Learn to Breathe Better · Lesson 4
Incentive Spirometry — How to Perform Deep Breathing Exercises Correctly
80-second 3D animation with English & Hinglish voiceover — coming soon. Follow the written steps below meanwhile.
Who is this for? People asked to use an incentive spirometer — for example after certain surgeries or during recovery from selected lung conditions.
Step by step
- 1
Sit upright and hold the device upright (vertical).
- 2
Breathe out normally.
- 3
Place the mouthpiece between your lips and make a firm seal.
- 4
Breathe in slowly and deeply, raising the indicator smoothly.
- 5
At the end of your breath, hold for about three to five seconds if comfortable.
- 6
Remove the mouthpiece, breathe out normally, and rest briefly before the next breath.
- 7
Repeat only as many times as your healthcare team has advised.
—
ready
Practise with the breathing coach
Incentive Spirometry
Press Start and follow the circle
- Breathe out normally · 3s
- Slow, deep breath in · 5s
- Hold · 4s
- Breathe out & rest · 8s
Stop and rest if you feel dizzy or uncomfortable. Practise without your device first, then with it as prescribed.
Common mistakes
Breathing in too fast
A slow, sustained breath in
A poor seal around the mouthpiece
Lips closed firmly around the mouthpiece
Repeating breaths without rest
Rest between breaths to avoid dizziness
Good to know
This lesson uses a volume-type incentive spirometer. Three-ball (flow-type) devices are used slightly differently — follow the instructions given with your device.
Rapid repeated breaths can cause dizziness — rest between breaths.
Incentive spirometry is one part of recovery, together with walking, pain control and your other prescribed care.
Educational information only. Follow the technique prescribed by your healthcare professional.