The Breather

[Evie]

After reading COPD sufferer's reviews on this little gadget I ordered one. It's not very expensive. 

I joined an online pulmonary rehab group and this thing was being raved about.  
It's a lung exerciser - originally geared for athletes and singers and such but people with COPD are using it. Not a cure of course but many users are saying they are breathing deeper, clearing more mucus, walking farther and feeling much better. 
 
 If it weren't for Covid I'd be feeling trapped at home. I am unable to get much done, sometimes just walking across the room and I am short on breath.  I am hopeful it will help me get off my Butt and able to exercise. 

After I use it for a week or so, I will come back here with a review of my own. 

  

[jim]

Thanks for sharing this Evie, can you lets us know how you progress as you use it.
I found out that it can be bought here in Australia.

I also found this video.

[Dave AB]

Thanks, Evie. I can't tell from the photo if this device helps train the inhalation or exhalation part of breathing. The hospitals here in Alberta would give me an asthma type device that lifts a little disk if I inhale with enough force. I have emphysema, not asthma, so I have low flow/capacity when I exhale. Maybe practicing my exhales might help, but I can always inhale like a champion.

[Evie]

I haven't received 'the breather  yet' .... snail mail?

I understand the gadget provides 'resistance'  which the tool you mention does not do. My partner had that when he punctured a lung.  Apparently the resistance feels like blowing up a thick balloon.  You start at 1 --- and slowly work your way up to 6. There is an 'inhale setting' too but not sure how that works. 

I am really looking forward to getting this little tool.  The reviews are astonishingly positive.  Within a month of use People who could only walk 15 minutes are walking a mile+, steps don't cause breathlessness... many hardly ever need to use their rescue inhaler.  IF this helps me it will be life changing!

[Evie]

A big WOW 

Three weeks later 'the breather' arrived. Mail on both sides of the border are very slow since the pandemic. Snail mail !  I have used it 4x in 2 days ... It's very easy to use. I decided that strength 3 is good for me. 1 & 2 I thought were maybe too easy. I can 'feel' there is resistance at 3. Not uncomfortable though. The inhale is very much like sucking air in via a straw, a slow long inhale. The exhale is indeed much like blowing into a tight balloon.  The program is to use it twice a day --  10 inhale/exhales in a row -- a 2 minute break and then 10 more.  It doesn't take long really and the hardest part was remembering to count... heehee 

I am slow going in the mornings and I normally have to use my rescue inhaler to start my day. BUT I used the breather this morning - first thing (after my pee).  I sat on my bed and did the 20 repetitions.  It was easier than I expected considering how rough my mornings normally are.  I used it again late afternoon and managed cooking dinner without needing to sit for a bit.  Then I went downstairs, 12 steps that climbing up often gets me thinking they are gonna be the death of me.  I was SLIGHTLY winded when I got to the top, but I was not SOB and didn't reach for my rescue puffer.   It's just a couple of days using it and I already feel the benefits...  I didn't use my rescue puffer at all today....  HOW Is that even possible?!
I am in awe. I am excited to use it for a full week and come back, maybe dancing even,  to say how things are for me then. 

Get it on Amazon for just 40.00 - if you are in USA. 
It's $90 there in Canada.   Can order it direct from the company, but with the exchange rate and shipping fees don't save much and have to wait an unreasonable amount of time for the mail. 

(((In a pinch, swipe some coffee stirrers (5-6) from Tim Hortons to use as straws and reduce the amount you use as you get used to the resistance)))  just saying... 

P E A C E 
Evie

[lavishgail]

That's much better than the big square one I have. I have to blow into it to keep the ball in place, then with pursed lips blow out. It is a pain in the you know what! Mine is so gaudy and no good. I can describe it has hose and a long plastic tube with a ball in it. I don't use it easier to put on my 02. I only need when I overdo. Take care. Xx

[jim]

Thank you for the update Evie. I'm thinking of getting one, they are available here in Australia.

[Evie]

Oh yes - get one.  I am confident it will help even for those in later stages. It's easy to follow the recommendations, takes just a tiny bit of time and the benefits are noticed very quickly.  I didn't expect to feel a difference in just 2 days.  I think everyone with lung issues should have this.  We are able to help ourselves without meds that always have side affects. The cost is nice too!  I imagine its not pricey in Australia either. It's not a cure and we will need to keep on using it daily to continue feeling the benefits.  I don't think it will be harmful using it more than 2x a day.  

[jim]

Thanks for all the info Evie, I ordered one today.

[jim]

I got an email today, say my breather has been posted, it may get here this week. I'm looking forward to trying it.

[jade]

👋

[Evie]

thebreather

www.facebook.com/thebreathertm/

I hope you don't have to wait too long.

In the meantime check out their facebook page for some valuable reading; educational videos and user testimonies

[jim]

Thank you Evie, I'll have a look.

[lavishgail]

I might look into one? Hmmm, please let us know how it works? The first video was good wish it was a tad longer. Thank you!

[jim]

My breather arrived today, so I'll start using it tomorrow.

I'll let you know how I go Gail.

[sallybrown]

Jim - 🤞🏻for a positive outcome!

[lavishgail]

Jim how do you like the breather? I would like to buy 2 of them! Let me know? One for Bob one for me!

[lavishgail]

Ps. Thanks Evie!!

[jim]

I'm going good with the breather, after two days, I can now suck in my Brimica in the mornings, something that I was having trouble doing and having to take Sybicort instead.

[lavishgail]

Good to hear Jim, I'm happy for you! I'll have to look into pricing and such?

[lavishgail]

Jim, I got one from my doctor is it breathing in the treatment with the little tubes you fill with the medicine and put you're mouth on the mouth piece and breath in and out normal breathing till it's gone! Usually a few minutes 3 or 4 times a day. I have not had to use mine in a while! Hope it stays this way for a long time? Seems after I quit smoking 🚬 cigarettes I am getting better in the lung area so far. I trust in God. He has been helping me so I can still spread The name of Jesus. After dieing in my mom's car I think I told the story of what happened to me when it all happened? If not I will ask everyone but their is life after death and there is hell, I was headed that way it felt like. Take about this somewhere else.
Take care ❤ my dear Jim.