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About incentive spirometers
An incentive spirometer is a mechanical handheld breathing device that encourages you to take slow, deeper breaths.
It helps you increase the volume of air that you can breathe in and encourages you to use your breathing muscles properly.
You can use an incentive spirometer if you have chest problems such as pneumonia or rib or sternal (breastbone) fractures, or if you are in a sickle cell crisis.
Use of an incentive spirometer helps to reduce the risk of developing further chest complications. It is particularly beneficial at times where you are not able to move about as much as normal.
How they work
When you breath in through an incentive spirometer, a counter or ball moves up inside the device, prompting you to take a large, controlled breath.
This type of large, controlled breath enables you to get air into more parts of your lungs, particularly in smaller pockets that may have collapsed.
Using an incentive spirometer gives you more space in your lungs to receive oxygen, and reduces your risk of developing acute chest deterioration.
How to use your incentive spirometer
Your physiotherapist will show you how to use your incentive spirometer.
They will also talk to you about suitable breathing targets so that you gradually increase your breathing capacity. (See My personal incentive spirometer targets section below).
Follow these instructions to use your incentive spirometer device.
- Ensure you sit in an upright comfortable position. This helps you to take deeper breaths.
- Keep the device upright and mid chest level. This is necessary to ensure it works properly.
- Seal your lips tightly around the mouthpiece to avoid any air leakage.
- Take a slow, deep breath in through your mouth.
- As you complete this, notice the ball or disk rising within the device.
- Try to keep the ball or disk in the smiley face or above the target line throughout your breath in.
- Aim to hold that deep breath and keep the ball or disk elevated for 3 seconds.
- Remove the mouthpiece from your mouth and slowly breathe out. Remember not to blow into it to prevent germs from entering the device.
- Repeat this sequence 2 or 3 times as one cycle, then have a rest until your breathing feels back to normal. This will help you avoid feeling dizzy.
- If you find this too easy, you can adjust the flow rate valve which will increase resistance and make you work harder as you breath in. Your physiotherapist will show you how to do this.
Your personal incentive spirometer targets
This table will help you keep track of your breathing targets when you use the device.
| Target volume (mls) | |
| Target flow rate | |
| Number of breaths | 10 |
| Number of cycles | 1 |
| How often? | Every 2 hours |
How to clean your incentive spirometer
Only use your spirometer for up to 30 days or 1000 uses. This will maintain effectiveness and cleanliness (as per brand guidelines).
Your physiotherapist will show you how to take off the mouthpiece and tube.
To clean your device do the following at the end of every day. See also the YouTube clip under More information below.
- Remove the mouthpiece and tube and wash them in warm, soapy water.
- Allow the device to air dry.
- Do not put the device in a dishwasher.
- Do not use boiling water to clean your device.
- Do not use bleach to clean your device.
More information
Contact information
Kingston Hospital Physiotherapy Outpatients