What should you know about incentive spirometer with 3 balls?

Each ball responds to airflow through the device. A slow, controlled breath may lift a ball or several balls, depending on the model and its resistance. The balls do not separately represent three parts of the lungs, and lifting all of them is not required unless your clinician has specifically set that goal.

The display is influenced by posture, mouth position, seal, effort and fatigue. Use the personal target and technique taught by your care team. A three-ball incentive spirometer is not the same as a formal Spirometry test, which measures lung function under standardised instructions.

Sit upright and hold the device level. Seal your lips around the mouthpiece, then breathe in slowly enough to raise the indicator smoothly. Avoid a sharp gasp or blowing out through the mouthpiece. Pause and breathe normally between attempts, stopping if you become dizzy, wheezy or distressed.

Follow the prescribed frequency rather than trying to keep the balls raised continuously. Keep the mouthpiece clean and ask for a technique check if the display changes suddenly or you cannot reach the agreed target.

Get urgent help for severe breathing difficulty, blue or grey lips, fainting, confusion or sudden chest pain. Call your healthcare team promptly if breathlessness worsens, fever or wheezing develops, pain blocks deep breaths, or the child or adult repeatedly cannot use the device as directed.

Ask what the balls should do for your device, whether one smooth ball is enough, how often to practise, and which symptoms require urgent help. Ask whether a Spirometer review or formal Spirometry is needed.