Incentive Spirometer: How to Use It Correctly and Keep It Clean

An incentive spirometer is a handheld breathing device that guides slow, deep breaths. Doctors mainly suggest it during post-surgery recovery, when taking deeper breaths may feel difficult. This guide explains correct use, safe handling, cleaning, and questions to discuss with your care team. (medlineplus.gov)

What is an incentive spirometer used for?

An incentive spirometer encourages you to breathe in slowly and deeply through a mouthpiece. A moving part gives visual feedback while you inhale. Your doctor, nurse, or physiotherapist should show you how to use your particular device. (cuh.nhs.uk)

Think of this lung health device as a guide for a prescribed breathing task. The key action happens when you breathe in, rather than blow out. Keep that difference in mind when learning the steps. (kingstonandrichmond.nhs.uk)

Use during recovery after surgery

Why might a doctor suggest one after surgery?

Pain and weakness can make deep breathing uncomfortable after an operation. Your doctor may suggest an incentive spirometer to guide deeper breaths during recovery. Ask your team how your operation affects the instructions you should follow. (medlineplus.gov)

Before leaving hospital, ask someone to watch you use your own device. A demonstration gives you a chance to check the mouthpiece, posture, and breathing action. Do not feel embarrassed about asking for another explanation. (cuh.nhs.uk)

Useful questions include:

• “Can you show me one complete breath using this model?”

• “Should someone stay nearby while I learn?”

• “What should I do if pain stops me breathing deeply?”

• “Which instructions should I follow once I reach home?”

• “Whom should I contact if I cannot use the device?”

Write the answers beside your discharge instructions. Include the contact number your hospital gives you. Keep those notes with the device leaflet, rather than relying on memory.

Use beyond surgery

Who may need one besides people recovering from surgery?

A clinician may suggest one after certain chest injuries or during selected illnesses. People with limited movement may also receive individual advice about using one. Do not start because another person with similar symptoms received a device. (kingstonandrichmond.nhs.uk)

The important question is whether your clinician recommends this device for your situation. A family member’s instructions may not suit you. Ask for advice before copying their breathing method or borrowing their equipment. (merseycare.nhs.uk)

You may see names such as breathing exerciser, lung exerciser, or breathing exercises tool in product descriptions. Ask whether the item matches the incentive spirometer your clinician requested. A broad product label alone does not explain how you should use it.

Understanding incentive spirometer benefits without promises

The most useful feature is visible feedback during an inward breath. You can watch the moving part while following your clinician’s instructions. This makes the breathing action easier to explain during a demonstration. (together.stjude.org)

Treat claims about “improve lung function” with care. Ask what the phrase means for your own care. Do not read a sales description as a promise about your recovery.

Instead, focus on questions you can answer clearly. Do you understand the steps? Can you explain which parts need cleaning? Do you know when to stop and seek advice?

Get to know your device before starting

Incentive spirometers do not all look alike. Some use a piston inside a large chamber. Others use balls or discs, and their instructions may differ. (my.clevelandclinic.org)

Find the leaflet supplied with your exact model. Match the picture to the device in your hand. If they differ, ask your supplier or care team for the correct instructions.

The parts you will handle

Use this table as a general guide, not a replacement for your leaflet. Your device may arrange these parts differently. Ask your clinician to point out each part during your demonstration. (mskcc.org)

Avoid guessing from colour alone. Instructions for one model may describe a yellow part that your device does not have. Match the part’s purpose and position using your own leaflet.

The side marker and your care team’s instructions

What does the goal marker on the side mean?

On some devices, the marker provides a visual reference for your prescribed breath. It differs from the moving part that responds when you inhale. Ask your clinician to explain both using your own device. (connect.myairlife.com)

Who decides my breathing goal?

Your healthcare professional should decide the personal instructions for your use. Do not choose settings by comparing yourself with another person. Ask your team before changing any setting they selected. (mskcc.org)

Keep the discussion personal and practical. You do not need to compete with a relative or an online video. Ask your clinician what to do if you struggle with the instructions.

Confirm the device is ready

Read the setup steps before connecting loose parts. Some models require you to stretch the tube and attach it to a specific port. Follow the maker’s directions rather than forcing a connection. (connect.myairlife.com)

Before your first home use, consider taking a photograph of the assembled device. Ask your clinician whether the assembly looks correct. Keep the photograph beside the leaflet as a personal reminder.

