Video: Pursed Mouth Breathing

By Karen Hoyt

1 min read

Learning how to use pursed mouth breathing was something mom and I did together. Over time, it became a very valuable tool to help her increase her lung capacity, get the oxygen she needed, and to relax.

It's a good idea to start by counting. For example, you can inhale to the count of 2 and exhale to the count of 4. It's simple. You inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth with your lips pursed into an O.

If you are following me in the video, please give some feedback about how long you inhale for, and how long your exhale is. I'd love to help you adjust your breathing and find a way to relax on the exhale as you find relief.

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Lyn Harper, MPA, BSRT, RRT, AE-C Moderator
I love this, Karen!! Sometimes it's so much easier for people to see a demonstration instead of just reading what they need to do. I can't wait to share it with people. Best, Lyn
1. Karen Hoyt Moderator & Contributor
 Lyn, Thank you for the feedback! I'm watching it and can see why mom loved practicing together. Everything is easier when you do it with someone else! xo Karen
2. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 Hi Karen - this is a sensational instructional video! Your style and delivery is just perfect! Has both Lyn and Barbara have said, the video is worth everything. Explaining it and/or reading about it is one thing; but seeing you actually performing the maneuver, so calmly is really very much worthwhile! Thanks so much for presenting this video clip. Warmly, Leon (site moderator)
Barbara Moore Moderator
Great video Karen, I agree with Lyn. It is so much easier seeing the process in a video and it is much easier to understand. Great piece. Barbara Moore (site Moderator)
1. Karen Hoyt Moderator & Contributor
 Thank you Barbara, This is such an important tool and I'm hoping that anyone who has feedback or suggestions will let me know. Mom and I worked together on this many many times and it helped so much! Thanks again, xo Karen
aapostal Member
You mentioned the 2 - 4 breathing. But then you asked for how long we did it for. I've done it both long and short. But find it better for a shorter period for recovery for a flare. But a little longer for exercise. Is there a set standard or is this one of those things, what we are comfortable with. I find pursed breathing a great help. 
1. Karen Hoyt Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="aapostal " user-id="2401402"/> <inline-mention username="Yes. Thanks for stopping by to chat. I used the 2 - 4 as an example. My mom would end up panting. We found that a count slowed her down. Someone with stronger lung capacity might count 3 - 6. " user-id="2401402"/> The main point is to EXHALE twice as long and you INHALE. That way you don't hyperventilate. Does that make sense. I sure hope I'm explaining it right. All Best,
jcupdike Member
Pursed lip breathing works. I sometimes just take a deep inhale and try to empty my lungs. Do that 10 times. 
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 <inline-mention username="jcupdike" user-id="2439678"/> Hi jcupdike, and thanks for joining in the conversation here. You make a very good point about pursed lip breathing - it works! And, it works well! As someone who has been taking care of patients for many years, I can tell you there are a vast number of patients who subscribe to this successful breathing technique! I am so glad to hear that it works so well for you, too. Keep up the good work! All the best, Leon (site moderator <a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)
Jackie English Moderator & Contributor
<inline-mention username="Karen Hoyt" user-id="2432488"/> Great video, thanks for sharing! I need to remind myself of this, it is very helpful! -Jackie (moderator)
tonytoshiba Member
My new pulmonary doctor decided I only needed oxygen when I sleep. I tried to explain that they test me at sea level, and I live a mile high. My SPO2 meter reads too often in the 80s at home. I was told my meter is no good and I should purchase a $600.00 one they had to sell me. Yeah, right. I checked mine at the same time I wore theirs, same readings. Going to get another doctor. Back to pursed lip breathing. Our special needs adult son is pursed lip breathing. He also makes sounds like daddy, and his eyes crinkle just like mine, I am a proud daddy. So I began to take notice. I spend a lot of my time pursed lip breathing. Just started doing it so much, it has become 2nd nature.
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 <inline-mention username="tonytoshiba" user-id="2477632"/> Hi tony, and thanks for your post, it's been awhile - it's nice to 'see' you here in the community again! I am sorry to hear about what you wound up enduring with the doctor who seemed incapable of providing the care that you needed. I'm glad to hear you plan on seeking out another, more compassionate, more understanding physician. I cannot say enough (as you do), about pursed-lip breathing, It is my 'go to' strategy at any time I need to bring my breathing under better control. How sweet is that! - your (special needs) adult son is doing just what his Dad is doing! I can certainly understand how you must be beaming with pride! Thank you for sharing this with the community. Warm regards, Leon (site moderator COPD.net)
CommunityMemberb4033a Member
Yes mine gets pretty dry, I put a small amount of Vaseline right outside my nose 
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMemberb4033a" user-id="6882658"/> Hi CMb4033a, and thanks for sharing the success you're having using Vaseline in this circumstance. We appreciate your input. Wishing you well, Leon (site moderator <a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)
Keith L. Member
The purse breathing is something I somehow figured out during panic breathing. My biggest hurdle is to get a productive cough. 
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 Hi again, <inline-mention username="Keith L." user-id="8788799"/> - wow - to have 'stumbled' upon the pursed-lip breathing technique on your own - that is remarkable. When it comes to coughing and being more productive with mucus elimination, some patients (for whom I have provided care), have success using a positive expiratory pressure (PEP) device, These adjuncts seem to help where other techniques do not. Should you be interested, I thought this article might provide you with some additional insight: <a href='https://copd.net/clinical/flutter-valves-acapellas' target='_blank'>https://copd.net/clinical/flutter-valves-acapellas</a>. If you think this is something you'd be interested in, I would suggest you discuss it with your physician first. The doctor should be able to guide you further in this regard. All the best, Leon L (author/moderator)