Incentive Spirometer - What is it & How to Use it?

A healthcare professional may recommend using a lung exerciser, such as the MCP Respirometer Spirometer Deep Breathing Lung Exerciser with 3 balls spirometer, after surgery or when dealing with a lung condition like pneumonia. This device supports lung health by promoting slow, deep breathing. Other options like the Romsons Respirometer Respiratory Exerciser SH-6082 and the MCP Voldyne Volumetric Respirometer with Flow Rate Indicator (4000ml) are also effective tools for enhancing respiratory function. These devices are often recommended for individuals with COPD to strengthen their lung function. In this blog, we’ll explore how an incentive spirometer helps maintain lung health, especially after surgery or during lung conditions like pneumonia or COPD.

What is an Incentive Spirometer?

An incentive spirometer is a basic plastic device designed to exercise your lungs. Your healthcare provider may suggest using it after an illness, surgery, or an injury to the chest or abdomen.

This device helps prevent lung infections by expanding and strengthening the lungs, keeping them inflated, and clearing out mucus and secretions. It can also assist in restoring normal oxygen levels, which may be low following surgery or a severe illness.

Why Use an Incentive Spirometer?

An incentive spirometer functions like a workout machine for your lungs, promoting lung strength and aiding recovery after an injury or illness.

Following surgery, an incentive spirometer can:

• It increases the amount of air that enters and exits your lungs with each breath.
• The device helps eliminate anesthesia from your lungs.
• Taking deep breaths can help prevent mucus and fluids from accumulating in the lungs.
• Slow, deep breaths fully inflate the lungs, helping to clear any fluids that may lead to conditions like pneumonia.

Post-surgery recovery:

An incentive spirometer aids in lung recovery after surgery by encouraging patients to take slow, deep breaths, which fully inflate the lungs. This process enhances lung ventilation, promotes the clearance of mucus, and prevents fluid buildup, reducing the risk of complications such as pneumonia. By stimulating lung expansion, the spirometer also helps improve oxygen levels in the body, supporting overall recovery and lung function.

Improving lung capacity:

Regular respirometer uses can strengthen the lungs and improve lung capacity by promoting deep, controlled breaths that fully expand the alveoli. This practice enhances oxygen exchange, increases lung volume, and helps clear mucus, thereby reducing the risk of respiratory infections. Over time, consistent use contributes to better overall respiratory health, making it easier for individuals to breathe and maintain optimal lung function.

Managing respiratory conditions:

The incentive spirometer plays a crucial role in managing chronic respiratory conditions like COPD, asthma, and bronchitis by encouraging patients to take deep breaths, which helps improve lung expansion and function. Regular respirometer uses promotes better airflow, clears mucus buildup, and enhances oxygenation, reducing the frequency of exacerbations and hospitalizations. For individuals with these conditions, consistent practice not only aids in symptom relief but also supports long-term lung function maintenance, empowering patients to better manage their respiratory health.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Use an Incentive Spirometer:

Using Your Incentive Spirometer: Quick Steps

Breathe Through Your Mouth: Always inhale through your mouth; breathing through your nose will affect the device's performance.

Position Yourself: Sit upright in a chair or bed and hold the spirometer at eye level.

Mouthpiece Use: Place the mouthpiece in your mouth, sealing your lips tightly around it without blocking it with your tongue.

Exhale Fully: Breathe out slowly and completely before inhaling.

Inhale Deeply: Inhale slowly through your mouth as deeply as possible, watching the piston rise. Aim for the coaching indicator to stay between the two arrows.

Breath Hold: Once you can’t inhale any further, hold your breath for 3-5 seconds.

Exhale Slowly: Breathe out fully through your mouth, then rest briefly.

Repeat: Perform steps 1-7 at least 10 times, trying to reach the same piston level with each breath.

Tracking Progress: Use the marker to note the highest piston level reached and write it down for future reference.

Frequency of Use: Aim for 10 breaths every hour while awake, and cover the mouthpiece when not in use.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Using an Incentive Spirometer:

• Always breathe through your mouth when using the spirometer. Breathing through your nose will prevent the device from functioning properly.
• Avoid breathing in too fast. The coaching indicator should stay between the two arrows; fast inhalation will push the indicator above the top arrow.
• Make sure to completely exhale before starting the inhalation process, as this allows for a full, deep breath.
• Ensure that your lips are sealed tightly around the mouthpiece and your tongue is not blocking it.
• For best results, respirometer uses must be consistently done, as recommended by your healthcare provider, often every hour you're awake.
• It’s important to hold your breath for 3-5 seconds after inhaling fully to maximize lung expansion.
• Failing to track the piston’s highest level can make it difficult to monitor your progress over time.
• Aim to complete the full 10 breaths each session to ensure effective lung exercise.

Importance and Benefits of Incentive Spirometer:

An incentive spirometer works like an exercise machine for your lungs, helping to strengthen or maintain lung function, especially after an injury or illness.

Reduces Lung Infections: Deep breathing exercises help loosen mucus and fluids, preventing the buildup that can lead to infections like pneumonia.

Improves Breathing: It enhances lung ventilation by allowing more air to enter and exit the lungs with each breath, boosting overall lung capacity.

Promotes Faster Recovery: Using the spirometer aids in clearing anesthesia and other secretions from the lungs, speeding up recovery after surgery or illness.

Care and Maintenance for Incentive Spirometer:

• Wash the mouthpiece with warm soapy water after each respirometer uses, and let it air dry completely.
• Ensure the spirometer is dry before storing to prevent mould or bacteria growth.
• Keep the spirometer in a clean, dry place when not in use, with the mouthpiece covered.
• Regularly inspect the spirometer for any cracks or damage and replace it if needed.
• Adhere to the cleaning and maintenance guidelines provided by the manufacturer for optimal use.