Make a separate note of anything you still find confusing. For example, you might understand the mouthpiece but not the smaller moving guide. Ask one clear question about each uncertain part.

Set yourself up for a calm, comfortable session

Choose a place where you can sit upright and see the device clearly. Keep your written instructions close by. Give yourself enough time to follow the steps without rushing. (uhd.nhs.uk)

A home setup does not need special furniture. A suitable chair or supported sitting position in bed may work. Follow any sitting restrictions your surgical team gave you. (merseycare.nhs.uk)

Sitting and holding the device

How should I sit and hold it while using it?

Sit upright in a comfortable, supported position. Keep the incentive spirometer upright, following the holding position shown for your model. Ask for help if holding it makes you bend, twist, or strain. (cuh.nhs.uk)

Different hospital leaflets describe different holding heights. Let your own model’s instructions and bedside demonstration guide you. Do not change your posture just to match an unrelated photograph. (mskcc.org)

Before starting, place everything you need within comfortable reach. That may include your leaflet, tissues, and a pillow your team advised. Ask a helper to arrange these items if reaching causes discomfort.

Pain deserves a conversation

Tell your team if pain stops you taking a slow, deep breath. Ask how to use the device alongside your prescribed pain medicine. Do not change medicine doses on your own. (piedmont.org)

If you had chest or belly surgery, ask about supporting your wound with a pillow. Your team can demonstrate this during breathing and coughing. Follow their advice for your particular operation. (medlineplus.gov)

Describe the problem clearly when asking for help. For example: “I stop breathing in because my wound hurts.” That gives your team more useful information than saying the device feels difficult.

A plain checklist before use

Use this checklist as a reminder after learning your model’s instructions. Leave out any step your clinician specifically changes. Ask about any point you cannot confirm confidently.

• Wash your hands before handling the mouthpiece.

• Keep the correct leaflet within reach.

• Check that you have your own assigned device.

• Look for visible cracks or damaged connections.

• Confirm the tube connects as your leaflet shows.

• Sit upright as your care team advised.

• Keep the device upright.

• Have a suitable place ready for the mouthpiece afterward.

• Keep your care team’s contact details nearby.

Handwashing and correct setup form part of hospital teaching. Manufacturers also warn against using damaged devices. Use your own leaflet to confirm the checks your model requires. (together.stjude.org)

Use slow inward breaths, not forceful blowing

For readers searching “incentive spirometer how to use,” remember the central action: breathe in slowly through the mouthpiece. Do not treat it as a blowing contest. Your care team should demonstrate the complete sequence. (kingstonandrichmond.nhs.uk)

The steps below describe a common approach. Your clinician’s instructions and your model’s leaflet come first. Ask for clarification if either differs from this guide.

Follow one breath from start to finish

1. Sit upright. Hold the device in the position your clinician demonstrated.

2. Breathe out normally. Do this away from the mouthpiece unless your model’s instructions say otherwise.

3. Place the mouthpiece between your lips. Close your lips around it.

4. Breathe in slowly through your mouth. Watch the moving guide your clinician identified.

5. Continue the inward breath as instructed. Avoid a sudden, forceful gasp.

6. Pause if your clinician instructed a breath hold. Follow their advice about its length.

7. Remove the mouthpiece and breathe out gently. Follow your model’s directions.

8. Rest and breathe normally. Repeat only as instructed. (ummhealth.org)

Read the sequence once before starting. During use, focus on the action your clinician demonstrated. If you lose your place, pause rather than rushing through the remaining steps.

For a reminder card, use short prompts: “Sit upright. Breathe out. Seal lips. Breathe in slowly. Rest.” Ask your nurse to check the card before you rely on it.

Make a comfortable mouthpiece seal

How should I breathe in through the mouthpiece?

Close your lips around the mouthpiece and take a slow, deep breath through your mouth. Keep your tongue from blocking the opening. Follow the flow guide instructions supplied with your model. (mskcc.org)

If you cannot understand the movement, ask someone trained to watch you. Explain whether air escapes around your lips or the mouthpiece feels awkward. These details help them review your technique.

