What it is
The Welcare Breatheasy is a drug-free inspiratory muscle trainer. You breathe in against an adjustable resistance, which strengthens the muscles you breathe in with. Welcare’s instructions are clear that it trains the breath in only: it isn’t for clearing mucus.
It comes in three strengths, and includes a nose clip so all your breathing goes through the device, plus a replaceable filter.
Who it's for
- Low resistance (WBT-01): rebuilding lung function after a respiratory illness, and children over 6.
- Moderate (WBT-02): healthy adults, and people recovering from a respiratory illness, including ex-smokers.
- Advanced (WBT-03): athletes and active people working on endurance.
How to use it
Welcare’s instructions say to set the resistance to level 0 the first time you use it, and never to turn the indicator below zero.
- Set your resistance. Turn the bottom cover clockwise or anticlockwise; the level shows in the clear window.
- Put the nose clip on so you breathe only through your mouth and the device.
- Attach the mouthpiece firmly to the trainer and check it’s secure.
- Sit upright or stand up straight. Good posture lets your diaphragm move properly.
- Put the mouthpiece between your lips and seal them around it.
- Breathe in quickly and deeply, then breathe out slowly. That’s one breath.
- Aim for 30 breaths in a row, which is what Welcare recommends, unless your physiotherapist or doctor has given you a different number.
Choosing a setting
- Start at level 0 and move up gradually.
- Increase the resistance only once you can comfortably complete 30 breaths at your current level. Turn the dial clockwise to increase, then repeat the set.
- Do not increase the resistance if you get severe breathlessness, fatigue, or your heart rate or blood pressure are unstable.
Cleaning & care
After each use
- Take the nose clip off and remove the mouthpiece from the trainer.
- Wash the mouthpiece and nose clip in mild soapy water.
- Rinse them thoroughly with clean water.
- Air dry them, or dry with a soft lint-free cloth, then store everything in the carry bag.
Weekly deep clean
- Only the mouthpiece and nose clip are washed: the main body of the trainer is not.
- Check the filter and the mouthpiece for wear.
- Clean it before you use it for the first time, as well as after each use.
Avoid: washing the body of the device, and sharing it with anyone else.
When to replace it
With daily use, Welcare recommends changing the filter monthly. To change it, pinch the bottom cover and slide it off rather than turning it (turning changes the resistance), swap the filter, then refit the cover. Replacement filters, mouthpieces, nose clips and lanyards are available. The device itself carries a 12-month warranty.
Things to be careful about
- Welcare lists a number of conditions where the trainer isn’t recommended, including severe heart, neurological or musculoskeletal conditions, uncontrolled high blood pressure, a pacemaker, a ruptured eardrum or ear problems, recent neck or lung surgery, and marked osteoporosis with previous rib fracture.
- It also isn’t recommended for people with asthma who don’t notice their symptoms early and have frequent severe flare-ups.
- Check with us or your doctor before starting if any of those apply to you, or if you’re unsure.
- Stop if you feel severe breathlessness or unwell, and tell us at your next visit.
Sources: Welcare Breatheasy breathing trainers · Welcare Breatheasy instructions for use (PDF). Instructions are summarised from the manufacturer and may change; always keep the leaflet that comes with your device.