Frequently Asked Questions

Everyone can benefit from WellO2 training. Below you’ll find the most common uses for the WellO2 breathing trainer.

Long-term breathing problems

Breathing often goes unnoticed until it deteriorates. Various factors, including environmental ones like poor indoor air quality, or health-related issues such as respiratory disorders, can cause breathing to weaken temporarily or more persistently.

Symptoms of weakened breathing include shortness of breath, increased mucus production, sneezing, and other respiratory problems. This decline in respiratory function can impair overall performance, reducing stamina in daily activities. Furthermore, difficulties with breathing can also be a primary cause of sleep disturbances.

WellO2 training opens and cleanses the respiratory tract and strengthens breathing efficiently.

The resistance and warm steam of the WellO2 device open the respiratory tract and ease breathing quickly, without medication. In addition, WellO2 training improves chest mobility and reduces muscle tightness, making breathing smoother.

Using the WellO2 device before inhaling medication helps open the bronchi, enhancing the medication's penetration into deeper parts of the respiratory tract and minimizing the risk of irritation. Should respiratory discomfort arise, the WellO2 method can swiftly alleviate these symptoms.

This approach also hydrates and heals the respiratory tract's mucous membrane, leading to a reduction in respiratory issues. Consistent practice with WellO2 can make you less susceptible to irritants like pollen, odors, or urban dust.

Moreover, regular WellO2 breathing exercises effectively strengthen the respiratory muscles. Stronger respiratory muscles make breathing easier and lessen breathlessness in everyday activities. Additionally, this enhancement in respiratory muscle strength boosts coughing efficiency, aiding in clearing the airways.

Short-term breathing problems

Everyone experiences occasional breathing difficulties, often triggered by common irritants such as flu symptoms, pollen, urban dust, strong odors, or dry air.

WellO2 training offers a swift and effective relief for a range of respiratory issues, including coughing, sneezing, a runny nose, sinus discomfort, irritation, and shortness of breath. Its combination of resistance training and warm steam helps loosen mucus, while using a nasal mask can quickly clear nasal congestion.

The health of the respiratory tract's mucous membrane is crucial in managing these symptoms. A healthy mucous membrane not only diminishes symptoms but also protects against pathogens. WellO2 training moisturizes and cares for this mucous membrane, enhancing its ability to ward off external irritants and pathogens. Therefore, regular WellO2 exercises are beneficial for both preventing and easing respiratory challenges, whether they're due to a common cold or pollen season.

Sports and performance

Athletes and active individuals around the world use the WellO2 breathing trainer to increase performance, enhance recovery, and stay healthy during training and competition seasons.

WellO2 training:

• Increases respiratory muscle strength and endurance.
• Efficiently warms up the respiratory system before athletic activity.
• Enhances recovery after sports performance.
• Increases chest mobility and reduces upper body muscle tightness.
• Reduces the risk of respiratory infections during training and competition seasons.

Regular WellO2 breathing training develops the strength and endurance of inspiratory and expiratory muscles. The growth in muscle strength and endurance improves performance and reduces the strain on respiratory muscles even during demanding exertion.

WellO2 training before athletic activity efficiently prepares the respiratory muscles, ensuring the lungs are fully open and muscles are less prone to acidification. Moreover, breathing training activates the respiratory muscles and teaches optimal breathing techniques for use during performance. Utilizing a nasal mask improves and encourages nasal breathing. Warm steam readies the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract to face tough conditions, such as cold or dry air, or air pollution, making it an essential part of preparing for challenging environments.

Resistance training and warm steam help you calm down after demanding training and exercise and efficiently initiate the body's recovery process. WellO2 training deepens breathing, calms the breathing rhythm, and activates the parasympathetic nervous system. It also lowers resting heart rate (HR), increases heart rate variability (HRV), and lowers blood pressure. Activating deep breathing reduces the secretion of stress hormones and increases deep sleep. Additionally, warm steam opens the nose, treats the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, and reduces snoring.

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Sleep and recovery

The stresses of everyday life, along with external irritants, can disrupt our breathing patterns. Stress often leads to accelerated, shallow breathing where the lungs don't fully expand, throwing off the natural rhythm of our breath. This shallow breathing can negatively impact sleep, leading to issues like trouble falling asleep, difficulty staying asleep, waking up too early, or experiencing poor-quality sleep.

