How breathing with moonbird supports high altitude climbing: "My oxygen saturation remains up to standard"

You use moonbird to relax, to find a moment of calmth or to sleep better, but did you know that the tool also enhances and improves your sports performance?

Practicing slow breathing exercises increases your heart rate variability (HRV) and helps you improve your physical condition. A high HRV is a sign of good health and indicates that your body’s system is flexible and able to easily switch between action and relaxing and recovering. Studies show the ideal breathing rate to optimize your HRV - and your performance - is between 5 and 7 breaths per minute.

Moonbird to support high altitude climbing

We received a message from Luc Verhelle (63), who regularly climbs at high altitudes. Proper and efficient breathing is essential for everyone, but especially when you’re in the mountains. How does Luc use moonbird to improve his performance?

Of the entire expedition, only two people, out of a total of nine, made it without Diamox medication. A 22-year-old girl living in Colorado, and me.

How do you use moonbird?

Luc: “I use the moonbird regularly, especially in the evening. Moonbird helps me to slow down and optimize my breathing. By default, I have my breathing set to 6 breaths per minute.

It's a plus that moonbird can also measure biofeedback, although I'm a bit of a data freak and I measure various parameters via the Oura Ring and recently also via the Core, for my core body temperature. This is mainly for me to prepare for the high-altitude expeditions, and to optimize my training. Once I'm in the mountains, I use the data to see how I'm progressing as I climb higher.”

What do you like about using moonbird?

“I find it useful to breathe with moonbird and learn to use my breathing better. At higher altitudes, where there’s less (or much less) oxygen available, it is necessary to use your breathing as efficiently as possible. By using moonbird, both at home and in the mountains, I optimize my breathing.”

What effect do you see by breathing with moonbird?

“This year, when we climbed above 6,000 meters twice in four days, I continued to maintain an oxygen saturation of over 90%, partly thanks to the breathing training with moonbird. And without any medication like Diamox.

Of the entire expedition, only two people, out of a total of nine, made it without Diamox. A 22-year-old girl living in Colorado, and me.”

Find out more about breathing with moonbird.