POWERbreathe K-Series User manual

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LIVE FEEDBACK SOFTWARE
WITH
TM
The world’s 1st intelligent
digital breathing trainerSM
K4

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Large text version available at powerbreathe.com

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Contents
1. Product Description.................................................. 2
2. Introduction.............................................................. 3
3. Precautions.............................................................. 4
4. Quick Start Guide ..................................................... 6
5. Basics...................................................................... 8
5.1 Charging ............................................................ 8
5.2 Buttons and Display Symbols ............................. 9
5.3 Menu System................................................... 10
6. Before Training....................................................... 11
6.1 Profile .............................................................. 11
6.2 Setting Training Load........................................ 11
6.3 Automatic Set-up ............................................. 12
6.4 Manual Set-up.................................................. 13
6.5 Pacing Your Breathing....................................... 14
6.6 Disabling Pacing Guidance ............................... 15
6.7 Disabling Button Sounds .................................. 15
7. Training.................................................................. 16
7.1 Starting a Training Session ............................... 16
7.2 Holding the Device Correctly............................. 17
7.3 Breathing Technique ......................................... 18
7.4 Using the Nose-clip.......................................... 19
7.5 Maintaining Your Breathing ............................... 19
8. After Training.......................................................... 20
8.1 Viewing Training Results………………..…..... 20
8.2 Deleting Training Session Results ..................... 21
8.3 About the Training Results ................................ 22
9. Modes ................................................................... 24
9.1 Test Mode ........................................................ 24
9.2 About the Test Results...................................... 25
9.3 Warm-up Mode................................................ 26
9.4 Cool-down Mode.............................................. 27
10. PC Connection and Software Installation ................ 28
11. Care and Maintenance ............................................ 29
11.1 Cleaning ........................................................ 29
11.2 Blocked Valve Head........................................ 30
11.3 Storage .......................................................... 30
11.4 Calibration ..................................................... 30
12. Technical Specifications ......................................... 31
13. Disposal................................................................. 33
14. About Inspiratory Muscle Training........................... 34
15. Troubleshooting and FAQs ...................................... 35
16. Warranty................................................................ 38
17. Customer Service Contact...................................... 39

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1. Product Description
Mouthpiece
LCD Screen
Charging LED
Air Inlet
Charge Socket
USB Cable
Valve Head
POWERbreathe
K4 Handset
Valve Head
POWERbreathe
K4 Handset
Cradle
Mains USB
Charger
(EU Version Shown)
Nose Clip

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2. Introduction
Dear Customer,
Thank you for purchasing the POWERbreathe K4 electronic inspiratory-muscle trainer.
The POWERbreathe K4 will make your breathing muscles stronger, leading to reduced breathlessness during exercise
or activity. This applies as much to committed athletes as it does to individuals with respiratory illnesses such as COPD
(chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
The POWERbreathe K4 uses an electronically controlled, rapid-response valve to create a resistance to inhalation.
This strengthens the breathing muscles by making them work harder, in much the same way as you might use weights
to increase the strength of your arm muscles. As you breathe through the POWERbreathe K4 you will notice that you
gradually have to work harder to breathe in. This is the effect of resistance training acting on the muscles used to inhale
(the diaphragm and ribcage muscles). When breathing out, there is no resistance and you can breathe out normally,
allowing the chest and breathing muscles to relax, naturally pushing the air from your lungs.
The POWERbreathe K4 training resistance is specifically designed to match the dynamic changes in breathing muscle
strength throughout your breath and can automatically adapt to increases in your inspiratory muscle strength at the
beginning of each training session. Results are displayed on screen following a training or test session, or can be
viewed ‘live’ using the Breathe-Link PC software supplied, allowing you to maximise your training performance.
The POWERbreathe K4 training regime of 30 breaths, twice a day typically takes only a few minutes a day and, used
properly, you should start to feel the benefits within just a few weeks. The POWERbreathe K4 can also be used to warm-up
and cool-down the breathing muscles before and after exercise.
To make sure you get the most from your POWERbreathe K4, please read this instruction booklet carefully and
take time to get used to the exercises.

