Laura Lee is getting ready for her valve surgery. In anticipation of her recovery, she asks me, “Would you please tell me how to use the incentive spirometer so I can start practicing? Thanks for everything! Laura Lee”

I was able to find some helpful instructions on how to use the incentive spirometer from the Cleveland Clinic and my own personal experience:

• Place the mouthpiece in your mouth with your lips tightly sealed around it. Do not let your tongue block the mouthpiece.
• Inhale (breathe in) slowly and deeply through the mouthpiece to raise the indicator. Try to make the indicator rise up to the level of the target pointer. This is the goal that you need to reach.
• Note the highest level that the indicator has reached.
• When you cannot inhale any longer, remove the mouthpiece and hold your breath for at least three seconds.
• Exhale normally.
• Repeat these steps 5 to 10 times every hour when awake, or as often as caregivers tell you to.
• After each session, try to cough out the sputum (mucus) from your lungs. This is done by inhaling deeply and pushing the air out of your lungs with a deep, strong cough.

To achieve the key benefits of using the incentive spirometer ^[1] and avoid fluid in your lungs ^[2], please remember to use the device consistently. At the same time, you do not want to enhale too deeply, too quickly or you may experience discomfort and/or pain.

I hope this helps Laura Lee and you effectively use an incentive spirometer during your recovery.

Keep on tickin!