An attachment oxygen supply method for improving the sleep space environment in the Tibetan Plateau

Abstract

The hypoxic environment results in common sleep problems for the local inhabitants of the Tibetan Plateau. Based on attachment ventilation, this study proposed an attachment oxygen supply device (AOSD) to improve the sleep space environment. The field tests were conducted in Lhasa to verify the oxygen supply effect of the AOSD and compared it with the traditional diffusive oxygen supply device (T-DOSD). The field tests were divided into two segments: the test of environmental parameters within the bedroom and the physiological parameters of the subjects. The results showed that the AOSD could create a comfortable oxygen-enriched environment for sleep space. At an oxygen flow of 10 L/min, compared to the initial oxygen concentration in the breathing zone, the oxygen concentration in the breathing zone is increased to 26.1% with the AOSD and 22.0% with the T-DOSD. When the oxygen flow is the same at 10 L/min, the AOSD increases oxygen concentration in the breathing zone by 4.1% compared to utilizing the T-DOSD. In addition, there was a decrease in heart rate and an increase in arterial oxygen saturation of subjects utilizing the AOSD. Therefore, the AOSD oxygen supply effect was further verified. The research contributes to improving both the sleep space environment and the sleep quality for inhabitants in an effective and energy-saving approach.