Any experiences with the Resperate or Zona devices?

[Roger Keeling]

I have been considering purchasing a Resperate, a biofeedback device that costs about $300 and -- according to some fairly impressive clinical studies -- is effective in significantly reducing BP in something like 70-75% of those who try it (or more). Well-controlled studies appear to have been done, the comnpany seems quite reputable, etc. But I sure would like to hear independently from some folks who've successfully (or unsuccessfully) tried this device before spending the money.

Just yesterday I learned of a competing device, also around $300, called the Zona Plus. Works on a completely different principle, ALSO seems well tested with an interesting history (it emerged from jet fighter technology). It frankly sounds a bit easier to use, and they claim it is effective in over 90% of patients, and with a better result to boot. But it is available ONLY from the manufacturer -- Google produces almost no hits on it. The scientific papers they cite seem, mostly, generic rather than specifically about the Zona Plus itself. Harvard Health Newsletter did do a full-page spread on it. Anyone with experience with this device?

[Binchy]

I have bought and used these 2 devices .I have used the Resperate for  over a year with some improvement and was able to drop one of my medications ,a beta blocker as a result . There was a reduction in my blood pressure  using Resperate . It's pleasant to use but you need to get "strapped up " to use it which can be a bit of a nuisance  and it takes about 30 minutes for each session .
I bought a Zona plus device over 2 months ago ,I was sceptical to say the least .
I am truly delighted with the device ,it has worked for me . My readings are 116 over 78.  . I use it every second day ,it takes under 10 minutes for each session .
I have stopped using Resperate ,the Zone plus is much more convenient to use ,but I suggest to the makers that they should fit a positive on off switch to the device as it's very easy to switch it on accidentally when handling it ,I have turned it off by removing the battery cover .
I have no connection with zone plus or Resperate .
I live in Ireland am 76  years ,male and when first diagnosed my blood pressure readings were 195  over 132  ,that was 11 years ago

[IdeeFixe]

How are you doing with your HBP these days? Are you still using the sameproduct? Do you have some advise for those who would like to use it?

[IdeeFixe]

How are you doing with your HBP these days? Are you still using the sameproduct? Do you have some advise for those who would like to use it?

[Elodea87]

OK, I'm somewhat amazed.  I am at the beginning of "week 8" using the Zona Plus.  As I stated in my last post, I would report back, so here's the results:
Using the method of tracking blood pressure suggested in the Zona literature, I tried to get a daily reading (not always accomplished) for a two week average.  First two weeks: 135/85, second two weeks: 122/80, third two week period: 124/80.  During the last two week period, I missed a daily Zona session three times.
Overall, I guess the results actually are showing a downward, stabilizing effect on my BP.  These are in no way "scientific" results.  I'm using a "home grade" sphygmomanometer for measurements and the times of the day vary, but overall, I am pleased with the results and will be keeping the device.  If anything weird changes in the future, I'll report back.

[danlynn]

We have been using the Zona Plus for 2 1/2 weeks.  I have to say I was very skeptical but I was not going to jump on the "buy more drugs" bandwagon - been there, done that and ended up on 5 different meds - each to counteract the side effects of the others.   I very very surprised to find that after only 2 weeks my BP went from 160/ 102  down to 135/81.  I couldn't believe it and took it twice in both arms!!  Yes, it was a little uncomfortable to start but now I see a toning in the muscles and the ringing in my ears is just about gone.  I'm 57 and not an athelete.  I hope those of you that are frustrated don't give up.  I now sleep better, have more energy and an overall better attitude.  In my humble opinion, this device really works.  Thanks   ***@****

[Elodea87]

I am a commercial pilot.  As I age, blood pressure has started to creep up.  Not yet at levels requiring medication, but higher than I have had over my working lifetime.  

I am always skeptical of "alternative health care" options, but I thought I would try this product since it comes with a money back guarantee.

I have been using a Zona Plus for two weeks now.  The device is very easy to use.  I really don't understand what some of the people are doing that cause some of the problems described on this page.  You simply grip the device as firmly as possible for a few seconds, using each hand, then squeeze  and hold while the readout counts down.  If your grip changes, the device reads; "Squeeze More" or "Squeeze Less".  You simply do two repetitions with alternate hands and the device reads out a "score".  Just keep the average score above "80" according to the instructions.  It doesn't require"crushing" hand strength or any serious effort.  Just "squeeze and hold" a percentage of your own first grip.

So far, my BP is slightly lower (only a few mm) but I find the exercise relaxing but with a "little bit of burn" in the hands to let you know it's doing something.  I spend 12 minutes a day with the device while reading emails, so it doesn't really impact my regular schedule.

