Respiratory Biofeedback: Breathe Better with eSense

Respiratory biofeedback uses a sensor to measure your breathing rate, depth, and pattern in real-time. The eSense Respiration breathing belt worn around the abdomen detects each breath and provides visual and audio feedback through the free eSense App. This helps you develop awareness of your breathing habits and learn techniques like diaphragmatic breathing, paced breathing, and coherence breathing for better relaxation and stress management.

Yes, the eSense Respiration is an add-on sensor that requires the eSense Skin Response to function. The breathing belt connects directly to the Skin Response sensor via the 3.5mm audio jack. If you do not already own an eSense Skin Response, we recommend purchasing the complete bundle (Skin Response + Respiration set) which includes everything you need to start breathing biofeedback training.

The eSense App includes guided breathing exercises such as paced breathing (inhale/exhale at set intervals), diaphragmatic breathing training, and coherence breathing (typically 5-6 breaths per minute). You can also use the Open Training mode to practice any breathing technique while monitoring your breathing rate and depth in real-time. When combined with the eSense Pulse, you can train heart-breath coherence — synchronizing your breathing with your heart rhythm.

The eSense Respiration uses a high-sensitivity stretch sensor in an elastic belt that accurately detects chest and abdominal expansion during breathing. It measures breathing rate (breaths per minute) and relative breathing depth in real-time. The sensor is sensitive enough to distinguish between shallow chest breathing and deep diaphragmatic breathing, making it effective for breathing pattern training.

Research shows that controlled breathing techniques, particularly slow-paced breathing at around 6 breaths per minute, can activate the parasympathetic nervous system and promote relaxation. Biofeedback makes these techniques more effective by providing objective, real-time measurement of your breathing pattern. Combined with the eSense Skin Response (which measures stress via skin conductance), you can directly see how your breathing exercises affect your stress level.

Most breathing biofeedback protocols recommend 10-20 minutes of daily practice. Beginners can start with 5-minute sessions and gradually increase. Consistency matters more than session length — daily practice of even 10 minutes can lead to noticeable improvements in breathing awareness and stress management over 2-4 weeks. The eSense App tracks your sessions so you can monitor your progress.