They needed an electrical one because studies like data to analyze. You can easily buy a non-electrical one like the Power Breathe, The Breather, PowerLung, etc. Just look up "Breathing Trainers" at Amazon or similar.

As to using "a narrow straw," no, because these resist both your inhale AND exhale, and while it is easy to exhale through a narrow straw trying to inhale just causes the straw to collapse (or you won't get enough air and will have to stop/pass out). They're designed to resist but not limit.

After having tried a breathing trainer, it definitely feels like real exercise even just at your desk, and I cannot imagine doing it for 15-minute sessions via a narrow straw.

> trying to inhale just causes the straw to collapse

What about just using a metal straw?

With a metal straw, you solve collapse, but you don't solve restrictive airflow.

I'd just buy a breathing trainer with adjustable resistance (start low, set a time goal (e.g. 15 minutes once a day), and increase it one level every session until you fail, then move back one, do a few sessions, then try to move up, repeat).

In the video associated with the original study they say (and demonstrate) that the resistive training is just for inhaling. Exhaling is normal.

Lowering Blood Pressure in 5 Minutes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KueabH8B8M

Actually my father just has one half lung left and regularly sees a physio for lung training. One of the excercises they do is breathing through a straw so yes it does work and is being used.

I'd suggest reading the study.

What your father is doing is known as Straw Breathing, you inhale normally, then exhale via a drinking straw. Repeat for five minutes.

We're discussing bi-direction breathing training, wherein resistive inhaling is a significant part of the exercise regimen and one not offered in [easier] Straw Breathing.

If you have a study that compares Straw Breathing to using a Breathing Trainer it would be a welcome addition to the discussion. But currently straw breathing is primarily aimed at bringing people from below back to normal lung function, whereas breathing training is meant to improve lung function above normal.

I use a 10' piece of garden hose shoved into a 5 gallon bucket of water. Or a barrel of water, if you have one. Good for exhale practice.

Can you recommend one of those breathing trainers? It sounds interesting.

I have only experience with one but the Ultrabreath works nicely.

Is there a workout routine that you follow? I got a similar trainer a few years ago, but couldn't find a program that wouldn't be too hard for me to follow.

Here is one explanation of the electronics (variable resistance): https://www.powerbreathe.com/product/powerbreathe-k-series/?...

Claim: "The K series devices all feature a unique, patented, electronically tapered flow resistive loading valve. This means the resistance is constantly monitored and tapered to match your reducing strength throughout the breath thus allowing greater flow and maximum volume rather than cutting off half way through the breath."

Clicking "this device" shows a diagram of a sort of wide tapered straw... used to "cure" hiccups:

https://www.studyfinds.org/invention-science-cure-hiccups/

Huh. My hiccup remedy has never once failed me: - Sit upright, and ignore any hiccups till they're gone. - 1. Inhale and exhale normally for a couple breaths. - 2. Inhale extremely deeply, filling lungs to max capacity, and hold it (lungs full) for a slow 5-count. - 3. Forcibly exhale steadily until lungs are completely empty, and hold it (lungs empty) for a slow 5-count. - 4. Steadily inhale (repeating step 2).

If they're stubborn you may need to repeat the fill/empty cycle 2 or 3 times. 100% success rate for me and my family and friends. I guess the it helps relax the diaphram to take control of it and put it through its paces.

My routine is similar, except that my step 3 is a further “sipping” inhale, repeating your step 2 and my step 3 until I can’t take in any more air or hold my breath any longer. I’ve found that the initial “max capacity inhale” really isn’t that, but it takes some seconds holding that much air in at rest, with the trachea closed, in order to further inhale.

I think my version works because the diaphragm can’t spasm when it’s stretched (or contracted, not sure which) so far out from its neutral position. If I think of it next time, I’ll have to try your method out!

I do something similar that also works 100% of the time!

1. Inhale until lungs are at full capacity.

2. Hold your breath as long as you manage comfortably.

3. Breathe in and out slowly for a couple of breaths. I.e. don't gasp for air.

I also long suspected it may work by reducing the activity/stimulation of the diaphragm.

This might just end up doing the same thing with extra steps but for me the most effective has been holding breath until it starts to become slightly uncomfortable and then start drinking a full glass of water while allowing myself to take short breaths of air as necessary between swallows. Something about the swallowing motion combined with short breaths seems to "reset" the diaphragm like a champ for me. Breathe slow and relaxed for the minute after to ensure it's really gone :)

Anecdotally, a friend's mother can stop pretty much all hiccups by putting pressure somewhere on the wrist. I'm not sure about how it works, but it does.

Her own wrist, or someone else’s?

Any time I see anything about hiccups, my mind immediately jumps to this [1]. Rubbing your butthole is supposed to stop the hiccups.

Never tried it, but it is firmly planted in my head as random trivia.

[1] https://malct32.blogspot.com/2011/03/rectal-stimulation-to-c...

I think this is that device: https://hiccaway.com/general/

> If the goal is just to provide resistance against breathing, wouldn't it work just as well to suck air through

There's something a lot of people (including myself) do which sounds a lot like Darth Vader, which is to cup your open mouth and breathe in while getting stressed about things.

You probably don't need a device at all to do breathing exercises (like a kapalbhati in Hindu tantric traditions, though the whole exercise involves stuff you need a tub for).

The electronic device is probably better for a medical setting , because it will not just measure, it will track the activity in some way - the numbers matter because the medical practice is evidence based in a good way, the goal being to titrate a dosage, even for exercise interventions.

You can buy purely mechanical versions with adjustable resistance. I got one a couple of years ago.

Breathing sounds easy but it is real exercise if you set the resistance high enough. I found it unpleasant and stopped doing it, especially because the device gets kind of gross and needs frequent disassembly for washing according to the manual. But I really should probably start again given the low time investment and multiple studies that show a large blood pressure benefit relative to other interventions.

Inspirometers also require that the breath be taken in as slowly as possible. This device:

https://lamusainstrumentos.es/en/smile-plus.html

Has a little yellow flowmeter on the left side that has to stay within a particular range. On this version, it is a smiley face, but on other models there are three ranges, the slowest intake being the best.

Hi, I'm still looking for a sensor/device that can measure both breathing frequency and breathing type (costal versus diaphragmatic breathing).

I held my nose and then tried to breathe through a clenched fist and regulated the flow by clenching/releasing my fingers seems to work well

so they can sell people a device and pay for better ad placement to do more of that?

Pursed lips work.