If you’re hiding from someone, should you really hold your breath?

[Anonymous]

This game mechanic doesn't actually seem smart. Says to hold your breath until the danger is over. But wouldn't it make more sense to breathe quietly? That way you remain calm and won't make this huge gasp if you can't hold it in?

[SueShe]

It all depends on how long you have to hold your breath but I would not recommend it.

Most people cannot hold their breath for longer than 30 seconds before they have to take another breath. Trying to hold your breath too long will result in you having to take a noisy big breath that may be heard by whomever you are trying to hide from.

It is better to try to breathe regularly through the mouth because breathing through the nose may result in sounds being produced such as whistling. However, if you keep your mouth open you have to make sure that there is no crackling coming from the lungs when you let air out of your lungs if you have some lung issues.

[SueShe]

thanks for the MHO

[nolabels]

Open-mouthed breathing works well for nearly silent respiration when hiding from someone.
I know from personal experience.

No, I would not recommend holding one's breath for any lengthy period of time.

Unless you're into that sort of thing, of course.

Cheers!

[abc3643]

As best you can... Sadly, it didn't help John Anderton (Tom Cruise) in "Minority Report", but his transplanted eyes did.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQ55c87m4_4

[NathanDavis]

what if you're hiding under water... or if there's smoke, or very dirty and dusty and you're allergic...