Safety
Breathe gently. Know the limits.
Slow, relaxed breathing is low risk for most people. A few situations need real care, and one is serious. Please read this page.
Hypoxic blackout
Breathing quickly and deeply before holding your breath can push carbon dioxide so low that you feel no urge to breathe while oxygen falls too far. You can lose consciousness without warning. In water this can be fatal. The American Red Cross, YMCA of the USA and USA Swimming issued a joint statement warning against it.
Never do breath holds or fast, deep breathing in or near water, in a bath, while driving, standing, or anywhere a faint would be dangerous. Sit or lie down.
General rules
- Breathe gently and never force it. Comfort comes before counts. Slow the pace or shorten the hold if you feel strained.
- Stop if you feel dizzy, light-headed, tingly, anxious or short of breath. Return to normal breathing.
- Do not do breathing exercises while driving. Tidal Breath’s gentle audio sessions for CarPlay will skip holds, but you are still responsible for your attention on the road.
- Techniques with holds (box breathing and 4-7-8) sit behind a safety check in the app, and you should keep the holds short and comfortable.
Talk to a professional first if you
- have asthma, COPD or another lung condition, a heart condition, or blood pressure problems
- are pregnant
- have epilepsy, a history of fainting, or an anxiety or panic condition that breath focus makes worse
- take medication that affects your heart, lungs or blood pressure
Not medical advice
Tidal Breath is a wellbeing tool. It does not diagnose, treat or prevent any condition, and it is not a replacement for care from your doctor. If you are worried about your health, speak to a health professional. For ideas on breathing for stress, the NHS has a good starting guide.