For Breather Users
Can I use the Breather if I'm on supplemental oxygen?
You may complete respiratory muscle training (RMT) with THE BREATHER device with your supplemental oxygen in place via nasal cannula on continuous flow. If you do not use it 24-hours per day, you may consider using a pulse oximeter while you do RMT ...
Abdominal Hernia
Hernia may be a contraindication as we are increasing pressure. I'd recommend physician advice in this case, before starting Respiratory Muscle Training.
Why is lung health important?
Lung health is important for 3 reasons: First, healthy lungs are essential to fuel every cell in our body with oxygen, and to remove metabolites, such as carbon dioxide (CO2). Second, breathing directly connects to mind and emotions. Awareness and ...
What are ways to improve your lung health?
Looking after lung health should be of highest priority. Along with care for underlying medical conditions by your healthcare provider, it is important to support your functional breath. For a start, a breath check and a reset to a functional ...
What are signs to look for that you have poor lung health?
The first signs of poor lung health may be subtle and may go unnoticed for a long time. Typical signs include dyspnea, or shortness of breath, exercise intolerance, increased exertion after exercise, frequent respiratory infections, a dysfunctional ...
Can I use Respiratory Muscle Training if I am on oxygen?
What about if you had a stroke will this help?
The Breather is effective for a variety of disorders following stroke, including swallow and speech problems. https://www.pnmedical.com/clinical-trials/retrospective-pilot-study/ https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.05.01.21256463v1 ...
I have severe pulmonary emphysema and am on oxygen 24/7, could this help me?
The Breather may be beneficial as it can help to optimize oxygen uptake. Some patients with emphysema have reported reduced use of oxygen after use of the Breather.
Will the Breather replace my inhaler or bronchodilator?
No, the Breather does not replace the use of dry powder inhalers, corticosteroid therapy, bronchodilators, or any other medical therapy. The Breather should be used as a complementary therapy. However, you might find that you need to use your inhaler ...
Will the Breather improve my sleep?
Sleep disturbance can cause daytime sleepiness and can have a massive impact on daytime functioning, productivity, safety (particularly while driving or operating machinery), and quality of life. While a wide range of drugs are available that can ...
Can it be used with the pediatric population?
Yes, it can. Children and young people with respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic lung disease or cystic fibrosis, as well as those with neuromuscular disease and cardiac conditions are affected by RMW. Improving respiratory muscle strength by ...
Will the Breather help my panic attacks?
There is evidence to show that a particular breathing regimen can be used to decrease anxiety, panic and stress. RMT serves as a practice to support breathing exercises and help create a strong foundation in your breathing regimen. Please see the ...
I have high blood pressure, should I stay away from RMT?
Respiratory Muscle Training is a safe, highly adherable lifestyle intervention for improving blood pressure and endothelial function in midlife/older adults with above‐normal initial systolic blood pressure. We completed a study in 2021 that ...
Can people with voice impairments use the Breather?
Many voice disorders are connected to abnormal respiratory functions.Strengthening the respiratory system and its associated musculature can support speech therapy by improving the ability for correct speech breathing. Respiratory muscle training ...
I've had Heart Failure or CHF, should I stay away from RMT?
Many users with CHF do well with strength training protocols using The Breather, but beginning with an endurance protocol is also a good option for cardiac patients. I will mention that these are general protocols, which can certainly be modified by ...
Using the Breather makes me feel lightheaded. Why is that?
Almost everyone gets lightheaded and may feel they are hyperventilating when they are new to Respiratory Muscle Training (RMT). Your body needs time to adjust to the increased exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. It may take you a week or two ...
Can The Breather help in congestion ?
The Breather is designed to assist with Respiratory Muscle Training, which is proven to assist with airway clearance. It also improves cough capacity, which is often beneficial for those dealing with significant congestion. If you would like to speak ...
I easily get out of breath. Can I use the Breather?
Yes. You might find that you will have to work with low resistance for a while until your dyspnea, or breathlessness, has improved. Research has shown that respiratory muscle training (RMT) significantly improves dyspnea and breathlessness, which is ...
Can the Breather be used if I still have some pneumonia in my lungs?
While use of the Breather is not recommended during acute infection, it can be used in case of chronic inflammation. Care should be taken to avoid discomfort or pain, using slightly lower training intensities than normal.
Can you use this if I have COPD?
Dyspnea is one of the cardinal symptoms of COPD, leading to exercise intolerance and reduced QOL. Evidence shows that regular RMT- respiratory muscle training, strengthens the respiratory muscles, significantly reducing dyspnea and increasing ...
I have problems with my speech and/or swallowing. Can the Breather help me?
Yes. Respiratory muscle training (RMT), the expiratory muscles in particular has been shown to improve swallowing and cough, helping people with dysphagia. EMST has been shown to activate the movement of the hyolaryngeal complex, and this improved ...
Can I stop using my medications if I do RMT?
No, the Breather does not replace any of your medication. However, you might find that you need to use inhalers or bronchodilators less frequently. Studies have shown that respiratory muscle training (RMT) optimises the distribution of drugs in the ...
I suffer from asthma. Is it safe to use the Breather?
Yes, research has shown that respiratory muscle training (RMT) improves respiratory muscle strength. Children and adults suffering from asthma should benefit from using the Breather by being able to clear the airways more efficiently due to increased ...