Last Updated on March 31, 2023 by Kimberlee Johnson
We’ve all been there – you blow up a balloon by mouth, and the second you let it go, it deflates.
But how long can you expect a balloon blown up by your mouth to last? Is it minutes, hours, or days?
We’re here to answer your questions and tell you about the longevity of balloons blown up by mouth. Read on to find out.
How Long Do Balloons Last When Blown Up By Mouth?
Generally, balloons blown up by the mouth can last anywhere from 24 hours to 2 days.
But it still depends on several factors, including the type and quality of the balloon, the temperature of the environment, and how much air was used to blow up the balloon.
Latex balloons, for example, may only last a few hours, whereas Mylar balloons can last for a few days.
The amount of air used to blow up the balloon, and the temperature of the environment can also affect the longevity of the balloon.
If the balloon is overinflated, it may quickly deflate. Plus, hot, humid [1] environments can cause balloons to deflate faster than cool, dry environments.
Check out some tips to put stuffing material on the balloon without a machine here.
Will Balloons Float If You Blow Them Up By Mouth?
No, blowing a balloon using your mouth will not float as high as with helium. The air from your mouth is not as light as helium so the balloon won’t float as high.
“An inflated balloon — impressive to look at but hollow at the core and easily punctured.”
– Dianne Feinstein, United States Senator
Moreover, the air from your mouth is not as hot as that from a helium tank, so the balloon won’t expand as much and thus won’t lift as much.
The heavier the balloon is, the less it will lift and the less it will float. When blown up with your mouth, a balloon floats quickly before losing its lift.
But how can you make air-filled balloons survive longer?
Is It Healthy For Your Lungs To Blow Up Balloons?
Blowing up balloons can be a great way to exercise your lungs, as it requires inhaling and exhaling deeply.
It will increase lung capacity [2] and strengthen respiratory muscles, which can, in turn, help reduce shortness of breath.
Additionally, the act of blowing up balloons can help to clear the airways and help to prevent congestion.
When done safely, blowing up balloons can be a great way to help improve your lung health.
It is important to be mindful of your environment when blowing up balloons.
Plus, you need to take breaks between blowing up balloons to ensure you are not overworking your lungs.
But what are ways to inflate balloons without using your mouth?
Why Does Blowing Up Balloons Hurt the Mouth?
Blowing balloons through our mouths is a painful experience for some people, as the air pressure from the balloon can hurt the inside of their mouths.
The air pressure can cause pain in the gums, teeth, and jaw.
Additionally, if the mouth is dry or if the person does not use a full breath, it can cause the inside of the mouth to become dry and cracked, resulting in further discomfort.
If a person is not careful, they can over-inflate the balloon, which can cause even more pain.
To prevent this, it is important to use slow, steady breaths and to be mindful of how much air is being put into the balloon.
Using a straw can help to direct the air away from the mouth and reduce the pressure.
What Happens If You Inhale & Exhale Into A Balloon?
If you inhale and exhale into a balloon, the balloon will expand and fill with air.
This is because when you inhale, you are taking in oxygen, and when you exhale, you release carbon dioxide.
The combination of oxygen and carbon dioxide creates a pressure that causes the balloon to expand.
And the balloon will eventually reach its maximum capacity and not expand any further.
Hence, this cycle of increasing and decreasing air pressure causes the balloon to expand and contract with each of your breaths.
Additionally, inhaling and exhaling into a balloon can be used to learn about air pressure and how it works.
It can also be used to teach children the importance of breathing properly and as an exercise to practice deep breathing techniques and help them relax.
Read: Do Air-Filled Balloons Deflate In Hot Weather?
FAQs
Is balloon air harmful?
Yes, inhaling too much air from a balloon can harm one’s health since it has a high concentration of helium.
Thus, if done in large quantities, helium can cause dizziness, nausea, and even asphyxiation.
Find out how long a latex balloon filled with air will last here.
Can you get sick from blowing up balloons?
No, you cannot get sick from blowing up balloons. However, it is possible to experience dizziness or lightheadedness due to holding your breath for too long while blowing up balloons.
Check out the steps in blowing up foil balloons with helium here.
What happens if a popped balloon is swallowed?
If a popped balloon is swallowed, it could block the airway and lead to choking. If that’s the case, you have to seek medical attention.
Key Takeaways
And that’s it. While balloons blown up by mouth may not last as long as helium-inflated ones, they can still be enjoyed for several days.
Remember that the larger the balloon and the more air you blow into it, the longer it will last.
With a little care and attention, your balloons should remain inflated for a few days and help you celebrate your special occasion.
References:
- https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/it-s-not-just-heat-it-really-humidity-know-risks-
- https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-increase-lung-capacity
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