Had been using the older model Resperate for several years. I used it every other day and maintain getting about 52 minutes below 10 breaths in 7 days. Seem to lower my blood pressure about 20 points on the high side. My low side has always been below 70.

Jan. 09 purchased the new model Resperate. Big improvement and easier to use. But in the last month I've seen my blood pressure increase back to where it was before I started using Resperate. Week before last started using it every day and for the last week been using it 3 times a day. I average 13 minutes below 10 breaths per session.

I've also noted my blood pressure before use and after use... most time there is NO change.

So what has happen?

Hi Olefin,
There are a few questions I want to ask you. I understand you upgraded to the Ultra and find it to be an improved model. Thank you. We feel the same.
Was there any break from the time you used your older model to the Ultra? Generally we see a person's blood pressure start to increase after 2 weeks of stopping a session.
I understand you've been using the RESPeRATE for several years and may have been accostumed to the older model. With the Ultra, the sensor IS more sensitive so make sure you are maintaining a comfortable breating rate. Most people are comfortable between 6-8 BPMs. There's no harm in going lower than that as long as you TRULY ARE COMFORTABLE! (ie: do not take an excessively large inhale, do not hold your breath, do not push the air out then puff out those last few breaths to keep in sync with the tones) Remember, the tones are there to guide you, however it sensor makes it interactive so if it's not comfortable, then breathe normally to adjust to a higher rate.
During this winter season we've been getting a few calls from people who have noticed an increase in their BP. All of them had underlying health conditions that they were not aware of. People's body's change. The body responds differently. Ask yourself, have you been sick? Are you taking other medications? Without wanting to alert you, if you are seeing a drastic increase in your blood pressure then I highly recommend that you see your doctor as it could be a warning sign for an underlying health condition.
I note that you've posted a few times in this forum so I hope to hear back from you soon!
GOOD LUCK!!!
Breathe Easy!
Marguerite (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)

Marguerite,
Thanks for the quick reply. And I'll answer your questions.

No, I never missed a day. And always make sure I use it at least once every other day. Only recently switched to daily, now I'm using it 3 times a day.

With the Ultra I always get down to 5 BPM. The older model took me down to 3. I've used Resperate so long that I automatically breath with the melody and it's very comfortable.

I thought it was strange that sometimes, not ever time, I see no decrease in blood pressure after using Resperate. Seems when I do get a good 15 to 20 points drop using Resperate it doesn't stay down as long as after using the treadmill?

Have noted after my daily 3.1 miles in 45 minutes on the treadmill and taking blood pressure immediately that my blood pressure never gets over 150/70 to 160/75. Also 30 minutes later it will be in the 120's and continue to stay lower much longer than after using Resperate. Recently I've seen blood pressure in the 150 to 160 range right after getting out of bed in the morning. Seems it's usually the highest of a morning and about the same as immediately using the treadmill.

I've called my doctors office to let them know.
Thanks

Hi Olefin,
I want to start by saying it's a good thing that you called your doctor! You just never know. Quick story without getting into details I've had an issue that I've been ignoring. I finally went to my doctor yesterday and he discovered that there in fact was something going on that shouldn't be!
Now onto something else you mentioned. You state that you see a decrease in your BP after a session but it doesn't last? HHmm....it sounds like you may be doing everything correct technique wise, but if you're not seeing a sustained control then it's possible that you are not "relaxed" enough. Make sure your eyes are closed, you're sitting in a comfy chair with a slight recline and that you're allowing the tones just guide you.
OK, just keep us posted!
Breathe Easy!
Marguerite (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)

Hi Marguerite,
OK, went to the doc, I didn't have anything wrong and I'm feeling great. He said as long as my blood pressure was staying below 140 for most of the time that I didn't need more blood pressure medication. I've taken a water pill for blood pressure even before Resperate. In the last few days I haven't seen any reading over 140.

