What should you know about a Voldyne incentive spirometer?

The device gives visual feedback about the volume of air you draw in. It is commonly recommended when pain, bed rest, or shallow breathing could make it harder to take full breaths. It does not measure a diagnosis by itself and is different from spirometry testing, which assesses breathing function in a clinical setting.

Sit upright and hold the device level. Seal your lips around the mouthpiece, breathe in slowly and deeply through it, then hold the breath briefly if your care team has advised this. Let the indicator rise steadily rather than pulling in sharply. Remove the mouthpiece, breathe out normally, and rest between attempts. Follow the schedule given by your clinician, stop if you become dizzy, and keep the mouthpiece clean according to its instructions.

Get urgent medical help for severe or rapidly worsening breathlessness, blue or grey lips, chest pain, confusion, or fainting. Contact your clinical team promptly if using the device causes persistent dizziness, wheezing, fever, worsening cough, or pain that prevents deep breathing.

Ask how often to use the device, what breathing target is appropriate for you, whether you should support an incision when coughing, and which symptoms should prompt a same-day call.