Pursed lip breathing instructions
There are some online COPD resources that provide instructions for pursed lip breathing that aren't the same as I've read on other sites. What is the proper way to do this
Hi
. Here is an article from our health writers about pursed-lip breathing and other strategies: https://copd.net/living-with-copd/breathing-strategies. I hope this helps. Warmly, Lori (Team Member) What are the differences you're seeing,
? Just curious so that we can be aware, too! -Melissa, team member Not sure I'm doing it right or wrong.. all I know it definitely helps me recover once I'm gasping for air.
Pursed lip breathing is fairly cut and dry. You inhale through your nose for a set amount of seconds. I use 4 second inhales. Then you exhale through your lips when they are pursed for twice as long. Pursed as being like when you blow out birthday candles or going to kiss someone on the cheek. If your inhale is for 4 seconds, your exhale should be 8 seconds. This is my understanding as to how to do it properly. This does not mean that there isn't another way to do it, it is just the way I was taught through pulmonary rehab.
, if it definitely helps you recover when gasping for air, then I would say you are doing it correctly. Take care and God Bless! perfect description. The one thing I would add is that it's okay if you can't exactly double the length of your exhale or if you can only do short counts. The key is to try to breathe out longer than your breathing in, even if it's just a bit longer. -Melissa, team member
