How does the incentive spirometer work? Who is it suitable for?

Incentive Spirometry (IS) is a device that guides patients to perform deep breathing training through visual feedback. It is mainly used to prevent and treat postoperative pulmonary complications such as atelectasis and pneumonia. Its mechanism of action and product advantages complement each other and reflect the innovative design concept in the field of clinical respiratory rehabilitation. IS guides patients to take slow and deep inhalations by simulating natural sighs or yawns, increasing the negative pressure in the chest cavity, re-expanding the collapsed alveoli, and improving the ventilation/blood flow imbalance. It is especially suitable for restrictive hypoventilation caused by pain or diaphragmatic dysfunction after abdominal and thoracic surgery. By increasing the inspiratory capacity (such as the capacity-type IS requires 50-70% of the preoperative vital capacity), the cough reflex is stimulated, respiratory secretions are assisted to be cleared, and the risk of infection is reduced. For patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or neuromuscular diseases, it can delay the deterioration of lung function.

Capacity-type IS measures the volume of inhaled air through a chamber piston, emphasizing slow, deep inhalation movements to promote alveolar re-expansion. Flow-type IS mainly utilizes a three-ball design, requiring patients to maintain a specific inspiratory flow rate (such as ≥30 L/min), and is suitable for scenarios where respiratory muscle strength needs to be enhanced. Incentive spirometers are suitable for patients with chronic respiratory diseases. Through daily training (such as 5 sets of deep breaths per day), patients can delay lung function deterioration and reduce the annual rate of decline in FEV1. Asthma and allergy patients can use incentive spirometers to monitor and control peak expiratory flow (PEF) to warn of worsening conditions.