WellO2 training calms and deepens breathing. It also activates the vagus nerve of the parasympathetic nervous system, lowering resting heart rate, increasing heart rate variability (HRV), and lowering blood pressure. Additionally, it reduces the secretion of stress hormones and increases deep sleep.

WellO2 training before bedtime activates deep breathing. Deep breathing and relaxing warm steam calm the body as well as the mind and initiate the start of recovery. This, in turn, facilitates falling asleep and improves sleep quality. Training with a nasal mask opens a stuffy nose, making breathing at night much easier and calmer.

Regular WellO2 training strengthens respiratory muscles and treats the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract. Stronger respiratory muscles in the nasopharyngeal area and a well-functioning mucous membrane of the respiratory tract can help reduce snoring. Additionally, WellO2 training eases upper respiratory tract congestion, enabling nasal breathing at night. This can reduce dryness or mucus in the throat caused by mouth breathing, which many suffer from in the mornings.

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Singing and voice use

Hoarseness, vocal strain, and voice breaks are common issues among singers and individuals who frequently use their voice in their daily activities. Factors such as shallow breathing, stress, poor air quality, and flu symptoms can all detrimentally impact the quality of the voice.

If your voice is your most important instrument, warming it up for the day, taking care of it during work hours, and preparing it for rest are essential steps to ensure optimal recovery. The WellO2 offers a quick and effective solution for speakers and singers to maintain their voice on a daily basis.

WellO2 training not only warms up the vocal muscles but also moisturizes the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, swiftly and effectively preparing your voice for a performance or the workday ahead. Facing external challenges like dry or cold air can test the limits of your voice. Under such conditions, moisturizing the respiratory tract before a performance can make using your voice easier. Furthermore, if performing tends to be nerve-wracking, WellO2 training can also help soothe both body and mind.

After vocal performance, WellO2 training moisturizes and maintains strained respiratory tracts and activates the parasympathetic nervous system. This efficiently initiates the body's recovery process.

Regular WellO2 training strengthens the muscles used for voice, helping the voice to withstand stress better. The training also improves chest mobility, reducing chest muscle tightness and thus easing breathing. Moreover, moisturizing and treating the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract reduces sensitivity to external irritants, such as dry air.

A healthy mucous membrane in the respiratory tract acts as a robust defense against pathogens, warding off symptoms of colds. Meanwhile, WellO2 training offers relief from respiratory symptoms like coughs, runny noses, and congestion.

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Do not use the device if you have had:

• Pneumothorax
• A recent disease or injury of the tympanic membrane
• A recent surgical operation on your head, chest or abdomen

If you are not sure whether you can use the breathing exercise device, please discuss starting the breathing exercises with an attending physician.

Typically, it's safe to use the WellO2 breathing trainer during mild respiratory infections that don't involve a fever, and there aren't any specific restrictions against its use under these conditions. However, beginning WellO2 training amidst an acute respiratory infection isn't advised. It's beneficial to be accustomed to the training before encountering a respiratory infection.

If you are ill, it's recommended to use the WellO2 device with the lowest resistance setting and keep the sessions brief to prevent additional stress on your body. Engaging in WellO2 training both during a respiratory infection and throughout the recovery period can help alleviate symptoms and facilitate a quicker recovery. However, if using the device aggravates your symptoms, causes pain, or leads to breathlessness, discontinuing its use is advisable.

I have pneumonia – can I use the WellO2 device?

When dealing with pneumonia, it's important not to cause any strain or exercise muscles. If you choose to use the WellO2 device, it should only be at the lowest resistance level and for brief periods. Should you be in the hospital, it's crucial to consult with your physician about any form of respiratory training.

During the recovery phase, if you're not experiencing a fever, light resistance training using the WellO2 device can aid in improving your breathing and speeding up your recovery process. Once you're feeling better and back to health, you can resume using the device as you normally would.

WellO2 is a drug-free breathing exercise device that supports the body's normal function and rehabilitates the respiratory system to operate in the best possible way. WellO2 training eases various respiratory symptoms that the disease or treatment may cause. Such symptoms include shortness of breath, nasal congestion, mucus in the respiratory tract, and constant coughing or sneezing.

WellO2 training quickly opens, moisturizes, and cleans the respiratory tracts. Additionally, regular training strengthens the respiratory muscles and the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract.

I have an allergy – can I use the WellO2 device?