Avoid copying exaggerated facial movements from product pictures. Ask your clinician to show the mouth position in person. A calm demonstration is more useful than guessing what a photograph means.

Use the moving guide as taught

Some volumetric devices include separate guides for breath volume and breathing speed. These guides do different jobs. Your leaflet should explain which part to watch and how it should move. (connect.myairlife.com)

During teaching, ask your clinician to point to the relevant guide while you inhale. Then describe what you noticed in your own words. This helps reveal any misunderstanding before you practise alone.

For example, say: “I watched the smaller guide while taking a slow breath.” Ask whether that matches your instructions. Avoid making changes based only on a video featuring another model.

Allow time between breaths

Rest between attempts and let your breathing settle. Taking too many deep breaths too quickly can cause dizziness. Tell your clinician if you need help pacing the steps. (uhd.nhs.uk)

Do not turn your spirometer exercise into a speed challenge. A caregiver should not rush you through the sequence. Ask them to remind you about pauses, rather than count loudly or demand more effort.

If you feel distracted, put the device down safely and review the instructions. Start again only when you feel ready and comfortable. Ask your team for help if the sequence remains confusing.

Fit the instructions into home life

Your care team should explain how often to use the device and when to review its use. Follow those personal instructions. Hospital leaflets use different schedules, so do not combine several into your own plan. (medlineplus.gov)

When searching “how to use spirometer,” add your exact model name. Better still, ask your hospital for its teaching leaflet. Keep a single clear reference instead of collecting conflicting instructions.

Write down the details you actually need

Create a small instruction card with your care team. Leave spaces for anything they still need to confirm. Avoid filling gaps with advice from friends or shopping pages.

Include these prompts:

• My device name and model.

• The person who demonstrated its use.

• My team’s instructions about timing.

• My team’s instructions about pauses and breath holding.

• Any advice about coughing afterward.

• The parts I may clean.

• The cleaning method I should follow.

• The number to call with questions.

Ask for teaching in the language you understand best. If a family member translates, ask them to repeat the whole sequence. Keep device terms consistent so everyone means the same part.

If reading small print feels difficult, request a clearer copy. Ask whether you may record the demonstration with permission. Keep that recording private and use it only as your own reminder.

Keep device use separate from competition

Search results may call these actions spirometer exercises. That wording does not mean you should create extra challenges. Follow your prescribed instructions rather than inventing longer or harder sessions.

Do not ask family members to try your device for comparison. Instead, ask them to help organise your leaflet and cleaning supplies. They can also write down questions for your next review.

If someone says their device moves differently, avoid drawing conclusions. Ask whether they use the same model, but do not swap equipment. Bring questions about your own device to your care team.

Coughing after a set of breaths

Why am I asked to cough after a set of breaths?

Your team may ask you to cough to help clear mucus. Remove the mouthpiece before coughing, and follow any wound-support advice. Ask your clinician to demonstrate the method they want you to use. (piedmont.org)

Keep tissues within reach if coughing forms part of your instructions. Ask your helper to give you space rather than offer the mouthpiece again immediately. Follow your team’s advice about resting before continuing.

How do I clean an incentive spirometer at home?

Follow the cleaning instructions for your exact device before using any general method. Some removable mouthpieces and tubes allow washing, while the main chamber may need to stay dry. Ask your care team when the leaflet gives no cleaning advice. (together.stjude.org)

Cleaning advice differs between products and hospital leaflets. Do not assume every clear plastic breathing device tolerates the same treatment. Check which parts detach and which parts the maker allows you to wash.

Start by identifying washable parts

Ask your clinician or supplier to show the approved removable parts. Do not pull apart a sealed chamber. If a connection resists, stop and check the leaflet rather than using force.

Use a simple note beside your supplies:

St. Jude advises against soaking or washing the main chamber in its guidance. Other leaflets describe washing removable tubing and mouthpieces. Your own model’s instructions should settle which approach applies. (together.stjude.org)

If the leaflet is missing, ask for another copy using the model number. Tell the supplier that you need cleaning instructions, not just assembly pictures. Do not substitute instructions for a similar-looking product.

