I called Customer Service about my use and results, and among other advice, it was suggested that my synchronization percentage was too low ("desirable would be at least 80%"). I was getting percentages in the 70s, mostly.

I learned that I might be able to synchronize better if I either take off the earphones for about 30 seconds so the machine would "match" my rate, OR [as the manual suggests] simply lower, or hasten, my own breathing if that were more my normal rate, and let the machine on its own match my rate.

QUESTION: Won't either method just cause my synchroniztion percentages to stay in the low range?
I have, at times, had sync percentages in the 80s or even 90s, but can't seem to get to that these days.

I have another question about "Final Breathing Rate": Is it acceptable to have the final rate below 5 breaths per minute? I was advised to keep the rate to 5 or above. If following the tones (starting somewhere above 15) causes me to get down below 5 but normally still well above 4, is that all right -- or am I causing myself to lose out on the BP lowering effect?

I am a relatively new user who discovered after several weeks that I started too low (in the therapeutic range shortly after starting) and I am trying to follow the telephone advice -- BUT some of the advice I got does not match exactly what is in the manual.

Sorry this is so long. I hope someone will help shed a bit of light here. I am not checking my PB yet, because I am a person who tends to be (I describe myself as) unreasonably afraid of high BP numbers, which I usually get. I am trying to be sure that I am giving myself, and Resperate, every chance to succeed for me. Thank you.

Dear Ida,
Let me start by welcoming you to the Forum & thank you for your post.
It seems like there's some confusion with what you got from the phone call so I am hoping to clarify it. To start, YES, if you remove the headphones or alter your breathing in any manner it will affect the synchronization rate negatively. Had I spoken with you and saw you had a 70% sync rate, I would tell you that is good, as acceptable range is 60-99% and you ARE a new user. I am not too concerned with sync rate in the few sessions as a person is feeling it out, but it should not be excessively low. The other day another new user had the same issue & she discovered that by moving the sensor to a different position helped increase her sync rate, so you should try playing around with the sensor for best placement to see if that helps.
Onto the infamous 5BPM or lower topic. If you scan through this forum, you will find this is one of the hottest topics. Basically most people are truly comfortable at a rate of 6-8 BPM. What tends to happen is that a person is at let's say 6bpm and are in sync, so the Resperate will try to bring you down. The important thing to remember is, COMFORT. If you are truly comfortable at 5BPM or lower, then by all means, go with what feels right. If, however, you find yourself having to hold your breath on the inhale and almost pushing out on the exhale, then that's a clear indication that it's NOT comfortable & you should try taking quicker breaths until the rate increases again.
I would also encourage you to do some reading in this forum as our users offer some great tips!
Breathe Easy!
Marguerite (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)