Incentive spirometer

What is an incentive spirometer?

An incentive spirometer is a simple device which helps encourage you to take a deep breath. It can be given to you by your physiotherapist, nurse or doctor. It is used to assist patients to take an effective deep breath after an injury or surgery. Taking regular deep breaths will help to keep your lungs clear and well expanded.

You should try to use your incentive spirometer regularly throughout the day.

Some people may experience dizziness when using the Incentive Spirometer. If this is the case for you then we would encourage you to have more frequent breaks in between deep breaths and discuss this with your physiotherapist.

How do I use an incentive spirometer?

Your physiotherapist, nurse or doctor will set the spirometer up for you and show you how to use it.

1. Ensure you are sitting upright.
2. Place the mouthpiece in your mouth and create a tight seal with your lips.
3. Hold the incentive spirometer level or place on a flat surface.
4. Take a slow deep breath in, allowing the yellow ball on the left to rise in line with the smiley face.
5. Watch the white bar on the right rise up, aiming to try and lift it as high as possible.
6. Relax and breathe out, the ball and disc will drop back to the starting point.
7. Repeat steps 4,5 and 6 four times, completing a cycle of four deep breaths.
8. Repeat this cycle three times with a short rest in between each cycle.
9. After each session move the yellow marker to the highest point you have achieved with the white bar. Use it as a target to try and improve next time.

If you are having any problems with using your incentive spirometer please speak to your physiotherapist or nurse.