I'll try and report back at the end of the 6 week "trial Period" with the results.

[frankkozel003]

At 73 years i have been seeing blood pressure creep up to the  high 140's over  79 in last 6 months. Stolic pressure goes up 10-15 points after good sleep at night.  Eye ball are hard and my  far vision has been going fuzzy. Go in the seen heart doctor at tune to medicare rip off of $700.00 for 15 minute chit chat and told there is nothing wrong with me, come back in 1 year for another chit chat. Had recorded my blood pressure 6  times a day for 6 months using different HP divices to confirm results. Gone from 120/80 to now average high 140,s /80.  Am working hard construction--concrete, roofing, tree removal. Eat healthy, not over weight 175lbs.  but stressed in the depression this country is in.  Have read articles that doctors don,t know the  reason for 90% of high blood pressure problems   NOT coming from some other medical cause. The ones I have com accross in my healthy life don't know doolly squat and I  one has to get on the internet and DIY for health and aren't we all tired of listening to the fraud vidios on the internet trying to sell another gadget or miricle pill made from some far away jungle where the natives are 180 years old.  Two brilliant doctors, Heart surgeon--Dr. Chauncy Crandall  book" The Simple Heart Cure"  and   nuero surgeon  Dr.Russel Blaylock will give  free advice and news letters for about $4.00 month with life saving advice.  With all the rederick about squeeing and heavy breathing would I not get just as much success by just getting a 25 year old girl friend ( with wife's approval) for a 15 min a day work out?  Think positive and remenber--- eat right,   exercise, and die anyway!  Love You...***@****

[frankkozel003]

At 73 years i have been seeing blood pressure creep up to the  high 140's over  79 in last 6 months. Stolic pressure goes up 10-15 points after good sleep at night.  Eye ball are hard and my  far vision has been going fuzzy. Go in the seen heart doctor at tune to medicare rip off of $700.00 for 15 minute chit chat and told there is nothing wrong with me, come back in 1 year for another chit chat. Had recorded my blood pressure 6  times a day for 6 months using different HP divices to confirm results. Gone from 120/80 to now average high 140,s /80.  Am working hard construction--concrete, roofing, tree removal. Eat healthy, not over weight 175lbs.  but stressed in the depression this country is in.  Have read articles that doctors don,t know the  reason for 90% of high blood pressure problems   NOT coming from some other medical cause. The ones I have com accross in my healthy life don't know doolly squat and I  one has to get on the internet and DIY for health and aren't we all tired of listening to the fraud vidios on the internet trying to sell another gadget or miricle pill made from some far away jungle where the natives are 180 years old.  Two brilliant doctors, Heart surgeon--Dr. Chauncy Crandall  book" The Simple Heart Cure"  and   nuero surgeon  Dr.Russel Blaylock will give  free advice and news letters for about $4.00 month with life saving advice.  With all the rederick about squeeing and heavy breathing would I not get just as much success by just getting a 25 year old girl friend ( with wife's approval) for a 15 min a day work out?  Think positive and remenber--- eat right,   exercise, and die anyway!  Love You...***@****

[SwtCaroline0909]

Thank you.......

[hava]

The exercises described in my post of Jan 01, 2010 will help to control the blood pressure naturally, without side effects.

[bub40]

I purchased Resparate in November 2008.  I have found it works pretty well as I've seen BP go from 153/100 to 123/80.  The funny thing is that it is a lot like exercise.  Exercise works too, but you have to do it.  You can't just buy the Resparate and not use it.  When I use it, I see results.  The biggest thing I like about it is there are no negative side effects like you'd get from drugs.

[bub40]

I purchased Resparate in November 2008.  I have found it works pretty well as I've seen BP go from 153/100 to 123/80.  The funny thing is that it is a lot like exercise.  Exercise works too, but you have to do it.  You can't just buy the Resparate and not use it.  When I use it, I see results.  The biggest thing I like about it is there are no negative side effects like you'd get from drugs.

[200over153]

Good grief, Daily exercise is the natural way... good advice rockdoc  
For over 15 years my blood pressure at resting was around 200/153. WOW, if I could get down to 150/100 I'd be making great progress. In spite of the high high high BP, I felt just great. After being on Diovan for several years now, I've attained the 139/90 level I want, but the Drs. still want to increase my meds to get it lower. ARBs are better than ACEs and that better than beta blockers. Maybe I'll try the RESPeRATE. A Thallium treadmill test revealed that my heart muscle was thicker, much like an athlete's yet still without any enlargement. No strokes, or other side effects. I guess that some of us are just built for more stress than others.

