How to Use an Incentive Spirometer - Haematology
Wessex and Thames Valley Haemoglobinopathy Network
Adult Haemoglobinopathy Service
Patient information: Incentive spirometry
This leaflet explains what an Incentive spirometer is, how and when to use it.
What is an Incentive spirometer?
An Incentive spirometer is a medical device that is used to help deep breathing. It is
designed to help you take deep breaths to expand your lungs fully. Deep breathing
opens up the air sacs in the lungs and helps to reduce the chance of developing an
infection or acute chest syndrome.
The Incentive spirometer has
three balls of different weights in
individual chambers and a tube
(a long straw) with a mouthpiece
There are different models
available, this is the one used at
OUH.
Why is it important to use an Incentive spirometer?
Sickle cell crisis pain and pain medicines such as morphine, can cause shallow
breathing. Shallow breathing can put you at risk of developing a chest infection or a
chest crisis (acute chest syndrome) because you are not expanding your lungs fully.
Using an Incentive spirometer has been shown to reduce this risk.
When should I use an Incentive spirometer?
We suggest you use an Incentive spirometer when crisis pain begins, particularly if
the pain is in your chest, back or shoulders. However, any severe pain can cause
people to shorten their breaths and breath more shallowly. Sometimes we may also
suggest you use the Incentive spirometer before and after you have had an
operation.
S52
V.2.1
Authorised by: Sandy Hayes
Page 1 of 4
May 2023
How to use an incentive spirometer
Review: May 2025
This is a controlled document and therefore must not be changed
Wessex and Thames Valley Haemoglobinopathy Network
Adult Haemoglobinopathy Service
How do I use an Incentive spirometer?
Start by sitting upright and hold the Incentive spirometer upright.
1. Practice slow deep breathing, 3-4 long slow in breaths and out breaths before
using the spirometer.
2. Place the mouthpiece of the Incentive spirometer into your mouth. Make sure you
make a good seal with your lips.
3. Breathe out (exhale) fully, really trying to empty your lungs.
4. Breathe in (inhale) slowly and deeply. Really try to expand your lungs. The balls
in the Incentive spirometer will rise as they take a breath in. You should try to
raise all 3 balls.
5. You should hold your breath for 3-5 seconds, to keep the balls elevated then
slowly release your breath and exhale through the nose mouthpiece removed.
6. Repeat this routine for 10 breathsC pause between every 3-4 breaths to prevent
light headedness.
7. You should use the Incentive spirometer every 2 hours when you are awake.
Can I use an Incentive spirometer at home?
Yes, once you have been given an Incentive spirometer please use it when you have
crisis pain at home and bring it with you if you are being admitted or reviewed in
hospital.
There is a great clip on You tube: to help you remember how to
use it. Please type: How to use an Incentive Spirometer, type the
link below or scan the QR code.
S52
V.2.1
Authorised by: Sandy Hayes
Page 2 of 4
May 2023
How to use an incentive spirometer
Review: May 2025
This is a controlled document and therefore must not be changed
Wessex and Thames Valley Haemoglobinopathy Network
Adult Haemoglobinopathy Service
How do I look after my Incentive spirometer?
Refer to manufacturers guidance for cleaning.
Clinical teams
Please can you prescribe the use of the incentive spirometer, 2 hourly when awake.
Please also support your patient by ensuring they have adequate pain relief and or a
pillow to hold tightly across their chest if it is sore whilst they use the Incentive
spirometer.
For more information speak to your named nurse or nurse specialist.
References
1. Sickle cell disease in adults: Standards and recommendations for clinical care.
3rd Ed. 2018
2. Incentive Spirometry to Prevent Acute Pulmonary Complications in Sickle cell
diseases. Bellett et al, N Engl J Med 1995; 333:699-703
Author: Sandy Hayes, Senior Specialist nurse
S52
V.2.1
Authorised by: Sandy Hayes
Page 3 of 4
May 2023
How to use an incentive spirometer
Review: May 2025
This is a controlled document and therefore must not be changed
Wessex and Thames Valley Haemoglobinopathy Network
Adult Haemoglobinopathy Service
Incentive spirometry patient recording
Physiotherapist/Doctor/ Specialist nurse incentive spirometry
prescription
How many balls should the patient aim to rise?
Number of deep breaths
How often
Prescribed by:
Designation:
Date:
Time:
This table can be filled out by you or your nurse, if you feel too unwell to do it.
Date
Time
10-15 exercises performed
Amount reached
Product: Respiprogram, Medinet.
S52
V.2.1
Authorised by: Sandy Hayes
Page 4 of 4
May 2023
How to use an incentive spirometer
Review: May 2025
This is a controlled document and therefore must not be changed
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