RT suggested a Breathing Pattern

[Fredman]

In a previous thread, I explained that I am going to purchase a Resmed S9 unit and will have to do so through a DME because of the Resmed policy of not allowing on-line international sales.

When I was at the DME having them check the output pressure of my Respironics unit ( and my RT giving me heck because my pressure settings had been altered and not the same as my prescription), she had me try on my mask with the machine on. She then suggested that she wanted me to try to incorporate a breathing pattern of the exhalation being twice as long as my inhalation, or to breath out until my "belly button touches your back". I realize that she is talking figuratively and that it would seem that way.

Has anyone heard of this and what benefit would there be? Is it just me that I have a short exhalation and why would it matter?

[nanwilson]

My RT suggested that I count to 4 or 5 with every exhale. Apparently I take a long inhale and then a short exhale, I imagine this is not good? She didn't tell me why, just told me to do it.
N

[bearded_two]

From both my yoga and my Air Force physiological training; it is better to breath from your belly, not from your chest. When you are breathing, your stomach should be moving, not your chest. Also, if you concentrate on feeling your breathing, you may fall asleep easier (it is essentially the same as counting sheep)..

[Fredman]

From both my yoga and my Air Force physiological training; it is better to breath from your belly, not from your chest. When you are breathing, your stomach should be moving, not your chest. Also, if you concentrate on feeling your breathing, you may fall asleep easier (it is essentially the same as counting sheep)..

This makes sense to me. I tried working on this last night. Thanks for the info!

[HoseCrusher]

Fredman, Here is a discussion on breathing.

http://www.bfe.org/protocol/pro10eng1.htm

These people also offer a breathing pacer program. It is free for the first 30 days and is called EZ-Air Plus. You can find it here.

http://www.bfe.org/

This page goes into a little more detail.

http://www.bfe.org/ez.htm

[Fredman]

Fredman, Here is a discussion on breathing.

http://www.bfe.org/protocol/pro10eng1.htm

These people also offer a breathing pacer program. It is free for the first 30 days and is called EZ-Air Plus. You can find it here.

http://www.bfe.org/

This page goes into a little more detail.

http://www.bfe.org/ez.htm

Thanks for the good information. I downloaded the breathing pacer program.