Wash removable parts only when permitted

When your instructions allow washing, follow the stated method for those parts. A common method uses warm, soapy water, followed by rinsing and complete air-drying. Keep the main chamber out of water unless your maker specifically permits otherwise. (piedmont.org)

Use this conditional sequence only after checking your leaflet:

1. Wash your hands before handling the parts.

2. Remove only the parts approved for removal.

3. Wash those parts using the recommended water and soap.

4. Rinse them as directed.

5. Place them in the drying position your instructions describe.

6. Let them dry completely before reassembly or use.

7. Reconnect them exactly as shown in the leaflet. (together.stjude.org)

Write the approved method down after your demonstration. Include the cleaning frequency your team recommends. Ask them to check your note so you do not overlook an important restriction.

If another family member handles cleaning, share the same written method. Do not let each person choose a different approach. Keep cleaning instructions with the device rather than elsewhere in the house.

Avoid improvised cleaning mixtures

Do not assume boiling, bleach, or a dishwasher will suit your device. Some hospital instructions specifically forbid these methods. Check your model’s leaflet before using any cleaning chemical or heat. (stgeorges.nhs.uk)

Avoid household experiments based on smell or appearance. A product that seems “stronger” is not automatically suitable. Ask the maker or your care team before changing the approved cleaning method.

Do not copy a recipe from an unrelated device guide. Cleaning instructions can differ even when products look similar. Give your supplier the exact model number when requesting advice.

Make drying part of the task

Finish the whole cleaning process, including drying. Follow your leaflet’s instructions before using washed parts again. Do not treat a quick rinse as the complete method. (yorkhospitals.nhs.uk)

Set aside a clear area for the approved drying arrangement. Ask your helper not to move the pieces without telling you. Keep your written instructions nearby so nobody guesses how to reassemble them.

If the tube remains wet, ask your supplier what to do. Do not invent a drying method using heat or other equipment. Tell them exactly which part remains wet and how you cleaned it.

Know when cleaning advice is missing

Some disposable incentive spirometers come without detailed home-cleaning directions. Memorial Sloan Kettering advises patients to ask their healthcare provider in this situation. Do not assume that “disposable” gives permission for unlimited washing or reuse. (mskcc.org)

Ask specific questions rather than requesting a general cleaning tip. Say: “May I wash this tube?” Then ask separately about the mouthpiece, chamber, drying method, and replacement.

If your team cannot identify the model, keep the packaging available. Photograph its label for your discussion. Do not photograph or share private patient information unnecessarily.

Keep the device personal and protected

Is it safe to share one with another person?

No, keep your incentive spirometer for your own use. Single-patient devices should not pass between relatives, even after cleaning. Give each person the device their own clinician recommends. (merseycare.nhs.uk)

Make this rule clear to everyone at home. A demonstration should not involve another person placing your mouthpiece in their mouth. Ask them to point to the parts instead.

Store it using the supplied holder or cover

Some devices include a mouthpiece holder. Others come with advice about covering the mouthpiece between uses. Follow your device’s instructions rather than leaving the mouthpiece wherever it falls. (myairlife.com)

Choose a regular storage place that makes the device easy to identify. Keep the leaflet there too. If several relatives use similar devices, ask your supplier how to distinguish them without affecting their use.

A dedicated tray may help organise your own equipment and notes. Treat it as an organising choice, not a cleaning substitute. Continue following the actual care instructions for every device part.

Ask before replacing parts

Tell your supplier if the mouthpiece or tube needs replacement. Give the device name and model number. Ask whether the proposed part belongs with that exact model.

Do not choose a part only because its colour or shape looks similar. Request written confirmation where possible. Keep any replacement instructions beside the original leaflet.

Ask what to do with the old part once the replacement arrives. If your hospital issued the equipment, check its advice first. Do not pass used breathing parts to another household.

Stop using a visibly damaged device

AirLife’s instructions warn against using broken, damaged, or defective equipment. They also require users to keep it from becoming damaged or contaminated between uses. Ask your supplier about replacement rather than attempting a home repair. (connect.myairlife.com)

Describe the fault precisely when requesting help. For example: “The tube connection has cracked,” or “The mouthpiece no longer fits.” A clear photograph may help the supplier identify the affected part.

