Pursed-Lip Breathing is breathing in through the nose and out slowly through lips pursed as if cooling soup. A simple technique recommended by lung-health organizations to help you control your breathing during activity.

How do you do Pursed-Lip Breathing?

Relax your shoulders.
Breathe in through your nose.
Breathe out gently through pursed lips, twice as long. Don't force it.

The rhythm

In 2sOut 4s

The default rhythm is the gentlest standard one; the app also offers 3 · 6.

What does the research say?

A simple technique recommended by lung-health organizations to help you control your breathing during activity.

Evidence grade B · Studied: At least one randomized trial of this technique with mostly positive results, or a close member of a well-studied family. Grades describe evidence for feeling calmer, more alert or more focused, never a claim about treating a condition.

Sources

Who should take care with Pursed-Lip Breathing?

Before a session the app shows a short caution when it applies:

With pregnancy, a heart condition, high blood pressure that isn’t well controlled, epilepsy or seizures, asthma, COPD or another lung condition, panic attacks or panic disorder, recent surgery, a hernia or an eye condition such as glaucoma, fainting or getting dizzy easily or “Prefer not to say”: Keep following your care plan. This doesn't replace your medication.

Oxigen is a wellness app, not a medical device. It does not diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition. If you have a health condition or are pregnant, talk to your doctor before starting, and keep following your care plan.

How Oxigen guides Pursed-Lip Breathing

Rhythms: 2 · 4 or 3 · 6 seconds.
Session length: 2, 3 or 5 minutes.
Free, with no subscription.
An orb, a rhythm ring, haptics and optional sound guide each breath, with “I feel unwell” always on screen.

Similar calming techniques

Updated November 8, 2026. Copy reviewed against Oxigen’s claims policy and technique reference.