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How to Use an Incentive Spirometer
Using your incentive spirometer as your therapist advised will help you recover normal chest function and aid chest clearance. It does this by simulating breathing as if you were performing your daily activities.
- Sit in a chair, on the edge of your bed, or sit up as far as you can in bed.
- Check the flow rate is set as prescribed by your therapist.
- If prescribed, set oxygen at the level set by your therapist.
- Hold the incentive spirometer in an upright position.
- Place the mouthpiece in your mouth and seal your lips tightly around it.
- Slowly breathe in as deeply as possible. Notice the yellow coaching disc rise. Aim to raise the coaching disc to the blue smiley face marker. Continue the breath in to maintain the disc at this level for as long as possible.
- If advised by your therapist, hold your breath when at full capacity. Your therapist will prescribe the length of time you should try to hold your breath. Then gently breathe out.
- Rest for a few seconds and repeat steps 4 to 7 at least 10 times every hour.
- The yellow rotatable indicator on the opposite side to the mouth piece adjusts the effort required. As you progress this will be increased as advised by your therapist.
- After each set of 10 deep breaths, huff or cough to be sure your lungs are clear.
- If you are able, take frequent walks and perform a huff or cough to maintain a clear chest.
- Wash the mouthpiece before and after use. Keep the mouthpiece in the special slot, as shown in picture, when not in use. Do to the risk of cross contamination do not allow others to use your device.
Useful Organisations
Breathe Easy
Tel: 08458 505020
Website: www.lunguk.org/supporting-you/breathe-easy
NHS 111
Tel: Dial the freephone 111 number
Website: https://www.nhs.uk/
Our patients matter
Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust listens and responds to patients and their carers to help improve the services we deliver.
If you have any comments, compliments or concerns you can speak with a member of staff or contact our Patient Advice and LiaisonService (PALS) and Complaints Team.
Telephone: 0151 471 2377 Freephone: 0800 328 2941 Email: palsandcomplaints
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Approval date: 14 October 2025
Review date: 13 October 2026
Version number: 1