How to Use an AirLife Volumetric Incentive Spirometer

An incentive spirometer is a piece of medical equipment designed to help patients perform deep breathing exercises to improve respiratory function. Exercises with a spirometer are often prescribed after surgery to avoid complications that may result from extended immobility. The spirometer is designed with clear plastic and brightly colored balls or pistons that move up and down to indicate the depth of inhalation or volume of exhalation. The patient's ability to visually monitor his progress helps improve compliance with the prescribed treatment.

Things You'll Need

• Incentive spirometer

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Slide the blue pointer on the left side of the spirometer to the volume level prescribed by your doctor.

• 2

  Sit as upright as possible. Hold the spirometer in an upright position or place it upright on your bedside table.

• 3

  Exhale normally and place your lips tightly around the mouthpiece.

• 4

  Inhale slowly, raising the blue piston in the column. Try to elevate the piston to the level of the sliding indicator or above.

• 5

  When you cannot inhale any more, remove the mouthpiece and try to hold your breath for about 10 seconds or more.

• 6

  Exhale normally or try to cough during exhalation, depending upon your doctor's orders.

• 7

  Slide the mouthpiece into the round notch on the side of the spirometer after use to keep it clean.