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Power Breathe
- Thread starter LouLou
- Start date
I have heard of many inpsiratory muscle trainers. Health scan made a good one years ago. I used one of theirs and my lung function approved ten percent. I did observe how this takes place in the body and I can do this without any device so I save money. After my lung transplant this technique has helped me a lot.
Here goes my way of doing what this device does. I call it a breath hold.
Take in a slow deep breath through your mouth with lips closed. IT is hard to do if you have a low lung function. You can do this very gently until you build up strength. I do this several times per day for only a minute or two. You can build up the time after you get stronger.
You can also feel after day one tightness in your chest muscles (especially your lower intracostal muscles)
The only time I would not practice these exercises are after a meal. You might get reflux because you are exerting your diaphragm muscle. What is good about this exercise it teaches you how to breathe properly using your diaphram and not your accessory upper chest muslces (that does cause breathlessness)
I like doing this on my own because there is nothing to clean up. With an inspiratory trainer device, there is cleaning of the parts. They are expensive as well.
I remember using this with my cf lungs and I remember having more energy and endurance.
Good luck
Here goes my way of doing what this device does. I call it a breath hold.
Take in a slow deep breath through your mouth with lips closed. IT is hard to do if you have a low lung function. You can do this very gently until you build up strength. I do this several times per day for only a minute or two. You can build up the time after you get stronger.
You can also feel after day one tightness in your chest muscles (especially your lower intracostal muscles)
The only time I would not practice these exercises are after a meal. You might get reflux because you are exerting your diaphragm muscle. What is good about this exercise it teaches you how to breathe properly using your diaphram and not your accessory upper chest muslces (that does cause breathlessness)
I like doing this on my own because there is nothing to clean up. With an inspiratory trainer device, there is cleaning of the parts. They are expensive as well.
I remember using this with my cf lungs and I remember having more energy and endurance.
Good luck
bgchastain
New member
Hi Risa- Ok, this may be a very stupid question, but I'm sitting at my desk trying to do your breathing technique and I can't for the life of my figure out how to breath through my mouth with my lips closed? Please elaborate on the technique because if it helped you get your lung function up I'm all for it!! Sorry for the crazy question<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
Bonnie that is the idea. THe trainers do the same thing. If you buy one you will see what I mean. IT is almost like going under water and holding your breath.
Close your lips and when you inhale through cLosed lips you will notice your stomach going out. This technique puts pressure on your diaphram and I believe it helps to dialate the airways. If you can do this, your stomach will expand all the way out and you will be able to hold this for a few seconds. IT is very UNCOMFORTABLE at first. I do not remember when I discovered this but it was around the time I was using the Health scan inspiratory muscle trainer. The only thing with a trainer is you can measure your results and increase resistance. Perhaps this device would be good for advanced athletes?
Only do this exercise for a few seconds at first. Each day you can build but if you do TOO much you might get sore and it will feel uncomfortable when coughing. Be careful. When I started, I would inhale through my mouth while lips are closed and hold for one or two SECONDS only. Remember to do this on an empty stomach and probably not a good idea if you suffer from acid reflux
I would ask your doctor if this is ok for you. I would also ask your doctor if you decide to buy one of these devices.
Close your lips and when you inhale through cLosed lips you will notice your stomach going out. This technique puts pressure on your diaphram and I believe it helps to dialate the airways. If you can do this, your stomach will expand all the way out and you will be able to hold this for a few seconds. IT is very UNCOMFORTABLE at first. I do not remember when I discovered this but it was around the time I was using the Health scan inspiratory muscle trainer. The only thing with a trainer is you can measure your results and increase resistance. Perhaps this device would be good for advanced athletes?
Only do this exercise for a few seconds at first. Each day you can build but if you do TOO much you might get sore and it will feel uncomfortable when coughing. Be careful. When I started, I would inhale through my mouth while lips are closed and hold for one or two SECONDS only. Remember to do this on an empty stomach and probably not a good idea if you suffer from acid reflux
I would ask your doctor if this is ok for you. I would also ask your doctor if you decide to buy one of these devices.
bgchastain
New member
Thank you! My stomach was going out I just didn't know if this is right. I'll ask my dr's on wed. But it does work your diaphram. Thanks again. I'll read up on it some more.
What I believe happens when you are inhaling through closed lips- you are only holding in the residual air that is in your lungs which is a small amount. When doing a full PFT at your hospital there is one where they shut down the valve and you have to pant like a puppy. This technique is kind of similar.
