental oxygen can exacerbate the inability of these Co2 retainers to exhale carbon dioxide.  For this reason, Montana Oxygen is for healthy adults only. Ask your doctor if you have a condition where oxygen use is not recommended.

Oxygen can be difficult to properly administer to children and children’s altitude problems present differently than in healthy adults.  Montana Oxygen is not appropriate for children.

Please do not hesitate to have a conversation with your own medical provider about your health and the use of oxygen in a high-altitude environment. Additionally, the folks at the Big Sky Medial center located in Town Center near the intersection of Ousel and Spur Roads are quite experienced treating altitude related problems and can determine if you have an additional and concurrent medical condition.

Montana Oxygen does not give medical advice, diagnose, teat, or prevent any medical condition.

When should I seek medical care?

Confusion, shortness of breath, loss of coordination, severe headache that does not improve with medication and chest pain are all signs that it is time to see a doctor.  Any kind of symptoms that are worsening after 24-48 hours after arrival at altitude should be evaluated by a doctor.

What else can I do?

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Montana is dry and you probably arrived after a long travel day.  Water alone might not cut it. Use an electrolyte packet like EmergenC or diluted Gatorade to encourage hydration. 

Some extra sleep, avoiding late meals, and going easy alcoholic beverages will give your body a better shot at avoiding altitude problems.

Can I reserve oxygen before my trip?    

Please do.  We encourage reservations to ensure we have the equipment available when you need it and to guarantee that you feel great during your visit.

Do you deliver?

It is our pleasure to deliver right to your door or hotel front desk.  

Do I have to be present to receive a delivery?    

No. Our drivers can simply leave it at your hotel, home, rental, or arrange delivery with a property manager.

How quickly will I receive my order?    

We can normally deliver the next day subject to equipment availability and road conditions or closures.  We recommend reserving ahead of time to guarantee your order. Normal delivery hours are between noon and 3 pm. Orders may be placed via our website or by calling (406) 404-4116.

To which towns do you deliver?    

We service Big Sky, MT and surrounding areas.  We may be able to assist travelers to Yellowstone Park for an additional delivery fee.    

What is your cancellation policy?    

Payment is required to hold all reservations. Reservations cancelled with more than 24 hours notice will be refunded less a 10% restocking fee.