What is the COPD breathing technique?
A common COPD breathing technique is pursed-lip breathing, a method that focuses on slow, controlled exhalation – often two to three times longer than inhalation – to help make breathing feel easier. In this technique, you gently exhale through narrowed lips to slow airflow and support breathing.
Quick summary: How the COPD breathing technique works
Inhale through your nose for 2-3 seconds, then exhale slowly for 4-6 seconds through gently pursed lips (as if you were blowing out a candle). Keep your breathing relaxed and comfortable.
When is the COPD breathing technique useful?
- When you feel short of breath or have difficulty exhaling fully
- During physical activity such as walking or climbing stairs
- When recovering after exertion
- During anxiety or panic related to breathing
- As part of daily breathing practice
How to do the COPD breathing technique
Many people find it easier to follow a steady breathing rhythm with visual guidance. The Breath Ball breathing app can help you keep your inhale and exhale consistent without having to count all the time.
You can download Breath Ball for free here:
Make yourself comfortable and start the COPD breathing exercise in Breath Ball. The app will show an animation similar to this:
Animation of pursed-lip breathing for COPD (longer exhale) to support easier breathing.
Now follow the rhythm of the ball:
- Inhale through your nose into your belly for two seconds.
- Exhale through your mouth for six seconds.
- Note:
- Belly breathing is often considered a natural and efficient way to breathe. Try to let your belly expand gently as you inhale.
- Purse your lips while exhaling – for example, shape your lips as if you were gently blowing out a candle.
- For more details, see the page Tips for Proper Breathing Techniques.
Tips for best results
The predefined COPD breathing exercise uses a breathing rhythm with a two-second inhale and a six-second exhale. However, this rhythm may not suit everyone and can vary depending on factors such as your age, daily condition, and natural breathing pattern. Therefore, it is recommended to adjust the technique to your personal breathing habits. If you adjust it, consider the following:
- Breathe in at your usual rhythm. Most adults inhale for about two to three seconds.
- Exhale for about two to three times as long as your inhale.
A slightly longer exhale may be helpful, but more important is that the exercise feels comfortable and easy to perform. - The COPD breathing exercise can be combined with slow paced breathing, a technique that reduces the breathing rate to around six breaths per minute and may support relaxation. However, do this only if your physician advises you to do so.
You can adjust the technique to your personal needs by creating a breathing exercise with your preferred settings. For more information, see the tutorial Adding your own breathing exercises.
Common mistakes to avoid
- breathing too deeply instead of breathing gently
- forcing a rhythm that feels uncomfortable
- exhaling too fast instead of slowing the breath down
- pressing the lips together too tightly
- holding tension in the shoulders, jaw, or chest
Signs you’re doing it correctly
- your breathing feels smoother and less rushed
- your exhale feels long but still comfortable
- your shoulders stay relaxed
- you do not feel dizzy or strained
Why slow exhalation may help with COPD
When you exhale slowly through pursed lips, a slight pressure builds up in the airways. This helps keep them open for longer, allowing air to leave the lungs more effectively. Many people find that their breathing feels calmer and more controlled as a result.
The technique is also recommended by organizations such as the COPD Foundation, which suggests pursed-lip breathing to help manage shortness of breath.
How the COPD breathing technique differs from other breathing exercises
Unlike general relaxation breathing techniques, COPD-focused techniques place more emphasis on prolonging the exhale. This may help regulate airflow and make breathing feel less rushed, especially during episodes of breathlessness.
Important note
This breathing technique may help some people feel more in control of their breathing, but it is not a substitute for medical treatment. Always follow your physician’s advice, especially if you have been diagnosed with COPD or another respiratory condition.
Downloads for the COPD breathing technique
You can download the COPD breathing animation using the link.
For regular practice, many people prefer the breathing app Breath Ball because it makes it easier to follow a calm inhale-exhale rhythm visually.
Download Breath Ball for free here:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best breathing technique for COPD?
A commonly recommended technique is pursed-lip breathing, where you exhale slowly through gently closed lips. This may help make breathing feel more controlled and reduce the sensation of breathlessness.
Why should you exhale longer than you inhale with COPD?
Exhaling more slowly than you inhale can help regulate airflow and prevent rapid, shallow breathing. Many people find that this makes breathing feel calmer and more manageable.
How long should you inhale and exhale?
There is no single correct ratio. A common starting point is inhaling for about 2-3 seconds and exhaling for 4-6 seconds. The most important factor is that the rhythm feels comfortable.
Can breathing exercises improve COPD?
Breathing exercises do not cure COPD, but they may help some people manage symptoms like shortness of breath and improve awareness of their breathing patterns.
Should I practice COPD breathing every day?
Regular practice can help make the technique more familiar and easier to use during moments of breathlessness. However, it should be adapted to your comfort level and medical advice.
Related breathing exercises for relaxation, sleep, and stress relief
| Technique | Breathing pattern | Main use |
|---|---|---|
| 4-7-8 breathing | Inhale 4s – hold 7s – exhale 8s | Falling asleep, sleep support |
| Box breathing | Inhale 4s – hold 4s – exhale 4s – hold 4s | Focus, stress control |
| Heart coherence breathing | Inhale 5s – exhale 5s | Relaxation, HRV, emotional balance |
| COPD breathing (pursed-lip) | Inhale 2–3s – exhale 4–6s | Breathlessness, COPD |
| Slow paced breathing | Inhale 4s – exhale 6s | Stress reduction, anxiety relief |
You can find more details about these breathing techniques in A list of the best breathing exercises, including when to use each method.