How to Use an Incentive Spirometer

1. Move the sliding goal marker as directed. 2. Sit up straight. 3. Hold the spirometer upright and at shoulder level. 4. Breathe out normally. 5. Place your lips around the mouthpiece. 6. Take a slow, deep breath in. 7. Bring the piston up to the...

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Step-by-Step

  • Incentive spirometer with hand sliding goal marker.

    1. Move the sliding goal marker as directed.

  • Person sitting straight in chair.

    2. Sit up straight.

  • Person holding incentive spirometer upright, with one hand on handle and other hand holding bottom of device.

    3. Hold the spirometer upright and at shoulder level.

  • Person breathing out through mouth.

    4. Breathe out normally.

  • Person holding incentive spirometer, with lips closed around mouthpiece.

    5. Place your lips around the mouthpiece.

  • Person holding incentive spirometer, with lips closed around mouthpiece and arrow showing person inhaling.

    6. Take a slow, deep breath in.

  • Incentive spirometer with floating piston rising up to goal marker.

    7. Bring the piston up to the goal marker.

  • Person with lips closed around incentive spirometer mouthpiece and clock showing time passing.

    8. Hold your breath as directed.

  • Person holding incentive spirometer, with mouthpiece out of mouth and arrow showing person breathing out through mouth.

    9. Remove the mouthpiece and breathe out normally.

  • Person holding incentive spirometer, with lips closed around mouthpiece and arrows showing process repeating.

    10. Repeat as directed.

  • Person coughing into tissue.

    11. Cough between rounds to clear your lungs more.

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