A breathing exerciser is a device that helps improve the lungs’ ability to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide. This is accomplished by assisting with respiratory expansion, which is necessary for moving air in and out of the lungs.
If you’re struggling to breathe, or if you’re conscious about wanting to improve lung function, you may be wondering if a breathing trainer is right for you.
For this article, I used my experience as a registered respiratory therapist (RRT) to evaluate and review the best breathing exerciser trainers on the market. After hours of testing and research, my top recommendations are listed below.
Best Lung Exerciser Devices for Breath Training
Best Overall
- Dual functionality for inspiratory and expiratory muscle training.
- Adjustable resistance for personalized training.
- Compact and portable for on-the-go use.
- Easy to clean for hygiene maintenance.
- Clinically proven to improve lung function.
Budget Pick
- Enhances lung capacity and muscle strength.
- Includes different-sized steel balls for tailored exercise.
- Easy to use, requiring only 10 minutes twice daily.
- Can deliver results within 2 months.
- Removable design for easy cleaning and replacement.
Upgrade Pick
- Improves respiratory fitness and sports performance.
- Has adjustable resistance settings for targeted training.
- Portable for use anywhere, anytime.
- Ideal for both athletes and individuals with respiratory issues.
- Drug-free, natural respiratory muscle training.
If you click a link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
THE BREATHER Breathing Exerciser Trainer
THE BREATHER is a clinically validated handheld respiratory muscle trainer designed for drug-free respiratory therapy.
Best Overall
An effective tool that provides dual training for both inhalation and exhalation, improving respiratory health across various conditions.
If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Offering six adjustable inhalation and exhalation resistance levels, it caters to a wide range of users — from those recovering from respiratory illnesses to athletes seeking peak performance.
Its user-friendly design promotes deep diaphragmatic breathing, enhancing oxygen flow and building lung endurance.
With consistent use, THE BREATHER device can help improve breath control, enhance lung capacity, and potentially increase overall endurance and vitality.
Taking effectiveness, quality, and price into consideration, this is our top-recommended breathing exerciser trainer for most individuals.
NebuAksol Lung Exerciser Device
For those on a budget, the NebuAksol Lung Exerciser is a cost-effective, yet efficient solution to bolster lung strength and capacity.
Budget Pick
An affordable device designed to strengthen lung muscles and efficiently remove mucus, with adjustable exercise levels based on individual needs.
If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
This device promotes healthy and effortless breathing through regular use, providing a dependable way to keep your lungs fit and robust.
Featuring Oscillating Positive Expiratory Pressure (OPEP) therapy, it aids in mucus removal, thereby keeping your airways clear.
The device is equipped with three differently sized steel balls, allowing for customizable exercises that adapt to individual age and body conditions.
The NebuAksol breath trainer device requires just two 10-minute sessions per day for noticeable results within two months.
Its removable design ensures ease of cleaning and maintenance, and the device can be quickly disassembled for thorough cleaning with soapy water or detergent.
Breather Fit Breathing Lung Exercising Trainer
The Breather Fit is a high-performance inspiratory/expiratory muscle strength trainer designed for athletes, cross-fitters, and coaches.
Upgrade Pick
A device geared towards athletes that enhances physical performance through improved respiratory strength and adjustable resistance levels.
If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
It offers advanced settings to customize resistance for both inhale and exhale, targeting and strengthening different muscle groups and improving lung capacity and endurance.
Compact and lightweight, it is perfect for those seeking to improve their respiratory performance on the go.
Regular use of the Breather Fit trainer can lead to improved oxygenation, enhanced athletic performance, and faster recovery times.
HealthAndYoga Incentive Spirometer Breathing Exerciser
The HealthAndYoga Incentive Spirometer is a compact and robust respiratory training device crafted from high-quality, break-resistant plastic.
Our Top Pick
A compact, three-ball inhalation system aimed at improving lung capacity and restoring disrupted breathing patterns.
If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
It features a three-ball inhaling breath measurement system for a comprehensive approach to respiratory fitness.
With three chambers, it offers different inhalation rates ranging from 600cc/sec to 1200cc/sec, aiding users in achieving their optimum lung capacity and restoring any disrupted breathing patterns.
The solid construction ensures stability during use, and the removable bottom provides an easy cleaning solution for hygiene maintenance.
The device comes with complete instructions, and a helpful instructional video is available in the image section of the product page. It’s a reliable tool for anyone seeking to improve their respiratory health and fitness.
Giyosk Breathing Exercise Device for Lungs
Embrace a natural way to enhance your respiratory health with the Giyosk Breathing Exercise Device.
