Breathing problems

[Michael1987]

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Yesterday's dive I struggled to get air out of the regulator. Last week no issues.

difference: different tank, temperature 10 degrees instead of 20 degrees.

Equipment problem or just cold water problem [/FONT]

 

[FinnMom]

Were you using the exact same reg set? Both the 1st and 2nd stages can be adjusted to give gas more easily.

 

[Patoux01]

Just curious... You're sure you had the tank fully open? (with NO quarter turn back)

 

[Iralub]

Was the reg de-tuned by any chance?

 

[diversteve]

tank dip-tube missing/clogged?

 

[CT-Rich]

The tank won't make a difference, how it is seated might. How open the valve was could be a factor. Cold is likely to be a factor. You burn more O2 to stay warm thus breath harder. Was there a difference with your suit? Did you have a hood or vest on that was more in the cold water. I find diving with a hooded vest keeps me warmer, but restricts chest expansion with a full rig on the surface, making breathing seem harder. How tightly you cinch down your straps can have an effect. Some more details would be helpful. Stress can be a factor, especially for a new diver. The same rig may feel different in a big swell or cold water.

 

[RJP]

Yesterday's dive I struggled to get air out of the regulator. Last week no issues.

difference: different tank, temperature 10 degrees instead of 20 degrees.

Equipment problem or just cold water problem

Did you actually "struggle" or did you merely notice a difference?

You should never "struggle" to breath from even the crappiest reg in horrible condition.

However, things like depth, temperature, type/amount of exposure protection, how tight you have your BC adjusted, whether the reg is balanced, how it is maintained, etc, etc can all cause noticeable differences.

Also, as some have alluded... if your reg is adjustable (with either a knob, a lever, or both) perhaps you inadvertantly dove with it in the wrong setting? (ie "detuned")

 

[Frosty]

Yesterday's dive I struggled to get air out of the regulator. Last week no issues.

difference: different tank, temperature 10 degrees instead of 20 degrees.

Equipment problem or just cold water problem

First thing to check IMO is that the regs are working normally. They probably are but worth checking.
ten degrees vs 20 should mean you'll have a lot more thermal protection and the initial bite from the water makes for sqeaky voices. That may affect your sensation of harder breathing.