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3. Precautions
The POWERbreathe K4 is suitable for almost anyone and will cause no harmful side effects when used properly.
Please read the following precautions to ensure that you use your POWERbreathe K4 safely and appropriately.
Contraindications:
Inspiratory muscle training, such as training with POWERbreathe, creates a
negative pressure inside the chest, throat, ears and sinuses. You should not
use POWERbreathe if you have any of the following:
• Ahistoryofspontaneouspneumothorax(acollapsedlungthatwasnot
due to traumatic injury e.g. broken rib)
• Acollapsedlungduetoatraumaticinjurythathasnothealedfully
• Abursteardrumthathasnothealedfully,oranyotherconditionof
the eardrum
Intended use:
• ThePOWERbreatheK4isdesignedforexercisingyourinspiratory
muscles only. No other use is intended or implied
• Thisproductisnotintendedtodiagnose,monitor,treat,cureorprevent
any disease
• ThePOWERbreatheK4isnotintendedforusebypersonswithreduced
physical, sensory or mental capabilities, unless they have been given
supervision or instruction concerning use of the appliance by a person
responsible for their safety
• Anyonewhoisundertheageof16shouldonlyusethePOWERbreatheK4
with supervision from an adult
• ThePOWERbreatheK4containssmallpartsandisnotsuitablefor
children under 7 years
Caution:
• IfyoufeellightheadedordizzywhilsttrainingwithPOWERbreathe,slow
down your rate of breathing or pause until you have fully recovered
• Ifyouaresufferingfromacold,sinusitisorrespiratorytractinfection,
we advise that you do not use your POWERbreathe K4 until symptoms
have disappeared
• Someusersmayexperienceslighteardiscomfortwhentrainingwith
POWERbreathe, especially if they are recovering from a cold. This is
caused by inadequate equalisation of pressure between the mouth and
ears. If symptoms persist, please consult your doctor
• Topreventthepotentialtransmissionofinfections,werecommendthat
you do not share your POWERbreathe K4 mouthpiece or valve head with
other users, including family members
• WhilsttrainingwithPOWERbreatheK4youshouldfeelresistanceto
inhalation, but it should not be painful. If you should feel pain whilst
using the POWERbreathe K4, stop immediately and consult your doctor
• Donotmakechangestoanyprescribedmedicationorprescribed
treatment programme without consulting your doctor
• POWERbreatheismanufacturedinahygienicenvironment.However,
POWERbreathe is not provided sterile – we recommend that you clean
the mouthpiece prior to use

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• DonotusethePOWERbreatheK4whilsttakingpartinotheractivities
such as walking, running and driving
• Ifyouhaveapacemakerorothermedicalimplantcontainingmagnetsor
electronics, please consult with your doctor before using this product
If you have any doubts about the suitability of POWERbreathe for
you, or you have a medical condition, please consult your doctor.
Danger:
• Onlyusethemainsadaptersupplied(DCH3-050UK/EU/US/AU-0004)
• Theadaptercontainsatransformer.Donotcutofftheadaptertoreplace
itwithanotherplugasthiscausesahazardoussituation
• Theadaptertransformsthemainsvoltage(100-240Volts)toasafe
voltage(5V)
• Makesuretheadapterdoesnotgetwet
• Donotuseadamagedadapter
• AlwaysunplugyourPOWERbreathebeforecleaning
Electromagnetic Fields (EMF):
The POWERbreathe K4 complies with medical standards regarding
electromagneticelds(EN60601-1-2).Ifhandledproperlyand
according to the instructions in this user manual, the appliance is
safe to use.
Handling:
• Donotdrop,disassemble,open,crush,bend,deform,puncture,
shred, microwave, incinerate, paint or insert foreign objects into the
POWERbreathe K4
• ThePOWERbreatheK4ValveHeadisdesignedforregularcleaningand
disinfection(seesection11.1)inordertomaintainhygieneandcorrect
operation. However, the POWERbreathe K4 handset is not waterproof
and should not be submerged or exposed to liquids