You said I'm not relaxed enough... I'm doing the same thing I have since 2005 when I purchased my first Resperate.
I've always use Resperate, in my recliner, eyes closed. Hey, I've been using it for 5 years so breathing to the melody comes natural for me. After a few minutes I'm not aware I'm hearing the melody. But I'm breathing right along with it. A couple times I have even fell off asleep.. wow, now that does mess it up. LOL

I use Resperate the first thing of a morning for that's when my blood pressure is the highest. This morning, blood pressure before...138/60, after Resperate...140/62? But yesterday, after the first time I used it I got a 12 point drop, the next time, no change?

Haven't used my older model Resperate since 1/09 when I purchased the Ultra. So this morning put new batteries in and used it. My start breathing rate was 15 BPM, it took me down to 4.2 BPM. ( The Ultra takes me down to 4.8 BPM) After blood pressure was 133/66 from a 140/62.

Question... Shouldn't a person always see a drop in blood pressure right after using Resperate each time they use it? I remember when I first started using Resperate back in 05 I would see as much as 20 point drop. I kept accurate records and even made a spread sheet of how Resperate brought my blood pressure down the first month. I took the spread sheet to my doc so he could see how well it was working. When I got the new Ultra I didn't pay as close attention to the numbers. I just continued using the Ultra every other day like I had been doing with the older model.

Question, why doesn't Resperate drop my blood pressure like my daily fast walk? I see a good 20 point drop from my morning blood pressure 30 minutes to an hour after walking 3 miles in 45 minutes. Even when Resperate lowers my blood pressure It doesn't last near as long as exercise?

Any suggestions?

Dayton

Hello, Have been following your question. I have just started using resperate barely into the 2nd month but had the first model just never used it on any regular basis. Been stressed lately and found my bp elevated so I've gotten serious about resperate use and aerobic exercise. I purchased the ultra too and find my bp higher after use. I haven't completed my research yet but it seems bp goes down several hours later and on through the next day. On these partcular occassions I used it in the evening ranging from 7:30pm or about 10pm for one or two sessions of 15 min. I use the older model still and find myself more relaxed because the Ultra's voice is so loud when giving instruction or correcting that it startles and takes me out of the zone. I also find the sensitivity is a bit much because sometimes it just keeps telling me to adjust the belt or breathe evenly and this stresses. I have begun to feel I'm being tested and anticipate it. The orange button resperate does give instruction but voice is lower and that makes a huge difference for me. So my opinion right now is that its possible I'm holding my body in a more tense state with the ultra and this isn't helping. I have taken my bp with the older model and its decreased after the session and if not it isn't as elevated as with the ultra. But I also see a nice reduction the following day so far with both models. (ranging from 125-138/80-84) the following day and then with exercise it seems to maintain. These are just my preliminary observations and I know I'm still trying to get the hang of the breathing. I've also found it's important for me to be receptive to relaxation. Right now I'm using it everday.

Thanks,
Alexa

Hi Marguerite,

Are you still around?

Still waiting for your answers to my questions in my last post and your suggestions.

Thanks

I'd like to hear more about these concerns, as well!

Thanks!

This is an interesting thread. I have been using the older model for a long time, then switched over to the Ultra. I don't know for sure, but I just have a gut feeling that the older model works better for me with regard to lowering my BP, especially right after use. But I don't have numbers to prove this.

JBC, and Angel do you check your blood pressure just before using the Ultra and right after using. If so, how much difference in the numbers?
Mine varies, yesterday it was 6 points lower, today 7 points. Sometimes I see no decrease and sometimes it increases??

I will try and do this.

Olefin,

I don't have an Ultra, but I was considering it. I have the old workhorse model, which seems to be doing me fine. I am going to stick with the old one.

