What should you know about an incentive spirometer?

It has a mouthpiece and a visual indicator that rises as you breathe in. The aim is steady inhalation rather than a forceful gasp. Your clinician may recommend it after an operation, when pain or bed rest makes full breaths less comfortable, or during another period when regular deep breathing needs encouragement.

The marker gives you visual feedback about the size and steadiness of your breath. A smooth rise with a controlled inhalation is generally more useful than trying to reach a particular height quickly. Your target may be set by your healthcare professional, and it can vary with your usual breathing, lung health, and recovery stage.

The device does not measure every aspect of lung function and does not diagnose a lung condition. It is different from spirometry, a breathing test in which equipment records airflow and other measurements. For background, see the page about the [Spirometer](/technology/spirometer/) and [Spirometry](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/spirometry/).

Sit upright if you can, or raise the head of the bed. Hold the device level, seal your lips around the mouthpiece, and breathe in slowly through it. Keep the marker moving upward at a controlled pace, then hold the breath briefly if your clinician has advised this. Remove the mouthpiece and breathe out normally.

Repeat the number of breaths and the schedule recommended for you. Coughing gently afterward may help clear loosened mucus, but support a healing incision with your hand or a pillow if needed. Stop for a short rest if you feel light-headed, and tell your care team if the device repeatedly causes pain, wheezing, or distress. Keep the mouthpiece clean according to the manufacturer’s instructions and do not share it.

Contact your clinician promptly if breathing becomes more difficult, a cough brings up blood, chest pain is new or worsening, or you develop a fever with worsening cough or mucus. These symptoms need assessment rather than repeated use of the device alone.

Seek emergency help for severe breathlessness, blue or grey lips, fainting, confusion, or chest pressure that does not settle. If you are recovering from surgery, follow the discharge instructions for the operation site and breathing symptoms, even if the spirometer marker is moving normally.

Ask which target and breathing schedule fit your recovery, whether pain relief should be timed before practice, and how to clean and store the device. You can also ask what symptoms should prompt a call, whether coughing or movement should be added to your breathing routine, and when your technique or target should be reviewed.