People who have chronic breathing issues know how difficult it is to always gasp for air. Fortunately, airway physiotherapy can help deal with disorders in breathing and the physiological processes of the respiratory system. In this article, we’re comparing two of the most popular devices— AirPhysio vs The Breather.
In general, airway physiotherapy uses breathing aid devices that can help in clearing your airways while also improving your lunch capacity and health.
AirPhysio vs The Breather
Let us know which of these breathing aid devices can help you better.
AirPhysio: What Is It?
AirPhysio is actually a brand name. They created a device known as oscillatory positive expiratory pressure or OPEP device that assists and uses a natural procedure to manage mucous clearance, secretion, and lung expansion.
This device is said to decrease shortness of breath and other breathing conditions caused by bronchiectasis, asthma, cystic fibrosis, and COPD in a more straightforward, drug-free way.
That said, AirPhysio actually consists of 4 different devices:
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AirPhysio Sports
The AirPhysio Sports features a bright red device. This device is specifically designed for people who are fit and has healthy lungs but are looking to improve their lung function. It helps in optimizing lung capacity for faster recovery times and optimal performance during training.
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AirPhysio For Average Lung Capacity
AirPhysio for Average Lung Capacity is light blue in color and is the recommended version for most people. This variety is designed for most adults and teenagers looking to improve their daily breathing and don’t have severe lung conditions. However, this device has the capacity to improve or slow down the progression of respiratory conditions such as cystic fibrosis, COPD and asthma.
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AirPhysio for Low Lung Capacity
In contrast to the previous variety, the AirPhysio Low Lung Capacity Devices has a darker blue shade and is recommended for people with a respiratory condition. It helps in managing conditions like asthma, Bronchiectasis, COPD as well as recover of flu and colds. In addition, this device is also suitable for those with low lung capacity because of aging, severe respiratory conditions or weak respiratory muscles.
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AirPhysio For Kids
Featuring a bright orange device, the AirPhysio Children is suitable for kids aged 3 – 10 years old, helping in the management of asthma or in recovery of flu or colds. It also helps in lung expansion and mucus clearance and lung expansion for kids suffering from asthma flare-ups or a respiratory condition which causes the residual build-up of mucus n the lungs.
How Does It Work?
The AirPhysio device uses OPEP to naturally improve your breathing. You simply hold the device’s mouthpiece to your mouth and breathe out. As you exhale, the device creates a positive pressure in your lungs that loosens mucus from the walls of your airway. This allows you to naturally cough out the mucus, so you can breathe normally and have clearer and easier breathing.
Pros:
- Clear mucus from airways
- Maximize lung volume
- Prevent lung collapse either entirely or partially
- Works instantly and continues to work overnight
- Recommended by doctors, pulmonologists, and breathing specialist
- Award-winning and patented
- Drug-free and non-invasive breathing treatment
Cons:
- Difficult to disassemble
- Expensive
The Breather: What Is It?
The Breather was scientifically engineered by scientists and doctors. It has an FDA-registered and medical-grade design that’s 100% safe to use with no prescription required.
The device is designed as a respiratory trainer or a breathing exerciser. It helps in improving the airflow to your lungs by strengthening your lung and increasing oxygen intake.
This drug-free therapy is often used to treat CHF, COP, neuromuscular illness, and dysphagia. Not only will The Breather help with this breathing condition, but it also allows to train athletes from all fields to increase their lung capacity. This can help them breathe better and make their workouts and training more productive.
How Does It Work?
The Breather uses resistive respiratory muscle strength training (RMST). When you breathe through the device, your body needs to work harder to compensate for the added difficulty.
The Breather resists your breathing at several difficulty levels. The device has 6 resistance levels for inspiratory breathing and 5 resistance levels for expiratory pressure. The breathing resistance applies a safe workload that will strengthen your respiratory muscles.
Like how weightlifting helps build your muscles, the longer you use The Breather, the stronger your lung becomes.
Pros:
- Uses resistive muscle therapy to strengthen your respiratory muscles
- Adjustable resistance settings
- Helps improve normal breathing
- Suitable for healthy individuals who want to increase lung capacity
- Ergonomic design
- Comes with a free-breathing coach mobile app
Cons:
- Some customers say it has a flimsy design
- Physically disabled individuals may have trouble controlling the dials
- No refunds on a working device but you can make a warranty claim for any manufacturing defects
FAQ’s
Is The Breather suitable for people prone to panic attacks?
Yes. The Breather comes in handy and can assist in learning diaphragmatic breathing, helping you to react accordingly during panic attacks by using proper breathing techniques.
Are there any side effects when using the AirPhysio device?
There are no known side effects in using the AirPhysio device. However, if you’re using it to treat a medical condition, we recommend that you speak with a professional before use.
How often should I use a breathing aid?
The use will depend entirely on your needs. However, most people can use it a few times a day which will lead to the most significant improvements with time.
Conclusion
Both AirPhysio and The Breather share the similar goal of improving your breathing and better quality of life and serving their purpose well.
That said, The Breather is more of a respiratory training tool. So, in addition to those with breathing problems, The Breather is also suitable for athletes and other people looking to improve lung capacity and functionality, ultimately boosting productivity and stamina during training and exercise.
Meanwhile, AirPhysio can also help in enhancing lung capacity, but with more focus on removing mucus and irritants and clearing your airways to breathe easier. Thus, it is most suitable for those with chronic lung and breathing conditions.