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Helen F. Graham Cancer Center

Incentive Spirometer

An incentive spirometer is a device that promotes deep breathing and measures the size of each breath. Incentive spirometry also helps you cough effectively and get rid of excess mucous in your lungs.

How to use your incentive spirometer

  1. Sit in a good position for deep breathing.
  2. Make a tight seal around the mouthpiece with your lips.
  3. Slowly breathe in as deeply as possible through the mouthpiece.
  4. Remove the mouthpiece from your mouth and breathe out.
  5. Repeat this deep breathing cycle 10-20 times.
  6. After completing 10-20 deep breaths, cough several times.
  7. Repeat the 10-20 deep breaths and coughing as ordered by your doctor.
  8. If you have had abdominal or chest surgery, placing a pillow or your hand over your incision for support will make taking deep breaths easier.

Division of Thoracic Surgery
Helen F. Graham Cancer Center
4701 Ogletown-Stanton Road, Newark, DE 19713 directions
302-623-4530

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