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1. Recharge
Plug in the mini-USB charger provided.
Leavetochargefullyfor16hours–thered
LED will switch off when the device
is fully charged.
4. Quick Start Guide
The quick start section is provided for quick reference only. We recommend that you read the full
manual before starting training for the first time.
3. Start the training mode
Ensure that the mouthpiece and valve head
are located correctly on the handset, as
showninsection7.1.Press from the
screen to select .
2. Power on
Press and hold the button for
approximately1second.Pauseandwaitfor
the screen to appear.
iThe first time you switch on the device
you will be asked to enter your personal details
before continuing

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4. Inhale as hard, as fast and as
deeply as possible
Inhale as quickly and as deeply as possible
through the mouthpiece. Now breathe out
slowly until your lungs feel completely empty
then pause until you hear a beep (you may
remove the POWERbreathe from your mouth
duringexhalationifyouprefer).Repeatfor30
complete breaths.
iSeesection7.3fordetailedinformation
on breathing technique
5. View results
Onceyouhavecompleted30breaths,the
(results) menu will automatically be
displayed. Scroll between the different results
options ( , , ,
) using the button, then press
to view the highlighted result.
iSee section 8.1 for detailed information on
viewing training results
6. Clean the valve head
Once you have completed your training
session, remove the valve head and soak
it in warm water. Now rinse the valve head
thoroughly under warm running water then
leave on a clean towel to dry.
iSee section 11.1 for detailed cleaning
instructions

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5. Basics
5.1 Charging
Remove the POWERbreathe K4 and power adapter from the packaging. For portable use, recharge your POWERbreathe K4 by following the
instructionsbelow.Alternatively,thePOWERbreatheK4maybeusedwhilstconnectedtothemainsusingthepower/chargeadapterprovided.
4.Oncetheredcharginglighthasswitchedoff(upto16hours),
remove the power adapter from the wall socket and from the base of
the unit. Now replace the charging socket cover in the base of the
unit. Your POWERbreathe K4 is now ready for portable use.
iThe POWERbreathe K4 may also be charged from a PC or
laptop using the USB to mini-USB adapter cable provided.
Battery low warning:
Recharge the battery again when the battery level indicator shows
empty or when the battery low warning screen is displayed.
1.PlugtheUSBcableintotheadapter
and then plug the adapter into a suitable
wall socket.
2.Pulloutthechargingsocketcoverfrom
the base of the unit.
3.PlugtheotherendoftheUSBcableinto
the base of the unit. The red charging LED
will switch on to indicate that the device
is charging.
Battery low warning
screen
battery level indicator
(empty)

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5.2 Buttons and Display Symbols
To switch on your POWERbreathe K4, press and hold
the buttonfor1secondormore.Toturnoffyour
POWERbreathe K4 scroll to the option under the
screen using the button and select by pressing
the button. Alternatively, the POWERbreathe K4 will
switchoffautomaticallyafter5minutesofnotbeingused.
Display symbols:
Automatic Load Set-up
Manual Load Set-up
Button Sound On
Button Sound Off
Battery Fully Charged
Battery Empty
Mains Power Connected
Number of breaths remaining
in current breathing session
Scroll
Charge
LED
Power
On/Select

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5.3 Menu System
POWERbreathe K4 uses an LCD menu system to navigate between different settings and to view training results.
Use the button to move between different options and use the button to select the highlighted option. Scroll past the
last option within a screen using the button in order to return to the previous screen.
Press
to scroll
to Results
Press to
enter training
mode
Press
to scroll
to Options
Press
to scroll
to Off
Press to view
training or test
results
Press to
access options
and settings
Press to
shutdown
Press
to return
to Start

