An incentive spirometer is a device that helps keep the lungs healthy after certain types of surgery or procedures. It helps your child practice taking slow, deep breaths and fill their lungs with air.
The incentive spirometer helps open the air sacs (tiny air spaces) in the lungs and reduces the risk of breathing problems.
An incentive spirometer usually comes in 2 pieces. You will need to attach the mouthpiece to the device before use.
Benefits of using an incentive spirometer
An incentive spirometer has features that help your child see how well they are taking deep breaths.
Using the incentive spirometer can help your child:
Take deeper breaths and expand their lungs
Clear mucus from the lungs
Prevent lung problems
How often to use an incentive spirometer
Always follow your care team’s instructions for how often to use the incentive spirometer.
General guidelines are:
Use once every hour while your child is awake or at least 8 times a day.
Take about 10 breaths each time.
If your child wants to use it more often, that is OK. Regular use helps lower the risk of lung problems.
How to set up the incentive spirometer
The incentive spirometer will need to be set up before use. Have your child:
Wash their hands before touching the device.
Hold their spirometer with the “smiley” faces toward them.
Attach the open end of the clear “slinky” tube to the opening at the bottom right of the spirometer and stretch it out. The mouthpiece is at the other end of the tubing.
Your child’s respiratory therapist will set the volume goal on the incentive spirometer.
Your respiratory therapist will move the slide on the left side of the spirometer to the correct level (mL of air) for your child. The position of the slide shows the goal for how much air your child should try to breathe in during each deep breath.
This level is based on your child’s age, height, and how deeply they can breathe.
How to use the incentive spirometer
Guide your child through these steps:
Sit up straight.
Hold the incentive spirometer with the smiley face marker facing you.
Breathe out normally.
Place the mouthpiece in your mouth and close your lips tightly around it.
Breathe in slowly and deeply through the mouthpiece.
While breathing in, watch the “smiley” face marker. Try to keep the marker floating in the box with the “smiley” face for at least 6 seconds or as instructed. Try to keep the marker away from the “sad” faces.
Remove the mouthpiece and breathe out slowly. The top of the marker inside the cylinder will show the highest number you reached.
Breathe normally for a few breaths.
Repeat the exercise until you reach the recommended number of deep breaths.
While breathing in, watch the “smiley” face marker. Keep the marker floating in the box with the “smiley” face for at least 6 seconds. Try to keep the marker away from the “sad” faces.
Have your child take their time with the exercises. They should breathe normally between each deep breath. If your child starts to feel lightheaded or dizzy, have them slow down or stop and rest.
If your child can easily reach the goal number set for them, ask your care team whether the goal should be adjusted.
To learn more about using the incentive spirometer or caring for your child’s lungs, talk to your doctor, nurse, or respiratory therapist.
If the incentive spirometer gets dirty, you may need to clean it. Remove the tubing and mouthpiece and then place them in warm, soapy water. Rinse well and let all parts air dry completely. Do not soak or wash the main chamber, as this may damage it. Always follow the care instructions for your specific device.
Tips for using the incentive spirometer
Set alarms or timers to remind your child to use the incentive spirometer.
Let your child hold the incentive spirometer and practice with it before starting use.
If your child recently had abdominal surgery, have them hold a rolled-up towel or pillow against their belly to help with discomfort.
Keep the incentive spirometer within reach so that your child can use it easily.
Sit with your child while they use the device.
Remind your child to take slow, steady, deep breaths.
Allow your child to rest between breaths.
Encourage your child to do the best they can.
Use games and small rewards to help your child.
Keep a chart to record your child’s progress.
When to call your care team
Call your care team if your child:
Has signs of infection such as fever, chills, or cough
Has trouble breathing
Feels weak, dizzy, or faint
Cannot reach their usual incentive spirometer goals or has trouble completing the breathing exercises
Questions to ask your care team
How often should my child use the incentive spirometer?
How long will my child need to use the incentive spirometer?
What number on the device should my child try to reach?
What should I do if my child feels dizzy, lightheaded, or has pain?
What signs mean I should call the care team?
What if my child cannot reach their goal?
How can I help my child use the incentive spirometer correctly?
Key points about using an incentive spirometer
An incentive spirometer helps your child take slow, deep breaths and expand their lungs.
Breathing exercises help keep your child’s lungs healthy after surgery or illness.
Remind your child to breathe in slowly and deeply to reach their goal.
Regular use of the incentive spirometer can help clear mucus, improve breathing, and support recovery.
Follow your care team’s instructions for how to use the incentive spirometer.
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