Oxa’s unique wearable can help unlock better health and reduce stress through proper breathing techniques
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
T3 Verdict
Reasons to buy+Polished app with tons of workouts+Long battery life+Provides instant biofeedback+Can teach you how to breathe properly, which can help you in a variety of ways in lifeReasons to avoid-Costs as much as a smartwatch and ‘only’ does breathing
Reasons to buy+Polished app with tons of workouts+Long battery life+Provides instant biofeedback+Can teach you how to breathe properly, which can help you in a variety of ways in life
Polished app with tons of workouts
Long battery life
Provides instant biofeedback
Can teach you how to breathe properly, which can help you in a variety of ways in life
Reasons to avoid-Costs as much as a smartwatch and ‘only’ does breathing
Costs as much as a smartwatch and ‘only’ does breathing
Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
Jump to category:Price and availabilitySpecificationsDesign and comfortOxa app and featuresVerdictAlso consider
Jump to category:Price and availabilitySpecificationsDesign and comfortOxa app and featuresVerdictAlso consider
Breathing, often overlooked, is a powerful form of self-care. It’s not just free, but mastering proper breathing techniques can significantly reduce stress and boost overall health. While there are several wearables designed to enhance breathing, the Oxa Breathing Coach stands out as the sole device offering instant biofeedback. Intrigued, I decided to put it to the test!
As a person keen on improving their health with as little supplementation and medication as possible, I’m always on the lookout for new ways to enhance my sleep, mental health and breathing. Not surprisingly, all of these are connected and, under normal circumstances, cost nothing to better.
Sadly, we (I) haven’t got much time to spend on mindfulness and meditation these days, so as eager as I am to do my sessions, I often end up skipping them so I can work or exercise more. Terrible behaviour, I know, but that’s just how it is.
It’s a somewhat niche device in the sense that maybe not everyone will be able to justify spending the cash on a wearable that ‘only’ improves breathing and does nothing else. However, should you decide to invest in Oxa, it might just help you lead a bit more healthier lifestyle.
Oxa Breathing Coach review
Price and availability
The Oxa Breathing Sensor is available to buy now directly fromOxa USandOxa UKfor $249/ £229 (strap and sensor combo) – AU price and availability TBC.
There are also ‘shirt and sensor’ and ‘bra and sensor’ combo options available. Oxa also sells bras, straps and sensors separately.
Specifications
Design and comfort
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
The Oxa sensor is a tiny pod that clips onto either the strap, shirt or bra. It weighs only 9 g (0.3 oz.) and really isn’t much bigger than a large coin.
Despite its compact size, the pod houses several sensors, including an accelerometer and Oxa’s patented Geckto electrode, which helps the device measure ECG, heart rate, and heart rate variability.
Oxa is said to be the first and only wearable breathing exercise device that can provide a live breathing signal to the user, including inhales, exhales, breathing amplitude, breathholds, and breathing interruptions via the Respiratory Inductance Plethysmography (RIP) technology.
Initially, I used the sensor with a different strap that’s not available anymore, which was a soft, circular fabric. It was comfortable but required me to ‘step into’ it and put it on like a bra.
Since then, Oxa has launched a new version that functions like a heart rate monitor strap, allowing you to unclip it after each use. This is a welcome change, as my biggest grief was getting in and out of the thing. It’s an easy process using the new strap.
You don’t have to wear the Oxa sensor continuously like a smartwatch. Instead, you only put it on when you want to do a session, which I think is more appealing to most people. Many find it hard to wear smartwatches 24/7, but with the Oxa sensor, it won’t be an issue.
Oh, and one final thing: to turn on the sensor, you have to shake it gently. Usually, putting it on will shake the pod enough to turn on, but should it not, take it off and give it a wiggle. A blue light will pulsate on the pod when it’s awake.
Oxa app and features
Image1of4(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
Image1of4(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
Image1of4
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
The Oxa sensor is one thing, but the main attractions are the app and the exercises. I’m used to companion apps for similar devices being a clunky and definitely not as polished as the Oxa app.
It’s well laid out, making it easy to navigate. Exercises can be located quickly, and there is just enough gamification to keep you going without it taking centre stage. On your dashboard, you can see all your key stats, including your lifetime records.
The exercises are excellent, too. Usually, you’ll see a pulsating ring, and depending on the task, you either have to keep up with its movement or perform other tasks to synchronise them, to mention a couple.
There is also voice guidance, not to mention the other sounds played during your sessions, all working together to create a fluid, engaging experience. Exercises vary in length. Some are short, one-minute bursts, while others can go on for over 10 minutes.
The variety is impressive, too. You get the standard ‘check-in’ style exercises, and you can also choose a path (MInd or Body) under the Journey tab, which will present you with breathing exercises focused on that topic.
The Explore tab offers yet more options, from exercises to calm you down after work to sessions for sleep, focus, and more.
Of course, it’s all breathing, but you’d be surprised how much variety there is with different breathing techniques.
It’s a minor grievance; as a whole, the combination of sounds, voice and visual guidance is more than enough to keep you on track.
Verdict
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
I enjoyed using the Oxa Breathing Coach. It’s one of the few wearables I’ll be sad to return at the end of the loan period, mainly because the tangible benefits it offers. Breathing might come naturally to most, but should it be done correctly, it can also improve health and reduce stress. And using Oxa can teach you how to breathe right in a fun and engaging way.
Of course, the price is a slight issue, but bear in mind that the app doesn’t cost anything; you only have to pay the lump sum for the hardware, while the rest of the service is free. If you live a particularly hectic life, I’d recommend giving the Oxa Breathing Coach a try.
Also consider
Follwing a similar, app-based approach, theAirofit Pro 2.0promises enhanced features like advanced lung function measurement and improved feedback. Despite minor issues like Bluetooth connectivity, it’s a valuable tool for athletes and anyone seeking better lung health. With just 5-10 minutes of daily training, users can boost lung capacity and reduce heart rate, making it a worthwhile investment.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
Netflix is making a huge surprise change for hit spy show’s new seasonThe Recruit is taking a global trip this time out
The Recruit is taking a global trip this time out
This case turns your iPhone or Android phone into an e-reader, but there’s a catchActually, there are a couple…
Actually, there are a couple…
Traeger’s new Woodridge pellet barbecues have got me excited for grilling seasonTraeger debuts three new wood pellet grills
Traeger debuts three new wood pellet grills