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6. Before Training
6.1 Profile
When you turn-on your POWERbreathe K4 for the first time you will be prompted to enter the units of measurement ( ), your age ( ),
weight ( ), height ( ) and gender ( ). This information will be used to estimate your predicted inspiratory muscle
strength and to provide feedback on your performance. This information can be edited at any time by selecting under the
menu.
6.2 Setting Training Load
The POWERbreathe K4 creates a resistance to inhalation (or load) that is equivalent to weight training for the muscles used to breathe (primarily the
diaphragm and ribcage muscles). As with any other form of weight training, the POWERbreathe K4 resistance must be set at a level appropriate to
the user in order to train these muscles effectively. For best training results, you should train at a level at which you feel you can only just complete
thefullsessionof30breaths.Trainingshouldfeelhard–themoreeffortyouputintoyoutraining,thegreatertheresultsyouwillachieve.The
POWERbreathe K4 is equipped with two different methods for setting load: automatic ( ) and user specified ( ) set-up methods
(seesections6.3and6.4).
Press
then
to scroll to
set-up
Press
to select
iNote: if you wish to change the units of measurement for your profile information, then select the option under the menu
then choose from or . This will not affect the units of measurement used for the results display.
Press
then
to scroll to
profile

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6.3 Automatic Set-up
By default, the POWERbreathe K4 is set in the automatic set-up mode (indicated by the symbol ). When automatic set-up is
selected, the device will automatically estimate your load requirements at the beginning of every training session. Using this method,
the device will adjust the training load every time you start a new session and as the strength of your inspiratory muscles increases.
Automatic set-up of this load takes place during the first two breaths of each training session. During these breaths there is no load
and you should breathe in as quickly and as fully as possible to ensure that the POWERbreathe K4 can measure your maximum
breathing capability – see ‘Breathing Technique’ under the ‘Training’ section of this manual.
Adjusting training intensity
When using the automatic set-up mode, you may find that the training load intensity is too high or too low, making it too hard or too easy for you to inhale
through the device. To adjust the load intensity, navigate to the screen by following the sequence below. Use the button to increase or decrease
the load intensity to an appropriate level. When in training mode, the load should be at a level at which you feel you can only just complete the full session
of30breathssatisfactorily.
Press
to select
Press
to select
Press
to increase or
decrease load
intensity.

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6.4 Manual Set-up
Manual set-up allows you to set the training load yourself and to adjust this load manually as your breathing muscles
become stronger or as you feel necessary in order to maintain training intensity. Some users may prefer the greater
control of load intensity that this method gives.
Adjusting training intensity
Once you have selected manual set-up mode you will need to enter the load at which you would like to train. In order to do
this, navigate to the screen by following the sequence below. Increase the training load by pressing the button
(pressandholdtoscrollrapidly,scrollpastthemaximumof200cmH2O to start again).
Whenusingthemanualset-upmethoditmaytakesometimetondyouridealtraininglevel.Trygraduallyincreasingtheloadbyaround5to
10cmH2OeachtimeyoutrainwiththePOWERbreatheuntilyoureachalevelatwhichyoucanonlyjustcompleteafullsessionof30breaths.
Overtime,asyourbreathingmusclesstrengthen,youwillndthatitbecomeseasiertocomplete30breathsatthislevel.Eachtimethis
happens,increasethetraininglevelbyabout5cmH2O to maintain the training intensity.
Press
then press
to scroll
to manual
Press
to select
Press
to increase or
decrease load
intensity.