If you do more than two of these, you might get a headache. START SLOWLY so you will not get discouraged.
Too much of anything good can be bad.
After my second transplant, I heard this noise in my lungs in the morning. I thought it might be the way I sleep. I felt kefir helped me as it is good for respiratory problems. It is like yogurt. AFter all while the noise came back.
I decided to try doing the breath holding exercises again as I saw someone posting on this site about a similar device. I remembered how great these were.
It has only been a week and there is no more noise. So my airways are more opened when I am sleeping better because my inspiratory muscles are stronger. stronger muscles makes for better breathing and stronger airways
If you do more than two of these, you might get a headache. START SLOWLY so you will not get discouraged.
Too much of anything good can be bad.
After my second transplant, I heard this noise in my lungs in the morning. I thought it might be the way I sleep. I felt kefir helped me as it is good for respiratory problems. It is like yogurt. AFter all while the noise came back.
I decided to try doing the breath holding exercises again as I saw someone posting on this site about a similar device. I remembered how great these were.
It has only been a week and there is no more noise. So my airways are more opened when I am sleeping better because my inspiratory muscles are stronger. stronger muscles makes for better breathing and stronger airways
princessjdc
New member
I dont think that I am getting it. Do you push your stomach out, or does it do it on its own, or does your stomach suck in, Im confused. I closed my lips and tried to I guess suck in air but my stomach didnt move unless I made it move? It sounds like a very good technique and the device on the site looks like a good thing too.
LOL, Jazziesmom
Here are 2 sites on pursed lip breathing and diaphramtic breathing
( <a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.lung.ca/copd/management/coping/breathing.html">http://www.lung.ca/copd/manage.../coping/breathing.html</a> )
( <a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.clevelandclinic.org/health/health-info/docs/2400/2408.asp?index=9443">http://www.clevelandclinic.org...00/2408.asp?index=9443</a> )
They teach these technicques in pulmonary rehabilitation.
Here are 2 sites on pursed lip breathing and diaphramtic breathing
( <a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.lung.ca/copd/management/coping/breathing.html">http://www.lung.ca/copd/manage.../coping/breathing.html</a> )
( <a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.clevelandclinic.org/health/health-info/docs/2400/2408.asp?index=9443">http://www.clevelandclinic.org...00/2408.asp?index=9443</a> )
They teach these technicques in pulmonary rehabilitation.
princessjdc
New member
Thanks that helps alot
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>Risa</b></i>
Take in a slow deep breath through your mouth with lips closed.
</end quote></div>
Ok, how do you breath into your mouth, with your lips closed? <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
Take in a slow deep breath through your mouth with lips closed.
</end quote></div>
Ok, how do you breath into your mouth, with your lips closed? <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
Sorry my hubbie was doing work on the computer all day.
This is not a comfortable exercise like regular relaxed purse lip breathing (which is also very effective)
You are closing your lips shut and no air can get in. You are not really inhaling any air through your mouth as your lips are closed off. All you are doing is working the air that is already in your lungs and moving your diaphragm and your lungs feel filled to the max. When trying to inhale through close lips you are creating a pressure that helps to move your lung muscles.
IT feels very strange and uncomfortable at first. This is exactly how the inspiratory muscle devices work. I think if you are that curious and do not understand what I am saying then buy one of these devices and you see what I mean.
The pft machines at the hospital have a test where they are measuring the air that is in your lungs similarly to the way I explain this technique.
It is not a relaxing technique like pursed lips but after you finish these and a few huff coughs you will either fall asleep or feel very relaxed.
Not sure if this for everyone so ask your doctors first.
today I figured out how I can increase my own resistance. Since I have been doing this for a week straight, I have built up some intracoastal strength. What I do is the breath hold through lips sealed and move my diaphragm in and out (stomach) as many times as I can which is only for a ten seconds. IT is very hard to do.
I am sorry if I am not explaining myself. Perhaps tomorrow I will write this up properly and put this on my blog
This is not a comfortable exercise like regular relaxed purse lip breathing (which is also very effective)
You are closing your lips shut and no air can get in. You are not really inhaling any air through your mouth as your lips are closed off. All you are doing is working the air that is already in your lungs and moving your diaphragm and your lungs feel filled to the max. When trying to inhale through close lips you are creating a pressure that helps to move your lung muscles.
IT feels very strange and uncomfortable at first. This is exactly how the inspiratory muscle devices work. I think if you are that curious and do not understand what I am saying then buy one of these devices and you see what I mean.