Our Top Pick
A user-friendly device promoting natural mucus clearance and improved breathing, with an easy-to-use design suitable for long-term lung exercises.
If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
This tool promotes mucus expulsion through regular exercises, paving the way for easier breathing and improved athletic performance. With just 10 to 30 minutes of daily use, users can expect tangible results.
This device is thoughtfully designed to be lightweight and compact for easy portability and use anywhere. Its uncomplicated setup means no confusing level settings or baffling accessories – simply choose the metal ball that suits your exercise level.
Manufactured from food-grade PP material, it can endure temperatures up to 130℃. It has an improved shape that includes a clever curved design to accommodate your fingers comfortably, offering a superior user experience.
The device features complete accessories, including three different sizes of stainless steel balls to cater to different exercise and lung capacity levels.
POWERbreathe Breathing Exercise Trainer Device
Enhance your respiratory strength and endurance with the POWERbreathe Inspiratory Muscle Training (IMT) device.
Our Top Pick
A trusted, drug-free device that enhances breathing strength, reduces breathlessness, and improves overall health and vitality.
If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
This breathing trainer has been scientifically proven to ease breathing, minimize breathlessness, enhance sports performance, accelerate recovery, and boost overall health and vitality.
Adopting thePOWERbreathe device can aid in lung cleansing and strengthening against conditions like pneumonia, asthma, and other lung affecting viruses, leading to improved overall lung health and quality of life.
This safe and straightforward device works by creating resistance as you inhale, making your respiratory muscles work harder — think of it as a dumbbell workout for your diaphragm.
With over 20 years of trust and reliability, this patented device has been widely used and endorsed by sports teams, professional athletes, respiratory therapists, fitness centers, fire departments, and sports medicine facilities.
It promises remarkable results within four weeks of regular use, requiring only 30 breaths twice daily to significantly enhance the strength, endurance, and fitness of your inspiratory muscles.
Portex Acapella Flutter Valve Device (Green)
The Portex Acapella Flutter Valve is a unique respiratory device that combines both vibratory PEP therapy and nebulizer treatments into one system.
Our Top Pick
A device combining PEP therapy and vibratory PEP therapy, aimed at improving pulmonary function, especially in individuals with COPD, asthma, and other lung diseases.
If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
The device’s oscillatory effect helps to loosen mucus, promoting airway clearance, which can be beneficial for patients with COPD, asthma, and other conditions that involve retained secretions.
The green version indicates high resistance and is typically suitable for individuals with normal to strong lung capacity.
The device is easy to use, clean, and is a great tool for improving respiratory health. This explains why they’re often administered to patients by respiratory therapists in the hospital setting.
AirPhysio Natural Breathing Lung Exerciser Device
The AirPhysio device is a high-quality lung exerciser designed to assist with mucus clearance and lung expansion.
Our Top Pick
A drug-free, handheld device designed to enhance lung capacity and clear airways through oscillating positive expiratory pressure (OPEP) therapy.
If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Utilizing Oscillating Positive Expiratory Pressure (OPEP) therapy, it helps to improve pulmonary hygiene and lung capacity over time.
The device is beneficial for those with respiratory conditions like asthma, COPD, bronchiectasis, and more. It can also be used by athletes and singers who want to optimize their breath control and lung capacity.
The AirPhysio lung exerciser is drug-free, easy to clean, and compact, making it a practical tool for regular use to improve respiratory health.
Bas Rutten O2 Trainer Workout Device
Designed by the MMA legend Bas Rutten, this O2 Trainer restricts air intake to strengthen your respiratory muscles and improve your overall endurance.
Our Top Pick
A unique, adjustable device for inspiratory muscle training that boosts lung capacity and enhances physical performance, beneficial for athletes and those with respiratory conditions.
If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
It features adjustable air-intake holes to incrementally increase the difficulty of your workouts, thereby progressively enhancing your lung capacity.
Compact and wearable, Bas Rutten O2 Trainer is perfect for adding an extra level of difficulty to your regular workouts, whether they are high intensity or at a more leisurely pace.
MIR Smart ONE Personal Pocket Spirometer
The MIR Smart ONE is a portable spirometer that offers advanced tracking for your lungs and respiratory system.
Our Top Pick
A compact, user-friendly device for tracking lung health through accurate measurements of peak flow and FEV1, synced to a smartphone app for easy tracking and data sharing.
If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Paired with its dedicated smartphone app, this device measures critical lung parameters like Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) and FEV1. It sends the data to your phone, allowing you to monitor your lung health over time.
This is an excellent tool for those with respiratory diseases such as asthma and COPD or anyone keen on keeping a close eye on their respiratory health.
