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# Breath Test Guide: Tips & Technique

### Tips for Successful Breath Testing

If you’re new to breath testing, it’s normal to wonder if you’re doing it correctly. Don’t worry — it often takes a little practice, and every test you take helps you get closer to understanding your gut. 

Here are some simple tips to make your results as accurate and useful as possible:

### **Before You Start**

* Take your breath tests in a **relaxed state** - not immediately after exercise or rushing around.
* Try to test **indoors** where conditions are stable. Extreme environments (very cold, hot or humid) can affect your device’s performance.
* Make sure your lips and mouth are **clean and dry** before testing — this prevents food particles or liquid from getting into the mouthpiece.
* **Sit upright**, rather than reclined or lying down.

### **The 3-second Countdown**

* Don't hold your device **too close to your nose or mouth** as the sensors may pick up even a faint exhale.
* Keep your device a small distance from your face and **bring it to your mouth slowly** once ready to test. 

### **During the Test**

* Hold your device **upright and straight**, so your breath travels smoothly through it.
* **Don't blow forcefully**. A gentle, steady exhale gives the most accurate result.
* When prompted, **exhale gently and consistently for 5 seconds**. 

👉 A helpful trick: *imagine cooling hot soup on a spoon — just a soft, steady breath.*

If you accidentally take a deep breath before the test, your result may not reflect your true fermentation levels. For the most consistent readings, repeat future tests using a normal breath rather than a deep inhale.

### **Important: Avoid Pre-Exhales**

Our engineers have recently identified “pre-exhales” in some device data.

**What is a pre-exhale?**

A pre-exhale happens when the device picks up your breath **before** the actual test starts — usually because it’s held too close to your mouth or nose during the countdown.

This can cause the device to record part of an earlier breath, which may affect accuracy.

**How to avoid it:** 

* Keep the device **slightly away from your face** during the 3-second countdown.
* When the app says **“Start”**, bring the device to your mouth and begin a **gentle, steady** exhale.

Even this small adjustment can noticeably improve accuracy right away.