People suffering from allergy symptoms are particularly sensitive to external irritants, such as pollen, street dust, air impurities, or odors. Typical allergy symptoms include nasal congestion, accumulation of mucus in the respiratory tract, sneezing, and difficulty breathing.

WellO2 training swiftly alleviates irritating respiratory symptoms. The combination of warm steam and resistance training effectively loosens mucus, while using a nasal mask efficiently clears a congested nose. Furthermore, warm steam helps in reducing the secretion of histamine in the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract.

Using the WellO2 device before inhaling medication helps open the bronchi, enhancing the medication's penetration into deeper parts of the respiratory tract and minimizing the risk of irritation. Should respiratory discomfort arise, the WellO2 method can swiftly alleviate these symptoms.

Regular WellO2 training increases the moisture balance of the respiratory tract's mucous membrane. A well-conditioned mucous membrane and functioning cilia protect the body from allergens and thus reduce the intensity of allergy symptoms. It is advisable to start WellO2 training well before the spring pollen season, so the respiratory tract's mucous membrane is in the best possible condition by then.

I have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) – can I use the WellO2 device?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) impairs chest mobility and lung ventilation, which refers to the movement of air into and out of the lungs. Additionally, the disease accelerates the degeneration of muscle strength – including respiratory muscles. These factors can cause symptoms such as breathlessness and decreased performance.

Regular WellO2 training can target and strengthen respiratory muscles even from the comfort of your home – especially when engaging in strenuous exercise is otherwise limited. Strengthening respiratory muscles improves exercise tolerance and reduces the feeling of breathlessness in daily life. WellO2 training also increases chest mobility, which further facilitates breathing.

The warm steam and resistance of the WellO2 device help effectively clear mucus from the airways. Additionally, WellO2 training moisturizes and treats the respiratory mucosa, which may become dry due to medications and thus cause respiratory symptoms such as cough or hoarseness.

I have sleep apnea – can I use the WellO2 device?

Sleep apnea is a respiratory disorder that narrows the upper airways. Typical symptoms of sleep apnea include breathing pauses, snoring, and dry mouth.

CPAP therapy is used in the treatment of sleep apnea, and it may dry out the airways. Regular WellO2 training increases moisture balance in the upper airways and supports the normal function of the respiratory mucosa. Well-moisturized respiratory mucosa reduces both nighttime and daytime respiratory symptoms.

WellO2 training strengthens respiratory muscles. Training with a nasal mask develops the small muscles of the nose, throat, and larynx that keep the airways open. Strengthening these muscles can potentially reduce snoring caused by their weakness. Many users of the WellO2 device have reported that snoring symptoms have reduced or disappeared completely with regular training.

Snorers often breathe through their mouths, leading to dry upper airways during the night. Mouth breathing also increases the relaxation of respiratory muscles. WellO2 training with a nasal mask before bedtime opens a stuffy nose and activates nasal breathing, which is the optimal breathing method both awake and asleep. In the morning, WellO2 training quickly moisturizes dry airways.

The WellO2 breathing training device is currently participating in a study conducted by the University of Turku and the Turku University Hospital Sleep and Respiratory Centre investigating the effects of upper airway muscle strength training on sleep apnea. The study was initiated in May 2022.

I have pulmonary fibrosis – can I use the WellO2 device?

Pulmonary fibrosis involves the formation of scar tissue (fibrosis) in the space between the air sacs of the lungs. Common respiratory symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis include breathlessness and chronic cough.

Even slight exertion causes breathlessness in pulmonary fibrosis. However, exercise is important for maintaining respiratory muscle strength. If normal training and exercise is not possible, WellO2 training specifically develops respiratory muscle strength while other parts of the body remain at rest. With increased respiratory muscle strength, physical exertion can feel lighter and WellO2 training can help rehabilitate return back to normal exercise.

Moreover, training with WellO2 enhances chest mobility, facilitating easier breathing. This training not only deepens but also stabilizes the breathing pattern, thereby improving overall respiration.

The combination of resistance and warm steam produced by the WellO2 device effectively provides quick relief for uncomfortable breathing and helps alleviate symptoms associated with respiratory issues, including coughing.

I have bronchiectasis – can I use the WellO2 device?

Bronchiectasis refers to the permanent widening of the bronchi and chronic inflammation of the bronchial walls. Typical symptoms of the condition include mucus production and chronic cough.