Microlife Digital Peak Flow Meter with Tracking Software
The Microlife Digital Peak Flow Meter is an advanced spirometry tool perfect for managing lung-restricting diseases such as asthma and COPD.
Our Top Pick
A high-tech tool that offers advanced spirometry measurements, digital accuracy, and software to track progress, ideal for managing diseases that restrict lung performance.
If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
With superior digital accuracy, it measures and records airflow velocity and volume, providing early warnings of potential asthmatic events or conditions.
The device can store up to 240 readings, capturing your best performance each session.
Notably, it comes with user-friendly software that allows you to analyze your data, chart your progress, and share results with your healthcare provider, making disease management more efficient and effective.
Best Breathing Device to Strengthen the Lungs
Known as the best device to strengthen the lungs, THE BREATHER Exerciser Trainer is designed for both inspiratory and expiratory muscle training, providing an all-round approach to lung health.
It aims to enhance lung capacity, stamina, and airflow, resulting in improved overall respiratory performance. It’s user-friendly and suitable for individuals of all ages.
Best Overall
An effective tool that provides dual training for both inhalation and exhalation, improving respiratory health across various conditions.
If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Best Breathing Trainer for Athletes
Popular among athletes, the Breather Fit Lung Trainer focuses on boosting athletic performance by strengthening the respiratory muscles and increasing oxygen efficiency.
It’s built with an adjustable resistance system, providing a customizable workout for the lungs.
Upgrade Pick
A device geared towards athletes that enhances physical performance through improved respiratory strength and adjustable resistance levels.
If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Best Inspiratory Muscle Strength Training Device
Perfect for inspiratory muscle strength training, the Bas Rutten O2 Trainer restricts air intake to strengthen your diaphragm, boosting stamina and endurance.
Its unique design and user-friendly operation make it suitable for users at any fitness level.
Our Top Pick
A unique, adjustable device for inspiratory muscle training that boosts lung capacity and enhances physical performance, beneficial for athletes and those with respiratory conditions.
If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Best Device to Increase Lung Capacity
Touted as the best device to increase lung capacity, the AirPhysio Exerciser uses an all-natural process to help clear the airways, improve breathing, and increase lung capacity.
Its OPEP technology promotes deep breathing and mucus clearance, providing relief for various respiratory conditions.
Our Top Pick
A drug-free, handheld device designed to enhance lung capacity and clear airways through oscillating positive expiratory pressure (OPEP) therapy.
If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Best Device for Mucus Removal
Known as the best device for mucus removal, the Portex Acapella Flutter Valve combines both PEP therapy and airway vibrations to mobilize pulmonary secretions, ultimately benefiting people with COPD, asthma, and other conditions that increase mucus production.
Our Top Pick
A device combining PEP therapy and vibratory PEP therapy, aimed at improving pulmonary function, especially in individuals with COPD, asthma, and other lung diseases.
If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Best IMST Device for Blood Pressure
Renowned as the best IMST device for blood pressure, the POWERbreathe uses the principles of resistance training to strengthen the breathing muscles, reduce breathlessness, and improve physical performance.
Not only beneficial for lung health, but this device is also proven to lower systolic blood pressure, making it a fantastic choice for overall health improvement.
Our Top Pick
A trusted, drug-free device that enhances breathing strength, reduces breathlessness, and improves overall health and vitality.
If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
How to Choose the Best Lung Exercise Device
Choosing the best lung exerciser device involves considering several key factors that align with your personal needs, fitness goals, and overall health.
Here are some essential considerations:
- Purpose: Are you a professional athlete seeking to improve performance or a person recovering from a respiratory illness? The choice of your lung exerciser will depend on your purpose. For example, athletes might opt for high-resistance devices that push their lungs to the limit, while those in recovery may need a device with adjustable settings to gradually increase lung strength.
- Features: Look for features that align with your goals. Some devices offer digital tracking systems to monitor progress, while others have adjustable resistance levels to increase difficulty as your lung strength improves.
- Ease of Use: The device should be user-friendly, with a clear instruction manual, and ideally, accompanying video tutorials. It’s essential that you can use the device correctly to benefit from it fully and prevent any harm.
- Portability: If you’re always on the go or travel frequently, a compact and lightweight device could be your best bet.
- Quality and Durability: Opt for a device made from high-quality materials to ensure its longevity. It’s also a good idea to check customer reviews to gauge a product’s durability.
- Scientific Backing: Check if the device’s claims are backed by scientific studies. It’s crucial to ensure the device can indeed help increase lung capacity and improve breathing.
