Module 11 – AirFlip

Module 11 · Extended training

in addition to the basic training
by arrangement with the practice

With the AirFlip, you create brief pressure changes in the throat while your nose is closed. The aim is to activate the opening mechanism of the Eustachian tube, which ventilates the middle ear.

It is used, for example, for pressure equalisation and as diving training, as well as for tinnitus, sudden hearing loss, dizziness and Ménière’s disease.

What happens in the earThe Eustachian tube connects the throat with the middle ear. It normally opens when you swallow and yawn and ensures pressure equalisation. The pressure changes during the AirFlip address precisely this opening mechanism.

Before you start

Insert the FaceFormerThe membrane sits behind the lips and in front of the teeth, and the lip wedge points horizontally outwards.
Tip of the tongue in its placeOn the small ridge on the palate, a few millimetres behind the upper incisors. It does not touch the teeth.
Straighten your headNeck lengthened, gaze straight ahead. The lower jaw stays in its usual position.
Breathe through the noseThroughout the whole exercise; the mouth stays closed around the lip wedge.

In detail with animations: Basics and starting position

Step by step

Press and hold
Insert the FaceFormer in the starting position. Press the lip wedge firmly and hold the pressure throughout the exercise.
Close the nose
Close your nose with your thumb and index finger on the nostrils.
Negative pressure
With your mouth and nose closed, try to breathe in deeply through your nose. Negative pressure develops in the throat.
Counter-pressure
Change direction and push air against the closed nose, as when breathing out.
Three pumping pulses
Perform the attempt to breathe in and out as quick pumping pulses three times in a row. That is one cycle and takes only a few seconds.
Breathe freely
Release the lip pressure and breathe normally five times. Then the next cycle follows.
5 cycles per session.

Your training plan

Week 13AirFlips per cycle
3× daily

Week 24AirFlips per cycle
3× daily

from week 35AirFlips per cycle
3× daily

Each session consists of 5 cycles. Whether and when the AirFlip suits you is best discussed with a practice.

Points to note

Hold the lip pressure throughout the whole cycle.
Keep the pressure pulses short and controlled, not at full force.
Between cycles, breathe calmly five times.

If it is still difficult

I have a cold or earache at the moment

In that case, pause the AirFlip and talk to your practice before you start again.

I don’t feel anything in my ear

This is common at first. Make sure your mouth and nose are really sealed, and perform the pulses briefly and briskly.

Knowledge on this topic

Detailed articles on complaints in which this exercise plays a role.

Jaw and headEar pressure and pressure equalisation Jaw and headTinnitus Nose and breathingPolyps and adenoids Nose and breathingParanasal sinuses (sinusitis)

All topics at a glance

Questions about the training?

QuestionsFrequently asked questions PlanningCourse and duration of the therapy ExperiencesExperience reports from users

Continue training

Back10 Pelvic floor

The FaceFormer app trains with you

It guides you through the basic exercises, counts along, reminds you of your sessions and records your progress. Free of charge.

App Store Google Play

FaceFormer training aims to readjust the basic functions of breathing, swallowing and head balance physiologically, with mouth closure and the tongue reference position, thereby creating the conditions for complaints to improve. It does not replace a medical assessment. You can also train on your own with the app and these pages. If you are not making progress, if complaints need to be investigated or if you would like support, you will find practices in the practitioner directory. If you feel pain, stop the training.