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How to Use an Incentive Spirometer

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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