WellO2 FAQ
WellO2 is a non-medical breathing exercise device that serves to help strengthen your lungs. This home use device combines inspiratory and expiratory counter pressure breathing and the inhalation of warm steam. Not only for lung-strengthening, this device is also for improving and maintaining the condition of the respiratory system.
This device uses Bisphenol-free Tritan plastic. The device’s nasal mask is made of silicone materials. WellO2 products are manufactured to the highest standards in Europe.
All parts can be easily taken apart and cleaned in the dishwasher.
You can buy the device from our website here.
Do not use the device if you have:
- Pneumothorax
- Eardrum disease or damage
- Recent surgery (eye, abdominal, or chest cavity)
Consult your physician if you have any of the following conditions:
- Asthma exacerbation
- Acute airway infection with fever
- Any undiagnosed lung disease
- The final stages of pregnancy
- Tendency for nosebleeds
- Severe heart disease
- Recent infarction or pulmonary embolism
- Aneurysm
- Very high blood pressure
- Epilepsy
- Emphysema
- Pneumothorax
- Unstable cardiovascular status
- Chest, abdominal, or cerebral aneurysms
There have been studies regarding the health effects of hot steam. Among those researches, it has been found that sauna bathing reduces risk of respiratory infections. (E. Ernest, E. Pecho, P. Wirtz, & T. Saredeth. 1989). Due to a lack of steam inhalation devices, reliable distribution of steam into airways has not been much investigated in the past. Rather, the effects of warm steam were studied through inhaling steam above a boiling kettle. This open system does not allow sufficiency of the steam temperature’s control, which then hampered the results. Additionally, it has also been found that some viruses are sensitive to heat. For example, the rhinovirus, which commonly causes colds, will begin to lose its ability to replicate at 42 ℃. When using the WellO2 device, the warm steam will be able to be applied directly to the nasal mucosa through a nasal mask, whereby the nasal mucosa’s surface temperature rises controllably to above 42 ℃. Warm steam will trigger a hyperthermic reaction in your nose, which then will activate the defence mechanism in the epithelium limiting replication of certain heat-sensitive viruses.
Certain viruses have higher sensitivity to heat compared to others, such as the rhinovirus. Based on the latest knowledge, coronavirus can withstand high temperatures. These temperatures are believed to be below human tolerance to inactivate it. The temperature selections in the WellO2 device is safe to use.
Until now, it is still unknown and has not been investigated as to how the virus behaves. However, we have received a lot of user experiences using the WellO2 device in treating the symptoms of other respiratory infections. There have been research on counter pressure breathing and steam-inhaling for treating pneumonia and common cold. Generally, the use of the WellO2 device for dealing with feverless respiratory tract infections offers safety and no restrictions. As for cases of severe respiratory infections, extra stress should be prevented; although, it may be beneficial when you use the device during the fever-free recovery phase, but you should get medical advice first. If your symptoms are aggravated or you end up having pain or dyspnoea, then you should not use the device.
Inhaling steam has been part of the clinical trials with no extreme side effects. Steam generated by the WellO2 has not been found to cause any adverse effects. Some people with asthma may find steam uncomfortable. That is why we recommend you use WellO2 with no steaming feature.
There are no medical studies about WellO2 yet. Nevertheless, there have been numerous researches regarding the effects of counter pressure breathing and steam breathing with numerous breathing problems. Below are some references:
1. Tyrrell D., et al. Local hyperthermia benefits natural and experimental common colds. 1989, BMJ. 298:1280-3
2. Conti C., et al. Antiviral effect of hyperthermic treatment in rhinovirus infection. Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1999;43(4):822-9.
3. Sebastian L., et al. The effect of local hyperthermia on allergen-induced nasal congestion and mediator release. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1993, 92:850-6.
4. Desrosiers M. et al. Treatment with hot, humid air reduces the nasal response to allergen challenge. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1997, 99:77-86.
5. Foxman et al. Two interferon-independent double-stranded RNA induced host defence strategies suppress the common cold virus at warm temperature. PNAS, July 26, 2016, vol. 113, no. 30.
6. Foxman et al. Temperature-dependent innate defence against the common cold virus limits viral replication at warm temperature in mouse airway cells. PNAS, 2015, vol 112, no: 3.
7. Jing J.C. et al. Scientific REPORTS | 7: 8522 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-017-08968-x. Visualization and Detection of Ciliary Beating Pattern and Frequency in the Upper Airway using Phase Resolved Doppler Optical Coherence Tomography 2017.
8. Vora S.U. et. al. Effect of Steam Inhalation on Mucociliary Activity in Patients of Chronic Pulmonary Disease. Indian J Chest Dis Allied Sci, 1993, 35 (1), 31-4 Jan-Mar .
9. Pick HJ., et al. P25 Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) for adults discharged from hospital with community acquired pneumonia (CAP) – a feasibility study. Thorax, 2018, Vol. 73, Issue Suppl 4.
10. Björkqvist M., et al. Bottle-blowing in Hospital-treated Patients with Community-acquired Pneumonia. J Scand Inf. Dis. 1997, 29/1.
Yes! Uneven and inefficient distribution of air in the lungs is one of the main factors caused by COPD. COPD is usually associated with mucus build-up in airways. With WellO2, the counter pressure breathing feature can open small bronchial tubes to improve ventilation. Additionally, the device will make mucous membranes more fluidic and clears out mucus from the airways. Since COPD is often associated with weakened muscles, it is important to maintain muscular fitness and strengthen the respiratory muscles. WellO2 can be used to improve the respiratory muscles strength. In cases of severe chronic pulmonary diseases, it is best to consult the physician regarding the use of counter pressure breathing. If you are recommended with a water-PEP bottle, then you can use WellO2. It is recommended to always start with the lowest resistance.
