Would a large lung capacity contribute to hogging air?

[GregA2k6]

Hello!

Before I got started with my pool sessions I had myself checked out by a lung specialist who did a pulmonary function test. He said that I had an "exceptional" lung capacity. (I didn't get the actual numbers) What surprised me a bit was that I seemed to burn through air really quickly during my pool sessions. (even the last few where I felt really at ease and practiced my breathing)

My thoughts are that if you take in significantly more air with each breath and you only actually process a small amount of the oxygen your lungs take in, would having a larger lung capacity ad to the problem of air hogging compared to another individual with a lower lung capacity?

Also, what can I do about it? I am very active and do almost 2 hrs a day of cardio exercise 5 days a week. (between running and commuting) As a last resort, are there larger tanks a person could use without much hassle? My main concern is not limiting my wife's dive time as she always seems to have significantly more air than I! She is adamant that it doesn't bother her but I'd like us to be able to maximize our dive time together as much as possible.

Thanks for any input!

Greg

 

[Cacia]

I am guessing no. I am thinking a larger person has an overall higher 02 demand but what you are asking is a different question. Lung size or gas exchange area to body size is a ratio that would be more relevant. As lungs become more developed, your effeciency should improve (assuming body size stays a constant). Please, anyone feel free to correct me if I am wrong. I realize it is mutlifactorial and BMR, etc play roles as well.

 

[Wildcard]

No. Your not taking huge breaths when diving. Use of air is a factor of cardiovascular fitness, diving activity and breathing control.

 

[Cacia]

and a high metabolic rate would increase demands also.

Not to brag (big mystery WC) since 1) I am not that small

2) not that fit 3) dive fast trying to get to the bottom for ST shot...inside etc...

I dove to my NDL yesterday, max depth 125, and had 1400 pounds left which I used on the second dive. Even I could not believe my eyes.

 

[Nomad]

Yes, larger lungs will mean a greater volume of gas is removed from you tank with each breath.

However, larger lungs can mean increased gas exchange efficiency within the lungs (to some degree). There are some skills that you will need to learn.

1. Breathe more slowly. Make sure that you are not winded before you begin your dive.
2. Limit movement and physical activity during your dive to make sure that you don't get winded during the dive.
3. We normally breathe like this: <IN><OUT><PAUSE><IN><OUT><PAUSE>...
Work on reversing that: <IN><PAUSE><OUT><IN><PAUSE><OUT>...
Don't close your throat and hold your breathe. Instead, with an open throat, use your diaphragm to pause before you exhale. This will provide additional time for more gas exchange, and make your breathing more efficient.

Additional considerations: I have found that when I am cold, I can blow through an entire air tank in almost no time. Make sure you are confortable, and relax. Breath deap. Breathe slow. (wax on, wax off...)

 

[Wildcard]

I was at 1300 and my self proclaimed "air hog" diver had 1000.
Bouyancy control, kick method/frequency, current all play a part. Floating along snaping pics I use little air, chasing lobsters I use a ton.
I have to do spyrometer tests a couple of times a year (lung capacity) and I have to work hard to pass.

 

[GregA2k6]

Yes, larger lungs will mean a greater volume of gas is removed from you tank with each breath.

However, larger lungs can mean increased gas exchange efficiency within the lungs (to some degree). There are some skills that you will need to learn.

1. Breathe more slowly. Make sure that you are not winded before you begin your dive.
2. Limit movement and physical activity during your dive to make sure that you don't get winded during the dive.
3. We normally breathe like this: <IN><OUT><PAUSE><IN><OUT><PAUSE>...
Work on reversing that: <IN><PAUSE><OUT><IN><PAUSE><OUT>...
Don't close your throat and hold your breathe. Instead, with an open throat, use your diaphragm to pause before you exhale. This will provide additional time for more gas exchange, and make your breathing more efficient.

Additional considerations: I have found that when I am cold, I can blow through an entire air tank in almost no time. Make sure you are confortable, and relax. Breath deap. Breathe slow. (wax on, wax off...)

I will definitely work on those skills! The cold thing may be a factor also now that I think about it. Although I don't know the temperature, we spent the whole time in a lap pool that was quite a bit colder than a normal pool. We spent a lot of time stationary and we all got pretty chilled until we were able to swim around a bit. (we had no wetsuits of any type)

 

[Wildcard]

Just becouse you CAN take deeper breaths dosen't nessarly mean you ARE. During normal activities your lungs are not working to there limits.

 

[Spratman]

I'm in that category as well. I burn through an AL80 too easily. I switched to a HP120, and now I have plenty of air. My SAC rate is .7 for the majority of the diving I do. However, during Jan-Mar this year in 40 degree water in a wetsuit, it was more like .9.

I do not breath underwater the same rhythm that I do on land. I breath much deeper underwater. I've been working on that. Don't get discourage on air usage. If you can, buy a bigger tank.

Your air usage will come down just with diving. Also, what Wildcard said. Ride a bike, walk, run...any and all will aid in your gas exchange efficiency.

Good luck!

 

[Nay]

Yes, there are larger tanks you can get, yes the cold will make you go thru air faster and yes you will get better as you dive more.
When I first started diving I always ended with more air than my hubby. He dives a lot more than I do and these days will always beat me on air consumption.
It'll get better, just don't forget to have fun.