Cyclic sighing and box breathing are both structured breathing techniques, and both are built into apps from Breathwork Studios — but they're shaped very differently, and they tend to feel different in the body.
Box breathing uses four equal phases — inhale, hold, exhale, pause — typically at a matched count like 4-4-4-4. The rhythm is even and symmetrical.
Cyclic sighing uses two inhales of different lengths (a full inhale, then a short top-off) followed by one long exhale, with no hold at all. The rhythm is asymmetrical, weighted heavily toward the exhale.
Box breathing is typically nose-in, nose-out. Cyclic sighing is nose-in (twice), mouth-out. That single difference changes how each technique feels — the long, pursed-lip exhale in cyclic sighing has a distinct sensation compared to a slow nasal exhale.
Some people use both, depending on the moment. Neither is inherently "better" — they're different tools, and the research base for each is still developing.
Practice cyclic sighing with guided sessions, mood tracking, and smart reminders.
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