Do not hide the problem by pressing parts together during use. Ask whether you need a replacement device. Follow your care team’s advice while waiting for further instructions.

Correct common mistakes without forcing your breathing

What are common mistakes when using an incentive spirometer?

Common problems include blowing instead of inhaling, losing the mouthpiece seal, and rushing breaths without enough rest. Holding the device incorrectly can also affect use. Ask your clinician to review your technique instead of simply trying harder. (uhd.nhs.uk)

Use this troubleshooting table to describe the problem. It does not replace a demonstration or clinical advice. Stop if symptoms make the task uncomfortable or unsafe.

When speaking to your clinician, explain one attempt from beginning to end. Include your posture, mouthpiece position, and when the problem starts. This creates a clearer discussion than comparing your device with someone else’s.

Dizziness means stop and rest

What should I do if I feel dizzy while using it?

Remove the mouthpiece, stop using the device, and take normal breaths while resting. Contact your care team if dizziness occurs, especially when it continues or returns. Do not push through another attempt just to finish. (my.clevelandclinic.org)

Tell your clinician how many attempts you made before feeling dizzy. Explain whether you paused between breaths. Ask them to review the instructions before you resume your usual use.

Keep the device aside while seeking advice. Ask a family member to help contact your team if needed. Do not let encouragement from others override symptoms that need attention.

Know which symptoms need medical help

Stop and contact your care team about chest pain, trouble breathing, severe pain during deep breaths, or coughing blood. Also report fluid or blood from a surgical wound when coughing. Do not use another device attempt to check whether symptoms disappear. (mskcc.org)

Seek emergency medical help for severe breathing difficulty or severe chest pain. Do not delay urgent care while cleaning or troubleshooting the device. Ask someone nearby to help you obtain medical assistance. (healthlibrary.ecuhealth.org)

For non-urgent questions, keep a short written account. Include what happened, when it happened, and what you stopped doing. Bring the device and its leaflet if your team requests a review.

Choose a replacement with clear instructions

If you search “incentive spirometer near me,” start with the model your care team recommends. Ask the seller to confirm the exact item. Do not assume a search result matches your hospital device.

Use the shopping conversation to fill practical gaps. Ask whether the item includes its mouthpiece, tube, and instructions. Confirm the pack quantity before paying.

Read brand names as identification, not medical advice

You may encounter an AirLife incentive spirometer or an AirLife volumetric incentive spirometer. AirLife lists several versions, including different sizes and valve arrangements. Confirm the exact model instead of choosing by brand name alone. (myairlife.com)

If you already have a Voldyne incentive spirometer, use the name and model when requesting its instructions. Do not borrow cleaning directions from an AirLife or Dynarex listing. Ask your clinician whether a proposed replacement suits your existing instructions.

A search phrase such as “dynarex resp-02 volumetric incentive spirometer each” can help identify a listing. Dynarex lists more than one incentive spirometer design. Ask the seller to confirm the design and selling quantity. (dynarex.com)

Avoid adding specifications to your shopping list unless your clinician requests them. Instead, take the device label or written recommendation. Ask the seller to explain any difference before you accept a substitute.

Use a short buying checklist

Before buying, ask:

• Does this match the model my clinician recommended?

• Can you show me the exact product label?

• Does the pack contain one device or several?

• Which mouthpiece and tube come with it?

• Where can I find the official use instructions?

• What cleaning restrictions apply to this model?

• Whom should I contact about damage or missing parts?

Record the answers and keep your receipt. If anything remains unclear, ask your care team before using the replacement. A clear leaflet matters more than an impressive product description.

Keep the next step simple

Ask your care team to watch one complete use of your own incentive spirometer. Confirm the inward breath, resting steps, and model-specific cleaning method. Keep the device personal, follow written instructions, and report symptoms instead of forcing another breath. (cuh.nhs.uk)

Before your next review, write down one use question and one cleaning question. Bring the leaflet so your clinician can answer both precisely. Clear instructions are more useful than guesswork or comparisons.

Sources used:

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center — How To Use Your Incentive Spirometer. (mskcc.org)

St. Jude Together — How to Use an Incentive Spirometer. (together.stjude.org)

AirLife — Volumetric Incentive Spirometer Instructions for Use. (connect.myairlife.com)