Best,

Angel

Oh My! What is going on in here? The patent and technology are the same on both models. There's no reason that one should work better than the other. With that said, I have forwarded this thread to our guys in Israel to see what they think! I personally switched from the older model to the Ultra last year. I went through a phase where I said I like the older model better, but now I've been consistenly using my Ultra model and maintain my BP levels just the same. I know the sensor is ever slighly sensitive on the Ultra which doesn't allow you to get to a too low of a breathing rate, but other than that no other technical changes!
I'll be back with some response(s) from the scientist & R&D guys over in Israel!!!
Breathe Easy!
Marguerite (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)

Hi Marguerite,
Actually I think the Ultra is easier to use for it always recognize my breathing pattern on the first try. Wasn't that way on the older model. On the old model I sometimes had a problem and would have to take deep breaths to get it started. Also like the smaller size, the earplugs and the voice audio on the Ultra.
I'll be looking for the response from the Israel brains.
Thanks

Straight from the inventor, Dr Benjamin Gavish:
"While basically, Ultra and RR151 (older model) drive breathing similarly, one cannot rule out some psychological response to switching “loyalty” to another device. One important indication may be BP change immediately after the session: this is meaningless in the long run, but it may reflect such perceptions. For example, increasing BP after a session is likely to reflect response to stress or perception of effort.
Ultra does not drive your breathing actively to less than 5 bpm, which may be disappointing to people who used to breathe slower and feel “high” if the had an old RR151 model."
Note to me from Dr Gavish:
"You may advise such people to breathe as slow as they want (not less than 3 bpm) and the device would follow them."

Hope this helps clear some things up!
Breathe Easy!
Marguerite (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) I've tried it, followed all directions, and my blood pressure went UP! I sent an email ASKING FOR HELP to Resperate, AND DID NOT GET A RESPONSE. Igave them all the readings from the machine, and my blood pressure readings and never got the courtesy of a reply. I went to the site and used the "contact us" and never got a response. I AM VERY DISGUSTED WITH THESE PEOPLE

I've had the same problem with no answer from an email but here on the forum you will receive an answer.

Things to consider in the meantime might be

when did you start using the resperate because it can take a while to adjust to the breathing rhythm and pattern, that is to get to 10 or below, in addtion to the ease of breathing because if it's not relaxed or your're not truly relaxed bp will be elevated but typically not an issue. It's like a workout ... when we exercise our bp goes up.

My bp is typically elevated after a session but my results are still very good because my bp has come down considerably from high 150's -160/ 98-101 to now 138/90-118/77, the range starts to lessen more and more with continued use. I've been using resperate everyday since Dec.4 but it took me a month to relax and get the breathing correct (it's different for everyone) and sometimes my bp was high then would come down. Now with continued use it is becoming more stable. Not everyone sees results in the 3-4 weeks but that doesn't mean it won't work.

Also if you're stressed because bp is high, it will only go higher when you measure it. Personally I don't take bp meausrement if I know I'm stressed.

Same goes for resperate use ... if you're trying to force the session to bring bp down, that does create stress. I've done that and find if I stop worrying about my bp, step away for a day or so, get my mind occupied with something else then do a resperate session it goes very well.

One thing I do now that I have realized from using resperate is that I forget to breathe ... When I'm stressed I have the tendency to hold my breath while I'm doing things, basically not taking full breaths. When I catch myself doing that I take 3 deep breaths and just exhale, relax the shoulders and breathe. It's made the world of difference.

Using resperate is a lifstyle change and does make you aware of all the stress you do hold and definitely isn't someting accomplished overnight. It is a physical exercise.

I hope some of this makes you feel a little better or helps.

Alexa

Marguerite, thanks for the reply. And to Dr Gavish.
That was the answer I was looking for. I'm continuing using the device daily and not checking blood pressure right after the session. My morning blood pressure runs around 140/58 and evening 125/56. For my age, normal blood pressure is 140/75.

Alexa, here is to continual success in keeping your blood pressure down and thank you for your contributions to the thread.
Dayton

It's strange that you got no reply. We do have several contact emails available but the one you should be using is SUPPORT@RESPERATE.COM. We reply to every email that comes through. Make sure there are no attachements that would cause your email to go to the spam folder or be blocked completly.
As far as an increase in BP, the Resperate does not cause your BP to increase. Usually this is a sign of an underlying health condition that you may not (or possibly may) be aware of.
Breathe Easy!
Marguerite (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)