- Budget: Lastly, while you should not compromise on quality, you also need to consider your budget. There are many devices with varying price ranges, so find one that offers the best value for your money.
Remember: It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before beginning any new exercise regimen, including one that involves a lung exerciser device, to ensure it’s suitable for your health condition.
Tips for Using a Breathing Exerciser
Using a breathing exerciser can greatly benefit your lung health, whether you’re a high-performance athlete, a singer, a wind instrument musician, or simply looking to boost your lung capacity.
Here are some tips to get the most out of these devices:
- Understand the Device: Take time to understand how your device works. Read the manual thoroughly or watch instructional videos if available. Each device operates differently, and understanding its specific mechanics is key to using it correctly.
- Consistency is Key: Just like any other form of exercise, consistency is key when using a lung exerciser. It’s important to use the device regularly, ideally daily, to see the best results.
- Start Slow: If you’re new to using a lung exerciser, start at a low resistance setting, and gradually increase it as your lungs get stronger. Pushing too hard, too fast can lead to discomfort and potential injuries.
- Proper Breathing Technique: Make sure you’re using proper breathing techniques when exercising with the device. You should be taking deep, slow breaths from your diaphragm, not shallow breaths from your chest.
- Incorporate into Daily Routine: Make the breathing exercises part of your daily routine. It could be a warm-up or cooldown to your main workout, or something you do while watching TV or reading.
- Track Progress: Keep track of your progress. Some devices come with digital features to track and record your daily workouts, which can be a great way to see your improvements over time.
- Consult a Professional: If you’re unsure about the right way to use the device or you’re not seeing the expected improvements, consider seeking advice from a physical therapist or a respiratory therapist.
Remember: Everyone’s body responds differently to exercises, and it may take time before you notice improvements. Be patient with yourself and continue to exercise regularly with the device.
Breath Trainer vs. Lung Exerciser
Breath trainers and lung exercisers, though used interchangeably at times, can refer to slightly different categories of devices designed to improve your respiratory health and performance.
Understanding their primary functions can help you choose the right device for your needs.
- Breath Trainer: Breath trainers primarily focus on training the muscles involved in breathing, including the diaphragm and intercostals. They teach controlled, mindful breathing, helping you to maximize oxygen intake and CO2 expulsion during each breath cycle. These devices are often used by singers, wind instrument musicians, and athletes to improve breath control, sustain longer notes, and enhance stamina and performance. They might include tools like spirometers, breath training masks, and incentive spirometers.
- Lung Exerciser: Lung exercisers are typically designed to increase lung capacity and strength. They provide resistance during both inhalation and exhalation, making your lungs work harder and thereby strengthening your respiratory muscles and increasing lung capacity over time. These devices are useful for those recovering from a respiratory illness or surgery and those aiming to improve their overall lung health and fitness. Inspiratory muscle trainers (IMTs) are common examples.
Note: While the functions of these devices overlap to some extent, their applications can be slightly different. Both devices can contribute to improved respiratory health, so the best choice will depend on your specific goals and needs.
Types of Devices to Improve Breathing
Devices designed to improve breathing and lung function can be incredibly helpful, especially for those with chronic lung diseases, athletes, or anyone looking to improve their overall respiratory health.
Here are some key types:
- Incentive Spirometers: These devices help monitor the flow and volume of air that you inhale and exhale. They’re commonly used in physiotherapy to help patients improve their lung function, particularly after surgery or in conditions like COPD or asthma.
- Lung Exercisers or Inspiratory Muscle Trainers (IMTs): These devices work to strengthen your respiratory muscles by providing resistance during inhalation. This increases lung capacity over time and can help improve athletic performance as well as assist in recovery from respiratory conditions.
- Positive Expiratory Pressure (PEP) Devices: These devices create resistance when you exhale, helping to open up the airways and improve oxygen exchange. They are commonly used by patients with conditions like COPD, asthma, and cystic fibrosis.
- Breathing Exercise Balls or Breathing Trainers: These simple tools guide the user in performing deep, slow, and controlled breathing exercises. They can be particularly useful in stress management and practicing mindfulness.
- Nebulizers: While not strictly a breathing improvement device, nebulizers are often used to deliver medication directly to the lungs, helping to ease breathing in conditions like asthma and COPD.
- Breathing or Elevation Training Masks: These masks are often used by athletes to simulate high-altitude conditions and train the body to use oxygen more efficiently, enhancing endurance and performance.
- Peak Flow Meters: These handheld devices measure how quickly you can exhale, providing important information about lung function, especially for people with asthma.
- Oxygen Concentrators: Used in medical settings or at home for those with severe respiratory problems, these devices increase the concentration of oxygen in the air that the user is breathing.
