What should you know about portex incentive spirometer?

You breathe in through a mouthpiece, raising a marker or moving a visual indicator. The controlled inhalation helps expand parts of the lungs and gives you feedback about the effort. It does not measure your full lung function in the same way as diagnostic spirometry. A clinician or physiotherapist should show you the target and technique because the correct setting depends on your condition and recovery.

Sit upright, seal your lips around the mouthpiece and breathe in slowly rather than taking a sharp gasp. Hold the breath briefly if your care team has advised this, then breathe out normally. Rest between attempts if you feel light-headed, and follow the schedule given by your team. Keep the mouthpiece clean as instructed and do not share the device. Stop and tell a clinician if it causes chest pain or marked breathlessness.

Seek urgent help for severe or worsening breathlessness, blue or grey lips, chest pain, fainting, confusion, or coughing up more than a small streak of blood. Contact your care team if fever, increasing cough, wheezing or pain prevents you from using the device.

Ask what target to aim for, how often to practise, how long to hold each breath, and when you should stop. Check whether you need breathing exercises alongside the device and who to contact if your readings or symptoms change.