The Medic Plus is the IMT device of choice for those with very weak diaphragms and severe respiratory problems. The breathing trainer gently increases your breathing strength in a safe, scientifically proven way.
The device creates resistance on your in-breath, causing your muscles to work harder. Over time, you will build up strength and stamina and breathing will become easier. This can ease the symptoms of COPD and asthma and help with rehabilitation.
Strengthen your diaphragm- Respiratory muscle weakness is inherent in various patient groups and a major contributor to the perception of difficult or laboured breathing (dyspnoea). However, when the inspiratory muscles are ‘overloaded’ regularly using the Medic Plus, they adapt and become stronger and more resistant to fatigue. Activating stronger inspiratory muscles requires less effort during a given task, reducing dyspnoea. This has been shown to improve exercise tolerance and quality of life, particularly in patients with COPD.
Breathing training with the POWERbreathe Medic Plus focuses on strengthening your diaphragm rather than your lungs. This is because your lungs are a pair of spongy, air-filled organs, and not muscle, and therefore cannot be strengthened.
Recommended by medical professionals- The Medic Plus is used by medical professionals as an adjunct to pharmacological treatments. It can be used as a standalone therapy or in conjunction with pulmonary rehabilitation, with or without supervision, and can be easily used straight out of the box.
Entry-level breathing training- The POWERbreathe Medic Plus offers the lowest and lightest starting ‘load’ (weight) of all our devices (except for the K-Series), at 9cmH2O (or 1cmH2O without the internal spring).
This ‘load’ training is similar to weightlifting, and the POWERbreathe Plus Medic device provides the lightest level of resistance setting (weight lifted) in increments – from 9cmH2O (or 1cmH2O without the internal spring) to 78cmH2O.
The range between each training level is smaller than the POWERbreathe Medic. This makes it ideal for patients who have severe breathing difficulties.
Ergonomic design- The POWERbreathe Plus is the second generation of mechanical breathing trainers and features the following design improvements:
- Optimised airflow performance to make training more effective
- Fully integrated, easily adjustable resistance mechanism
- Easy to read resistance level indicator
- Soft, comfortable mouthpiece
See results after 4-6 weeks- Consistently follow the training regime of 30 breaths, twice a day to feel less breathless during exertion in 4-6 weeks. This is scientifically proven. Learn more about how the POWERbreathe IMT device works in our guide.
Vanessa Potter –
Posted on behalf of Gerry Hamill who submitted this review via our social channel. Gerry has given his permission for his story and review to be shared.
My Story – firstly I would like to thank all at Powerbreathe for the help that this device has given me over the past 12 months.
I was in ICU for 6 months, 2 months of which I was in a coma, and suffered Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia with Lung Damage as a result, plus Huge Muscle Mass Loss. I was so profoundly weak that I could not lift my fingers off the bed when I came out of the induced Coma.
This Powerbreathe device has been a life-saver for me and I cannot recommend it highly enough for driving my recovery. It was given to me in ICU by a Physio. I was weaned off the Ventilator and Tracheotomy Ventilation.
From being unable to lift my fingers, unable to sit up and breathe, unable to stand or walk – I am now walking unaided off-Oxygen and have built up from 1 set x 3 reps at Resistance 1 (Min) to 10 sets x 20 reps at Resistance 10 (max).
Other than my motivation and Rehabilitation routine I would put my Powerbreathe at top spot in helping my recovery to date! Thank you so much.
Since I contacted you within 1 year, from first using it, from not being able to sit up or stand, I just completed a 2-mile walk off oxygen at av. 2.2 mph. I continue to use it every day before my walks – the benefit has been huge! Thank you so much!
Grace Cruttwell –
Really wonderful product, my breathing has gotten so much easier since I started using it.
Vanessa Potter –
Posted on behalf of N Gazecki who shared her review with us via our blog:
Hi – I have just finished 6 weeks using the Power Breathe Plus. My objective was to build upper respiratory strength as I have asthma. I am amazed by how it has improved my lung capacity and cleared my lungs. The clearing of my lungs has virtually stopped my asthma cough allowing uninterrupted nightly sleep which I have not had for at least 2 years.
Vanessa Potter –
Gosh what an experience you’ve had with COVID-19 Gary! Thank you so much for sharing your feedback of training with the POWERbreathe Medic Plus to improve your breathing muscle strength and stamina. We’re so pleased that it’s helped you get back into your cycling again – and back to work. It’s the device combined with your perseverance of use that’s got you where you are, because you could have easily given up when it felt too hard. Like all training, it’s not meant to be easy, but sticking to the scientifically proven training regimen is what’s made the difference, so well done, and stick with it. We wish you a full recovery.
Gary Thornton –
I am a frontline NHS Paramedic working for the Ambulance Service and recently contracted COVID 19 whilst working . I was hospitalised and the Pneumonia affected my breathing so much I would suffer increased shortness of breath on exertion. Unable to exercise at the start without difficulty I wanted to find a way to improve my fitness . I researched and came across Powerbreathe . I contacted them and explained my history and they sent me advice on what products would be best. They also provided me with excellent research surrounding the benefits . I found it hard to use at the beginning , but kept at it twice daily. I must say my recovery has been a long slow process but feel using this has speeded it up greatly. My breathing has improved so much, I have gone from only managing a couple of miles on a bicycle to now 20 miles . I have now been able to return to work , and have been passing on positive recommendations to Asthma and COPD patients I have been treating . If you suffer from any breathing problems give this company consideration. There are cheaper alternative products around, but all I can say is my Medic pro plus unit does the job and I will be continuing to use it daily .