As a new owner I am hopeful of achieving the results everyone posts. I am surprised that I have not seen one negative post. Are negative posts just deleted?

Jef,
Welcome to the RESPeRATE family! We do not delete posts unless they don't follow the posted guidelines.
Marguerite (IMG:http://forum.resperate.com/style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)

I'm not sure if this is a "negative post" because everyone involved with Resperate has been totally professional (I purchased from another retailer) and it is a high quality product (except I would have liked a better quality set of headphones). I very quickly got the hang of using the unit and found the process of using the unit very relaxing and calming. During the 60 day test period, I used the system an average of 5 days per week for 15 minutes per day.

Basically resperate is a breath-centered meditation system that takes your initial breathing rate and monitors it to reduce the rate over the course of your session. I noticed that it also encourages healty breathing in that it increases the duration of your "out" breath in comparison to the "in" breath. This enables better expulsion of CO2 from the lungs and encourages deeper breathing. This healty effect on the cardio vascular system has been discussed by Andrew Weill, Jon Kabat-Zinn and others who teach breath-centered mediation. All of this is good and healthy, and I found the machine easy to use. My main problem is that because I have been practicing breath-centered meditation (albeit on and off) and was already familiar the method. I would typically start a session at between 6 and 8 breaths per minuted, and end around 4.

My blood pressure is still in the seriously high range, and Resperate NOT did work to lower my blood pressure, though I found it very calming and relaxing to use. I returned the unit for a refund ONLY because the price was significantly high (around $300) and I did not find it necessary to do what I could do with a good musical meditation CD (that I am now using daily with a portable CD player). If the price was in the $100 neighborhood, I probably would have kept it.

For anyone contemplating purchasing Resperate, I'd say go for it and do it at least the recommended minimum (15 minutes 3 times per week -- I think daily is better). It comes with a real 60 day refund offer. Clearly it works for a lot of people, and has worked in clinical trials. If it works for you, it will lower you blood pressure, add to your cardio vascular health and maybe allow you to dump (or avoid) blood pressure meds. If it doesn't work, you can always return it for a refund.


Jim Connolly, Albuquerque, NM

My "negative" experience has more to do with customer service than the Resperate machine. When it worked right I found the experience very relaxing and helpful, however mine seemed to have a defect that showed up intermittently. It would sometimes start extending the inhalation instead of the exhalation - almost like hyperventaling. This was done following the the arrow icons on the machine to make sure I wasn't breathing opposite of the way it's intended. As a side note, I have a degree in Electrical Engineering Technology and build, repair and trouble shoot computers. I called customer service hoping to find an understanding and helpful voice on the the other end. Instead I reached someone who constantly interrupted me, talked when I was trying to talk and was abrupt. I told my wife after the conversation "If I didn't have ypertension before I called I'm sure I do now." As I've gotten older, customer service has become tantamount to my doing business with a company. I ended the conversation by just asking for a refund and RMA.

--Allen Conrad, Centerville, Indiana

Dear Mr Connolly,
Thank you for giving the RESPeRATE a fair trial. Just like with anything, it is possible that the RESPeRATE may not work for everyone, which is why we offer the 30 day satisfaction guarantee when purchased directly from us.
Marguerite (IMG:http://forum.resperate.com/style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)

I'm saddened and disappointed that no one responded to my expereience with customer service . I was sincerely hoping this might be looked into and something worked out.

C'est la vie


--Allen Conrad

Mr Conrad,
I'm sorry that you feel this way about our customer service. We actually pride ourselves on customer service and feel that we have one of the best out there! (IMG:http://forum.resperate.com/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) We know the RESPeRATE is a great device that actually works. I see that you were enjoying the benefits of the RESPeRATE and it saddens me that because of a disappointing experience with one CSRep you would return the unit! We absolutley do not want to leave a bad taste in your mouth or anyone else's for that matter. Please give me a call and I will assure you that your future experience with RESPeRATE will be nothing but positive. Call toll free: 1-877-988-9388, M-F, 9am-5pm EST.
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Marguerite (IMG:http://forum.resperate.com/style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)

I have not had much success with Resperate. Initially I used it for 15 minutes per day for about two months (October and November). There may have been a reduction from about 160/80 to 150/70 but it has not been sustained. My most recent reading (January) was 164/88.

I do think that Resperate has an effect in reducing daily tension, if not my hypertension, and I have retained the machine both for this reason and perhaps because it is difficult to accept that the machine has not been effective.

I am open to comments or suggestions.

Dear Snookums,
If you have experienced a reduction like you mentioned (from 160/80 to 150/70) then that should be encouraging because it means your body is responding to the breathing exercise!!! It's important to use your Resperate on some kind of a routine based schedule. If you used your Resperate, let's say for just 10 minutes a day 5 days a week, you might find yourself sustaining the reduction that you experience just after a session.
See if that works! Keep us posted!
Breathe Easy.
Marguerite (IMG:http://forum.resperate.com/style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)

Well so far I've been disappointed. I've used it now for several months - generally about 5 times a week for 12-15 minutes each time. I check my blood pressure about 3-4 times a day as well. My BP goes down a bit for the hour or so after I use Resperate but that's it - no change throughout the rest of the day.

Furthermore I find the 30 day refund somewhat ridiculous. It says right on the package you need a minimum of 4 weeks to notice any difference. So unless you open the package, start that day and then at exactly 4 wks make a decision, the refund is worthless. For most of us the $300 is a small price to pay if it works so we're willing to give it at least 8 weeks - after that though with no real reduction, the $300 box is yours with no refund. $300 is a bit high for something that really is no different than listening to Canon in D for 15 minutes and measure your breathing. To have a monitor tell you "tighten the strap" is worthless.

They do have an incredible marketing scheme going though.

Dave,
To see a reduction after a session tells me that you are using it properly (technique-wise) and that your body is responding to the exercise! To acheive an all day reduction, I would probably need to ask some further questions. When I see a person not acheiving the sustained reduction, it usually has to do with the individual. What time of the day are you doing your session? Are you truly relaxed? Are your eyes closed during your session, phones turned off? TV turned off? Any distractions? Are you sitting in a comfy chair with a slight recline?
Once you get the technique down, it's important to just relax. You should almost go into a trance type of a mode. I'm sure your stats are GREAT! You should try to use the RESPeRATE at the same time each day. Also, in regards to your BP readings, it's also important to take your readings at the same time each day. Use that as your guage. We like to recommend taking 3 consecutive readings about 2-3 minutes apart, dropping the first reading and averaging the 2nd & 3rd reading.
As far as the 30 day return period, most people who use it should start to see something happening to their BP around week #3. (maybe even sooner immediately following a session) These are indications that you are using it properly and that your body is responding and you should expect a further, sustained reduction.
Please contact our customer care dept Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm EST for further tips at: 1-877-988-9388
Breathe Easy!
Marguerite