The pft machines at the hospital have a test where they are measuring the air that is in your lungs similarly to the way I explain this technique.
It is not a relaxing technique like pursed lips but after you finish these and a few huff coughs you will either fall asleep or feel very relaxed.
Not sure if this for everyone so ask your doctors first.
today I figured out how I can increase my own resistance. Since I have been doing this for a week straight, I have built up some intracoastal strength. What I do is the breath hold through lips sealed and move my diaphragm in and out (stomach) as many times as I can which is only for a ten seconds. IT is very hard to do.
I am sorry if I am not explaining myself. Perhaps tomorrow I will write this up properly and put this on my blog
to Lisa
You can let some air in and you can still do this technique. Try and do that let in a tiny amount in and see how you feel. Some may not be able to close off completely. I remember I did the inspiratory muscle trainer at 20 something FEV1. I trained myself slowly.
I am kind of sorry I posted this info as it is my technique and it is not scientific. I just wanted to say that you can do this on your own without buying a fancy device.
Sorry for the confusion. I will continue to practice these exercises each day as i feel they are effective for me at this time in the healing process of my transplant.
You can let some air in and you can still do this technique. Try and do that let in a tiny amount in and see how you feel. Some may not be able to close off completely. I remember I did the inspiratory muscle trainer at 20 something FEV1. I trained myself slowly.
I am kind of sorry I posted this info as it is my technique and it is not scientific. I just wanted to say that you can do this on your own without buying a fancy device.
Sorry for the confusion. I will continue to practice these exercises each day as i feel they are effective for me at this time in the healing process of my transplant.
I think I should have directed my last post to Lou Lou
from Jennifer
I dont think that I am getting it. Do you push your stomach out, or does it do it on its own, or does your stomach suck in, Im confused. I closed my lips and tried to I guess suck in air but my stomach didnt move unless I made it move? It sounds like a very good technique and the device on the site looks like a good thing too.
yes. If you inhale with your lips closed off or slightly closed off you will be moving your diaphragm and your stomach will go in and out just like normal breathing. You will feel a pressure inside your lungs and your chest will be working much harder.
Sometimes with lung disease people do not breathe properly. They use their upper chest muscles and use their shoulders instead. It is much better to breathe using your diaphragm. Then you are taking in larger amounts of air when you breathe through pursed lips with belly breathing.
I suggest for anyone to learn belly breathing first and get the hang of it before you try this technique that i use or buying one of the muscle trainers.
You do not want to pull a muscle. Remember it can be very painful if you hurt your breathing muscles. Be careful
Most breathing exercises are very relaxing but the one I describe is not. I guess using these devices will keep you motivated
from Jennifer
I dont think that I am getting it. Do you push your stomach out, or does it do it on its own, or does your stomach suck in, Im confused. I closed my lips and tried to I guess suck in air but my stomach didnt move unless I made it move? It sounds like a very good technique and the device on the site looks like a good thing too.
yes. If you inhale with your lips closed off or slightly closed off you will be moving your diaphragm and your stomach will go in and out just like normal breathing. You will feel a pressure inside your lungs and your chest will be working much harder.
Sometimes with lung disease people do not breathe properly. They use their upper chest muscles and use their shoulders instead. It is much better to breathe using your diaphragm. Then you are taking in larger amounts of air when you breathe through pursed lips with belly breathing.
I suggest for anyone to learn belly breathing first and get the hang of it before you try this technique that i use or buying one of the muscle trainers.
You do not want to pull a muscle. Remember it can be very painful if you hurt your breathing muscles. Be careful
Most breathing exercises are very relaxing but the one I describe is not. I guess using these devices will keep you motivated
You doctors might have some of these devices at the hospital. Some of the these companies that sell inspiratory muscle trainers go around to hospitals and give them out so the patients can see the benefits.
Since It has been many years since I have used one of these devices, it is not fair for me to comment on how it can benefit someone else.
I know the device I used helped me. They even had an extention for an oxygen tubing.
Last night I was practicing the breath hold with lips closed and found the deeper the breath you take before you hold the better. I am sure this does not make sense to anyone so that is why if you are curious it is best to buy or ask your doctor if they have one for you to use.
Since It has been many years since I have used one of these devices, it is not fair for me to comment on how it can benefit someone else.
I know the device I used helped me. They even had an extention for an oxygen tubing.
Last night I was practicing the breath hold with lips closed and found the deeper the breath you take before you hold the better. I am sure this does not make sense to anyone so that is why if you are curious it is best to buy or ask your doctor if they have one for you to use.