Breathe Better, Perform Stronger: 12 Things You Didn’t Know About The Breath Builder®
In the early 1970s, music teachers had a problem.
Students were told to “breathe deeper,” but no one was teaching them how.
That’s when world-renowned bassoonist Harold Hanson stepped in. Inspired by a children’s toy, he designed a simple, ingenious tool to help musicians see their breath and feel what proper air support really meant. The result was The Breath Builder® - a device that turns the invisible act of breathing into something you can measure, improve, and master.
More than fifty years later, it’s still one of the most effective ways to train your lungs - whether you’re a musician, athlete, or someone who simply wants to breathe a little easier.
Here’s everything you might not know about this legendary little tool.
A Classic Tool with a Purpose
The Breath Builder® is a lung-strengthening and breath-control trainer designed to help users develop deeper, more efficient breathing. It’s compact, durable, and simple enough for anyone to use. Originally made for musicians, it’s now found in schools, clinics, gyms, and homes - helping people of all ages improve the power and precision of their breath.
How It Works
Inside the clear chamber is a small plastic ball that floats when you blow into it. The goal is simple but surprisingly effective: keep the ball suspended with a steady, controlled stream of air - and then do the same while inhaling. Over time, this helps strengthen your diaphragm, increase lung capacity, and teach your body how to control airflow with ease.
Who Benefits from Using It
While it started as a tool for musicians, The Breath Builder® has become valuable far beyond the band room.
Musicians and singers use it to sustain longer phrases and improve tone.
Athletes use it to boost endurance and oxygen efficiency.
People with asthma or respiratory challenges find it helps them train their lungs to breathe deeper and steadier.
Educators and therapists use it to make breath training more interactive and fun.
If breathing is part of what you do - and for most of us, it is - The Breath Builder® can help you do it better.
How to Use It for Best Results
Getting started is easy.
Begin with all holes open.
Inhale and exhale through the device, keeping the ball suspended for one to two minutes.
Rest for 30–60 seconds.
Gradually close one or more holes to increase resistance as your breath control improves.
If you start to feel dizzy or lightheaded, take a break - that just means you’re introducing your body to deeper oxygenation than usual. With regular use, you’ll quickly build up stamina and control.
A few minutes a day can make a noticeable difference. Many users add The Breath Builder® to their warm-up before rehearsal, a workout, or even as a quick break between meetings. The key is consistency - just a few steady minutes every day can lead to lasting results.
A Game-Changer for Singers and Wind Players
Musicians who rely on breath - whether they play clarinet, trumpet, or sing - often notice instant feedback when they start using The Breath Builder®. It helps sustain longer notes, smooth out airflow, and reduce tension. Over time, it builds the strength and confidence needed to play or sing freely, even through long, demanding passages.
Why It’s Different from Other Breath Trainers
Unlike many breath training devices, The Breath Builder® allows for continuous airflow - meaning you can move seamlessly between inhaling and exhaling without stopping to make adjustments. This makes the practice feel more natural and mirrors the real flow of performance breathing, building habits that translate directly into your craft or sport.
Many users with asthma or mild respiratory challenges find that The Breath Builder® helps them regain control and confidence in their breathing. While it’s not a medical treatment, it supports the mechanics of deeper, more efficient breathwork - often leading to more relaxed and comfortable breathing patterns over time.
Endurance, control, and oxygen efficiency all come down to one thing: breath. Training your lungs with The Breath Builder® can help athletes perform longer, recover faster, and maintain focus under pressure. From runners to swimmers to yogis, anyone who depends on breath for performance can benefit from stronger lung control.
Under supervision, The Breath Builder® is an incredible tool for young learners. It turns breath control into a visible, interactive game - helping kids build awareness of airflow and lung strength while keeping practice lighthearted and engaging.
Made in Las Vegas - and Loved Worldwide
Every Breath Builder® is proudly designed in Las Vegas, Nevada, where it’s been serving schools, musicians, and wellness professionals for over five decades. What started as one musician’s experiment has become a trusted staple in classrooms and studios across the world.
To keep your device in top condition, rinse it with warm, soapy water, shake out any excess moisture, and let it air dry. Avoid harsh cleaners or hot water, and you’ll have a tool that stays smooth, sanitary, and reliable for years to come.
A Legacy of Better Breathing
From the rehearsal hall to the yoga mat, The Breath Builder® has become more than just a tool - it’s a reminder of the power of steady, intentional breath.
Fifty years later, Harold Hanson’s invention is still helping people everywhere find strength, rhythm, and confidence in something as simple and vital as breathing.
So whether you’re a musician looking for better phrasing, a runner training for endurance, or simply someone who wants to feel more centered - The Breath Builder® can help you get there, one deep breath at a time.
