The purpose of incentive spirometry is to facilitate a sustained slow deep breath. Incentive spirometry is
designed to mimic natural sighing by encouraging patients to take slow, deep breaths. Incentive
spirometry is performed using devices which provide visual cues to the patients that the desired flow or
volume has been achieved. The basis of incentive spirometry involves having the patient take a
sustained, maximal inspiration (SMI). An SMI is a slow, deep inspiration from the Functional Residual
Capacity up to the total lung capacity, followed by ≥5 seconds breath hold.
An incentive spirometer is a medical device that facilitate SMI with incorporated visual indicators of
performance (inspiratory effort) in order to aid the therapist in coaching the patient to optimal performance
and likewise patients uses this visual feedback to monitor their own efforts. The device gives the
individual visual feedback regarding flow and volume and also prevent and reverse atelectasis when used
appropriately and regularly.[1] The visual dimension of the therapy serves as a motivation or goal for the
patient to try to meet by repeating the maximal effort frequently.
There are typically two types of incentive spirometer, namely:
Flow-oriented incentive spirometer (Triflow Device) - Has three chambers with one ball in each chamber.
Capacity up to 1200ml.
Volume-oriented incentive spirometer - Has one-way valve with capacity up to 4000ml. Current evidence
tells us that using this type of spirometer requires lesser work of breathing and improves diaphragmatic
function.[2] Using this device improves pulmonary function better compared to Triflow.[3]
Image: Overview of the respiratory system
What does an incentive spirometer do for your lungs?
With regular use, an incentive spirometer helps your lungs expand so you can take deep, full breaths
instead of short, shallow breaths.
What is the benefit of an incentive spirometer?
An incentive spirometer is like an exercise machine for your lungs. It helps you maintain your lung
strength, or it helps your lungs get stronger after an injury or illness.
After surgery, an incentive spirometer can:
Improve lung ventilation. Ventilation is how much air enters your lungs when you breathe in and
how much air leaves your lungs when you breathe out.
Recover from anesthesia quickly. An incentive spirometer helps clear8anesthesia8from your
lungs.
Loosen mucus from your lungs. Deep exhalations help prevent mucus and fluids from building
up in your lungs.
Help prevent lung complications. Slow, deep breaths fully inflate your lungs, which help clear
any fluids that may cause lung conditions, such as pneumonia.
What are the two types of incentive spirometers?
There are two types of incentive spirometer:
Flow-oriented incentive spirometer (FIS). An FIS device makes you work harder to breathe. It
helps increase the muscles in your upper chest.
Volume-oriented incentive spirometer (VIS). A VIS device doesn’t make you work as hard as
an FIS device to breathe. It helps improve activity and movement in your8diaphragm.