[rockdoc]

Just exercise. Walk. Run. Swim. Anything you do besides sitting in front of a TV or Computer will contribute to lower blood pressure. These things work because you force arteries and veins to mimic the expansion and contraction you get from EXERCISE. If you are obese, fat or overweight, smoke, drink etc. there is never going to be a magic cure in a pill. You have until you die to quit wining and get with it.

[tynegate]

Acquired Resperate a few years ago after being dialgnosed with medium level (92/150) BP.  This structured biofeedback mediation suited me well enough that I was able to ease off after a few months and keep it in reserve for stress or indigestion crises, where it once more works remarkably well, and with immediate effect.  I suspect that, as also claimed by Zona, it's use is beneficial for hearthealth.

I turned off the somewhat intrusive male guidance voice after a few sessions, and now ignore those breath-timing instructions until I get down to a comfortable 6bpm.  In all, I've personally found Resperate such a success that I am considering purchasing Zona as a supplement, if its different technique can produce supplementary beneficial results.

Full Disclosure:  admittedly my success with Resperate could in part be due to the mediation I've been sporadically practicing for a number of years.

[hava]

An alternative to buying devices and no side effects.
For blood pressure do these yog pranayam (breathing exercises) everyday.You will see the benefits within days, as you can check BP yourself.Continue the exercise once a day, after you are better.You may be able to reduce/stop your medication over longer term, although the doctor will say you have be on medication for life.
Build up your timing gradually.If you feel tired or dizzy, stop and resume after one minute.

Kapalbhati -(Do it before eating) Push air forcefully out through the nose about once per second. Stomach will itself go in(contract in). The breathing in(through the nose) will happen automatically. Establish a rhythm and do for 15 to 30 minutes twice a day. Not for pregnant women. Seriously ill people do it gently.

Anulom Vilom –
Close your right nostril with thumb and deep breath-in through left nostril  
then – close left nostril with two fingers and breath-out through right nostril  
then -keeping the left nostril closed  deep breath-in through right nostril
then - close your right nostril with thumb and breath-out through left nostril.
This is one cycle of anulom vilom.
Repeat this cycle for 20 to 30  minutes twice a day.
You can do this before breakfast/lunch/dinner or before bedtime or in bed.Remember to take deep long breaths into the lungs.You can do this while sitting on floor or chair or lying in bed.

Bhramri Pranayam -Close eyes. Close ears with thumb, index finger on forehead, and rest three fingers on base of nose touching eyes. Breathe in through nose. And now breathe out through nose while humming like a bee.
Duration : 5 to 15 times

Continue the pranayam once a day, when your BP is normal.

[stayinalive365]

Thank you so much for this discussion.  I am desperately looking for a method to lower my HBP, other than medication.  I am a small woman, never overweight, living alone, in my seventies with arthritic hands, little strength and an extemely bad back.  Consequently I am mainly sedentary.  I have been on medications for my HBP for ten years until now, when I am currently on 5 daily medications, all of which make me extremely fatigued.  Within the past few weeks my systolic BP has been well over 200 twice and is usually between 160-180 although my diastolic is in the 60's and my pulse is in the low 60's to 50's. From the conversation here it appears that Zona plus is not for me but I must find something to lower my blood pressure and soon.  I eat a healthy diet of mainly fruits and vegetables and try to stay hydrated.  Does anyone have any ideas?  My HMO doctor seems to be of no help.

[wnr1]

I have used the Zona Plus for over 15 weeks with little results in lowering my BP (usually 150/100 or a little higher).  However, my arm and chest muscles have improved.  I have contacted the company various times, and each time had excellent conversations with their representatives.  I actually spoke to "Zonaman," Josiah H., 208-286-1350, who is superb, very knowledgeable, and friendly.  He went out of his way to help me.  I will continue to use the device, even though Josiah offered to refund my money if I wanted to return it.  He mentioned that it might take a longer period of time for results, as I apparently fall into the 10% club that does not see immediate improvement.

[doralh]

The company quickly gave me a Return Merchandise Authorization without any question. So I think that it is safe to buy one of these units and try it out. The most you'll be out is the cost of shipping since they honor their money-back guarantee.

[doralh]

I'm still waiting for a reply from Zonaman. In the meantime I have requested an RMA to send the ZonaPlus back. It may work as advertised, for all I know, but when one does not have strong enough hands to get it to initially start, it is of no use. I do a lot of physical work and my hands are strong enough to operate the ZonaPlus, I have suggested to my wife that she could probably get the Zona benefit by squeezing a tennis ball for two minutes, etc..She only has mild hypertension and is determined not to take prescription drugs for it.

