curious

[ebbtide]

i am curious as to why when we dive , when we turn over on our back that it is very hard to breath , but when we roll back to our normal position every thing is fine and has anyone else noticed this as well?

 

[DennisW]

ebbtide,

I have never found it hard to breath while on my back. I do this quite often when leading a dive. I turn over and look at those that are following and to see what the return trip will look like.

 

[Uncle Pug]

Same reason a reg will free flow if the mouth piece is pointed up but will stop if it is pointed down.

 

[scuberd]

I also find it hard to breathe through a surface tube (like a snorkle) unless I am at the surface face down.

 

[The Chairman]

Do us both a favor and have your reg checked out. While there might be a slight slight variance in breathing resistance due to the difference of pressure on your body's diaphragm as opposed to the pressure on your reg's diapragm, it should not be that remarkable. While this may be a whole lot of nothing, a check would be in order as this may indicate a problem that is developing in your equipment. Safe is good!

 

[otter-cat]

I think NetDoc is right that you should have your regulator checked. However, I have also noticed that different regulators perform differently when I am face-up underwater. With some, there is no problem, while with others, it is harder to breathe because the reg lets a little bit of water in when in that position. I don't know if it was the brand/model that made the difference (my Apeks works great no matter which way I'm oriented -- but it is still pretty new) or just how well tuned each particular reg is. Either way, to be safe, get your reg checked out, but if you have the chance, try it with some other regs and see if you have the same problem.

otter-cat

 

[ebbtide]

ya if no one else has this difficulty in breathing while on there back ill have to get my reg checked out
thanx

 

[landlocked]

Every reg I have ever tried (a total of 5, 2 brand new) has done the same thing. Look up and you have to suck harder. I believe that they were all unbalanced regs. It is my belief that if you want better performace, you by a balanced reg. Someone who knows what I am talking about should now correct me.

 

[IndyScott]

I have notices this my self..:singfish:

 

[jamespitt]

HI all,
this is busy being discussed in the regulator forum:
http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=10347
something about your lungs being above or below your reg and the pressure difference making it more difficult to breathe.

James