Cliniflo incentive spirometer

The device gives visual feedback as you breathe in through a mouthpiece. Its moving indicator responds to the flow or volume of the breath, helping you practise a steady inhalation rather than a quick gasp. It does not deliver medicine or replace oxygen. A clinician may suggest it after surgery, during recovery from illness, or when pain and reduced movement have made deep breathing less frequent. The exact target and schedule depend on your condition and the instructions from your care team. [Spirometry](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/spirometry/) is a separate lung function test.

Sit upright and relax your shoulders. Seal your lips around the mouthpiece, breathe in slowly and deeply, then hold the breath briefly if your clinician has advised this. Remove the mouthpiece and breathe out normally. Repeat the prescribed practice, resting between breaths if you feel light-headed. Coughing gently afterward may help clear mucus when your care team recommends it. Keep the mouthpiece clean according to the product instructions, and do not share it. Ask how often to use the device and what target is appropriate for you. Learn more about the general [Spirometer](/technology/spirometer/).

Stop and seek medical advice if the exercise causes chest pain, fainting, severe breathlessness, blue lips, new confusion or a sustained racing heartbeat. Contact your care team if pain prevents deep breathing, mucus becomes difficult to clear, or your readings or indicator movement are consistently below the instructed target. A device cannot diagnose the reason for breathlessness, so sudden or rapidly worsening breathing difficulty needs urgent assessment rather than repeated practice alone.

Ask what target to aim for, how many breaths to practise, whether to hold each breath, and how long to continue. Check how to clean the mouthpiece and what to do if coughing, pain or dizziness occurs. Confirm whether you need other breathing exercises, mobility advice or a review of the underlying lung problem.