[doralh]

I bought a ZonaPlus for my wife. By the time I paid the exchange on my Canadian dollars, plus Canada Customs inspection plus GSTax plus shipping it cost me nearly $C500. That wouldn't be so bad, except my wifes hands aren't strong enough to get the damn thing started. So, do I have any remedy, other than send it back, and be out of pocket for the shipping (both ways) and maybe the GST. about $C100 altogether.

Why doesn't your advertising say that you need to be a young weight lifter or blacksmith to work the darned thing?

[Medavinci]

I bought the resperate in the hopes it would reduce my bp, but in my particular situation, my resting pulse is about 60 and there are times when I forget to even breathe!  I set up the machine, and the man's voice is so annoying and created more stress for me.  Even though it is supposed to follow your breathing pattern, it hasn't.  The bell will go off and say "now breathe" and I can't breathe as fast as he is telling me to.  The sole purpose is to get you to breathe 10 breaths in a minute and ultimately get down to 6  breaths.  I breathe about 5 breaths a minute.  When I tried to go as fast as the machine, I hyperventilated, it got me so wired, my bp went up!  I wrote the company 3 emails to ask how I could fix this since I'm way past the trial period. NO response. I called and the woman who answered had no clue what I was talking about and said she'd have someone call back. No one ever did.  I would definitely NOT recommend the machine.

[myself540]

I did an experiment.

I bought a spring loaded analog bathroom scale (Walmart $15) & a set of spring loaded grip exercisers (Walmart $8-12).

I squeezed the scale with both hands for 170# ( 30% = 51# - 2 hands) Max
Right hand squeeze was 89 # (30% = 27# - 1 hand) Max
Left hand squeeze was 84# ( 30 % = 25# - 1 hand) Max

Next I fully compressesed the hand grip spring exercisers against the scale and found them to be 24# ea. at min. effort-full compression.

ZonaPlus has you do the following exercise every time: Max squeeze 1 hand 5 secs. wait 10 secs. max squeeze the other hand 5 secs. wait 30 secs. 30% squeeze 1st hand 2 min. Rest 1 min. 30% squeeze 2nd hand 2 min. Rest 1 min. 30% squeeze 1st hand 2 min. Rest 1 min. 30% squeeze 2nd hand 2 min. DONE! 3- 5 X /WEEK

If your grip strength is like this 47 yr old guy's (possibly stronger than average - mechanic) you may find a cheaper alternative. If your Grip strength is weaker you may need some rubber bands on the grip exercisers.

I can't vouch for how well either the grip exercisers or Zona Plus work. I CAN TELL YOU FOR SURE THAT HOLDING A 30% SQUEEZE FOR TWO MINUTES IS VERY DIFFICULT! (THINK ANEURISM - LOL) I find a pair of padded gloves make it slightly easier.

Disclaimer: I have absolutely no idea if either the hand grips or the Zonaplus actually work.- do them at your own risk!

CJ

[buckup]

I'm concerned about the expense of Zona Plus, and am wondering if there are any knock offs one might try?
I have high bp and read an article in "American Hypertension" I think it was, about a highly successful clinical trial about a chiropractic specialty where they make a very small adjustment to the atlas vertebrae. I live in a small town and had to travel 200 miles to the nearest chiropractor who had that specialty, which has the acronym of NUCCA or something close to that.
It was an expensive hour or so, I think about $400, but my insurance covered all but a small co-pay. My bp did drop enough that I was able to eliminate the second pill I was taking. I still take benecar.
I had the procedure done about 2 years ago, and the results are still there. I'd like to try the Zona Plus to see if I could eliminate all BP medication. I'm surprised I couldn't find a single used one for sale on Craigslist, even checking in the LA market.

[billjames]

Opps...  there was a typo in my first post... use the address from my second one.

[Joaz1234]

Mr. Keeling explains it all very well.

I had the Resperate and am now using the Zona Plus. As for the Resperate I found it a major nuisance to use and disliked all 5 music selections. In addition to getting all trussed up have to listen to their choice of music which is definitely not mine or even close. Finally didn't wear the earphones and concluded that as someone - not sure who- mentioned could do it myself without all the rigmarole. Of course, didn't get around to it but didn't miss the Resperate. They were very nice and refunded my $.  Hated the thing.

I much prefer the Zona Plus. Easy to use. Trust it will reduce my bp. Have had for only two weeks and they say bp won't be lowered before 5-6 weeks. Zona Plus much better and more knowledgeable about their product when answering questions than Resperate folks. Prefer email to phone so have answers down in black and white.