Breathing is a vital process that we often take for granted. However, improving the efficiency of our breathing can significantly impact not only lung health, sports performance, and stress levels but also the quality of sleep.
Respiratory training devices have been developed to strengthen the respiratory muscles and enhance lung function. In this article, we analyze how they work, their benefits, and the scientific evidence supporting their use.
What Are Respiratory Training Devices?
These devices are designed to strengthen the respiratory muscles, including the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, by applying resistance to airflow during inhalation and/or exhalation.
Mechanism of Action
They work through different principles:
✔ Variable resistance: Creates a load that forces the respiratory muscles to work harder, increasing their strength and endurance.
✔ Positive Expiratory Pressure (PEP): Helps keep the airways open and promotes secretion clearance.
✔ Steam inhalation: Moisturizes and soothes the airways, reducing irritation and making breathing easier.
Benefits of Respiratory Training
Among the benefits of Respiratory Training, we find:
✔ Increases lung capacity, allowing better oxygenation of the body.
✔ Reduces stress and anxiety by promoting deeper and more controlled breathing.
✔ Improves sleep quality and helps reduce snoring
✔ Clears the airways, facilitating mucus elimination and reducing congestion.
Types of Respiratory Training Devices
There are different types of devices depending on their function and purpose:
Respiratory Resistance Devices
Work by applying resistance to airflow.
Benefit: Increase respiratory strength and lung capacity.
Positive Expiratory Pressure (PEP) Devices
Keep the airways open and help remove mucus.
Medical Use: Prescribed for COPD and pulmonary diseases.
Steam & Resistance Training Devices
Combine resistance training with warm steam inhalation.
Benefit: Strengthen respiratory muscles, humidify, and open the airways.
Biofeedback and Breathing Control Devices
Help regulate breathing patterns to reduce stress and anxiety.
Among the various respiratory training devices, WellO2 is unique because it combines:
Resistance in inhalation and exhalation to strengthen respiratory muscles. Warm steam that opens and cleanses the airways. Reduction of stress and improved sleep by activating the parasympathetic nervous system. Digital tracking with MyBreath, allowing users to measure progress and customize exercises. WellO2 is a safe, easy-to-use device suitable for all ages.
Medical Warnings and Considerations
⚠ Are they safe for everyone?
Although respiratory training devices are safe for most people, it is important to consider the following:
✔ Consult a doctor beforehand in all cases, especially if you have chronic respiratory diseases (advanced COPD, pulmonary fibrosis) or heart conditions, as their use may be contraindicated.
✔ Moderate to severe sleep apnea must be diagnosed and treated with medical devices such as CPAP.
✔ Do not use if you have undergone heart surgery.
Source
Kuronen, I., Heinijoki, J. & Sovijärvi, A. (2023) Effects of Low Workload Respiratory Training With Steam Inhalation on Lung Function in Stable Asthma: a controlled clinical study. Clinical Physiology and Functional Imaging, 44, 100–111.
댓글