Using your incentive spirometer after surgery will help you keep your lungs clear. The incentive spirometer also will help keep your lungs active when you are recovering from surgery, as if you were at home performing your daily activities.
How to use the incentive spirometer
- Sit on the edge of your bed if possible, or sit up as far as you can in bed.
- Hold the incentive spirometer in an upright position.
- Place the mouthpiece in your mouth and seal your lips tightly around it.
- Breathe in slowly and as deeply as possible, raising the yellow piston toward the top of the column. The yellow coach indicator should be in the blue outlined area.
- Hold your breath as long as possible (at least for 5 seconds). Allow the piston to fall to the bottom of the column.
- Rest for a few seconds and repeat Steps 1 to 5 at least 10 times every hour when you are awake.
- Position the yellow indicator on the left side of the spirometer to show your best effort. Use the indicator as a goal to work toward during each repetition.
- After each set of ten deep breaths, practice coughing to be sure your lungs are clear. If you have an incision, support your incision when coughing by placing a pillow firmly against it.
- Once you are able to get out of bed, walk in the hallway and cough well, you may stop using the incentive spirometer unless otherwise instructed by your health care provider.
To learn more about using the incentive spirometer, you can watch an educational video on Channel 35 at 1:20 p.m. daily. Or, call ext. 42657 to request the video, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For More Information
If you have any questions or concerns, please call us at 216.444.8282. We will be happy to answer your questions.