Note: Each device is tailored to specific respiratory conditions and needs, and their use is optimal when guided by a healthcare professional to ensure safety and effectiveness.
FAQs About Breath Trainer Devices
What is a Breathing Resistance Device?
A breathing resistance device is a tool designed to improve respiratory strength and endurance. It works by creating resistance when you inhale, forcing your respiratory muscles to work harder.
This increased effort helps to strengthen your breathing muscles, similar to how weightlifting can strengthen your arms and legs.
Do Lung Exerciser Devices Work?
Yes, lung exerciser devices are scientifically proven to help improve lung capacity and function. By providing exercises that force your lungs to inhale and exhale at their full capacity, these devices can help enhance respiratory efficiency, improve stamina, and assist in recovery from certain respiratory conditions.
However, effectiveness can vary between individuals and regular use is often required for notable improvements.
Do Lung Breathing Trainers Work?
Yes, lung breathing trainers can effectively improve your lung capacity, stamina, and overall respiratory performance. They work by training the muscles responsible for breathing, specifically through resistance training.
Regular use of a lung breathing trainer can lead to improvements in athletic performance, recovery from respiratory ailments, and quality of life for individuals with chronic respiratory conditions.
What Machine Strengthens Your Lungs?
Breathing exercise devices, also known as lung exercisers or breathing trainers, are machines designed to strengthen your lungs.
They function by providing resistance or creating pressure during inhalation or exhalation, forcing your lungs to work harder.
Examples of these devices include inspiratory muscle trainers, incentive spirometers, and peak flow meters. Regular use of these devices can enhance lung capacity, improve stamina, and aid in recovery from respiratory illnesses.
What is the Best Way to Strengthen Your Lungs?
The best way to strengthen your lungs is through regular physical activity and breathing exercises. Activities like aerobic exercises, yoga, swimming, and even singing can promote lung capacity.
Using lung exerciser devices or breathing trainers can also be effective. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting a new fitness regimen, especially if you have underlying health conditions.
Is a Spirometer Exercise Good for the Lungs?
Yes, spirometer exercises are excellent for the lungs. These exercises, often performed using an incentive spirometer, can help to improve respiratory function, increase lung capacity, and promote lung recovery after surgery or in conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma.
How to Clean a Respiratory Exerciser?
To clean a respiratory exerciser, first disassemble the device as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Wash the parts in warm, soapy water, then rinse thoroughly to ensure all soap is removed.
Dry the parts completely before reassembling. Always refer to the device’s specific cleaning instructions for the best results, as guidelines may vary by model and brand.
Can I Do Breathing Exercises While Driving?
While some simple breathing exercises can be performed while driving, it is essential to prioritize safety and attention to the road. Avoid exercises that might make you feel dizzy or require closing your eyes.
Also, it’s not advisable to use respiratory exerciser devices while driving as they could distract you. Always prioritize safety and consider doing your breathing exercises before or after your journey.
Do I Need Both an Inspiratory and Expiratory Respiratory Muscle Trainer?
Whether you need both an inspiratory and expiratory muscle trainer depends on your specific health condition and fitness goals.
Some people may benefit from strengthening both the muscles used during inhalation (inspiratory) and exhalation (expiratory), while others might focus on one set.
It’s best to discuss this with your healthcare provider or a respiratory therapist to determine what is most suitable for you.
How Often Should You Use a Breathing Exerciser?
The frequency of use for a breathing exerciser can vary based on the specific device and individual health needs.
Generally, many professionals recommend using the device for a few minutes several times a day, but always follow the guidelines provided by your healthcare provider or the device’s manufacturer.
What is the Best POWERbreathe Alternative?
The best alternative to the POWERbreathe breathing trainer is THE BREATHER exercise trainer. It is well-regarded for its ability to train both inspiratory and expiratory muscles, aiding in improving overall lung function and respiratory health.
However, it’s always recommended to consider personal needs, doctor’s advice, and product reviews when choosing a device.
Final Thoughts
Breathing trainer lung exerciser devices have opened up a new frontier in health and fitness, making it possible for individuals to train and strengthen their respiratory system as part of their overall wellness regimen.
With the right device and consistent use, you can enhance lung capacity, improve breathing control, and boost athletic performance.
Just remember, as with any other fitness tool, the key to reaping the full benefits lies in understanding how to use it correctly, being consistent, and progressively challenging yourself.
With the insights and tips provided in this article, you are now well-equipped to navigate the market and make an informed choice about the best breathing device for your needs.
So go ahead, take a deep breath, and embark on your journey to improved lung health.