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6.5 Pacing Your Breathing
This feature is for guidance only. If you feel dizzy or
light-headed, try and slow down your breathing or
stop and take a break. Equally, if you feel you cannot breathe
slowly enough to hear the beep, simply breathe at a rate which
feels appropriate to you.
POWERbreathe is equipped with an adaptive pacing guidance
feature, which is intended to guide the user to breathe at an
appropriaterate(seealsosection7.3BreathingTechnique).Thisis
importantinordertopreventdizzinessfrombreathingtooquickly
(hyperventilation) during the breathing exercises.
Whilst breathing through the POWERbreathe during a training
session, you will hear an audible beep, which sounds a minimum
of4.5secondsafteryoustarttoinhale.Trytoonlystartyournext
inhalation once you have heard the beep. The beep will not sound
during inhalation or exhalation, only once you have completed
your breath.
Ifyouhavetakenlongerthan4.5secondstocompleteafullbreath,
then the beep will sound as soon as you have finished breathing
out. In this instance you can begin to breathe in again immediately.
Ifyouhavetakenlessthan4.5secondstocompleteyourbreath,
pause, holding your breath until you hear the beep, or until you feel
the urge to breathe again, then begin to inhale. If you choose to
breathefasterthan4.5secondsperbreath,thenyouwillnothear
the pacing beep.
Aim to always breathe in as quickly and as deeply as possible,
but breathe out as slowly and deeply as possible so that the time
between inhalations is long.
Total time for
1 breath = 4.5 seconds
or more
Pause at the
end of exhalation until beep sounds,
then repeat cycle
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6.6 Disabling Pacing Guidance:
If you are happy to regulate your own breathing patterns during a training session you may wish to disable the pacing guidance feature. In order
to do this, navigate to the screen and select by following the button sequence below:
Press
then
to scroll to
pacing
Press
to select
Press
to scroll
then
switch off
pacing guidance
Press
then
to scroll to
set-up
Press
then
to scroll to
sound
Press
then
to scroll
then
to switch off
sound
6.7 Disabling Button Sounds
Button sounds may be disabled by navigating to the screen and selecting by following the button sequence below:

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7. Training
When training with the POWERbreathe K4 you will feel a resistance to inhalation. This resistance is gradually introduced over the
first five breaths of your breathing session, after which, the full training resistance is reached. During each breath, you may notice
that the resistance is highest at the start of inhalation and gradually ‘eases-off’ as your lungs fill with air. This is the effect of the
POWERbreathe K4 variable loading, which changes during the breath in order to match the changes in breathing muscle strength.
The recommended POWERbreathe training routine consists of 30 breaths, twice a day (once in the morning and once in the evening).
Thisaddsuptoabout5to10minutesoftrainingperday.Pleasefollowsteps7.1to7.3belowtoguideyouthroughyourtrainingsession.
7.1 Starting a Training Session
To start a training session, ensure that the Valve Head is securely in position, then select from the main screen.
Number of
breaths
remaining
Press
to select
iOn selecting ,
the valve will open and close
to reset the valve position.
CLICK

17
7.2 Holding the Device Correctly
Make sure you are standing or sitting upright and feel relaxed. Hold the device with your hand cupped around the lower
rear section of the device, with your fingers and thumb on the coloured rubber grips. Make sure that your hand doesn’t
cover the air inlet. Now place the device in your mouth so that your lips cover the outer shield to make a seal and the
mouthpiece bite blocks are gripped between your upper and lower teeth.
Make sure not to
cover the air inlet

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Breathe in as hard, as fast and as deeply
as possible
Breathe out as far as you can, then take a fast, forceful breath in
through the mouthpiece. Take in as much air as you can, as quickly
as you can, straightening your back and expanding your chest as
you inhale.
iInhalation is the portion of breathing during which training
occurs. It is important to follow this breathing technique in order
to benefit from improved breathing.
7.3 Breathing Technique
Breathe out slowly
Now breathe out slowly and passively through your mouth until
your lungs feel completely empty, letting the muscles in your
chest and shoulders relax. Pause until you hear the pacing beep
(seesection6.5)oruntilyoufeeltheurgetobreatheinagain.Ifit
makes you feel more comfortable you can remove the unit from your
mouth in order to breathe out, then return it to your mouth before you
breathe in again.
It is important to breathe out slowly in order to prevent
dizziness due to hyperventilation. If you start to feel light
headed, slow down or take a break.