You may have experienced symptoms that cause airway irritation. To overcome these respiratory problems, as a non-medical device, WellO2 can enhance the muscular strength and auxiliary of your respiratory muscles, thus improving your lung function. A lot of users find that breathing with WellO2 before doing exercise opens the airways and improves oxygen uptake. If you are dealing with stress, WellO2 can help improve your breathing and slow down your breathing frequency to relieve your stress. Since stress causes shallow breathing, it will adversely affect body position. When you have good respiratory muscles and proper breathing techniques, this will improve your posture, increase your mobility and strengthen your abdominal muscles.
To independently use electrical equipment, one must be over 12 years of age. If supervised by an adult, younger people within that age range may use the device safely. Following the adult’s instruction, children can use WellO2 to help them breathe better.For children, the device should be set to the lowest resistance (0) and the lowest temperature (one-point button, i.e. +45 ℃). It is recommended to consult a doctor first if your child has a lung disease or any other underlying condition before you use WellO2. Additionally, to get familiarised with the device itself, it is also recommended for healthy people to practice with the device and prepare themselves for potential respiratory complications.
It has not been investigated yet as to the use of WellO2 for pregnant women. Many pregnant women use counter pressure breathing to alleviate their breathing problem symptoms. During pregnancy, the fetal development complicates the breathing by immobilising diaphragm and chest. Moreover, the body posture of a pregnant woman also changes, which causes shallow breathing. With WellO2, the device can mobilise diaphragm and chest, strengthen respiratory muscles, and moisturise mucous membranes in airways. If you feel comfortable using WellO2, then you may continue to use it during pregnancy.
WellO2 is not a medical device. While breathing in steam has little to no negative impact, the counter pressure can have some implications for certain medical condition. You must no use the device if you have had surgery or traumatic wounds in the face, thorax or abdomen, pneumothorax.
You are recommended to talk to your doctor first prior to using WellO2 if you have any of the following conditions listed here.
When you use the device for the first time, you should start exercising with the lowest steam temperature (•) and the lowest respiratory resistance (position 0). Respiratory exercise allows you to take turns exhaling and inhaling, either continuously or as a single exhalation and inhalation. For more respiratory exercises instructions , you can visit this page.
During the first month, you may use the device 1 to 3 times a day, based on how you are feeling. After 1-month use, you may still use the device 2-3 times a week to maintain your respiratory health. However, if you are very stuffy or dealing with other breathing problems, you may increase the frequency in using the device-. if you or your loved one suffer from respiratory difficulties, you certainly can benefit from doing regular respiratory exercise. Regular exercise guarantees good results, since breathing works with muscles that resemble all the skeletal muscles. Exercise will strengthen the muscles and boost the endurance. Mucus build-up in the respiratory airways should be cleared out regularly, as it may obstruct the airways that serve as a breeding ground for bacteria and viruses. The mucus removal is called respiratory hygiene. To deal with mucus removal or that you suffer from persistent cough due to mucus, home remedies may not work effectively. Thus, WellO2 is here for you to help support the mucus removal and soothe your cough.
During the first month, we recommend using the device 1-3x/day, according, however, to how you feel. After 1 month, 2-3 times per week is a good amount to maintain respiratory health, but if you are very stuffy or have other breathing symptoms, you can use the device more frequently. Especially those suffering from respiratory difficulties would benefit from regular respiratory exercise. Only regular exercise guarantees good results, as breathing works with muscles that are similar to all the skeletal muscles. Exercise strengthens the muscles and makes them more durable. Mucus that is accumulated in the respiratory airways should be cleared regularly, as it increases the obstruction in the airways that acts as a breeding ground for viruses and bacteria. The removal of mucus is called respiratory hygiene. If home remedies don’t help with the mucus removal, or if you suffer from a continuous cough because of mucus, WellO2 is a good device to help to support the removal treatments and to soothe the cough.
It is recommended that you adhere to a cleaning program after each use. Additionally, it is a good practise to rinse the personal parts after every use.
To ensure the device’s hygiene, you should always perform the device cleaning program after every time someone else uses the device.
You should pour out the water after each time you use it, as the water may become a breeding ground for bacteria. You can rinse and air-dry the device and all its components afterwards. And the next time you use it, you should add fresh cold water to the device.
If the tap water is consumable, then you can use it in the device.
Yes, we do. We offer a 24-month warranty.
If you are a first timer to use the WellO2 device, we recommend that you perform the device’s cleaning program before you detach the components. Warm steam will help the plastic parts become more flexible and easier to remove. Then, you can have the lid and cleaning basket removed. You can visit this page to see the instructions.
To remove the resistance ring from the regulator, you can perform the device’s cleaning program first prior to detaching the components. Warm steam will help the plastic parts become more flexible and easier to remove. You can visit this page to see the instructions.
There are few things that you should try to do, such as:
Make sure you plug in the power base cord and place the device evenly on the baseMake sure there is cold water in the device between the Min and Max linesPress the temperature button (•, •• or •••) for about 1 to 2 seconds. Or you can press the cleaning program button for about 3 seconds until the button indicator lights up and the device makes a signal noise.If the device is still not turned on after you try the above suggestions, you may contact our customer support by email jonas.pilhage@wello2.com
If you did not break the device by dropping it accidentally, you may contact our customer support by email info@wello2.com.
We understand you might have concerns and that is exactly why we want you to talk to us! Once you have filled out this form below, we will get back to you as soon as we can!
