Comment by DrAwdeOccarim | Hacker News Reader

Comment by DrAwdeOccarim | Hacker News Reader

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I was intrigued by this report last year (http://www.sci-news.com/medicine/inspiratory-muscle-strength...) and did some research around the idea of Inspiratory Muscle Strength Training (IMST). Turns out there has been a bit of peer-reviewed work done recently around IMST and statistically significant reductions in blood pressure, especially in regard to obstructive sleep apnea treated with CPAP (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4863204/). I went out and purchased the K3 that was used in the recent work showing 5 minutes of IMST training at 75% capacity reduced blood pressure by 10 points (https://www.powerbreathe.com/product-category/breathing-trai...). I've been doing it off and on for 6 months now, and I can attest that after 3 weeks of twice daily use, my blood pressure was reduced by at least 10 points. I've also noticed sleeping better with my CPAP. YMWV, but the peer reviewed science seems legit and I've personally benefited from it!

Thank you very much for mentioning this. I have high blood pressure and wasn't going to read the article until I saw this.

I don't have a high blood pressure but I do use a CPAP device for handling my spnea. Currently using a Philips Dreamstation. After it was diagnosed I immediately got the device and ever since my AHI dropped from about 50 to 2 or 3 an. I wonder if it is possible to ever get off this device. Would this breath exercises help in reducing the AHI?

Some actions which I have experienced in a positive way of reducing AHI: - Hiking / workout before going to bed - Quit consuming drinks containing alcohol.

Any other suggestions would be great and very welcome!

Obstructive sleep apnea is terrible. I am thin but have a malformed throat/jaw so I have OSA. Fortunately, mandibular advancement devices worked well for me but you can only use them for 8-10 years before they permanently adjust your bite. I used one religiously in my late 20's early 30's and it was great, but I have since moved to CPAP full time using nasal pillows and a chin strap off Amazon to keep my mouth closed. I also sleep on a 7deg straight incline (whole bed, not wedge). Putting all these things together works wonders for me. I am also APOE3 heterozygote so I am super fastidious about proper sleep hygiene to ensure lymphatic clearance of beta-amyloid plaque. The no alcohol before bed is super important, but I have a hard time holding to it--I'll get there eventually. Overall, there is nothing to do about it. The only surgical options are terrible and the new electrostimulatory devices are promising but new and therefore long-term effects are unknown. I hope we reach a point where there is a "cure", but for me it's doubtful.

Hello there I actually have a Phillips DreamStation Auto BiPAP Hum Dom (DSX700H11), thats connected to the DreamStation Hum Core Pack DOM (DSXHCP), that I’m currently trying to find a new home for. It was my fathers, he recently past an the machine cost us a small fortune because at the time he had no INS. Anyways if anyone is interested please contact my via Email. My Gmail is the exact same as my user name on this site. I appreciate any feedback as far as where else I might been able to recoup some of my money spent as well as help someone that may not have the right resources to set one through there INS or what not. Again that’s, and sorry to interrupt your conversation! Benenati2323

This is a VERY active community around sleep apnea. Someone there could certainly help you: http://apneaboard.com/

Very interesting. I was already practising similar kind of respiratory exercises: you inhale-exhale deeply 20 times, then you empty your lungs and hold this state as long as you can (depending on your health condition, can be 20s or 2mins). It helps against nasal congestion along with the rest of body stretching of course

I almost hyperventilated myself before I got to the "hold your lungs empty" part; I should have known better than just to try it on a whim.

I have done this breathing exercise for a long time.... though addmitedly, much less recently. T.Hanx for the reminder...

I used to meditate an hour a day when I was in my 20s, and now, being in my 40s, I can measurably feel the difference of not meditating regularly. Its time to really get dedicated to it.

Is it worth getting the electronic versions vs. the manual ones?

I prefer the K3 (electronic version) because it automatically adjusts, even mid-training, to keep the max effort around 75-80%. Your diaphragm gets strong, fast so if you don't adjust continuously soon there is not enough resistance. It's like lifting weights where a machine constantly increases the weight and manages it so you're always pushing yourself. You can do this with the manual ones, but I'm lazy and would rather pick up the device in the AM and PM, do it for 5-10 min, and be done not having to think about it. Keep in mind, though, the K3 is like $400...

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