WellO2 training effectively assists in clearing mucus from the airways. The resistance and warm steam of the WellO2 device efficiently lift mucus upward in the bronchi, making it easier to cough up. Additionally, the warm steam moisturizes the respiratory mucosa and thins the mucus, facilitating its removal. Regular WellO2 training increases respiratory muscle strength, enhancing the ability to cough and facilitating breathing.

I have cystic fibrosis – can I use the WellO2 device?

Cystic fibrosis is a metabolic disease characterized by respiratory symptoms such as chronic cough, mucus production, and sinus symptoms.

WellO2 training effectively assists in clearing mucus from the airways. The resistance and warm steam of the WellO2 device efficiently lift mucus upward in the bronchi, making it easier to cough up. Additionally, the warm steam moisturizes the respiratory mucosa and thins the mucus, facilitating its removal. Regular WellO2 training increases respiratory muscle strength, enhancing the ability to cough and facilitating breathing.

You can also train with the WellO2 device using a nasal mask. Nasal mask training quickly reduces nasal congestion, increases nasal mucosa moisture balance, and improves airflow in the nasal cavities. Regular training may help prevent sinus infections.

Snorers often breathe through their mouths, causing the upper airways to dry out during the night. WellO2 training with a nasal mask before bedtime opens a congested nose and activates nasal breathing, which is the optimal breathing technique both awake and asleep. In the morning, WellO2 training quickly moisturizes dry airways.

Mouth breathing also loosens respiratory muscles. Regular WellO2 training, especially with a nasal mask, strengthens the small muscles of the nose, throat, and larynx that keep the airways open. Strengthening these muscles can potentially reduce snoring caused by their weakness. Many users of the WellO2 device have reported that snoring symptoms have reduced or disappeared completely with regular training.

The WellO2 breathing trainer is classified as an electrical device. Therefore, children under 12 years of age may not use the device without supervision. Even then, they must be instructed on how to operate the device safely and must understand the hazards involved in incorrect use of the electronic device.

If a child can breathe into the WellO2 device following an adult's instructions, they can train with the WellO2 device. In the first training sessions, the child should use the lowest resistance (0) and the lowest temperature setting.

If the WellO2 device feels heavy to the child, it can be placed on a table during training. Then, the training can be done through the mouth using an extension tube and through the nose using a nasal mask.

Pregnancy and the development of the fetus can make breathing more shallow, often leading to a sensation of breathlessness. Additionally, the changes in the body's posture during pregnancy can alter the condition of the respiratory muscles, further affecting breathing.

WellO2 training during pregnancy can help deepen breathing, strengthen the respiratory muscles, and hydrate the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract. It's important to tune into your body and sensations while training during this time. As pregnancy progresses, especially towards the end, it's wise to avoid intense efforts. Therefore, using the device at its lowest resistance setting (0) is recommended.

You can tell your doctor about the basic principles of the WellO2 device, which combine breathing training against resistance with warm steam inhalation.

In WellO2 training, you breathe against resistance during both inhalation and exhalation, and the level of resistance can be smoothly adjusted to suit your needs. As you inhale, the device generates warm steam, with the temperature selectable from three different settings. The WellO2 device allows for training to be conducted through either the mouth or the nose, offering flexibility in how you choose to use it.

Resistance breathing devices are commonly used in hospitals for rehabilitation, for example, to support mucus clearance treatments. In these devices, the breathing resistance is usually less than 20 cmH2O. The breathing resistance of the WellO2 device ranges from a minimum of 15 cmH2O to a maximum of 120 cmH2O. Thus, the WellO2 device offers higher resistance, which activates the muscles for both exhalation and inhalation, increasing their strength.

The principle of exhalation in the WellO2 device is similar to the use of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP). It expands small constricted airways, enhances gas exchange, and calms and deepens breathing.

Inhalation resistance enhances chest mobility and increases available space in the lungs. It also effectively activates respiratory muscles, especially the diaphragm, and improves breathing technique.

The warm steam from the WellO2 breathing trainer increases moisture balance in the upper airways and moisturizes and rehabilitates the respiratory mucosa. Additionally, it enhances the function of cilia in the respiratory tract.

We are happy to provide healthcare professionals with more information about the WellO2 breathing trainer and WellO2 training! Healthcare professionals can schedule a presentation for themselves or their team via email: info@wello2.com.