Module 2: Breathing with

Various techniques can be used to assist deep aspiration to produce enough air. The techniques are described below.

Air stacking

Air stacking involves active inspiration of air several times without expiration in between until the lungs are filled with air. Another variant is the use of a mask with a one-way valve that only facilitates inspiration (not expiration). The technique is best suited to those who have quite strong respiratory muscles.

Frog breathing

Frog breathing involves stacking air into the lungs using the pharyngeal muscles. The technique can be a good choice as it does not require an assistive device. See the video of Jørgen demonstrating frog breathing.

You can also read more about the technique 

Deep inspiration with a cough assist machine

Cough assist machines are used to fill the lungs with air. The air is not exhaled again, as with normal usage of a cough assist machine. See the video demonstrating how Jørgen uses the machine.

Air stacking with the aid of a bag

With the aid of a ventilation bag, several portions of air are stacked without expiration in between. You can use the bag yourself or get a helper to assist. See the video demonstrating how Martin stacks air with the aid of a bag.

Air stacking with the aid of a ventilator

The same technique for a bag is used, but a breathing machine is used to stack several portions of air upon aspiration without expiration in between. The breathing machine must be set to allow air stacking. See the video of Jørgen demonstrating the technique with his breathing machine.

If these techniques allow you to breathe more deeply and draw in more air, you will also notice that you have more air with which to cough.