Spiro ball incentive spirometer: what to know

An incentive spirometer is not the same as a diagnostic spirometer used during spirometry. The ball or marker rises when you breathe in through the mouthpiece, giving immediate feedback about the strength and steadiness of the breath. It does not deliver medicine and does not measure every aspect of lung function.

A healthcare professional may recommend it after surgery, during recovery from illness, or when taking deep breaths is difficult. The aim is to encourage regular lung expansion and reduce shallow-breathing habits. Your target and frequency should come from the team caring for you, especially if you have lung or heart disease.

Sit upright, hold the device level, seal your lips around the mouthpiece, and breathe in slowly so the ball rises in a controlled way. Hold the breath briefly if your clinician has advised this, then remove the mouthpiece and breathe out normally. Rest between attempts and stop if you become faint, very breathless, or develop chest discomfort.

Use the device only as instructed. Clean the mouthpiece according to its instructions, do not share it, and do not force the ball higher by taking a sudden, sharp breath. Coughing gently afterward may help clear mucus when your care team has recommended the exercises.

Contact your care team if the exercises repeatedly cause pain, wheezing, dizziness, or worsening breathlessness, or if you cannot use the mouthpiece as instructed. Seek urgent help for severe breathing difficulty, blue or grey lips, sudden chest pain, confusion, or collapse.

Ask what target is appropriate, how often to practise, whether you should cough after each session, and how to clean or replace the mouthpiece. Confirm whether the device is suitable for your diagnosis and what symptoms should make you stop.