Apnea Table Generator

Understanding Apnea Tables

Apnea tables are the gold standard for freedivers to safely increase their breath-hold (static apnea) times. They work by systemically exposing the body to the two limiting factors of holding your breath: high carbon dioxide (hypercapnia) and low oxygen (hypoxia).

CO2 Tables (Carbon Dioxide Tolerance)

The urge to breathe is triggered by rising CO2 levels, not falling O2 levels. A CO2 table trains your brain to tolerate higher concentrations of CO2 without panicking. The breath-hold duration remains constant (usually 50% of your personal best), but the resting time between holds decreases every round. This prevents your body from fully offloading the CO2 from the previous round.

O2 Tables (Oxygen Deprivation Tolerance)

O2 tables train your body to operate on lower blood oxygen levels. The resting time between holds is kept long (usually 2 minutes) to ensure you are fully oxygenated before each attempt. The breath-hold duration increases with every round, pushing closer to your maximum limit.

Safety Rules (Crucial)

• Never practice in water alone. Shallow water blackout is fatal. These tables are designed to be performed "dry" (lying on a bed or sofa).
• Do not mix tables. Never perform a CO2 table and an O2 table on the same day. Alternate them.
• Do not hyperventilate. Breathe normally during the rest periods. Hyperventilation artificially lowers CO2, removing your brain's early warning system for low oxygen.